kentucky: whiskey anyone?

It was 4:30 when we pulled into our visitor parking space at Maker’s Mark Distillery. As we opened the door to the visitor check-in, we were face to face with a gentleman that said “Sorry folks. We were just closing up but the gift shop and info center may still be open. It’s over there.”

We walked to the next building, he walked with us and asked where we were from. It’s always a showstopper when we tell them, in a most casual manner, “Alaska”. “Well, folks, my name is Kevin. I am the master distiller here. See the people following us? They are here to film a tv show. Do you know CBS Sunday Morning? Just because you came all the way from Alaska, please join us.” I turned to see Martha Teichner and her producer, Judy. They were at the Distillery to do a segment on food – and booze, obviously – that will air on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

We introduced ourselves. I confirmed our stature as true fans by mentioning Charles Kerault and the fact that Frank gave me a present of his autobiography years ago. Then to add syrup to the mix, I complimented her scarves. Now, that was a conversation starter and a showstopper. She told me she hated to be cold and she wanted to know our story.

Time for showstopper #3: Motor home. We talked for a bit about our road trip. Martha said without showing a sign of emotion - well, maybe there was that twitch of confusion we often note when we mention "motor home" to people we meet on the road - that she thought "that kind of travel would be a great thing to do for 2 or 3 years." I smiled but didn’t tell her that I am not so sure. Two or three years is a short time on the planet but a long time in a motor home.

I wonder where she spent the night.

notes from the Journey

There are many stories from our trip. Here is one from July.

There needs to be a book enclosed in every motor home that’s titled “How to Stow your Belongings So You Won’t Get Killed by a Projectile.” Just like a boat on the water, motor homes jostle on the road. Every dip and wobble sends something flying unless you have put it away or tied it down to something. Our motor home is deceiving, however, because it neither looks nor feels like a vehicle. It feels like a small apartment and just as you would in an apartment, we put things away. We don’t “stow.” Big mistake.

The Alaska Canada Highway (the Alcan) is a waving ripple of a roadway. Frost heaves and the perpetual freezing and contraction of the tundra cause the road to peak and bow in a continuous wave. We were celebrating our seatbelts, when there was a crash in the back of the bus. Over my shoulder I saw milk spilled and splashed, on the floor and up the walls.

It was then we figured out we needed to secure the refrigerator door before the first bounce of the road or there was going to be trouble. We needed the “double click”. Without the double click sound of the refrigerator door lock, your food isn’t safe and neither are you.

After several days of mopping salsa, wiping cat food from tipped bowls, and repositioning the cat litter box so it didn’t…well you can imagine…. I am good at securing doors and drawers and stowing coffee pots and sharp knives. God bless bungee chords.