The 137th Kentucky Derby has come and gone and the winner is Animal Kingdom. The 20-1 long shot jockeyed by John Velazquez beat out favorites such as Nehro and Dialed In to be the first Kentucky Derby win for Velazquez. Velazquez was scheduled to ride Uncle Mo but the horse was scratched because of a lingering stomach problem. He took the reins of Animal Kingdom when the horses regular jockey, Robby Albarado was thrown from his horse and kicked in the face resulting in a broken nose three days prior to the running of the Derby.
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The 2011 Kentucky Derby
It's that time of year again! In a little over two days, the fastest, and greatest, as they say, two minutes in sports will begin and end for another year. The celebrities have already turned out for the pre-Derby festivities and you can be certain that when Derby day arrives, they'll be out in full force.
Last year, the weather played a major role in the Derby. Near flood conditions plagued the track but the horses and jockey's got out and gave it their all to give sports and Derby fans a wild race. This year, race fans are hoping for a dry day and dry track.
Last year, the weather played a major role in the Derby. Near flood conditions plagued the track but the horses and jockey's got out and gave it their all to give sports and Derby fans a wild race. This year, race fans are hoping for a dry day and dry track.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Deer Breaks into Hair Salon, Trashes the Place
You think I'm joking, don't you? This isn't Sunday and it isn't a Sunday Funny. It could be, but it isn't.
In one of those "only in Kentucky" moments, Sunday, May 23, 2010 a deer jumped through the front glass of the Choppers Hair Salon in Benton, Kentucky (Benton is about 28 miles southeast of Paducah, Kentucky). Apparently, the receptionist was in the bathroom and the deer saw that as its chance. People in the salon thought the place was being robbed but they were astonished to see a deer in the salon instead.
For about 20 minutes the deer ran wild in the salon damaging the floors, breaking water lines and damaging salon product before leaving. None of the shops occupants were injured but the deer was. The animal was cut on the window glass and left blood and hair behind.
There are currently no damage figures available but expectations are in the thousands of dollars.
I guess the deer couldn't get an appointment so he had to take matters into his own hands, er, hooves.
Read the article from WPSD-TV in Paducah, KY for more information and to see a photo from the inside of the hair salon.
This reminds me of a story from 2007 where a coyote wandered into a Loop Sandwich Shop in Chicago, Illinois and spent some time in the drinks cooler. I loved this story when it was on the news. You can read more about it and see video at the cbs2chicago.com site or at MSNBC.com. You can bet that when I come across more "animal funnies" like this, I will surely be blogging about them.
In one of those "only in Kentucky" moments, Sunday, May 23, 2010 a deer jumped through the front glass of the Choppers Hair Salon in Benton, Kentucky (Benton is about 28 miles southeast of Paducah, Kentucky). Apparently, the receptionist was in the bathroom and the deer saw that as its chance. People in the salon thought the place was being robbed but they were astonished to see a deer in the salon instead.
For about 20 minutes the deer ran wild in the salon damaging the floors, breaking water lines and damaging salon product before leaving. None of the shops occupants were injured but the deer was. The animal was cut on the window glass and left blood and hair behind.
There are currently no damage figures available but expectations are in the thousands of dollars.
I guess the deer couldn't get an appointment so he had to take matters into his own hands, er, hooves.
Read the article from WPSD-TV in Paducah, KY for more information and to see a photo from the inside of the hair salon.
This reminds me of a story from 2007 where a coyote wandered into a Loop Sandwich Shop in Chicago, Illinois and spent some time in the drinks cooler. I loved this story when it was on the news. You can read more about it and see video at the cbs2chicago.com site or at MSNBC.com. You can bet that when I come across more "animal funnies" like this, I will surely be blogging about them.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Flooding in Kentucky & Tennessee: Photos
As promised day before yesterday, here are some photographs that were taken of the flooding in the state of Tennessee at Paris Landing State Park on May 7, 2010. They aren't professional quality and aren't as close up as I would have liked them to be but there were limitations in getting them.
