2002 - In our most recent visit to Kentucky we experienced the Fall leaf colors, somewhat late this year, the homey scents of a bourbon distillery and the comfort of a family get-together.  I, not being a whiskey drinker, bought a 750 ml flask of Woodford Reserve for my fellow hikers.  Let your mouth water until our wine tasting next year.  That select bourbon is already aged for 7 years in a toasty oak barrel.  I can't wait to taste it either.  BTW, they don't make bourbon in Bourbon County, Kentucky.  On our way back to North Carolina we drove through Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.  The colors were really intensely beautiful in Eastern Kentuck, at their peak.  These pictures only give a hint of the joys of living in the big country.  Enjoy the pictures.

Airy Mount, Versailles, Kentucky	Oct. 25th, 2002		Oct. 26th morning
Labrot & Graham Distillers Co.	Oct 26th					Labrot & Graham website
Air Mount	Oct. 26th				Oct. 27th, Sunday morning

1999 - With all of the Y2K fears that were in the country's consciousness, we drove away to a peaceful, joyful visit with Linda's sister and her family in Versailles, Kentucky.  Away from television for four days, we explored the surrounding bucolic thoroughbred country. Here you will see scenes of Airy Mount, a house on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and read of legends and our warm celebration of the first day of the new millennium.  The weather changes made for a variety of atmospheric conditions and great opportunities for the prepared photographer.

"Airy Mount - Located in Woodford County on the crest of a low, wide rise is Airy Mount, whose original portion was built in 1796. It is reputed to have been the second brick house constructed in Woodford County.

Tragic Story - Airy Mount was built for Colonel William Henry Stanley Field, an officer in the Revolutionary War, who married his cousin, Sally Field, in Culpeper County, Virginia.  They came to central Kentucky prior to 1790 and took possession of his thousand-acre land grant.  In 1799, Colonel Field was found guilty of murdering his wife, despite defense provided by Henry Clay, whose mother's farm adjoined Field's.  Shortly after his execution, a female slave confessed to the crime."

Airy Mount	Dec. 30th				An online guide to B&B Inns
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill	Dec. 30th				Shaker Village web site

Shaker Village - "The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest historic community of its kind in America.  Visitors to this National Historic Landmark enjoy a wide variety of activities including self-guided tours, riverboat excursions and special events.  The village also offers two craft stores, meeting facilities, as well as fine dining and overnight accommodations in restored 19th century buildings."

Shaker Daily Activities

Dec. 30th

We finally got to enjoy a vigorous morning hike in the lovely countryside surrounding the farm.  We brought along Strider and Beowulf to help us inhale the morning air and watch the mist evaporate in the rising sun.  We enjoyed it immensely.

Foggy Morning at Airy Mount	Dec. 31st
Hiking the farm	Dec. 31st				Versailles B&Bs

That afternoon we got together with Sharon, Heather and Patty to split enough logs to warm the house for the first day of the New Year and we enjoyed that immensely too.  It's a wonderful life!