Saturday, June 27, 2009

On the Road

Dave and I began another week of vacation last night. This year I got a head start on the poison ivy. Instead of waiting to catch it in the woods like I usually do, I caught it last weekend in my mother's garden. I think the worst of it is past, but Dave doesn't seem so sure about that.

Anyway, Dave, my poison ivy and I spent this afternoon at Pocono Downs watching some horse races. Here are a few photos I took.

This was taken during a warm-up session. The horses and drivers get about 15 minutes to warm up while people place their bets on the next race.



The start of a harness race is quite interesting. Unlike thoroughbred racing, in which the gates are in place and the horses start from a standing position, harness racers chase the gates about halfway around the track. By the time they reach the starting position, most of them are pretty much lined up behind the gate and they're moving at a pretty good speed.



The gates open and the race begins.



Things often get tense and interesting near the finish line.



About two minutes after the gates open, the race is finished.



Dave and I had not been to the races for several years, so it was fun to watch them again. It's not something I'd want to do every week, or even every month, but it's a fun way to spend an afternoon when one needs a break from the daily routine.

3 comments:

Jenn said...

how nice of you to include your poison ivy on the first leg of your trip! LOL!

Barbara said...

At least you got your poison ivy out of the way early. Now, stay on the pathways!

Evie said...

Barb:
I'm still coping with the poison ivy. The early phase - on my face and neck - dissipated pretty quickly. The later phase - arms and legs - is still giving me some grief.