Some days are strictly play days, others (like yesterday) are traveling days, and days like today that combine moving to another spot but playing along the way I call “repositioning” days.
It was the absolute perfect thing to do staying at the Best Western Plus at the Montreal airport last night, and it was a very nice experience. They were exceedingly helpful, room exceptionally nice, had a wonderful dinner at the bar, and the free breakfast was not the typical buffet but a sit down with selections that rivaled what I get at the Red Lion Inn. And it ended up I was a two minute walk from an express bus station that for $3 got me to the Metro where I transferred (free) to get to my car. May I recommend you do the same someday – park where I did, stay where I did, and use Montreal’s public transportation to full advantage. Once retrieving my car I headed to Canada Expressway 10.
RAY RECOMMENDS – LESSONS – SUGGESTIONS – Etc.
If staying at the airport in Montreal book a room at the Best Western Plus or Marriott where,
You can walk to a bus terminal to catch an express bus for $3 and connect to the Metro to then
Travel by Metro to Universite-de-Sherbrooke where you can park and pay,
$7.25 a day longterm — my bill for 5 days was $36.25 — try to beat that in any city
Carry two credit cards with you — when the machine at the parking lot will not read your primary card, you have a backup. I always carried only one, but in October at a restaurant in London David’s card was rejected. He had another. Later that night on investigating he found that the card company fearing fraud put a stop on his card. The night before he hosted a party for a convention and paid the bill (over $5,000) on his card. Once he said it was a legitimate charge all was well. I learned my lesson well that night.
Sign-up for SKYPE and install it on all your computers and mobile devices. Costs 2 cents a minute world-wide, but toll-free numbers still cost nothing (used it often this trip for making arrangements)
WI-FI for free now can be found almost anywhere, handy for SKYPE when,
You think your credit card may have a stop on it because an hour after you made a charge by SKYPE for a ticket in New Hampshire, you check out of your hotel in Montreal causing the problem at the parking machine.
Always stop at Tourist Information centers to gather information helpful for Shunpiking, and use the free WI-FI to SKYPE your credit card company in case their computer feared fraud on your card. Ends up it was probably only a momentary time-out on a computer connection to the parking lot machine.
When at a Tourist information center ask for the good area maps that are hidden away because they are good and costly to make. I got a fantastic EASTERN TOWNSHIPS map with “Tours and Scenic Routes – Wine Routes, Summit Drive – Township Trails”
Never be in a rush, stop look and study the map and plan a new route. And,
Have a collection of I-Toys with you. I always laughed at the kids having an average of 2.5 amongst them on our trips to Italy, but I now carry four. IPhone (in the states), IPOD great for out of country – my watch, and to catch WI-FI, my IPAD comes in handy for a quick check or in a restaurant and now for saving maps, and I love my MacBookAir — so much easier to travel with than the PC, and so light with a long battery time. So, RAY RECOMMENDS – take the plunge and collect I-Toys.
Once I left the Tourist Information center instead of heading to pick up the major Route 55 to head south to Interstate 91 I opted to take Exit 90 (number based upon the mileage marker) toward Lac-Brome and Knowlton on Route 243. Sorry, you probably don’t have this map to follow my route. Well, I cannot wait to get back. Some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen and most pristine properties. And then I got to my first Chemin Des Cantons – Knowlton, where I strolled around. Intriguing looking restaurants everywhere, shops, and money dripping. Here is a gallery of views.
You can click on any image to start a slide show
Continuing out of town on 243 I wanted to head over to Lac Mempphremagog to head south towards a remote border crossing (you know I love them). Well, my under the tourist center counter map had a left turn onto Ch. de Glen which took me through Bolton-Centre. It turned into dirt – love it – where is BLACK BEAUTY or BLUE BELLE when you want them – well they will return. I took a right on Ch. Cooledge continuing south through Knowlton Landing, Mansonville, Highwater (maybe three houses there) and over the hill to the border crossing. After a friendly visit with the lonely and lovely border guard I picked up US 105 to Newport to (sorry) get onto Interstate 91. I had so many options to get to my destination tonight, but early on decided that time would determine which route to take. Would you believe I know most of the ways to get around even up here near the border?
I arrived and settled in at the Mountain View Grand Hotel in Whitefield, NH about 4:30, and have been on the front porch since about 5 typing and sharing with you. So now to post this short one (for a change) giving you a break from yesterday’s tome. BUT, come back tomorrow for something special. Something I have wanted to do since I first saw it 50 years ago is what I bought a ticket for this morning. But to do it right I have to be on the road at 7AM. You will not want to miss the pictures and video.
And now I am writing this on Thursday, 13 June, at the Halifax airport awaiting a flight. Why you ask? I got an email on my IPod while having dinner last night in Peggy’s Cove (yes, free WI-FI does appear everywhere), that one of VIA RAIL CANADA’s unions may go on strike before my scheduled departure from Halifax thus affecting my sleeper travel accommodations. I could take a chance, or cancel for an immediate full refund without penalty. Not wanting to get stuck in Halifax (at my own expense – stuck in Zurich was caused by and hosted by SwissAir) I debated and checked options. While on the phone with WestJet I finally just bought an air ticket back to Montreal (via Toronto) for Thursday. VIA RAIL said that once the strike started no one would answer the phone to take my cancellation, so that pushed my decision to not lose the full refund without penalty.
I also fired off an email to the Mountain View Grand Hotel in Whitefield, NH to see if I could come in Friday or Saturday instead of my special deal reservation on Sunday. WOW – they responded late at night and said to come on in on Friday and I could stay Saturday too. So a fantastic new plan. Now back to the past two days.
This is where over a million people entered Canada from 1928 to the early 60s, as I recall, and also troops departed for and returned from WWII. I spent two hours there. The excellent 3-D effect film portrays the multitude of reasons people left their homes and came to Canada. Next I followed a guide around as he discussed the exhibits and added anecdotes. He arrived himself through Pier 21 in the mid 50s and even showed us his papers. FAST FACT — The Kellogg’s Company, in the hopes to “hook” the new arrivals here and Ellis Island provided free Corn Flakes for nourishment. Little did they know that in Europe corn was not eaten but fed to pigs and other animals. The immigrants were insulted, and the children tossed the boxes onto the floor.
From there I walked along the waterfront which is wonderful having
HALIFAX TOWN CLOCK
undergone renovations since the late 1990s for tourism and resident enjoyment both. I had lunch on the Pier and then went to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic AND Click on this link for a virtual tour. To my surprise I found it was open Tuesday nights and FREE from 5:30 to 8, so off I went on foot to further explore the city and its architecture. When I was here in October I enjoyed touring the Citadel, but now I walked the outside and the Town Clock.