A good portion of Paris Landing Park is cordoned off due to the severe flooding. Areas that are usually packed with tourists and picnicking locals must be roped off because of the deep water that is covering them. Not only is the water very deep but it is also filthy and littered with debris. Poisonous snakes are also in the water. The water poses a huge safety hazard and state officials have taken every possible measure to protect park visitors.
You can click on the thumbnails for larger images.
Both of the following pictures were taken at Gray's Landing. Gray's Landing is an informal boat ramp of sorts. Boaters can back their boat trailers into the water and put their boats in the lake from here. The dirt ramp is much longer than in these photos. You can see the Ned McWherter Bridge (Paris Landing bridge) in the background of the second photograph.
The next two photographs show the lake level from Highway 79. Usually, the water is several feet below the guard rail. Fishermen often stand on the bank and the rocks there to fish. The water level is so high right now that they cannot do that.
The following five photographs are of the Paris Landing Marina. The first three photos were taken from Highway 79, as was the fifth photograph. The fourth was taken inside the Marina entrance near the information station. The light poles are half submerged in water and virtually all of the walkways leading to the boats are under water. There is always a United States Coast Guard vessel at Paris Landing. It can be seen in the right middle of photographs 1-3 between the boats and the blue/green roof. The last photograph shows the marina and someones SUV in the marina parking lot that is almost entirely covered by the flood waters.
The following two pictures were taken from Highway 79 overlooking the Paris Landing State Park Marina. There is a dark blue vehicle almost completely submerged in the flood waters. When I first saw the car I could see there was something on the roof but I couldn't quite make it out. When I got a bit closer I could finally see what was on the roof. At the very least, ten to fifteen turtles were taking a break from the flood waters on the roof sunning themselves. Some of the turtles were small and clustered in around the larger turtles but about five of them were almost as large as dinner plates. It's kind of hard to see the small turtles in the photo but they're there! As my car pulled away from the railing, I could see a couple of the large turtles jump off the roof of the car and into the water and start swimming. As disastrous as this flood is, that was a sight I greatly enjoyed. In all this mess, filthy water and looming mosquito problem come summer these little guys were having a ball. The three dark spots in the muddy water at the left of the vehicle are turtles that were already in the water swimming.
This photograph was taken from Highway 79 and shows the lake entrance to the marina. A limestone structure currently being built by the park service to control water traffic is underwater. Its shadow can be seen just in front of the trees near the center of the photograph. To the left, you can see the old Paris Landing bridge that is on display and the road that circles around it to the marina parking lot. That area is blocked off due to the flooding.
This photograph was taken at the entrance to the marina by the information station off of Highway 79. There is usually a much larger grassy area and a large parking area that can be seen from here.
Both of the next two photographs show the entrance to the marina parking lot that is completely flooded. The sign that you can barely see in the first photograph says "Absolutely No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed".
The following three photographs were taken in a picnic area on the marina side of the park. As you can see, the water is so high that half of the tables and grills are inaccessible. The ducks that live at the park are most certainly enjoying all the water they have to play in right now.
The following photograph is a concrete boat ramp that is located on the "lodge side" of the park. The ramp extends down past the sign that is almost covered by water in the center of the photograph.
The following three photographs were taken on the "lodge side" of the park. The area you are seeing here is usually full of tourists and locals spending the day having picnics, family get togethers or just spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Joggers also frequently use this area. The park rangers have most of it cordoned off.
A good portion of Paris Landing Park is cordoned off due to the severe flooding. Areas that are usually packed with tourists and picnicking locals must be roped off because of the deep water that is covering them. Not only is the water very deep but it is also filthy and littered with debris. Poisonous snakes are also in the water. The water poses a huge safety hazard and state officials have taken every possible measure to protect park visitors.
You can click on the thumbnails for larger images.
Both of the following pictures were taken at Gray's Landing. Gray's Landing is an informal boat ramp of sorts. Boaters can back their boat trailers into the water and put their boats in the lake from here. The dirt ramp is much longer than in these photos. You can see the Ned McWherter Bridge (Paris Landing bridge) in the background of the second photograph.
