Text and photos by Robin Bowers
After many months of looking at maps, train
schedules and various tour books, the end has come.
Stop !! Put the pencil down, raise your hands. Grading
will now begin with final grade to be received in 27 days.
In the wee hours of the new day, I have my first check
point. In the stillness and quietness of the dark sky, I
wait for my ride to LAX. At 3:40AM, I board and join four
others for the shuttle ride to the airport. By 3:45 AM we
are on the I-405 heading north. Around 4:20 AM I am dropped
off at Southwest Airlines. There was a large crowd queued up
to check luggage and pick up tickets. Time spent here was
nearly 45 minutes-curb to counter.
So add plenty of time to your schedule, even at 5:00AM.
Going thru security was somewhat smooth. Glad I didn't need
to remove my boots. I then found my way to the departing
gate waiting area. I meet up with Chris Guenzler. He and I
are going to be each others shadow for the next 21 days.
Back in November, 2014, there were five of us with serious
interest in going to the National Railroad Historical
Society (NRHS) 2015 Convention in Rutland, Vermont starting
June 14 - June 21. Elizabeth and Bob A., a couple in the
Seattle area, Chris P. of San Pedro, Chris G. of Santa Ana
and myself.
As time moved on there were only two of us
left standing.
Today Chris and I will fly to Albany NY with a change of planes
at Midway. In Albany we will rent a car till Sunday 6/28. Today
we will head to and overnight in Dove Plains, NY Tomorrow drive
to Wassaic,NY for a Metro-North train ride to Manhattan and back
and spend the day exploring the Big Apple.
Saturday we will walk over the Hudson and ride trains in the
Catskills ending in Rutland to start the convention on Sunday
6/14.
After a short wait the boarding for flight 591 begins. We have
"Lift Off" on time at 06:10 AM.
Snow on Rockies Top
We landed in Chicago Midway close to 30 minutes early after
uneventful flight. While waiting for the next flight, I went to
Mikey D's for the meal deal. After picking up lunch went to the
gate waiting area and sat by Chris and eat lunch.
Then we were boarding our next flight. 4733 for Albany departed
on time at 01:35 PM
We proceeded to baggage claim where I discover that the extend
handle had a crimp in it making is somewhat nonfunctional. The
passengers sat on the plane watching unloading of the cargo. The
ramp personnel were throwing big flat screen TVs on to the cart.
We expected to have damage luggage and boy we weren't
disappointed.
Then we had an interminable wait at the Hertz counter. All the
other shops were lacking in customers. Ever passenger on our
flight that was renting a car was at the Hertz counter. Some 90
minutes after landing we pick up our car. A Toyota Prius. This
hybrid was a great ride, nice car with a mileage computer to
keep entertaining us through the trip.
Leaving the airport we head to I-87 south to I-90 east and then
skirt downtown Albany. I spot the state capital building. This
will be the first of several capitals I will visit on this
adventure in New England. Continuing on I-90 then NY State Thwy
to our first venue.
After leaving the big highways we start our jounery on country
roads. It wasn't long before we had our first loco shoot.
Little Kenny manufacture by Plymouth
We found an 0-4-0 steam engine "Little Kenny"
in front of a farm house in Kinderhook. It appears to be a
scrap dealer and/or a plant dealer. It has a plate in the
cab which states that it was North Hudson Frontier Town No
4. I believe that this was a much loved western park nearby.
It is a much rebuilt Plymouth D class loco. We took US 9 to
NY 203 East into Chatham where we stopped at Chatham Union
Station for pictures.
Next we arrive at our first venue. The charming community
of Chatham, NY.
After leaving Chatham we head for NY 22 going south to Dover
Plains, our rest stop for the next two nights.
Before we hit the hotel we stop at Wassaic, NY. This is north
end for Metro-North and their train yard. Oh Boy, get to take
more pictures.
Tomorrow, we will return bright and early for a ride to
Manhattan.
Ten minutes more on NY 22 south we arrive at our motel.
Foothills Motel
3234 Route 22
Dover Plains, NY 12522
845-877-6223
www.foothillmotel.com
After checking in to the motel we are informed that the
restaurant across the street closes at 8 PM. Since it was after
8 PM we drove a short block to the Subway store. Dinner tonight
will be 12" meatball sub, fountain drink and 2 cookies.
After dinner it was time to repack and get organize for
tomorrow. Want to keep the backpack as light as possible but
take what is needed.
Tomorrow is going to be a really BIG show. First ride on
Metro-North to and from Manhattan, riding the subway and a day
of exploring the Big Apple.
