Tag Archives: Kentucky

A Modern Day Noah’s Ark

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Thursday, Day Four didn’t get us very far, but that was by choice. After breakfast at another Cracker Barrel, we drove for another fifteen minutes to the popular themed attraction that was the reason for the campgrounds being full – Ark Encounter. Friends had told us about seeing it, so we thought we’d take a look.

This mammoth wooden Ark, built to the size mentioned in the Bible – 510 ft. long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high, sits high up on supports on a hill, outside Williamstown, Kentucky. It’s said to be the biggest timber-frame structure in the world, and for the price of $38 each, we got to do the tour through exhibitions and videos.

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The gardens on the way inside were beautiful, completed with some animals.

Inside the bow.

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It was interesting. I was relieved to learn that the “animals” in the many cages are not real, but created with 3-D computer sculpting, as are the animated people at the various stations. There are recorded sound effects, and voices.

Animals Two by Two

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Small Animal Cages
Urns of Feed
Animals divided by Kind
Larger Animal Cages
Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs??

There were a few live animals in an open area.

Family life aboard the Ark

Bird Cages
Noah coaxing a bird back
Preparing dinner
Supplies for over a year

There are three decks.

Looking Up
Looking down

The work put into it is really quite amazing.

I found it to be a good glimpse into what life was possibly like so many years ago, but the brochure states: “all three decks of the Ark are full of state-of-the-art exhibits that will amaze and inspire you to think differently about the biblical account of Noah’s ark.” I have to agree with this statement, but my different feeling probably isn’t what the creator of Ark Encounter had in mind. I felt that the videos that tried to convince us that everything in the Bible is true, confirmed as being the absolute and only truth, were propaganda, an attempt to create a profitable theme park.

That might be just my opinion, but I saw few people looking very revered as they strolled through the exhibits.

I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who has been on the tour. Tell me how it made you feel.

When the tour was over, we were ready for the delicious buffet meal at the onsite restaurant. It was huge, fresh and inexpensive. And there were more beautiful gardens on the other side!

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Through Rain and Sun, Arizona Bound, 2014

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On the Road

On the Road

We finally got on our way mid-afternoon on Wednesday, October 15th. I was struck by the bright colours of Mother Nature’s paint brush along the roads of our exodus. They seemed even more vibrant this year. We witnessed more of the glory for many miles, through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and into Kentucky. The unpredictable weather of Ontario also continued, with sun one minute and torrential rain the next.

It occurred to me that, although we’d driven through Kentucky many times on the way to Florida, we’d never stopped. So we added a stop at the Kentucky Horse Farm at Lexington to our agenda. It would be too late to check in there on Thursday night so we detoured into Georgetown for dinner at the Cracker Barrel and an overnight stay in the parking lot, with the manger’s permission.

Friday morning we were up bright and early to arrive at the Farm in lots of time to see everything. Although a heavy fog blanketed our surroundings when we awoke, by the time we were ready to go the sun had broken through and cleared away the mist. We first entered the Horse Farm Campground, registered at the office and found our spot for the night. There was a big riding event happening on the weekend, so the choice was limited. We had electricity, but no water or sewage on site, and we were too far away from the office to get the Wi-Fi connection, but the good news was that there was a free shuttle to the Farm.

We got there just in time to find the “Horses of the World” Show Ring and grab seats on the bleachers before the first horse, a beautiful tan coloured Kentucky Quarter Horse, was introduced. It was amazing to see how much the horses enjoyed performing, and the respectful connection between horse and trainer. We met a Gypsy horse, an Arabian horse and a Run-Walker.  I guess that was our favourite part, because after a delicious lunch at the Farm House Café, where we enjoyed the company of Larry and Mary Ann, who were also enjoying retirement, we went back to see the second show featuring a new round of horses. Unfortunately, I got so caught up in taking pictures that I failed to take notes. If you are ever in the area, be sure to schedule time to see for yourself.

Taking a Bow

Taking a Bow

Gypsy Horse

Gypsy Horse

An Affectionate Mustang

An Affectionate Mustang

Dark streak

This interesting mane cut accents the black streak that runs through it and straight down the back to the end of the tail

Clydesdale getting ready to pull the tram

Clydesdale getting ready to pull the tram

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The day remained sunny and very warm, perfect for wandering through the barns and the Quarter Horse Museum, taking a tour on the tram, and visiting the Heavy Breed horses, and the retired race Champions. By then it was time for us to retire to the RV as our feet were beginning to protest. A walk back to the store to connect to the WiFi long enough to check emails and post our whereabouts on Facebook was enough for one day.