Samuel de Champlain

Driving over the bridge, Rouses Point Ny, to Alburgh (town), Vermont from my trip to Vermont in 2008

The Rouses Point Bridge, the photographer of this photo is unknown. In the year 1609, French exploer Samuel de Champlain. Was the first European, to discover and visit Vermont. Corssing the Lake that is named in his honnor. It is beleived that during the boat ride, from what today is New York State. Samuel de Champlain stood up in the boat and said to his comrrands; "Regardez la beauté de cet endroit ! Je n'ai jamais vu une telle beauté ! Contemplez la beauté des Montagnes Vertes!" Look at the beauty of this place! I have never seen such beauty! Behold the beauty of the Green Mountains! In 2007, I drove from my home in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. For a one week vacation.To visit Vermont for the first time! I drove the northern route to arrive in Vermont. Crossing the St. Lawerence River, at Cornwall. Ontario. Into northern New York State. I then proceeded east to arrive at the town of Rouses Point, New York. The small town is lcoated on the New York side of Lake Champlain, and is very close to the Canadian boader with Quebec. I can remember I was very thrilled and excited to see Lake Champlain for the very first time. I can remember I pulled over my 2001 Toyolla Corolla, and stoped and got out of the car. The view of Lake Champlain, The Isle Le Motte, and the Green Mountains are in full view. I was taking in all of the same beauty that impressed Samuel de Champlain in 1609! I was getting very excited at this point of my first trip to visit Vermont! I got back in my Corolla, and could not wait to be in the State of Vermont. Then I proceeded to drive accross the Rouses Point Bridge. To arrive in Alburgh, Vermont. I felt that I had arrived in a very special place. That I had escaped the human rat race completly! I felt europhic, and happy. I guess all of the joy that I enjoyed on my trip to visit Switzerland in 1986, had returned. I enjoyed my first trip to Vermont, very much. Always looking very forward to return to the Green Moutains of Vermont. To enjoy some very special and quailty time!!!

Buffalo Raceway Established in 1942

In June 1942 Hamburg, New York resident James J. Dunnigan opened the doors of Buffalo Raceway. Shortly after New York State passed a bill allowing pari-mutuel harness racing. He selected the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg as the site of his venture. I must say my brother and I have become a fan of this very fan friedly harness racing racetrack.

The photos for this post were shot by DRW Media using a Sony cyber shot dsc h300 digital camera.

Enjoying Historic Hot Springs, Arkansas

On Sunday January 26, my brother and I realxed after breakfast and enjoyed the historic center of Hot Springs, and some of the scenic beauty of the National PArk. In which the town and racetrack are located.

The following photos are doing a look around and a small hike, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Hot Springs National Park.

Southwest Day at Oaklawn Park

Saturday January 25th. Was Southwest Stakes Day at Oaklawn Park. One of the big prep races for the upcoming Arkanasas Derby. My brother John and I enjoyed a very good day enjoying the races!A long shot named Speed King. Lead all the way to win the $1 million Southest Stakes trained by Ron Moquett and ridden by Rafael Bejarano. He won at betting odds of 14 to 1. The weather was very nice for the races on Southwest Stakes race day! Tempertures in the mid 50's F, and lots of sunshine!I have incuded some photos of our fun day enjoying the horse racing at Oaklawn Park.

Winner of the 1st race Baddest Good Boy, jockey Ricardo Santana, Jr.

Kinetic ridden by Flavien Prat

The start of race 7

race 7 winner The Wine Steward, ridden by Juan J. Hernandez

#6 Sandman being lead over for the Southwest Stakes, he would finsih 2nd, after getting having a very bad start in the race!

Southwest Stakes winner Speed King with jockey Rafael Bejarano

The winner of the last race on the day. And a very exciting winner for some very lucky horse racing fans Paramount Paycheck with jockey Walter De La Cruz paid $59.60 $17.60 $11.00. A $2 late double paid $318.80

Mystik Dan Bobblehead were given away at Oaklawn Park, 2024 Southwest Stakes winner, who also won the 2024 Kentucky Derby!

Travel to Hot Springs, Arkansas

My brother and I recently did a short trip to visit the beauotful small city of Hot Springs Arkansas. I soend the winter of 1992-93 there. as ai was still working in the horse racing business. My brother John wanted to enjoy the expereince of enjoying horse. At historic Oaklawn Park Racetrack. I have incldued some photos from Friday January 24. During the live racing. They took a break from the live racing. An had a 1 hour training session. Becasue they have endured lots of bad winter weather. Which has canclled lots of the morning training sessions.

Before this trip, I hadn't flown in anywhere in almost 5 years. becuasue of the terrible Covid pandemic. Happily the trip to Hot Springs went very well and was enjoyed!