The next two photographs show the lake level from Highway 79. Usually, the water is several feet below the guard rail. Fishermen often stand on the bank and the rocks there to fish. The water level is so high right now that they cannot do that.
The following five photographs are of the Paris Landing Marina. The first three photos were taken from Highway 79, as was the fifth photograph. The fourth was taken inside the Marina entrance near the information station. The light poles are half submerged in water and virtually all of the walkways leading to the boats are under water. There is always a United States Coast Guard vessel at Paris Landing. It can be seen in the right middle of photographs 1-3 between the boats and the blue/green roof. The last photograph shows the marina and someones SUV in the marina parking lot that is almost entirely covered by the flood waters.
The following two pictures were taken from Highway 79 overlooking the Paris Landing State Park Marina. There is a dark blue vehicle almost completely submerged in the flood waters. When I first saw the car I could see there was something on the roof but I couldn't quite make it out. When I got a bit closer I could finally see what was on the roof. At the very least, ten to fifteen turtles were taking a break from the flood waters on the roof sunning themselves. Some of the turtles were small and clustered in around the larger turtles but about five of them were almost as large as dinner plates. It's kind of hard to see the small turtles in the photo but they're there! As my car pulled away from the railing, I could see a couple of the large turtles jump off the roof of the car and into the water and start swimming. As disastrous as this flood is, that was a sight I greatly enjoyed. In all this mess, filthy water and looming mosquito problem come summer these little guys were having a ball. The three dark spots in the muddy water at the left of the vehicle are turtles that were already in the water swimming.
This photograph was taken from Highway 79 and shows the lake entrance to the marina. A limestone structure currently being built by the park service to control water traffic is underwater. Its shadow can be seen just in front of the trees near the center of the photograph. To the left, you can see the old Paris Landing bridge that is on display and the road that circles around it to the marina parking lot. That area is blocked off due to the flooding.
This photograph was taken at the entrance to the marina by the information station off of Highway 79. There is usually a much larger grassy area and a large parking area that can be seen from here.
Both of the next two photographs show the entrance to the marina parking lot that is completely flooded. The sign that you can barely see in the first photograph says "Absolutely No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed".
The following three photographs were taken in a picnic area on the marina side of the park. As you can see, the water is so high that half of the tables and grills are inaccessible. The ducks that live at the park are most certainly enjoying all the water they have to play in right now.
The following photograph is a concrete boat ramp that is located on the "lodge side" of the park. The ramp extends down past the sign that is almost covered by water in the center of the photograph.
The following three photographs were taken on the "lodge side" of the park. The area you are seeing here is usually full of tourists and locals spending the day having picnics, family get togethers or just spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Joggers also frequently use this area. The park rangers have most of it cordoned off.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Flooding in Kentucky & Tennessee
The rain started around 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010. At times, the rain was so heavy you literally couldn't see ten feet in front of you. The storms were severe and brought with them tornadoes and flooding rains. Flood watches and warnings and tornado watches and warnings were in effect pretty much 24/7 until the rains finally stopped. In some areas, the flood watches and warnings are still in effect. The waters rose so fast they caught people off guard even though they were fully aware of how serious the situation could become.
Kind of sounds like the opening to an old pulp novel, doesn't it? But that wasn't fiction. The southern United States saw extremely severe rain and flooding conditions beginning on May 1, 2010. The states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi were the hardest hit. Of the three, Tennessee suffered the most.
For days after the storm ended the capitol city of Tennessee, Nashville, was fighting flood waters of the likes that were either never-before-seen or hasn't been seen in decades. Even as you read this, there are parts of the Music City that are still under water. The storms took at least thirty lives with them and left thousands either homeless or in dire straits. The heavy rains even drenched the Kentucky Derby this year.
