On an overcast day, 3 members of the RKMC, and 3 friends set out on a journey to the only place on earth where Jack Daniels Whiskey is made, bottled, and shipped. The first day of the trip was met with a mix of rain and sunshine, more rain than sunshine, however. The day ended in Christiansburg, VA, a little more than halfway to the final destination.

Day 2 started with a safety check, and we hit the road, where we were met with more rain. Once we arrived in Nashville, we checked into the AirBnB, had a much-needed soak in the hot tub, and got a very necessary good night sleep.

On the third day we set our sights on the little town of Lynchburg, and as you can guess, more rain. Once at the distillery, 2 of the members took the tour to see how this wonderful, amber liquid is made and the history behind the oldest registered distillery in the country. The sights, smells, and experiences will remain in our memories forever. The employees of the distillery were more than happy to tell of their personal experiences and were eager to hear about ours. The club’s point of contact, Belinda Jones, was overjoyed to pose for pictures when asked and is looking forward to the clubs’ return.

After the distillery tour, the members toured the historic town of Lynchburg. We dined at a local favorite, The Barrelhouse BBQ. The employees asked questions about the club and SEPA life. We were polite and asked to put the club and the family names that visited on the wall of the restaurant with every other visitor that has had the pleasure to dine there. We then walked the town square and met wonderful people with fascinating stories about the history of the town. It’s such a wonderful place to be.

A trip to Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without a stop in downtown Nashville. The members decided to visit the busiest fire house in the United States, Station 9 in Nashville. We managed to get a few pics before they were dispatched to a call.

We decided to take a detour home. The club rode to Louisville, KY and visited the one and only Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum. Soaking in the history and knowledge of this wonderful product that most of us played with as kids in little league or still play with in adult softball leagues was magical. Seeing a bat that your favorite player once used and autographed, or seeing one being made on the laith machine, brings you back to a simpler time in life.

The club returned home a little richer for the experience, and a lot sorer. The total miles traveled was 2012.6. We can’t wait to seek a new destination next year.

P.S. it was hot and sunny the whole ride home