The ‘capper took a break from the Handicapping grind for a few days over the Fourth of July, call it a “freshening” for Saratoga if you will. Traveled to Bar Harbor, Maine, and Acadia National Park for a few days. If you’ve never been to Bar Harbor, it’s vintage small town coastal Maine for tourism, with plenty of restaurants, and a great fireworks show which has led it to be called one of the best 4th of July celebrations in America. Got one “hard work” in with a hike over Flying Mountain (the guide called it ‘moderate’ , I’d call it $%#!, as my morning walks are usually on a flatter and faster track), and more of a canter along the Shore Path the next morning past some terrific seaside mansions. Of course the mountain hike demanded a great meal after, and the Chart Room in Hulls’ Cove didn’t fail to deliver, as they have for several decades. A New York Strip and Bang Bang Shrimp were the order of the day to go along with a nice Malbec !Saturday watch horse Jersey’s Heat delivered a $17 winner as well. I have been admittedly terrible about posting the watch horses when entered. (As I noted in a recent post, I have been nearly as terrible about wagering on them.) But the Spa looms just 10 days away, and I am champing at the bit to get there. I am planning to be in Saratoga for opening day, Whitney Weekend, and Fourstardave Weekend, as well as Travers Day. Here’s hoping for good weather, with rain only on Tuesdays, and safe trips for all. The seaside freshening has done me some good. Let’s get after it at the Spa !