I've done several posts on various things around Kentucky before and I no doubt will be talking about Kentucky more in the future. Kentucky has its problems: way too many bugs (ticks!!!) and the summers can be very hot and miserable. But despite the bloodsuckers and July days that make you feel like you're in a pottery oven Kentucky is a gorgeous state. The winters are usually mild, the scenery is breathtaking in most parts of the state, there is virtually every kind of wildlife you would ever want to have the privilege of getting to see, the people are generally very easy to get along with and it's actually a very inexpensive place to live. The neighboring state of Tennessee isn't much different.
I've lived in the state of Kentucky for twenty-eight years now and I've made frequent trips to Tennessee. I've been here long enough and seen enough to know what is normal for both states and what isn't. Trust me, "normal" isn't exactly the right word to use now, especially in Tennessee.
In Western Tennessee there is a beautiful state park called Paris Landing State Park. It is an 841 acre park named for a steamboat and freight landing on the Tennessee River that dates back to the mid 1800's. It borders both Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River. The park has a lodge, marina and a very large picnic area as well as tennis courts, a golf course, playgrounds and several rangers stations. The park hosts an annual professional crappie and bass fishing tournament that fishermen from all over the world travel to attend. A state highway goes through the park and is connected to a one-mile long bridge that crosses the Tennessee River linking the park proper to another section known as "Grays Landing" then on to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. More than anything, Paris Landing is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend your free time.
Later tonight or tomorrow I will be posting some flood photographs I took on May 7, 2010 at Paris Landing State Park and of the Tennessee River. Photographs can never truly do justice to the flooding situation in Tennessee. It truly is something you must see to believe. To anyone unfamiliar with the area it may just look like a lot of water. But for those who visit these areas on a regular basis and live there it's something many of them have never seen in their lives before. It has taken them by surprise. And as the waters appear to get a bit higher every day due to water being released from area dams and from run-off they still are in disbelief that this has happened here, to them. And to the people in Nashville, it's their whole lives, everything they've worked for, gone in the blink of an eye.
Where I live, I saw flooding but I didn't see it as severely as did the people of Tennessee and especially Nashville. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones or everything they've worked hard their entire lives for. The "Unbridled Spirit" of Kentucky will get the residents through this disaster the same way it did the ice storm in 2009. Those in the "Volunteer State" of Tennessee will pull together to help their neighbors through this truly disastrous time. In a few weeks time the water will be gone and the debris cleaned up but this is something the locals will be talking about for years to come and even telling their grandchildren about.
For more information (including flood information) on both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky visit their official web sites:
The State of Tennessee
The State of Kentucky
Kind of sounds like the opening to an old pulp novel, doesn't it? But that wasn't fiction. The southern United States saw extremely severe rain and flooding conditions beginning on May 1, 2010. The states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi were the hardest hit. Of the three, Tennessee suffered the most.
For days after the storm ended the capitol city of Tennessee, Nashville, was fighting flood waters of the likes that were either never-before-seen or hasn't been seen in decades. Even as you read this, there are parts of the Music City that are still under water. The storms took at least thirty lives with them and left thousands either homeless or in dire straits. The heavy rains even drenched the Kentucky Derby this year.
I've done several posts on various things around Kentucky before and I no doubt will be talking about Kentucky more in the future. Kentucky has its problems: way too many bugs (ticks!!!) and the summers can be very hot and miserable. But despite the bloodsuckers and July days that make you feel like you're in a pottery oven Kentucky is a gorgeous state. The winters are usually mild, the scenery is breathtaking in most parts of the state, there is virtually every kind of wildlife you would ever want to have the privilege of getting to see, the people are generally very easy to get along with and it's actually a very inexpensive place to live. The neighboring state of Tennessee isn't much different.
I've lived in the state of Kentucky for twenty-eight years now and I've made frequent trips to Tennessee. I've been here long enough and seen enough to know what is normal for both states and what isn't. Trust me, "normal" isn't exactly the right word to use now, especially in Tennessee.