A short rest for my feet and newly repaired left foot followed, and back to the Maritime Museum, spending almost the full 2 1/2 hours, which is not enough time to do it properly. I focused on the exhibit on Convoys which were always assembled at Halifax as such a secure port and close to the grand circle route to save time to Europe, then I explored in detail the Halifax Explosion of 1916 with a loss of over 2,000 lives, including the interesting film. Upstairs I took in a few more history videos and was thrilled to see the, albeit small, Titanic exhibit because there are actual artifacts on display including a complete original deck chair.
RAY on the TITANIC DECK CHAIR, well a reproduction.
Halifax was the closest port to the sinking, and recovery operations brought back hundreds of bodies, most of which were ultimately buried there. As was the custom with wrecks, sailors helping would keep items found in the sea, and since the recovery boats came from here, the items
TITANIC CARVED WOOD RECOVERED FROM THE SEA
ended up in Halifax. I have now completed a “Titanic circle” having been to the docks where built, Southampton where she sailed from, Queenstown (Cobh) the last port she left, and I was within 25 miles of her final resting site – impressive, Yes? There was to be a lecture at 7:30 on ship surgeons, and finally I realized it was in another gallery on The Age of Sail that I had totally missed. What an animated and informative speaker.
OUR SURGEON FOR THE EVENING LECTURE
FAST FACTS: Edinburgh at this time produced the most and best surgeons; canon balls did not usually kill people, but when they hit the sides of a ship the wood splintered and flew causing death; most combat was by shooting rifles, and the lead balls would splatter flat when hitting bone. There were large probes to find the lead, but the most effective way was to insert a finger in the wound to feel the lead and try to extract it. The Edinburgh surgeons were the best because they could amputate an arm in 2 minutes and a leg in 3. And this gent went on an on until the museum closed much to our dismay.
Tuesday turned overcast with sprinkles, but on Wednesday I awoke to heavier off and on rain. But still I picked up my car at 9 and headed off for Lunenberg (RAY RECOMMENDS: always best to go to the furthest point and work your way back). I took the newer “expressway” out through more pines and birches, and then the back roads to the popular Lunenberg, a UNESCO site. The town received this designation as providing the best elements of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and as the best example of a British Colonial Settlement in North America with with 200 years of unchanged architectural styles. The iconic view across the bay of gayly painted buildings was shrouded in fog and the shops not of great interest to me. A lovely, and probably extremely busy and crowded, summer boating resort, it was deserted and I was about to leave, but then said, “Ray, you might as well take a look at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic . Learning about fish not high on my list, but was I ever wrong and had so much fun in my almost four hours there (including seafood wrap for lunch in the restaurant overlooking the water).
Just got an email at 2:17 from WestJet that my flight is delayed — thus I will miss my connecting flight from Toronto to Montreal — now what?? Will let you know, so back to my writing.
Three flours of exhibits, and ships outside, but I was intrigued by the next two films in the theater, so started there. The first made in 1960 was a story of a boy who stowed away on his Dad’s schooner to go Cod fishing. Here in detail I saw how up to the 1960s (as I later learned when trawling became more prevalent) a couple dozen dories would be
SALTED COD
launched with 2 men in each to cast lines with 2,000 baited hooks. Once brought aboard work continued chopping heads, gutting the fish, saving the liver for Cod Liver Oil, and essentially opening the Cod into a fillet to be salted and stored below. Salted Cod can last indefinitely when properly dried and was an early staple, not just for those on sea voyages. When I later was outside on the Schooner, the guide there further reinforced what I had learned. The next film was a TV documentary on Rumrunning from the Canadian point of view. Many of the fisherman became smugglers since it was more lucrative, and built special boats. There is a French island off Newfoundland which became a pivotal staging point, and even Al Capone visited there to observe the operation. Will have to find this film, but I have already ordered the book BOTH SIDES OF THE LAW by a former rumrunner who became the respected Police Chief of Lunenberg. All the exhibits were very well done, especially the one on the history of fishing in the Outer Banks there.
Outside I toured a 1962 trawler and the 1938 restored schooner where the docent was very helpful. Needing to know everything, dumb me asked why the wheel (at the stern) was tilted backwards mounted on a
Helmsman’s view on the Schooner (note dory usually stacked 6 high)
box assuming the helmsman had to stand in front of the wheel. “How can he see where to steer I asked?” The gentleman chuckled, “the helmsman stands to the side and leans on the housing for extra strength. The worm gear shaft is short and at a tilt to the rudder so there is less momentum and friction to overcome. Also standing to the side and rear of the tilted wheel saves his legs from getting hit.” So now you also know why the statues of helmsman always have him fighting the wheel from the rear and side!!!
Typical Dory Equipped for Codding
Further dumbness, but a need to know everything, caused me to ask about the shape of the scallops shells in the Tidal Touch Tank. “Why the round shape of what we eat as compared to the shape of the shell?” I queried. “What we eat is just the dense muscle that opens and closes the shell. The heart and other organs surround it in the shell,” the young lady told me. The fellow on the schooner later also told me how the scallops are harvested, and husked at sea.
LUNENBERG Bandstand.
Not wanting to really leave the museum, I did and toured the streets some more looking at the architecture before I went back to the old Route 3 to follow the coast line (get out your maps) until I met Route 333 down to popular spot – Peggy’s Cove. I went through Mahone Bay, Chester, Hubbards, French Village — all with glorious fishing pasts and boat resort lives at the present.
Along the way on Route 333 I spotted this memorial to the lost Swissair Flight 111 that went down off the coast in 1998.
About 6PM I arrived at Peggy’s Cove — a small dot, but a few homes. Obviously because of the parking lot for buses (fortunately empty) this could be a horrific place to try to enjoy with crowds. Thus you see my rare image of the most photographed lighthouse in the world — rare because there are no people in it!
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
I had dinner at the gift shop/restaurant at the lighthouse, visited the dock, and headed back to my Inn in Halifax. Peggy’s Cove is a must to visit, just hope you are alone.
