In
Tennessee, at least from Pioneer to Jellico, the I-75 right-of-way
followed the mountain ranges. In Kentucky, I-75 has to go over each one
of them so it is up and down like a yoyo. Once in awhile I-75 will sneak
through a pass, along side a river. In fact, we're starting out with the
Cumberland River. Five miles later we lose it and then we climb a hill
or two, find a stream, follow it a few miles and so on. But, at least,
there is nothing boring about driving on this part of I-75.
In London we have the
Levi Jackson State
Park with a 146 pad campground and full hook-ups. Plus, it's less
than 3 miles from exit 38.
At exit 41 we cross
the Daniel Boone Parkway (most of this scenic highway is toll). Fifty
miles on, near Richmond, we have
another state park (Ft
Boonesborough State Park) with a similar campground. There's no
Internet connection at either but there is cell phone coverage.
Richmond was a big surprise for us; on the campus of Eastern
Kentucky University is the
Hummel Planetarium, one of the largest planetariums in the country.
Parking may be a problem for a class A rig with a toad but you can park
at the Wal-Mart at 820 Eastern Bypass (KY-820) and unhook your toad.
Take exit 87 and go east on the Eastern Bypass. Wal-Mart is at the
junction of US-25 but you'll see the Wal-Mart before you see US-25. The
Hummel Planetarium is off Kit Carson Dr (on you left 1.4 miles west of
Wal-Mart — or on your right 1.3 miles from exit 87), Phone 859-622-1547
during business hours for schedules, etc.
(continued
in column 2) |
|
(continued
from column 1)
The City and County of Lexington
has been noted as one of the most progressive communities in the nation.
Many years ago they combined the city and county governments, saved a
bunch of money for the tax payers but turned around and significantly
improved services for the tax payers. We have always been impressed by
the generally positive attitude of the residents, here. Even the police
we've met (in one of the restaurants) feel very positive about the
community. Note: We try to park near police cars. It may not be as
effective as we hope but it helps lend peace of mind to our concerns of
security for our coach and toad.
If you're getting hungry (we always are when we reach Lexington)
and would like to eat in a sit-down restaurant, exit 108 has a wide
variety of foods served in about a dozen restaurants. Head west on Man O
War Blvd to Pleasant Ridge Dr (about 200 yards from the exit) and go
right or left. They all have tall signs.
From exit 111 we share roadbed with I-64 for about 7 miles. Stay in
the right land because there is, frequently, a lot of traffic. (You know
how tough it can be to switch lanes with a rig.)
At exit 120 is the Kentucky Horse Park (site of the Kentucky Derby)
and a Kentucky Horse Park
Campground, with 260 pads and full hookups (but no Internet
connections).
As we near Cincinnati the urban concentration become much more
dense and that's the end of the RV parks for awhile. They can't survive
on high-priced real estate and high property taxes.
contributed by
Bob Masters |
