HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY 2023 — and I finally got back out to explore a tad, but I still owe you my report from my last Erie Canal adventure – well, “on the list.” Besides having something to accomplish every couple days around home, there is a reason I have not been out and about. My spinal stenosis has been advancing making it not fun to walk a great distance. I have another appointment with my spine doctors this week, and hope to find a solution to avoid a third back surgery and lumbar fusion. As my Dad taught me, “there is always someone worse off,” – not even mentioning the lives lost that we are remembering this holiday. It doesn’t make it better, but you need to be thankful for what you have. And, as you have heard me say, after losing Cathy, “accept and adjust.” More on that at the end.

This Friday, Saturday, and today Sunday, was the 47th Bernardston Gas Engine Show, Flea Market & Craft Fair, in Bernardston, Massachusetts, and I learned that the “a” is silent. BLUE BELLE does not need a reason to back out of her garage, but it helps to have a journey in mind. Our 75-mile loop today was down River Road (do take that route) crossing over to US 5 at Brattleboro, Vermont, and south to Bernardston. Returning home I cut back across the Connecticut River picking up Route 63 in Northfield, Massachusetts, and then sliding on that route all the way home. You have heard me before – both great roads to experience.

The show’s big day was yesterday, and I will share below why I did not go on Saturday, but I arrived today about 10:30 AM, and toured the flea market, without parting with a dime, and then sat under a tent. Soon it was announced the tractor parade would begin, and I was in the perfect spot near the commentator. Circling the field, arriving first was the UCC Church’s bell clanging to signal the parade. It is this church that has sponsored the event.

I wish I could remember all that was related, but I will give you some of what I fortunately learned and remembered. I was intrigued by this massive rig from the distance, and learned its huge Diesel engine has a gasoline engine to turn it over to start.

Not all tractors are the ubiquitous John Deere green. Here is a young lady driving a red Farmall (note the weights on the front wheels to hold it down when pulling a big load); followed by a nice early black tractor.

See the large treads on the back wheels above? It was not until the 1930s that rubber tires were on the rear of tractors – instead they had large iron wheels with metal treads. That is because a way to keep the deep ribbed treads on the tires had not yet been discovered. But, once the large rubber treads were possible, the switch over was made, and tractors were able to pull better without the slipping iron wheels did. And, now you also know.

Having seen this tractor from the distance, I could not wait for it to arrive. Most tractors, as work vehicles, had minimal extra metal and styling – but this “streamlined” OLIVER is so reminiscent of the 1930s.

Most of the “hit ‘n miss” engines on display had probably left after the big day on Saturday, but I did get to enjoy this display.

I bought lunch at the church’s booth, then it was back up US 5 a short ways, right turn to cross over to Northfield, and Route 63 home. About a 3 1/2 hour outing, and very enjoyable on this amazing day, and a good ride to get me back out again.

But Ray, “you said more at the end.” Well, if you made it to the end of my ramblings, let me ramble along more to catch you up on my thoughts and projects. I did not go to the show on Saturday because friends and I were scouting Vermont Architectural Salvage. The back story – for the past five to six weeks I have been attempting to move a small barn/large shed to my back yard to serve as a rustic retreat overlooking trees and Vermont sunsets. Too big for the small guys, and two small for the big movers – by the way folks, have the courtesy to at least send an email back, or return a call saying “go away.” Finally found someone, but his method was iffy, and border line (I will stop there). Dreading breaking the news to my friend, I finally did so last Saturday that I was not going to accomplish the task.  But, by the next morning her email said, “she-shed.” Plans developed, and she and our builder friend had a great time in White River Junction, and found just the correct windows for the “she-shed.” My retreat plans in the back now are morphing into something son, Gary, and I talked about – a porch off the back of the bookshop. It will have the same wooded, private view I want, and a plan is in the works with our builder friend. 

“Why a retreat in the back,” I hear you asking. Well, that back story started at the vintage camper shows I went to, COVID, purchasing my Airstream, replacing that with my 1959 FAN Sportsman’s Friend “canned ham” which I did camp out in the back last summer – albeit facing civilization.

Well, about it to share – but remember I write for myself to remember, and often to help solidify my thoughts and decisions. I have an amazing adventure coming up which hopefully will not be a problem walking wise, and listening to the train whistles from my porch, I need to head off on Amtrak again. Watch out Scott – there is a stop (or two) at Glacier. As always, luv, RAY