Dock at Peggy’s Cove
Then as noted, I spent an hour on Skype working on my new exit plan which went into execution this morning. I had plenty of extra time at the airport and then the flight was delayed making it obvious I would miss my connecting flight to Montreal. But Ray does not worry, except I had not worked out what to do Thursday for sleeping and shunpiking on Friday. Departing about an hour late I settled in to nap on the plane (awoke at 4AM today – in my short sleeping mode) – and then it struck me. “I have no place to stay, and by the time I get rebooked to Montreal and get my car and find a place it could be 10 or 11 PM, and I have not even had time to roughly plan Friday. Where are there places to stay easily found — AT AN AIRPORT! In Toronto WestJet had rebooked me, but my new flight was already boarding, out comes the laptop, finally get connected, fast googling, good rate with no hassle ($109.99 CAD) and a shuttle bus away. Fast typing, credit card out, get confirmation number, and get up to be the last person in line to board. Now, RAY is one of the smartest, quickest thinkers around who can be decisive in a crunch – with excellent results. I got into my Montreal room at 8:30, had dinner in the hotel, and can post this blog, and plan tomorrow’s adventures on the way to the Mountain View Grand. And, I am near a bus line the receptionist told me and can get that bus and transfer to the Metro for $3 total instead of the Airport Bus for $9 and then the Metro. Of course, with shunpiking tentative plans are made to be broken, but now to start that planning at 11PM. Thanks for listening, more to come once I am refreshed and off again tomorrow. As always, yours, RAY
BOTTOM LINE – RAY RECOMMENDS: Use your debit card every few months, if only to check your account balance. I have had a debit card for five years, but only use it at overseas ATMs to acquire Pounds, Euros, or Canadian Dollars. Everything has been fine (well, one time in Canada my bank’s computer was not talking out of country) until now. As usual I called my bank before leaving to say I would be using the card out of country, “that will be fine, Ray,” but for the past 3 days my attempts to get Canadian Dollars has only gained a computer response of “Denied by Your Bank.” Today when again rejected I Skyped my bank only to find that they decided my card had not been used so they inactivated it without telling me. “Right, last time I needed it was in London for Pounds in October.” “Well I was told, we can reactivate in but at least check your balance every three months.” Think I will do that every 6-8 weeks, but still when advising I will be using it out of country I will ask the question, “did you deactivate me again?”
Sunday, 9 June, and relaxing in the Via Rail Canada’s Montreal Lounge awaiting boarding time for the overnight train, The Ocean, heading to Halifax. The trip is 1346 kilometers (836 miles) through rural communities of the Lower Saint Lawrence down the Matapedia Valley to Chaleur Bay crossing the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The train leaves Montréal just as the sun sets over the fertile farmlands carpeting the southern shores of the St. Lawrence River. In 2011 I travelled by business class rail from Montreal to Toronto to ride The Canadian to Vancouver (click here to see that group of posts), so once I arrive in Halifax I will have been coast to coast in Canada by train.
GARE CENTRALE – MONTREAL
GARE CENTRALE – MONTREAL
My trip to Montreal was flawless, and executed better than last time. For the last train journey I thought I was smart leaving my car in Burlington and catching the bus to Montreal. It was easy, but a hassle at the border unloading and loading the entire bus of passengers and bags both coming and going. Plus I was traveling on Greyhound time, and not Ray time. The Ocean is an evening train, so having the entire day to travel the roughly four hours to Montreal, I decided to drive all the way, but where to park? Near the train station was $20 plus a day, but after some continued Googling I found parking at the end of the Metro Yellow Line at Longueuil – Universite de Sherbrooke for $7.25 a day. A short walk to the Metro, a $3 ticket and 15 minutes later I was in the Gare Centrale with plenty of time to spare. Having studied maps on-line, printed out directions, and screen saved maps to my IPad it was so easy (and familiar) and I highly recommend this way for anyone coming to Montreal and wanting an easy and inexpensive way to leave your car while you play without it.
It is hard to really share an overnight train experience in words and photos, so my plan is to document the next 24 hours in video and post those with some commentary. My camera is ready with a large SD card, and I found a new program for my MacBook Air (free) to easily and quickly convert my video to MP4s for quick and easy uploading. An hour to boarding — so here goes.
Now I am back writing, Monday, 10 June, comfortably settled in the observation dome of the “Park Car” at the end of the train. Last evening I converted some videos and learned more about my MacBook before enjoying a comfortable lulling and swaying night.
Once on board the train I started by documenting my room. First are two videos of my room
The sleeper cars on this train were all built with compartments for two (fold down upper berth, and the rear of the seats folds down as a bed) with bathrooms (very ingenious – it only took me 16 hours to figure out how the sink stopper opened) and storage that you see in the video. The Canadian going west consists of 1950s era Budd Cars which have the different sleeping accommodation configurations including the tight (yet enjoyable) roomette that I had. And, you may recall my sink that folded into the wall draining onto the tracks, the shower (down the passageway, or maybe in the next car) drained directly onto the tracks as I watched, and the cleverly placed toilet (do not flush while standing in station sign still in place) which had been modified for sewage containment. Too much fun!!! Thus I have now had two totally different experiences.
Prior to settling down in the observation dome for our departure I made a quick run to see the other cars which included two service cars for snacks and drinks, the dining car, and at the end the Park Car with observation dome. The front of the train had a few coach cars which I did not see.
Dining Car on THE OCEAN
Then it was time to depart
Inside the PARK CAR from the stairs leading to the OBSERVATION DOME
Off we go !!!
Salmon for dinner
NOTICE BELOW THAT MONTREAL TO HALIFAX IS NOT A STRAIGHTWEST-EAST LINE
GOOD MORNING FROM ACROSS THE SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER 5:15 AM
and
Approaching 10:30 (Atlantic Time) and today’s scenery has gone from river to bay, to forests to wetlands complete with large beaver lodges, and now back to remote forest (fir and birch – trees not too tall – reminding me much of scrub brush/trees in the New Jersey Pine Barrens – sans Jersey Devil)
And then about 2PM (Atlantic Time) we had to stop longer than usual at Moncton, N.B. for a freight to pass by. Remember freights have the right of way. We should have met this train further down the track, but we are running late. But, it gave me a chance to duck out and get some quick shots.
PARK CAR from the Rear.
Remember my nighttime “Streamliner Visions” while on THE CANADIAN?
Well, I have arrived in Halifax, checked in my Inn, had dinner, and it is time to post. I will keep you up to date, as always, yours, RAY
BOTTOM LINE — RAY RECOMMENDS: Overnight (multiple is better) train travel is something to be experienced, but unless you have to take THE OCEAN to complete “coast to coast Canada by train” take a more scenic and breathtaking route. Once the track departs the Saint Lawrence the rails run through scenery that is “nothing to write home about.”
Remember, I write about my experiences to reinforce what I have learned, and remind me of what I have seen, but I love to share too, and hope you learn from my experiences and see something new.
