Heading Into Kentucky

April 13 - Well, had an interesting and fun couple days. - - - I started off Monday morning (in Indianapolis) by having breakfast with my Brother Dave and his wife Beth. Was fantastic to see them after their time in India, and am looking forward to spending more time with them back in Indiana later in the trip. - - - After breakfast, I headed toward Kentucky and tentatively planned to stop in Louisville. However, after getting to Louisville, I made two decisions...one "bad"...one "good." The good decision was to fill up the gas tank even though it was just under a half tank. The bad decision to drive all the way to Bowling Green. - - - The first picture obviously shows Kentucky's welcome sign. The 2nd shows the traffic jam I experienced just South of Louisville. Apparently there was a semi-truck that caught fire, and several miles of the interstate had been shut down for hours. Once I hit the stopped traffic, it took me almost 2 hours to make it just over a mile to the next exit. Thankfully I wasn't low on fuel! - - - Some good news was how the Corvette performed. Even though the temperature was in the mid 80s, the electic fan kept the motor from over-heating...like MANY other vehicles. Thanks to Rik (at the Corvette Center) for recommending that upgrade to the Vette.

After the traffic, I needed a break (and perhaps a drink), so I pulled into the next rest stop. It was there I saw a sign that indicated the Jim Beam American Outpost was at the next exit. What could I do?! I stopped...took the tour...then sampled their product. The visitor center qualifies for a special rating since they had Corvette memorabilia all over their store. With that in mind, I asked if I could bring my car to the front door and take a picture. The workers welcomed the idea, and Jim Beam has moved up my preferred drink ladder. Here are a couple pictures from the visit.

The building to the right above is one of many similar ones on the property where they store and age the bourbon. There are 20,000 barrels in each of the buildings. AMAZING!