On The Road - Mary's Travel Journal

The Road to The 2002 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Cross Country Day - A Tough Day at the "Office"

Saturday, April 28 - Our private campsite was now overlooking just one of many parking areas the Kentucky Horse Park provides for the huge crowds of up to 90,000 people that come each year for this event.

With the promise of "severe weather" on the way, we awoke on cross country day hoping for the best. My sister, Nancy and I set out from our campsite to the back side of the course, while JJ and Mom took the shuttle towards the water jump. The first half of the day went well.

Nancy and I moved around as I tried different jumps for variety. The Kentucky Horse Park is perfect for this, with roads that wind around the entire park, as well as well worn paths throughout the course making it fairly easy to get around on a mountain bike. We even got OUR picture taken by a young photographer, caught on camera by Dr. Steve Berkowitz DVM, thanks Steve!!!

JJ stayed at the water, thankfully, as he ended up getting most of the best shots of the day. But just before the 1 1/2 hour lunch break the rains began and did not let up or the next 12 hours. We hung in there til most of the final riders withdrew as conditions deteriorated rapidly on course. Still, we got some great shots, and after we dried out Renie treated us to dinner at the Outback.

The entire night the wind did not let up, and there were tornado warnings throughout the state. The camper rocked, even with the full house to hold it down. Gizmo took her favorite hiding spot behind the toilet in the bathroom, and I was just grateful not to be in one of the many tents outside.