Currently I am having fun staying with Alex and Lisa while David and Mari are vacationing at an island resort in the Philippines after attending a conference in China. As an extra bonus, Gary (number two son) is also here until he moves into his historic condo this coming week. I have been fortunate to have had Alex “watching duty” before, and it is always a treat to walk Alex to school and pick him up when his after-school program is done. Often when visiting I have had time during the school day to explore new areas (in September 2011 I delved into Concord one day, and the mills in Lowell the next) During this five day stay, however, only two are school days, so limited exploration time on my own, but you know my itchy feet.
On Friday the 24th I had no plans in mind for the day until meeting Alex at 2:35 at school. So after walking him there I began reading area literature I brought with me from my collection, and then I checked TripAdvisor on-line, where I was reminded of the National Historic Site – Saugus Iron Works which (after checking Google-maps) I found was just 9 miles and 25 minutes away – perfect for the four plus hours I had ‘till the school bell rang – and this site was “on my list.”
SAUGUS IRON WORKS
I got into the car and off I went with the map on my IPad’s screen, and the Iron Works audio tours downloaded into my Iphone, It was basically a straight back road shot, but I did something wrong and soon found myself too far south. When checking the map on my Ipad, something went amiss and the map vanished (has happened before – really no way to save a map, but more on this later). So, what do I do I ask myself, and I replied, “Maps App on my Iphone.” So I pulled over, let it ascertain my position, entered my destination, hit directions, and found a route to Saugus. “Now I just have to carefully read,” I said to myself, but then I saw a button I had not realized was there that said ‘begin.’ I tapped it and a GPS voice began to recite the directions, and off I went. Wow, this technology is great, and soon I was in the parking lot at the Saugus Iron Works, only 38 minutes later than I should have been.
Waterwheels have always intrigued me since a 2nd grade painting I did followed by a 5th grade science project. I have also been fascinated by our colonial iron works, but never understood the process – BUT now I do !!! Since I got “lost” on the way to Saugus (but I got to see Melrose, Malden and Revere along the wrong way) I only had about an hour and a half at the iron works, but have now spent almost the same time on their website which even includes a film on the 1950 archaeology dig on the site. This dig and study revealed the details of the 350 year old site (dating from 1646) of the first successful, integrated iron works in the New World, and enabled the accurate recreation of the site providing the best interpretation (in my opinion) of how the ore is turned into cast iron, and then wrought iron, and even into bars and rods to be made into nails. I finally learned the difference between cast and wrought iron. What comes out of the furnace is cast into molds in the sand, and then those bars can be hammered into wrought bars. In that process the “fibers” in the iron are aligned giving the iron additional strength. In the next few images I will outline the process. The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is small, manageable, and packed with comprehendible information (just follow this link to learn how to get the audio tours free from Itunes)
I began the tour with the 12 minute introductory video (also on line) which is what I always do at a historical site and highly recommend as the way to begin wherever one is offered. I then toured the site with Iphone to listening to the audio tour. From time to time I also listened in on a ranger explaining things to a school group.
An Undershot Waterwheel. One of five waterwheels at the “works.”
The bellows at the furnace driven by water power
Above is an undershot waterwheel, one of 5 wheels at the works to drive bellows or machinery to forge the iron and then to make bars or rods for nails. In the background is the tidal basin allowing for the shipping of the finished iron. Water from a mile away powered the water wheels which are sited below a bluff allowing for more power from the falling water – a perfect early industrial site.
Left – Massive bellows in the furnace to stimulate the intense burning and heat needed are driven by the cogs on this 3 to 4 foot diameter axle on the water wheel. Within these early 17th century structures it is an absolute delight to see the utilization of what we called in 5th grade science as the “six simple machines.”
The axle on this wheel raises the 500 pound hammer to then fall on cast rods to turn them into strong wrought iron.
This water driven hammer pounds the cast iron into wrought iron giving it strength.
This is the opening at the bottom of the furnace where the molten iron is drawn out flowing into the sand to make bars to be later wrought, or into molds for firebacks, pots, or other cast implements.
Bottom of the Blast Furnace where the molten iron is drawn off.
The iron making process simply explained. CLICK to ENGLARE
The iron making process was carefully explained in the small museum. Also on display were artifacts found during the excavations in the early 1950s including wooden parts from one waterwheel and building – carefully preserved underground for 300 years.
On Saturday the rains continued keeping us inside. Alex’s friend called asking him to a late afternoon movie, so Gary and I took the opportunity to hop in the car to explore the Balmoral Condominiums in Andover, Massachusetts (about 15 miles and 20 minutes north of David) where he just signed a lease. He had not learned the history of the building, but we soon were immersed with learning – with me taking the research lead (you know me by now). The Shawsheen Village area of town was built as a utopian factory village by William H. Wood as his headquarters for the American Woolen Company. Needless to say, I have immersed myself in learning additional history (on-line) about the textile industry in the area and Wood’s importance including the Textile Strike of 1912. Last month Gary and I explored Newburyport to Ipswich and environs. I never did get to tell you all about that area, but it was great to fill-in this part of the map, and I will get back to Ipswich soon and share that with you.
Well, another rainy day inside today Sunday (Alex loves to stay home on the weekends), but I will close now and play with him (and Gary) and read. Oh, and what I promised to tell you – how to save a map on your IPad. Press down on the sleep button and the Home button simultaneously. You’ll hear a click as it captures the screen. Do this for as many maps as you want to save. The screen (map or any screen image) is captured in Photos and there is the map when you open the photos folder. I even found that I could enlarge the image for more detail. Great hint, great way to save maps for when no Wi-Fi is available – and I love maps. Let the screen saving begin. Bye, and thank you for reading and learning and seeing, yours, RAY
Back again, this time rewarding myself for all the work work done on TOURISTS ACCOMMODATED which was enjoyed by almost 500 guests in the audience with 120 alone on our Mother’s Day matinee.
I have been visiting the Berkshires for many decades and can’t believe I am still discovering new back roads and new things to do. But, unfortunately many of the spots I wish to now visit do not open until around Memorial Day — but no problem, I will be back. And, maybe on that next excursion I will pick up some of these other places like Edith Wharton’s The Mount or Daniel Chester French’s Chesterwood.
Wednesday morning after having two unusual lap visits by Simon, I spent an enjoyable 2 1/2 hours at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Cathy and I visited there in the late 90s, so I was due for another visit. His iconic (in my opinion) Stockbridge Main Street at Christmastime was done in 1967 for McCall’s is one of my favorites. For the last 23 years there has been a re-creation of this scene with the street closed off around the first of December. I heard a docent talk about this painting,, and of note are the dark windows at The Red Lion Inn — at this time the Inn was only open in the summertime.