In Western Tennessee there is a beautiful state park called Paris Landing State Park. It is an 841 acre park named for a steamboat and freight landing on the Tennessee River that dates back to the mid 1800's. It borders both Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River. The park has a lodge, marina and a very large picnic area as well as tennis courts, a golf course, playgrounds and several rangers stations. The park hosts an annual professional crappie and bass fishing tournament that fishermen from all over the world travel to attend. A state highway goes through the park and is connected to a one-mile long bridge that crosses the Tennessee River linking the park proper to another section known as "Grays Landing" then on to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. More than anything, Paris Landing is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend your free time.
Later tonight or tomorrow I will be posting some flood photographs I took on May 7, 2010 at Paris Landing State Park and of the Tennessee River. Photographs can never truly do justice to the flooding situation in Tennessee. It truly is something you must see to believe. To anyone unfamiliar with the area it may just look like a lot of water. But for those who visit these areas on a regular basis and live there it's something many of them have never seen in their lives before. It has taken them by surprise. And as the waters appear to get a bit higher every day due to water being released from area dams and from run-off they still are in disbelief that this has happened here, to them. And to the people in Nashville, it's their whole lives, everything they've worked for, gone in the blink of an eye.
Where I live, I saw flooding but I didn't see it as severely as did the people of Tennessee and especially Nashville. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones or everything they've worked hard their entire lives for. The "Unbridled Spirit" of Kentucky will get the residents through this disaster the same way it did the ice storm in 2009. Those in the "Volunteer State" of Tennessee will pull together to help their neighbors through this truly disastrous time. In a few weeks time the water will be gone and the debris cleaned up but this is something the locals will be talking about for years to come and even telling their grandchildren about.
For more information (including flood information) on both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky visit their official web sites:
The State of Tennessee
The State of Kentucky
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Super Saver Wins 136th Kentucky Derby
Despite a massive amount of rain that fell in Louisville, Kentucky this wet May 1, 2010, Super Saver, ridden by jockey Calvin Borel came in first place to win the 136th annual Kentucky Derby. This makes the third Derby win for Borel in the past four years. The horse and jockey covered the 1 1/4-miles in 2:04.45.
Numerous celebrities such as Pete Wentz and his wife Ashley Simpson-Wentz, Diane Lane, Travis Tritt and several sports figures, among others, attended the rain-soaked Derby. It's unlikely they had to deal with the rain the way the hardcore Derby fans, the ones with the bad seats had to deal with it. More than 155,000 spectators attended this years Run for the Roses, a figure up from last year.
But the real kudos go to the jockeys and the horses themselves. They braved conditions that could have been dangerous to both man and beast.
Congratulations to Super Saver, jockey Calvin Borel and trainer Todd Pletcher!
(Note: I will include a replay video of the 136th Derby once it has been posted by the official Derby YouTube channel. Until the video does appear on YouTube, it can be viewed at the official Kentucky Derby web site.)
Numerous celebrities such as Pete Wentz and his wife Ashley Simpson-Wentz, Diane Lane, Travis Tritt and several sports figures, among others, attended the rain-soaked Derby. It's unlikely they had to deal with the rain the way the hardcore Derby fans, the ones with the bad seats had to deal with it. More than 155,000 spectators attended this years Run for the Roses, a figure up from last year.
But the real kudos go to the jockeys and the horses themselves. They braved conditions that could have been dangerous to both man and beast.
Congratulations to Super Saver, jockey Calvin Borel and trainer Todd Pletcher!
(Note: I will include a replay video of the 136th Derby once it has been posted by the official Derby YouTube channel. Until the video does appear on YouTube, it can be viewed at the official Kentucky Derby web site.)
A Very Wet Derby Day In Kentucky
Well, it's finally here. The Kentucky Derby is going to be run today at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mother Nature isn't quite as excited about the Derby as everyone else is, though. The entire state of Kentucky has been deluged by near-flooding rains since the wee hours of the May 1st morning. Despite the heavy rains, it appears the Derby will still run as scheduled.
Morning workouts on the track for the horses were postponed and the trainers opted instead to run the horses in their barns.
