Enjoying a Day at the Race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky

On November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Kentucky2 Comments

During our recent trip to Louisville, Kentucky we had the opportunity to go to Churchill Downs and enjoy a day of thoroughbred racing. Churchill Downs is famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby, which is part of the “triple crown” of thoroughbred racing. The race track opened in 1875 and every race is full of pageantry and tradition. Even though it was autumn, it was a warm and sunny day making the experience even more enjoyable.

Before each of the races, the horses are led around the paddock in order for those who wish to see the horses before placing a bet can get up close to the horses. Afterwards, the horses are led onto the track where the starting gate is located. The location of the starting gate changes depending on the length of the race, but the finish line always remains the same. We were fortunate to get seats near the finish line, making each of the races even more exciting.

In addition to the grandeur of the grandstands, in the center of the oval track are several large screens to see the current odds as well as to see the horses while they are on the backside of the track. It also the location of the platform where the Churchill Downs Bugler stands and plays between the races. The Kentucky Derby Museum is also located at Churchill Downs, although we chose not to visit it during our day at the track. It was certainly an interesting day and we enjoyed our time at the race track and watching the races.

The Historic and Beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery Near Georgetown in DC

On November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Uncategorized, Washington DC1 Comment

It might seem odd to visit a cemetery, but they are often very beautiful, historic, and tranquil, which Oak Hill Cemetery certainly is. In fact, more than 200,000 people visit this particular historic cemetery on an annual basis and it is even possible to get a tour. We simply enjoyed walking the paths that led us amongst the tomb stones, mausoleums, and tree lined hills. It was a beautiful day and the autumn foliage made it even more wonderful to see. There was only one issue with our visit, we didn’t notice a sign at the entrance that stated that the cemetery closed at 4:30 pm and we ended up being there until 5:00 pm, so we got locked in the cemetery.

When we arrived back at the gate, we were surprised to see it chained up and locked. The fence around the cemetery is very high and not something that can easily be scaled, so great for keeping people out or, in our case, people in. The caretaker’s house is located at the gate, but there is no guarantee that they would be there, but fortunately for us, he was. He was pleasant enough and we probably weren’t the first people to get locked in, but it was embarrassing. Far better to feel a little bit of chagrin than to spend a night in a cemetery with graves that date back hundreds of years.

In addition to the graveyard and trails, there is also the Renwick Chapel in the cemetery. It was designed by the same person who designed the famous Smithsonian Castle, James Renwick. If you do decide to visit the cemetery and are a history buff, you can visit their website, The Oak Hill Cemetery – Washington, D.C. (oakhillcemeterydc.org) to get a map and a list of notable figures from history who are buried there. We’d also recommend that you make note of the current hours in order to avoid getting locked inside.

John Joyce Tombstone, Famous Poet Who Coined the Phrase “Laugh and the World Laughs with You”

Visiting the Famous Exorcist Steps and House in Georgetown, Washington DC

On November 16, 2021November 18, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Washington DC4 Comments

We spent last week going to several places including Georgetown, which is an area in Washington DC where the Georgetown University is located. In addition to the university, there are lots of restaurants, pubs, and shops, but there it is also the location where the movie Exorcist was filmed. One of the famous scenes from the movie was when the priest was thrown from the window of the house onto the steps next to the house. The steps are located directly across from the Scott Francis Key Bridge (commonly referred to as the Key Bridge) and in most ways it isn’t very remarkable.

The steps themselves were built in 1895 and they are next to a building called the Car Barn, which was an old trolley-car storage building. The steps lead from M street up to the house where the movie was filmed and is only a few blocks from Georgetown University. We found it interesting that the Exorcist House is an actual residence with people living there today (we would find that spooky). It is in a very historic area and the architecture in the area very interesting, even if you aren’t a fan of the movie. Today you will find many people, like ourselves, taking photos of the stairs or of themselves on the stairs.