I also listened in to the docents talking to several school groups. In one gallery it was the group, me, and then one of the guards came in who I earlier noted having a very stern look on his face, but as he too listened I saw a gleam and glow on his face as it broke into a smile.
I could not resist, when he was leaving I said, “I noted your smile emerge while you listened.” “I really enjoy seeing the school groups and their enthusiasm,” he started, ,”often I see the same kids bringing their parents back weeks later to share and tell them about Rockwell’s work. It is so important to stimulate the next generation of Rockwell lovers,” he concluded. So true as I have stated for the survival of any organization, hobby or interest.
In 1986 Rockwell’s studio was moved from downtown Stockbridge, where he lived for the last 25 years of his life, to the site of the new museum.
Rockwell’s studio seen through one of his son, Peter’s, sculptures on the grounds
It is presented as it was in 1960, and I was fortunate to hear the same excellent docent recount tales of this fascinating space. He would sign copies of his ADVENTURES OF AN ILLUSTRATOR on the desk there. I only have one signed copy left, and think I am going to read it before it sells. Prior to his move to Stockbridge he lived and worked in Arlington, Vermont, another of my favorite spots on my favorite US Route 7.
My next destination was Millerton, New York and the antique center there. I followed a section of Route 41 I had been on before down to pick up Route 23 to Hillsdale, NY to head south on NY Route 22. This section of NY 22 I had not traversed in ages and had forgotten how peaceful and pastoral it is following a valley through farm country. This route I highly recommend if you are traveling north/south along the eastern NY border . Millerton is always fun to walk around even though it does not take much time. The Oakhurst Diner was closed today (you know how much I
Oakhurst Diner – Millerton, NY
enjoy classic diners), but being a tad hungry I entered the Irving Farm Coffee House “best cup in town since 2003” and asked what was most popular (always a good idea). I was told to have the Cali D’Lox which consisted of lox, avocados, cucumbers and capers with a spread of cream cheese on fantastic toasted multi-grain bread. Definitely worth anyone’s visit.
Following US Route 44 I crossed into Lakeville, Connecticut and saw just below the first pocket-knife factory in the US a historical marker “Arsenal of the Revolution.” Having lived in the NW corner of Connecticut prior to moving to NH I knew that this was an 18th century area of iron production, but I was unaware of this foundry (partially owned at one time by Ethan Allen). The placard explained how the cannon were cast vertically in the ground, and when hardened raised above a vertical bore driven by a water wheel to ream out the barrel. After many test firings, markings were made on the cannon to advise the direction a cannon ball would go so compensation could be made when firing in battle. I need to learn more, but even more fun will be learning more about Ethan Allen and his escapes. He shows up everywhere in my travels from Cornwall and Litchfield Connecticut to now Lakeville, Bennington, Vermont, Fort Ticonderoga, and I have even been to his homestead in Burlington, VT. Still too much fun.
Heading back north and when in Salisbury I realized that instead of continuing to Canaan to pick up my favorite US 7 I had better go north on Route 41 on another section I had not been on.
Again, a most pastoral ride and worthy of a return sports car run.
Today on the way home I will explore (if the mountain road is open for the season) Mount Greylock where I camped in my Model A Ford in the mid-1960s, and have not been back since. I don’t recall visiting the top of the mountain and Bascom Lodge built by the CCC in the 1930s. In 2010 I had hoped to go there in BLACK BEAUTY, but she was not done in time. But will do so this year for sure for an overnight and diner watching the sunset from the highest point in Massachusetts — who wants to come?
I cannot believe how fast my time goes in the lobby of The Red Lion Inn reading and writing, and having diner in the dining room. I am so glad I now make my visits here two nights, but it may not be enough. My travels will be continuing, catch you soon, as always, yours, RAY
A typical Millerton NY store – frozen in time, and with luck a postscript tonight with images from atop Mount Greylock
You have not heard from me for a long time. My local friends know why. I have been totally involved (cast selection, directing, producing, marketing, backstage preparation, etc.) with the spring Walpole Players’ production of TOURISTS ACCOMMODATED (a play I was aware of, and volunteered to bring to our stage). The past three nights we entertained just over 200 “tourists” and if you are nearby you can join us this coming weekend. Full details are on The Walpole Players website and I will be happy to hold tickets for you.
So, what do you do when you actually have a “day off” and it is a “sports car day?” You back BLUE BELLE out of her berth and follow her lead having a full tank of petrol. She is more fun to tour with, more fun to drive, and it has nothing to do with the fact that she cost me one seventh of BLACK BEAUTY’S refurbishment. Time for you to get your Vermont maps out. By now you know there is a pattern to my life, and I have some favorite spots, but I still have many holes in the map to fill in — today seemed perfect to fill them. So, track me from home to Chester then up to Proctorsville, VT to Crows’ Bakery and Opera House Café for my Western Omelet (please make the trip). Then through Ludlow to pick up VT 100 (one of my
Reopens 25 May – no gas today!
favorite country roads), and detoured on 100A to Plymouth Notch my favorite picnic spot, and the most bucolic setting in the world – Calvin Coolidge’s home and site of his swearing in as President, then back to VT 100 up to Killington (been a long time since I was there) and then to Stockbridge. Now, you know the importance of Stockbridge, Massachusetts and The Red Lion Inn to me, but Cathy and I had several wonderful trips to Stockbridge, Vermont visiting an antique shop in the late 1990s. The leaves were unbelievable and the 80 plus year old shop owner a delight (across the way is the site of a country Ford dealership – since 1913, absolutely unreal setting).
Peaceful Plymouth Notch, VT with Calvin Coolidge’s home and site of his swearing in.
Then BLUE BELLE decided to head over VT 107 to Bethel (where I had never been – neat town) and down to South Royalton (home of the Vermont Law School, and worth the visit to see the architecture) on VT 14. I pined for a root beer float, but in the small coop grocery selected an original Eskimo Pie and Blueberry Soda. I enjoyed them while sitting atop the bandstand on the common.
I sat in this bandstand with my ice cream and blueberry soda.
And, this is looking back at downtown South Royalton, VT.
Then we backtracked to VT 12 South to Woodstock to pick up VT 106 South through South Woodstock and Reading (yes, Carol and David, I swung by your estate, but not seeing any activity – you should have been in the yard working – I did not stop). The idea was to pick up VT 131 to cut back to New Hampshire, but then I remembered (and told BLUE BELLE) that I had not been south of 131 on 106 and had to find The Weathersfield Inn in Perkinsville.
