Kentucky Caravan – Kentucky Part 3, Frankfort and Route Home
Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, was our last stop on the caravan. This was a chance to hit some of the more know distilleries and some small ones. We also took the opportunity to drive around and see some of the small towns, ranches and interesting roads.
We continued our tasting tour with “the first distillery in Kentucky” and “The best distillery in Kentucky” as they all say. At this point, they are all starting to taste the same. Some of them are cask strength and “too hot” to enjoy. I needed to add a little water to saver the “layers” as my friend and co-caravanner said.
So, we headed out to on tours of Four Roses, Buffalo Trace and Castle and Key Distilleries. The first two you probably heard of. The grounds were beautiful, and the tours were great. Too many people though. We found a small, new or rebuilt distillery called Castle and Key with gorgeous grounds and vats full of spirit they can’t sell yet. By law, the spirits must rest for seven years, and another 2 years was needed. So, no tastings here but a very serene setting. We also visited historic Midway Kentucky and spent hours walking the town and talking with the merchants. The town has a rail line running through the center of main street.
As a group, we discussed what to do for dinner one night. We have been out to group dinners in a winery, on a train, and a dinner theatre. It was time to do something relaxing. So I suggested we gather all the grills around the covered building in the center of the campground and everyone bring their protein they want to grill along with something to share. The dinner was a hit. Everyone enjoyed the comradery and the chance to share favorite side dishes. After the dinner, a couple of folks set up a tasting of several different bourbons from less-known distilleries. There was sampling, discussion, and laughter. A great night.
Our final banquet was in a restaurant in Frankfort. We didn’t realize is was in the middle of a parade with lots of people about. A very festive time. Our final farewells were given, and we made plans to embark toward home. That is unless you were full timing in your trailer as a couple of folks were. That hit me. Here we were, anxious to “get home” with somewhere to head. The full timers were already home and planning their next stop. It was hard to wrap my head around that concept….not to have a home port to head.
So we headed south with our friends from Oregon. Our plan was to take the southern route through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, then north Utah, Idaho and to home. But that route would take around 12-15 days. I also planned a route diagonally straight home through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Idaho – about 8 days. Knowing my traveling partner, she will vote for the shorter route.
Our We parted with our friends at the Tom Sawyer Campground outside Memphis. We visited the home of Caravan friends who lived there and enjoyed watching the river traffic on the Old Miss.
We had no issues getting to Colorado but being that it was getting late in the year, middle of October, so we kept an eye on the weather. We spent 2 nights at the Fort Collins KOA. But the weather turned bad with snow forecasted along with 70 MPH winds and whiteout conditions. We had planned to leave in the morning across I 80 but they ended up closing the road and reports of overturned trucks and RVs. We stayed put until an acceptable window arose to get through to Idaho. I blew hard and a day later, they opened the highway. We made it through light snow, variable winds and slow going all the way to Rock Springs. Once parked and after trying to clean off the salt and road grime, I found I was lightheaded and short of breath. Elevation sickness forced me inside and to sit quietly. Then another Airstream came into the campground, and we saw it was caravan friends from Oregon. We shared some wine and stories then parted in the morning to home.
Caravans are a great way to find gems hidden in the byways of this great country. Now to join another one.
