Risks and rewards

Careful scheduling today aimed to make sure there would be time for a campfire grilled fish fillet dinner this evening. Even a one mile trail walk to view the Natural Bridge had to be discarded after scouting found that (allowing for climbs and descents) made the actual distance much longer.

Time was set aside to visit the Kentucky Horse Park, however. Respect was paid to the scope of Kentucky's commitment the many breeds of the animal whose hoof prints have followed humanity's ascent towards modern civilization (liberally recalled from the show  announcer's  patter while the horses trotted and cantered around the fenced yard).

Sean and Michael sitting back to enjoy the show

Most remarkable notes from the show for those of us who are not racing fans: presentation of the Gypsy Vanner horse, a new (to me) registered breed, very sturdy animal with a keen eye; presntation of the Shire horse, a recovered breed that dominated European warfare for many centuries (key word here is dominated,  a Really Big Horse who pushed my hand around when I offered a jaw scratch, sniffed my fingers to see if there was food and nibbled a bit to be sure -- no? I must be useful for something!); and finally, a colt rescued by the Humane Society and available for adoption. When approached,  I pleaded a chronic lack of resources and Tess regretted inadequate practical knowledge.

I'd almost believe, though, that when the Gypsy cantered by and looked at me sitting in the front row, it knew I was thinking of another life not lived. (The rider and I ignored each other, of course.)

The Gypsy Vanner 

Noticed when passing by Louisville and over the Ohio River: a surprising number of suspension bridges with a new one under construction, and a new stadium of eye catching design named the KFC Yum! Arena. Tess and I agreed that someone's marketing group should be sent back to the minors.

As the Subaru struggled up the alpine cliffs leading away from the river (alpine by Indiana standards), signs assured us that the Hoosier Helpers were ready to assist with any roadside emergencies. Another one for the minors -- or authored by someone with a certain twinkle in his eye?

Santa Claus, Indiana.  We didn't go there

We passed on visiting Holiday World at Santa Claus,  Indiana, preferring the less dubious if equally risky prospect of a fresh cooked fish dinner.

This evening in Henderson, Kentucky, is full of prospects and risks. Having failed to find any retail source for fish of non frozen, non breaded, and otherwise interesting in culinary sense, Tess prepared a camp dinner based on foil-wrapped beef tips and vegetables  tossed into a charcoal fire. After the meal concluded with campfire marshmallows, the result was unanimously voted a success.

For the next act, the master chef intends to spend the night in his new hammock suspended between two sturdy trees. Skies are clear, fortunately.