The Weathersfield Inn – I cannot wait to try it with my friends – hint !!!
So that is what we did. You know I am still in tears with the closing of Rowell’s Inn (where everyone knew my name) and I am struggling with finding a new special spot. I have read many wonderful articles about this inn being the best in Vermont (Fodor’s, etc.) and I found it on VT 106. Ironically it is the same distance and travel time as Simonsville, VT the location of Rowell’s Inn. I cannot wait. Any volunteers to join me?? Once TOURIST ACCOMMODATED is over, of course.
More travels to come, I promise. As always, yours, RAY
Well, maybe everyday is now a “day-off” but today was planned that way as a road trip away from home. Not all excursions need a finite purpose, for example last Saturday I followed the front of the car around Vermont. My planned destination was west into Vermont, but I ended roaming from Chester to Weston, then Manchester down to Arlington and East Arlington, North Bennington, Bennington then through Wilmington to Brattleboro. Scouting for props for our upcoming play was my excuse, but whenever I head out I am looking for books. Only found one worth buying, but once it sells my gas and meals for the day are paid for.
Friday, 5 April, was planned in more (but not exact) detail. Last month I replaced my white Corian kitchen counters with a Verdi serpentine marble from Rochester, Vermont. The kitchen was just too much white. While doing so I also changed the island
My New Kitchen
to one level since I now spend much more time “working” in the kitchen and thus can spread papers out. On the way to The Red Lion Inn last month I found the counter stools I wanted in Holyoke, Massachusetts, but they were short a few, thus this trip was to pick up what they ordered in for me. Now, Holyoke is just north of Springfield, home of the Springfield Armory National Park which was “on my list.” Sadly, in fact, I had never been in Springfield except cruising by on I-91, so this became the perfect opportunity to visit.
But what else to do? I went to Trip-Advisor on my Iphone, and number 13 on the list was TITANIC MUSEUM – shocker, in Springfield?? I checked their website, and now had my
Home of the Titanic Museum
first stop nailed after retrieving my chairs. HENRY’S JEWELRY in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield has been the home of the Titanic Historical Society for the past 50 years with the museum in two rear rooms featuring original artifacts that were onboard given by the survivors. Its founder, Edward Kamuda, as a youngster worked in the family theater across the street. During the showing of TITANIC in 1953, he obtained a booklet with all the survivor’s names and addresses. He wrote a letter to each beginning lifelong correspondence, and fascination leading to the establishment of the society in 1963, the museum, and the many donations of artifacts from the survivors of the sinking. Definitely worth the visit (I spent an hour
Mrs. Astor’s Lifejacket – but sadly not here for me to see
reading all the displays) but I was disappointed to learn that the most significant artifacts (Mrs. Astor’s lifejacket, a deck chair, etc) were away on loan at two new TITANTIC museums in honky-tonk areas – Bronson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I may want to visit one of these someday, but I did get to the TITANIC museum in Belfast last year, and have also been to important Titanic sites including Southampton, Cobh (or Queenstown) and Halifax.
The founder’s sister then routed me to downtown Springfield via Berkshire Avenue to State Street which would get me to the Springfield Armory. That was easier than going back via interstate, and gave me a flavor for the area. For 174 years until 1968 the Armory (along with the one at Harper’s Ferry until the Confederates thought otherwise) was the producer of arms for the US, and research facility. The entire area has been repurposed as a local college, police academy, office complex center etc., except for
Springfield Armory as seen through the Commandant’s porch
the main armory building where the National Park Site is located along the commandant’s home built in the 1850s. A small museum, half of which is displaying arms (not my interest) and the other half gave me an insight to the history of the industrial development and importance of Springfield and the water power of the Connecticut River. Some fascinating machinery was on display, and one exhibit helped me understand Shays’ Rebellion of 1787. I enjoyed my time there, checked it off my list, but do not have to return. Not sure what to do next I went down the hill to downtown, circled the museum area and business district. Now, if you ever pass Springfield on I-91 do get off and explore!!! The commercial and residential architecture is fabulous, well maintained, and I will probably return to “do” the museums and tour the streets with my camera.
BLAN.CHARD LATHE developed in 1820 to mass produce gun stocks
Then I decided to cross the Connecticut River on Memorial Bridge and head north on US 5, which was the main north south route until I-91 was completed. There are sections between Springfield to Greenfield that I had not been on previously, so now was the perfect opportunity to rectify that. I passed back through Holyoke, and soon saw a sign –
How can you not stop?
DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS – now that deserves a U-Turn and hike down to the Connecticut River. Then I did some antiquing in Northampton, but sadly no treasures to load into the van. I still had time before the dreaded 5PM closing hour to get to an antique center north of Yankee Candle, and bought enough books to cover gas money. A fun walk around Yankee Candle followed before heading to my planned dinner stop at the Deerfield Inn.
My first detour to Old Deerfield was in the pouring rain in the summer of 1963 – the top was up and side-curtains on Belzebuth – my 1929 Model A Ford Roadster. I-91 was not yet completed, so my 21 inch tires rolled the back roads on this trip up the Pioneer Valley towards Chester, Vermont and eventually into the White Mountains – is there a pattern to my life? (sadly, I never discovered Walpole 50 years ago). Since that day I always detour through the village. I love the gift shop and buy books there, but have never toured the museum buildings nor stayed at the Inn.
Deerfield Inn
This time I planned dinner at the Inn – a long overdue stop. And it was a special and exceptional treat that will be repeated. I did not know that the floods of Irene had closed the Inn for 18 months and that it had only reopened on Monday. Nancy greeted me at Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern (I later learned that the formal dining room will reopen soon). Then I was warmly greeted by the Innkeeper, Jane, who shared some photographs and history with me (I always carry a sport coat when planning fine dining – I feel better, and it does set you apart). Once seated, I found the wait staff exceptional. Having studied the menu on-line I ordered and savored the Deerfield Farm Burger, and thoroughly enjoyed the ambience for over an hour with a locally brewed beer. From now on, dinner at The Deerfield Inn will be on my menu even though only 50 minutes from home (hint to friends – easy dinner road-trip).
