Of Horses, Steeples and Ferry's

Another year now comes with the coming of the International Gold Cup Steeplechase at the Plains in Loudon County, VA. Along with the spring cousin, the Virginia Gold Cup, these are great day of fun at the horse races with the gang. Our amazing coordinator Jeff once again needs a big congratulatory applause for this the 4th year. Bookie duties were handed back to Alexandra (since last time she was missing). Big difference though was that this year was the first time I lost money on betting on the horses (albeit only $4). Of note though was one of my friends and his comments on women chewing gum. He calls it "bovine", unless of course its some trashy girl...

So lots of fun was had by all, otherwise I leave you all to some helpful advice from Jon on the horses, and the more eloquent AB.

Next day was another early one as Carmel, Rob, Minah & I headed off to Harpers Ferry for a day of hiking, leaf peeping, and some historical stuff. Got to hike the Maryland Heights trail taking the road less traveled up to the Old Stone Fort. With our warm weather the leaf changes have been disappointing until this trip - finally fall weather is upon us, and this was a great weekend to usher it in.



Notes about Harpers Ferry:

• Don't go expecting a real town - it feels allot like Colonial Williamsburg in many ways, lots of fun to still be had though
• Don't miss the Ice Cream shop in town
• Check out the Cemetery at the highest point in town.
• Explore lock 33 on the C&O Canal. There is nothing that stops you walking on the canal itself
• Jefferson Rock Is climbable - just don't let the park rangers catch you.
• It would suck to be a Civil war soldier - apparently all they did was build rock walls
• Apparently almost any panoramic picture of Harpers Ferry will include that church steeple, theres no way getting around it.
  

Topping off a graet weekend is having my team win two games straight in a row - both Sat & Sun nights. No not the poor Dolphins who can't win this year at all, but the Red Sox. I believe it happens to be what we were wearing - lucky Pirate gear and lucky Dog - Reagan!!!!












With fellow Red Sox fan Mary, and her dog Reagan doing Blue Steel thus intimidating the Indians into loosing