PORTLAND 2003 Kentucky

17-18 August, 2003 Up early for a marathon drive! But even without breaking speed limits, we were following the instructions for finding the Tucker residence well before midday. How could we have done a six hour drive in under three? Researching for this webpage (sounds good, doesn't it?!) I discovered a possible reason. There is ANOTHER Charleston, in Virginia, rather than West Virginia. Of course, that doesn't ENTIRELY explain how a member of staff in a Charleston, WV motel could confuse it with the other Charleston .... Mike's directions were excellent, so we weren't even delayed by any wrong turnings or getting lost (big improvement on Newark and Washington then!), and as he'd promised, we were welcomed by Tuck, the Australian Blue Heeler who keeps the family in order. We had been there just a few minutes when the Tucker truck pulled up. An ice cold drink and a chat later, the rest of the party, in the form of Steve and Mel Webre, turned up. It seemed like Portland was beginning! Our boys went exploring with Lincoln Tucker, the big boys went to play engines in the garage and the girls went off for a great tour of the local area in Susan's open top Triumph TR4. You know you're with good friends when the time flies by unnoticed. The evening meal was at a local Mexican restaurant (a first for the French clan), then we returned for more leisurely chat, until Lincoln finally fell asleep on the sofa, and was wrapped in a Stars & Stripes afghan. Poor Lincoln had to go to school in the morning, while the rest of us could enjoy watching the birds in the garden, drinking coffee. Susan, through her work as a talented artist, had organised a personal tour for us all around what must surely be the best horse farm in the area. We had breakfast at a local store before presenting ourselves to the security guards at the gate of Gainsborough Farm. Even for non horse-people such as ourselves, the place is amazing. The care and attention lavished on the animals made all of us think it would be pretty good to come back as one of those horses in another life!! Every detail, from meticulously maintained grounds to up-to-the-minute medical facilities was covered, to give the horses the ultimate life of well-being. The stallions, which are the centre of the operation, had their own complex complete with waterfalls, beautifully designed buildings and individual paddocks. Our glimpse into a world we barely knew existed was thoroughly enjoyed. Mike and Susan were planning to travel to Portland later in the week, so when we got back from Gainsborough, it was time for us to leave and head north. Next ... Site Index Portland Watkins Glen Washington DC SEL Folk 1000 Islands Skyline Drive Ohio Connecticut Kentucky Niagara New York