So with piles of travel plan ideas laid out in a front room, and itchy feet for even local day-trips, you will soon be getting more posts from me, and hopefully ideas for your own travels. Happy Shunpiking, as always, yours, RAY
It has been over two months since I last wrote here. At the moment (March 4th) I am in front of the fire at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. My “new” Macbook Air is in my lap and I am using Apple’s Pages for the first time — often the only way to learn new software is just start (I left my PC laptop home — only have Apple products with me). Unfortunately I am not as mobile as I would like. My operated on left foot is wonderful, but last Friday I awoke with terrible pain in my right knee. I either threw my gait way off swelling the bursa, or possibly aggravated a gout reaction following enjoying some crab cakes. After 5 days I am somewhat better, but will call the doctor if I hit a week in pain — I do just accept my aches and pains.
Now it is Tuesday morning, 5 March, and I last night I started reading Archer Mayor’s GATEKEEPER and have continued this morning in front of the fire for over an hour and a half. It is 10AM and I have no real plans for today. Soon I will head down my favorite US Route 7 to Great Barrington and maybe further. I would like to visit the kitchen store in Great Barrington. Why a kitchen store? Read on.
Last week Mike, my contractor, showed up with his stone man to look at my counter tops. Awhile back I told Mike that I wanted to change from white counter tops, and eliminate the raised bar in the island. I had told Mike what I wanted for the counters color wise, and when they walked in, right on top was a fantastic sample of Vermont Serpentine Stone – a marble – don’t even ask the price. Mike said they could start this week, “but I will be away Mike, oh, but you have a key, have at it,” I replied. Well, Mike arrived Monday and my center island was cut down to the new size before I left. The template for the new tops should be completed before I return, and hopefully next week all will be done.
Awhile back I researched counter bar stools since I will need new shorter ones. It only made sense to sit on something before buying on-line, so I searched furniture stores in the Holyoke area on the way to Stockbridge. Responsive email reply from Pete at Eddie’s Furniture (since the 1880s), and I planned it as my first stop. He had exactly what I wanted with two in the warehouse. I bought those, paid for two more, and will pick those up on my next trip to The Red Lion Inn. Better price than the internet, and assembled, and very nice. I then explored the old industrial mill and canal area of Holyoke finding it all fascinating. It was also fortuitous because GATEKEEPER, I later found, is partially set there. I enjoy Archer Mayor’s writing, but it is really great to known the areas he is describing as it brings the action right to life.
Today when I closed my book I finally left the Inn after 11 heading south to Great Barrington only to find that the kitchen store’s one day closed is Tuesday. Well, the quest
Happy Birthday Ray
for a new stainless steel dish rack and drainer will continue. Lunch followed at The Neighborhood Diner – a walk around town (leg doing better) – and then continued my meander down my favorite US Route 7 (now in my 50th year doing so), stopping at the Great Barrington Antiques Center. This is about the only place left as most establishments Cathy and I visited no longer exist. An item caught my eye. “You don’t need anything, Ray,” I mused, “but your Street Peanut Roaster and 1902 Cretors Sidewalk Popcorn Machine don’t fit in the house,” I then rationalized. Some negotiation, and my new “toy” was loaded into the van, and off I continued south.
I am pretty familiar with this “neck of the woods” but not all the back roads, and each time of year everything looks different anyway. I am not usually here with all the leaves off the trees, and the ride over to Ashley Falls looked totally different (wanted to buy the old mill and water wheel there in the early 1980s). I crossed the line into Canaan, Connecticut and turned west on US 44 towards Millerton, NY where I usually can make some needed buys (got a printing press on my last visit – I know, how many does one man need – six at last count). But at the last minute I decided to cut over to Falls Village not
Victorian Cottage at the Pine Grove Association grounds
having totally explored that area. I saw the old railroad tracks, and what appeared to be the remains of a canal. Always a good place for a historian to stop is the local library, and the woman who greeted me as I looked around happened to be the archivist for the historical society. “Yes, the canal is from the 1850s,” she told me. “Where is the church camp meeting ground,” I then asked, and she showed me on the map inviting me back to see the exhibit on Pine Grove at the historical society in the near future. Having an interest in the 19th century Victorian church camp meeting grounds I back tracked (that is also true shunpiking) and discovered the entrance to the grove. Such fun, and I hope to visit again in season sometime.
The old Buggy Whip Factory building.
Then off on more back roads that I had not been on in quite awhile to Southfield, Massachusetts to the old Buggy Whip Factory. For many years in the late 1990s I had space there for about 2,000 books which sold well. But sadly, like so many other fine antique picking spots, its doors too are now closed. Back through Marlborough the back way around Great Barrington it was nice to see the areas devastated years ago by a hurricane now reforested. Parking the car behind the inn, and walking towards the door I stopped and thought, “it is nice to be home!”
Yes, you are correct, I am back in front of the fire, and after dinner I will return here to read and write and prepare images for this post (remember, all for the first time on a Mac). Tomorrow I will do the same, but leave by noon having completed my two night stay — the only way to do it I have resolved with the full day in between. I will head up my favorite US Route 7 into Vermont and continue to explore familiar haunts. One stop for sure will be in Arlington at the Dorothy Canfield Fisher library — my “players” friends know why. Then comes our CABIN FEVER RADIO FOLLIES on the 23rd, and rehearsals begin for TOURISTS ACCOMMODATED (by Dorothy Canfield Fisher). I have been thinking about other trips this year. Have bought a train ticket from Montreal to Halifax so I can say I have been coast to coast in Canada by train. I have also booked a voyage from Istanbul to Luxor Egypt via the Suez Canal (then fly to Cairo and the Pyramids) — just to peak your curiosity. There are a few other trips I “have to make,” so “stay tuned” and thank you for reading, yours, RAY
Good morning, Wed, March 6th, and I realized that I forgot one image. This is one reason I love The Red Lion Inn.
I started this year end post several days ago, and now is time to finish it.
Tonight (Friday 28 December) at dinner I thought I would start a post giving you a post-operative update. Yes, I am taking my convalescence from foot surgery very seriously and consider this my first ever stay-cation, albeit without my usual hard running while on a trip away from home.
Surgery on 18 Dec, Gary brought me home. Wednesday I was pretty active, and Thursday slept most of the day. Friday I had my first post-op doctor’s visit after which Gary left at 3PM, and I have been on my own ever since. And, I have been remarkably fine and have had no pain or problems for which I thank Him (and Cathy) with daily prayer. BP brought over some lasagna on Friday night which was a great two meals, and L&D left some homemade soup Sunday afternoon, which I enjoyed that evening and the next. I had laid in a good supply of groceries, but on Wednesday after Christmas TS picked up a few fresh items that I needed to fill out a 10-14 day supply (I make a few dishes that last me 3-4 days). CN has (as she does when I am gone) been taking care of Cricket in the shop because I do not even want to take chances on the three steps in the mud-room before hustling through the garage to the shop – I would probably cry if I saw Black Beauty and Blue Belle unused anyway. My days have alternated between heavy duty rest and some minimal activity in my informal front sitting room – activity involving reading, writing and laptop keyboarding.