If Mother Nature doesn't completely throw a cog in the wheel of the Derby (which I can't see happening unless so much rain comes down that Churchill Downs is completely flooded whichever horse wins this years Derby will most certainly have to be one of the best "mudders" in the world!
The wettest Derby Day on record was May 11, 1918 when 2.31 inches of rain fell. With about another five hours yet to go it remains to be seen if this years rainfall will break the 1918 record.
Mother Nature isn't quite as excited about the Derby as everyone else is, though. The entire state of Kentucky has been deluged by near-flooding rains since the wee hours of the May 1st morning. Despite the heavy rains, it appears the Derby will still run as scheduled.
Morning workouts on the track for the horses were postponed and the trainers opted instead to run the horses in their barns.
If Mother Nature doesn't completely throw a cog in the wheel of the Derby (which I can't see happening unless so much rain comes down that Churchill Downs is completely flooded whichever horse wins this years Derby will most certainly have to be one of the best "mudders" in the world!
The wettest Derby Day on record was May 11, 1918 when 2.31 inches of rain fell. With about another five hours yet to go it remains to be seen if this years rainfall will break the 1918 record.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The 2010 Kentucky Derby
The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports
The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports
The Sport of Kings
Whatever you call prefer to call it, the 136th Kentucky Derby is almost upon us! It doesn't matter where in the world you are from, chances are you've heard of or even watched a broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.
Why is the Derby called the "Run for the Roses" you might ask? Good question! It is nicknamed that because the winning horse is draped with a blanket of 554 red roses. The current governor of the State of Kentucky awards the garland and trophy to the winner. The first recorded record of a horse being draped with the blanket of roses was 1896 and it has happened every year since with the exception of 2008. Big Brown, the horse that won the Derby didn't like flowers and the jockey didn't wish to upset the winner so he didn't allow the blanket of roses to be placed on the horse.
In a little over four days on May 1, 2010 the jockeys will saddle up, lead their horses into the stalls at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and shoot out of the gates to the words "and they're off!!" to take that two minute, one and one-fourth mile ride that will lead them to either fame or disappointment. The rich and famous, and even the not-so-rich and famous turn out in droves to sip Mint Juleps (an iced drink of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup) and eat a dish of burgoo (a thick beef, chicken, pork and vegetable stew). They party and celebrate the biggest event Louisville sees all year. In 2007 even Queen Elizabeth II attended the Kentucky Derby.
But it isn't just Derby Day seeing the partying. For two weeks before the Big Day there are parties galore in Louisville. So, even as you read this there is a party happening somewhere in Louisville, Kentucky celebrating the Derby.
If you're lucky enough to secure a ticket to the Derby you can watch the race from the infield, where the "average" spectator can sit for general admission prices although the seats are usually so poor you can see very little of the race. Or, if you happen to be rich enough or know the right person you can watch the race from "Millionaire's Row". Millionaire's Row is an exclusive and extremely expensive section of box seats where the rich, famous, well-connected and sometimes royal spectators are privileged enough to sit. It's there where you will see men and women in fine outfits and the ladies wearing large, and often rather elaborate hats. Unless you're just a race junkie that absolutely must attend the event your best bet, and best seat, is right in front of your television on race day. You can see every second of the race and don't have to worry about being seated in front of a woman with a large, ugly and annoying hat.
The Kentucky Derby is responsible for making such household names as the two most winning jockeys of all time: Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952) and Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969), Ben A. Jones, the trainer with the most wins (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952), William "Willy" Shoemaker (1955, 1959, 1965, 1986), and Calumet Farms, the owner with the most wins (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968). Notable horses include Mine that Bird (2009), Barbaro (2006), Smarty Jones (2004), Funny Cide (2003), War Emblem (2002), Seattle Slew (1977), Dancer's Image (1968), Citation (1948), War Admiral (1937), Sir Barton (1919) and the very first winner of the Derby, Aristides in 1875.
