Louisville, Kentucky

Stop 1: Lunch in Kentucky

For our first stop in Kentucky we had lunch under an umbrella of trees. The sun was shining and smiles were bright as we began to get to know each other. How exciting it is to be starting a journey like this together with such amazing people.

Turner and Alex gave a smile as we sat and relaxed!

Carter wasn't too excited about taking a picture but he did it anyway just for me!

This group of girls were laughing and carrying on!

Isn't it funny that girls and the boys are all separated? I wonder how long it will last......

Stop Two: Kentucky Derby Museum, Church Hill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky

After a 530 mile ride the group stepped off the bus in Louisville, Kentucky. First on the agenda was a trip through the Derby Museum. Many of the kids enjoyed playing games and checking out the history within the museum. After the museum fun we were lead out into the courtyard of Church Hill Downs. We were given brief history of the facility and the famous Kentucky Derby. Then we were able to see a horse race and meet and take pictures with several jockeys. All of which made this a great stop!

"I loved seeing the horse race and seeing where the world's largest horse race takes place. I'll never forget it! It was so neat!" -- Margaret Willetts

I think Turner might be winning this race? They found the games inside the museum exciting!

The group tour through the courtyard. They have the winning Derby horse's silks on display.

Suites over looking the race track can go for as much as a quarter million dollars a year!

Front row seats for a horse race, the first horse race for many in the group!

I think there might have been some "betting" going on . Too bad all they got was bragging rights.

The group is anxiously awaiting the finish of the race! The second favorite number 8 horse took the victory!

One of the cool parts of the tour was seeing and meeting several jockeys. They had just finished the race that we were watching.


Did you know that they check a number that is tattooed inside the horse's lip to make sure they are the correct horse for the race? Fun fact from the tour.

Stop Three: Joe Huber Family Farm
Starlight, Indiana

The group dined on an amazing meal of fried biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

After dinner they also liked playing on the farm, even the boys had a great time on the swings.

"The Huber Farm had awesome food! It was some good southern cooking."
--Blake Bozymski

"The Huber Family Farm was so yummy! It tasted like my grandma's cooking. I also really liked the ducks!" --Callie Hennis

McKenzie appears to be winning the swinging race.

What an amazing view!

The girls are all smiles..........

Feeding the ducks was fun for us and them!


When they got tired of swinging they had a jumping contest!

An amazing sunset to close out a wonderful first day, full of adventure! And to think, we've only just begun.

Hey, Hey, Hey.....Goodbye!

In the early morning hours of June 19th the group of friends met once again, only this time to depart together! At 6:30 sharp our family of 51 teenagers, 4 chaperons, and a bus driver rolled out of the Brookstown Inn in Winston Salem, NC. It's hard to imagine that are only just beginning the trip of a lifetime!

After much anticipation we finally meet!

We entered Bryant Hall surrounded by strangers, we left surrounded by friends.
One of the most exciting parts of the Western Tour is meeting the group that you will call your family during the 33 day adventure!
On June 18th the Staff members, chaperons, tour members and their families gathered in Bryant Hall at Salem College to begin the experience of a lifetime.

With many smiling, eager faces along with a wonderful meal the evening was a great success and the energy of the group radiated in the air! Although we are only just beginning the fun has already started.

Ready to Roll?

June 19th is fast approaching, are you ready to hit the road? Here are some helpful reminders before we leave!

Tips:

• Bring your favorite movies along, they are great for the bus! (No rated R movies will be shown on the bus!)
  
• Don't pack your suitcase too full, you won't have room for things that you purchase!
• Just in case you get cool on the bus, you might want a light blanket. (Just remember you will have to keep up with it.)
• The new all-in-one detergent and fabric softener sheets are wonderful! Put several in a ziplock bag and your all set.
• Pack a couple large ziplock bags in case something gets wet. That way everything else will stay dry until you can wash.
• Laundry bags or trash bags work nicely for dirty clothes.
• Multi-plug adapters are not necessary, but are helpful! Many hotel rooms have only one or two outlets, this makes charging cell phones and using hair dryers, etc. interesting.
• Write down the phone numbers for your credit and/or debit card companies. If these are lost the numbers will be useful!