As my days progressed after Christmas I worked on two articles for THE WALPOLE CLARION, worked on Town Treasury stuff, and read two small books. The key to healing is rest, icing the foot, and an electronic bone stimulator – following this regimen has been my main job. I have minimized my movement around the first floor only, and have the kitchen set up for cooking ease. Netflix is a nice relaxing time filler, and I am now working through the TV series WINGS, which has great characters and wonderful writing.
You have heard me say that I wake up with thoughts that provoke me to action, and on the 28th I said, “Ray, time for an Apple laptop for travel, and time to begin thinking about 2013 trips – read about Scotland!” I actually listen to myself. Some research on the Apple website, phone call with David for recommendations, and my 13 inch MacBook Air (I forgot about a check I was getting at the end of the year) is now due to be delivered 4 January. My Dell laptop is big, weighs over 8 pounds (most evident when on crutches) whereas my new Apple laptop is small, thin, and is 2.96 pounds. I then delved into Rick Steves book on Scotland, and have become extremely excited to spend several days in Edinburgh and then drive up to the Highlands and Loch Ness, Inverness, Fort William, Pitlochry, etc. Also on the search radar screen are historic train trips. Betty suggested the Scottish Whiskey Train, and I began studying a great trip on the Royal Scotsman, but at $6,800 for four nights I may wish to buy many more experiences instead (but who knows?). But that has lead to additional train research, and Amtrak has a reasonable 10 day Grand Canyon Journey. Not that many nights on a train however, so I may just have to head back to Via Rail in Canada. Main thing – 2013 travel thinking is underway. And, yes, I did buy a second voucher for 2 nights at the Red Lion Inn. An old friend always said, “Ray, you can go broke buying a bargain; but, you will never go broke making a profit.” The price is a real bargain for lodging, meals and Norman Rockwell Museum tickets – much less than I would have to pay at the single tariff, but this deal is for two.
Rounding out my recent thoughts include some home improvements including installing hot water on-demand and upgrading the kitchen with new countertops and cabinet hardware. And, I still have a full plate of projects that can be accomplished while sitting at a laptop – even my new one.
Well, let me stop and pass my best wishes to you for a joyful New Year. Remember to Accept and Adjust and remain Content and Comfortable. Focus on the positive, and remember there are always folks who are having a tougher time than you may be having – so, count your blessings. As always, yours, RAY
And, here is something I saw the other day on John Tesh’s Facebook page:
Studies show that devoting time and attention to something that gives your life meaning can be a constant source of joy. So, find a goal or a passion that fulfills you Don’t know what your passions are? Then ask yourself these questions:
“What makes me feel most energized and exited?” “What could I talk about nonstop?”
And “Which activities do I get so caught up in that time just flies?”
Your goal is to figure out what’s missing and incorporate it into your everyday life.
And, finally (through the front screen door) there is snow on the common on this overcast New Years Eve.
I just looked at my new clock, and see that it is Monday. Intuitively I also know that it is Christmas Eve. Last evening I watched WHITE CHRISTMAS (a small tradition of mine) and tonight I will watch IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. I then reviewed and made a list of my blog posts from 2012 and December 2011 before falling asleep. I see that on the 24th last year, I shared the live nativity on the common in front of my house with you. I also noted that many of my posts began, “I just feel like writing,” so here goes.
Most of you know that I am now “laid-up” for the next 6-8 weeks following foot surgery.
Note my directions, and Doctor’s initial
Tuesday the 18th I had a large bunion removed from my left foot, but more importantly had the big toe completely fused with screws and a plate following removal of gouty residue which we assumed may be there. And, yes, prior to an operation on an appendage the patient can mark the correct spot along with the doctor. Of course I went a tad further with full initials and an arrow to the spot! Friday when I had my first post-op doctor’s visit I learned that my hour operation took almost two hours because my fine surgeon, Dr. John Gregory, did not like a spot one screw went into soft bone tissue and he essentially redid the surgery relocating all to a different location. I have had no pain at all – NONE. I do seem to have a high tolerance for pain, but we also know who is looking after me! I am taking the overly cautious route of minimizing my movements around the house, and in not going out taking the risk of bumping the foot and damaging the healing process.
I returned from England on 2 November with pain and walking problems (worse this time than after my other 2012 sojourns), and after two visits with my foot surgeon opted for surgery. No one chooses elective surgery over the holidays so I grabbed the first date after A CHRISTMAS CAROL was done. Of course, that way I will be able to start traveling with ease sooner. The five weeks spent on our fifth annual production again was very gratifying (and kept my mind off the walking problems and impending operation). Our 4 nights of performances were attended by almost 500 people, and the cash contributions totaled almost $3700. The total cash contributions to the local area food shelves for our first five years have now exceeded $16,700 – not too bad!!!
This evening, peering out a window, I will only be able to get a partial view of the live Nativity on the common. “On my list” was to acquire an old large Nativity set, and I stumbled upon one in March in an antique center in Massachusetts. Once I verified that all the figures were there in the original box I could not write my $45 check fast enough. The dealer had marked it 1960s, but in my researching the Japanese hallmark and the store it was originally sold in I am sure it is from the mid 1950s.
I did get some of the house decorated for Christmas, mainly my miniature tree collection in the kitchen and part of the dining room.
Part of my tree collection on the kitchen mantle
Dining room, partially done
Part of my review of last year’s travel blogs was to start thinking about what I would do in 2013. At this time in 2011 only the Yellowstone adventure with Betty, Scott and Rich was planned, but evolved into about 72 nights away from home. Nothing is in the works for 2013, but I am not worried – things just happen. I went to sleep deciding that my first adventure will be to return to my favorite Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This morning my TravelZoo email was offering a Berkshire special – The Red Lion Inn. I immediately bought my voucher (good until late May) representing an over 40% savings for two nights. I may just have to buy another. I remembered in my review that I could not share Pompeii, Sorrento, The Isle of Capri, the Amalfi Coast and Positano with you due to my laptop being hacked. So as I convalesce and start developing travel adventures for 2013 I will share 2013’s ideas with you along with some “catch-up” for 2012.
But, most importantly:
MERRY CHRISTMAS and
HAPPY NEW YEAR
As always, yours, RAY
and, this image taken at 8:30 Christmas Eve from my front door of the Live Nativity on the Common.
Shunpiking with Ray 