Probably the most famous of all Kentucky Derby names is Secretariat. Owned by Penny Chenery and trained by Canadian Lucien Laurin and ridden by Canadian jockey Ron Turcotte, Secretariat is probably the most famous racehorse of them all. He was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and he set not one, but two speed records. Secretariat completed the Kentucky Derby in 1973 at 1:59 and the Belmont Stakes in 2:24 . Both records stand to this day.
The Kentucky Derby is the first of three races in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing held each year. The Preakness Stakes (held on the 3rd Saturday in May each year) run at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland and the Belmont Stakes (in June five weeks after the Derby and three weeks after Preakness) run at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York are the second and third events.
Only eleven horses have ever won the Triple Crown. The last horse to win the United States Triple Crown was Affirmed in 1978. Perhaps this will be the year we see another Triple Crown winner?!
For more information about the Kentucky Derby you can visit the Official Kentucky Derby Web Site.
In the meantime, enjoy this video replay of the 2009 Kentucky Derby presented on the Kentucky Derby Official YouTube Channel. They also have videos posted showing you how to make your own gaudy Derby hat, Mint Julep's and other racing videos.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Fort Heiman, Kentucky: 2002 Photographs
The photographs of the remains of Fort Heiman presented here were taken on June 8th, 2002.
This sign is located approximately one-half mile to one mile from the entrance to Fort Heiman. As you can see beneath the sign, there is information pertaining to the unfortunate development of the fort.
This sign is located approximately a few hundred feet past where the original entrance sign (this can be seen above) was located.
As difficult as it is to tell from this photograph, this is a trench. Upkeep on the Fort leaves much to be desired.
Another trench that has been taken over by underbrush.
This is a wonderful view of the Tennessee River was taken atop one of the many hills that comprise the Fort. This isn't too far from where the cemetery and ammunition bunker used to be.
Same as above.
This is a view of the Tennessee River taken not far from the cemetery and ammunition bunker. There is pretty much a straight drop to the river. When the water-level of the lake was low you used to be able to see the remains of an old road that existed, to my best guess, around the time of the War.
Same as above.
This is a trench directly across the road from the above photos. If you look very hard on the right of the photo is the road leading to where the cemetery and ammunition bunker was located.
Same as above.
Another view of the hill overlooking the Tennessee River described above.
Same as above.
Trench.
When the Fort was cut into tracts and sold this is the replacement for the old house (see photos above) originally located on top of one of Heiman's hills. The trench in the previous photo is in the back yard of this house. If you are in front of this house you have a magnificent view of the Tennessee River. The fifth, sixth and seventh photos I posted yesterday (the 1980's photos) were taken from that viewpoint before the Fort was sold. From the rock in photo number seven you can see the general area where Fort Henry once stood.
Another view of the trench.
Another view of the house.
This sign is located approximately one-half mile to one mile from the entrance to Fort Heiman. As you can see beneath the sign, there is information pertaining to the unfortunate development of the fort.
This sign is located approximately a few hundred feet past where the original entrance sign (this can be seen above) was located.
As difficult as it is to tell from this photograph, this is a trench. Upkeep on the Fort leaves much to be desired.
Another trench that has been taken over by underbrush.
This is a wonderful view of the Tennessee River was taken atop one of the many hills that comprise the Fort. This isn't too far from where the cemetery and ammunition bunker used to be.
Same as above.
This is a view of the Tennessee River taken not far from the cemetery and ammunition bunker. There is pretty much a straight drop to the river. When the water-level of the lake was low you used to be able to see the remains of an old road that existed, to my best guess, around the time of the War.
Same as above.
This is a trench directly across the road from the above photos. If you look very hard on the right of the photo is the road leading to where the cemetery and ammunition bunker was located.
Same as above.
Another view of the hill overlooking the Tennessee River described above.
Same as above.
Trench.
When the Fort was cut into tracts and sold this is the replacement for the old house (see photos above) originally located on top of one of Heiman's hills. The trench in the previous photo is in the back yard of this house. If you are in front of this house you have a magnificent view of the Tennessee River. The fifth, sixth and seventh photos I posted yesterday (the 1980's photos) were taken from that viewpoint before the Fort was sold. From the rock in photo number seven you can see the general area where Fort Henry once stood.
