We left Nashville for Louisville, KY. We stayed right outside it at Brooks RV. They told us they were simple and the website mentioned they were close enough to highway to be easy in/out but far enough to not have the traffic noise. (see screenshot below). However, what they failed to mention is that the train runs right by there, ALL THE TIME, and the airport is right by there, so constant flight noise… OR the fact there is some resident ROOSTER that does wakes up right after 5 am. I was lying in bed at 5:15 this morning and within a 2-3 minute period heard the train, followed by our friend the rooster and then immediately a plane. So glad we didn’t have to listen to highway traffic. Yes, definitely make that a selling point… PLEASE!! haha!
We drove through a ton of rain to get here.
Driving through the crazy rain has also added to our list of issues with the RV that need to be addressed. Someone bottom bunk bed got SOAKED and only possibility is it came in through closed window. Also, first under bin outside had water just sitting in it so something not sealed properly. Our count for warranty issues is now at 11. We will see the end count… Oh, and the mattress (which turns out to be just a piece of foam inside a cover) did have a waterproof mattress pad cover that is completely enclosed (for bed bug protection as well) on it. We purchased it at Lazy Days when we picked up the coach. Apparently, it does not work so well…
Craig called Enterprise to rent a car so we could play in Louisville. We were told it would be close to 5:30 p.m. before they would have one available. (this was around 11 am-noon). It was pouring anyways, so no big deal. The finally called at 5:30 but had no one to pick him up so he took Uber, which they took off our bill. When Craig left there, he said he called back immediately as the car was not driving right – back passenger side felt out of alignment and front windshield had a lot of scratches or cracks in it. Due to closing time, they said they would notate the account. It was still pouring when Craig got back to RV. Kids and I used time to clean and do laundry. Next morning, we left early to take advantage before storms that were coming in a few hours. As soon as we were on road, I told Craig the car felt extremely off and didn’t feel safe. He said, I called Enterprise last night and told them then said it feels like back passenger tire is out of alignment and that someone probably hit a curb pretty bad. We then got on Interstate and within a few miles heard a noise in back then tire went flat. Craig called Enterprise location where he rented the car. They told him to call an 800 number for roadside service and that they would not come out and switch cars or deal with this. We called 800 number, they said they could put us on list to come out to assist with changing tire but an hour or so; however, then we have to take car to Enterprise. They will not switch out cars since we are on Interstate. They also suggested he just change tire himself, even though we were not in a safe location. Craig called back to Enterprise, the guy then said “are you sure you didn’t just run over something?” Craig explained again that he called last night regarding the car and that particular tire being off and was told he could call his Emergency Roadside Service on our insurance and they couldn’t really help us. So we ended up calling 800 number again and getting another car lined up while Craig changed tire (he got in grass as much as possible as we were on very busy Interstate). We then got to Airport location to switch cars (I would not allow us to go back to other location, even though Craig wanted to) and they were so pleasant and helpful. Switched us out for a new SUV (first place only had full sized car), they called other location for us and were very helpful. First location was very nice and apologetic to Craig when he returned car as well. I get they deal with different types of people but, they should have never given this car to someone. But don’t worry! Wifey is there with camera to get out of car (even though it was on jack on grass and wife probably should have stayed in the car… ) It wouldn’t have quite the impact without photos.
How do we select a location & how do we get there?
Simple!
Actually, Craig drives and so far – he has been selecting locations. I will start helping more, just been busy occupying children…
Kentucky Derby Museum/Churchill Downs
I have never watched the Kentucky Derby and still found this place pretty impressive. They hosted a crowd of 175,000 for one of the last races. They also sold 22,000 gallons of bourbon at last year’s derby. I could not even begin to get over all the Wager windows and machines they have. Plus, I am sure there were so many more I didn’t even see. We were not allowed to do barn tour (kids must be 8 years old); however, they did have one miniature horse and another race horse on site to view. They were both 22-23 years old. A horse only has one chance to win the derby – when they are 3 years old. I feel like I learned so much! I could not get over the size of the track or imagining all of those people there. They said the jockeys get weighed before and after. They have to weigh 126 (I believe) so before they would strap the lead to them and it would allow them to qualify. But, some would drop the lead as soon as they walked off (hence, “get the lead out” phrase) hence the need for additional weighing at end.
Slugger Museum
Trying to make the most of the day, we quickly went to Slugger Museum. I am not into baseball and was very unimpressed by the factory tour and museum. Craig thought it was so-so. I had fun when kids were posing with statues and seeing a few of the bats used by some of the greats. Other than that, I could have skipped it. Craig posing with Mickey Mantle’s bat.
Trying to find Muhammad Ali Statue & more RAIN!!!!!
Never found statue so I called City visitor information. Talked to three people and told it does not exist. Gave up as raining hard and lots of traffic. Both kids were completely out in the car (long day) and finally got back to RV to find ankle-deep water on both sides of car and all around front of RV, including around steps to get in. We carried kids but still have wet shoes today (one day later). Rained the remainder of the night so we took advantage by doing laundry, cleaning, puzzles and playing. They love the magnetic dolls Kati gave them. Thank you so much!
Next stops: Indianapolis & Decatur Indiana (by the way, we had blue skies for the drive to Indianapolis – YEAH!!!!!)
dewbus 