Sleigh
Ride At Admas Farm By Jim Medlinskas and Lucy Villanueva
Foliage
Beyond the Hudson By John & Mary Boudreau
Sleigh Ride At
Adams Farm
By
Jim Medlinskas and Lucy Villanueva
It was a cloudy Saturday morning, February 6, 2010, as our
motor coach left the Boston area. We traveled through central and northern
Massachusetts and into New Hampshire, before crossing into Vermont. The skies
progressively cleared as we traveled northwest. By the time we reached Vermont,
the skies were bright. We traveled through spectacular mountainous terrain.
The Adams Farm in Wilmington, VT has been owned and
operated by the Adams family since 1865. Our group climbed onto two large
sleighs, which were pulled by huge Belgian horses. The air was cold and crisp,
but the bright sun, layers of clothing, and blankets kept us warm. The sleigh
ride was through hilly terrain. The trees on the farm will be tapped for maple
sap, beginning next month. The sap is boiled down into maple syrup in a
sugarhouse on the farm.
We finally reached a cabin in the woods, where a warm fire,
cordial members of the Adams family, and hearty food awaited us. Sandwiches
featuring Cabot Vermont cheddar, turkey, and ham were among the culinary treats
available. Hot cider, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee helped to warm us. An
antique player piano entertained us. After lunch, the sleigh returned us to the
barn, where the sleigh ride had begun. We spent time in the farm’s charming
gift shop.
We re-boarded our motor coach for the return trip to the
Boston area. We stopped at Hogback Mountain, where we delighted in a panoramic
view of three states. The Hogback Mountain gift shop featured delicious Vermont
cheddar.
By late afternoon, after a rest stop on the Mass. Turnpike,
we returned to the Boston area. At Riverside, we bade farewell to our convivial
trip companions, after a most satisfying adventure. We encourage others to sign
up for Mystic Valley Railway Society trips, which, after twenty years of our
participation, never fail to provide us with precious memories.
We hope to see you soon. Jim Medlinskas and Lucy Villanueva
Foliage
Beyond The Hudson - Columbus Day Weekend
October
10 - 12, 2009
By
John & Mary Boudreau
October 10, 2009 was a dark and cloudy day, when Tom drove our full bus out
of Boston to start our adventurous tour. By the time we arrived in Albany, NY,
the sun was shining and the temperature was mild. To our good fortune, we had
sunshine for the remainder of our trip.
Lunch was at the Old Country Buffet in Albany and boy was our itinerary
correct when it stated: “enjoy a little bit of everything.” A short bus ride
brought us to the New York State Museum. Volumes could be written about the
museum, it was so impressive. One could spend days enjoying the many exhibits.
Especially moving was the GROUND ZERO memorial which displayed many artifacts
from that fateful day. The scorched fire engine with its burnt-out front and
almost perfect back was especially mesmerizing. Other items were parts from the
two planes that hit the Towers, a melted public telephone box, partially burned
police and fire badges, subway signs and many more remnants of that infamous
day.
The restored antique carousel on the 4th floor brought back many happy
childhood memories and some of us hopped upon the colorful wooden horses for a 4
minute musical spin. Other exhibits included antique fire engines, the state
birds of NY, old neighborhood storefronts, an old subway car, a 1903 Hansom cab
and a 1937 Packard. The NY State Museum is surely a must-see for anyone who
visits Albany.
We reached Schoharie in the late afternoon and were treated to a personally-
conducted tour of the Schoharie Valley Railway Museum by Jean, the curator, who
gave us a warm welcome. There was a lot to appreciate in this restored railroad
yard: a Station House, Freight and Engine House, a Mill Building and Weigh
Station. Artifacts from both the Schoharie Valley Railroad and the Middleburgh
and Schoharie Railroad are displayed in the restored Passenger Car and a scale
diorama of the entire railroad is on display in the boxcar. A wonderful museum
and a delight to all us train aficionados.
Sunday morning Tom took us to Howe Caverns for our underground expedition.
Some folks opted to stay in the lodge and the rest loaded into two elevators and
descended 156 feet to the cave which is 52 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
Jessie, our special guide, gave a brief history of the caverns and then we were
off to explore. The stalactites and the stalagmites were magnificent and we were
awed at the different shapes. We saw the Sentinels, Titan’s Temple and the
Bridal Altar. After a group photo, we started our boat cruise on the River Styx.
It was magical as we slowly glided past the glimmering rock formations. On
our way back to the elevators, many of us chose the Serpentine Passage where the
rocks are so close together there is barely room for one to squeeze past. We had
time to enjoy the beautiful scenery when we left the lodge. Tom then drove us to
our next stop - Boreali’s where we enjoyed a luncheon buffet. The Apple Barn
was a delightful old country store jam packed with all kinds of goodies both for
the eye and the stomach. It had a little bit of everything including lawn
decorations, flowers and Christmas ornaments. On to North Blenheim to visit the
New York Power Authority. One group toured the Lansing Manor, a early American
country estate. The second group opted to go to the Visitors Center, where we
saw a very informative video on the science of energy and electricity and
interactive displays on how the power is made and used.
Dinner was at the North Blenheim United Methodist Church. We dined on a
delicious ham casserole, salad and vegetables and a real treat that many of us
had never eaten - fritters with real maple syrup to dip them in - YUMMY. Tom, a
member of the congregation, gave us a history of the Middleburg and Schoharie
Railroad and his passion for trains was reflected in every word.
After an ample breakfast buffet, we started our last day of the trip. Tom
drove us across the Taconic Mountains with a few stops to admire the foliage,
take photos and stretch our legs. Around noon we arrived at the colonial
Williams Inn in Williamstown, MA to be personally greeted and welcomed by the
Inn’s owner Carl. Carl is a magnetic individual who also happens to be a
life-long member of MVRS. He gave us a brief history of his life and the Inn and
then escorted us into the large dining room complete with fireplace for a
delicious hot luncheon. Carl was at the bus to bid us all goodbye and invite us
back again. His warmth and gusto for life and friends certainly made us feel
special and left us with a desire to come back to this lovely old New England
Inn again.
Our next and last stop was at the Hoosac Tunnel Museum in North Adams. An
audiovisual presentation gives the visitor the sounds of the tunnel
construction: dripping water, pick-axes, men’s voices and explosions. The
history of the 19th century tunnel which linked Massachusetts with Albany, NY
and cost the lives of 200 men, is presented in a documentary film. There are
many fascinating exhibits to ponder as one walks through the museum. On to
Boston and goodbyes to old and new friends.
A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL.
MYSTIC VALLEY RAILWAY
SOCIETY 