Another view of the trench.
Another view of the house.
I hope you have enjoyed looking at these pictures and taking your "virtual tour" as much as I have enjoyed posting them for you.
If you have any information about Fort Heiman that you wouldn't mind sharing, please post in the comments or drop me a note and I will, with your permission, post the information or references you have. I will give proper credit.
As I find historical information regarding Fort Heiman I will be certain to share it with you.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Fort Heiman, Kentucky: 1980's Photographs
**In this, my second-to-last post about Fort Heiman, I will be sharing with you photographs I took when I was able to visit the fort with my family back in the mid-1980's. Please note that it has been a very long time since I've been to Fort Heiman. Anything I have marked in red as no longer being in existence was at the fort in the 80's but NOT there when I last visited on my own in 2002. If any of the signs that I have marked as being no longer in existence have been restored I am unaware of it at this time. While areas such as the ammunition bunker and empty Union cemetery surely still exist, the last time I was there extremely thick underbrush had overtaken the areas. I am hopeful that now the National Park Service owns Fort Heiman they will do whatever they can to restore these areas so they can be viewed once again.**
This is the sign signifying the outer defenses of the fort. This is no longer in existence.
This is the entrance sign leading from the main road back into the fort. This is no longer in existence.
This is the sign signifying the outer defenses of the fort. This is no longer in existence.
This is the entrance sign leading from the main road back into the fort. This is no longer in existence.
This structure is no longer standing nor was it part of the original Civil War fort. To the best of my knowledge, this house was built by a former professor of Murray State University in the 1960's. The property it sat on is now private property as it was purchased when the fort was sold off. A new building, looking much like this one, has been constructed in its place. I would imagine the current owner assumed this building was "period" and copied its style for the structure he built. Tomorrow I will be posting a picture of the "new" house that was built to take the place of this.
The back and side of the old house. This side of the house was a large living room. The chimney belonged to a huge fireplace, suitable for cooking in. Walking out of the living room, was a kind of 'dog-trot' as my grandmother called it. (A dog trot is an open breeze way between two parts of a structure.) Across the dog trot was the kitchen of the house. The kitchen and living room were the only rooms I was ever in.
This photo, as is the one below, is the river view just before proceeding down a small path that is located in front of the old building. This view and the two photos below are now on private property and cannot be accessed.
This is a path in front of the building that leads to a very large rock. From this rock there is a magnificent view of the river. Standing or sitting on this rock, I couldn't imagine anyone not being able to dream of a little bit of the past. I vaguely remember also being able to see a path below the rock that may or may not have been some sort of road at one time.
The following three photographs are some of the trenches of the fort.
The sign reads: OLD POWDER MAGAZINE Here, Cannonballs & Black Powder
Were Stored For the FORT This is no longer in existence. I could not find the sign for this and the area where it was once located consists of very thick underbrush.
This is the Ammunition Bunker. When this photo was taken, it had rained just a few days prior which is why there is so much standing water in the bunker. While the bunker itself surely still does exist, (or I'd like to think it still does!) I could not find the sign for this and the area where it was once located consists of very thick underbrush.
The sign reads: EMPTY UNION CEMETERY After the Civil War The bodies were
taken home or reburied in Dover at the NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY. This is no longer in existence. I could not find the sign for this and the area where it was once located consists of very thick underbrush.
This is the where the empty Union cemetery is located. This is no longer in existence. I could not find the sign for this and the area where it was once located consists of very thick underbrush.
This is one of the final trenches you can see on your way out of the fort. The area where this is located consists of extremely thick underbrush.
I hope you have enjoyed looking at these pictures and taking your "virtual tour" as much as I have enjoyed posting them for you. Tomorrow, I will be posting photographs taken in 2002.
If you have any information about Fort Heiman that you wouldn't mind sharing, please post in the comments or drop me a note and I will, with your permission, post the information or references you have. I will give proper credit.
As I find historical information regarding Fort Heiman I will be certain to share it with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
