Gallivanting in Norfolk

 We made the long trek today to Norfolk in order to attend the DPAA meeting tomorrow which is being held at the Hilton Main. Little did we know that we would find ourselves in the midst of a Marathon being held in the morning, and a parade being held tomorrow night!  Luckily, we booked only one night here, and we hope to depart before the road closures for the parade tomorrow!  

I was able to secure a room at the same venue, with a magnificent view of the river.  We arrived just in time to capture a photo of the sun setting.

How awesome is that?

And, this is the view at present.

My husband is sitting in a chair near the window and tells me that he just might sit there looking out all night.   Good for him.  I think I'll enjoy the comfy bed which pretty much offers the same view.

After checking in, we decided to take a walk about and check out the harbor.  But not before spotting some entertaining decor in our midst. 

In the harbor sits the USS Wisconsin, all decorated up with a festive holiday display.

and the surrounding area was equally entertaining.

Someone thought he'd add to the decor. 

Honestly.....were you surprised by that?

The weather was perfect for a walk....not too chilly, but brisk enough to add to the festive air.

One of the local venues had a large photo of the Wisconsin without its decorations.

I read that it is docked in just 2 to 4 feet of water, and it is tied down to endure hurricane force winds.  Pretty amazing when you think of it.

We enjoyed a delightful dinner in the hotel restaurant, where it appears that books abound. 

And that was just a fraction of what they have in the restaurant.  Quite an interesting display, for sure.

Here's hoping for an informative meeting tomorrow.  If I have time,  I'll attempt a recap.

In the meantime, I'm going to relax and just enjoy the view.....from the comfort of my bed! 

Gallivanting in Boyertown

 Yesterday was a rainy, dismal day, which offered the perfect opportunity for a drive to Boyertown to check out the Vintage Car Museum.  And, I must say, it certainly did not disappoint.

Once through the doors, one is transported to a different era involving transportation, which many of us take for granted in today's world.   But this labor of love museum offered a wealth of information regarding mode of transport over years past.  What was most surprising to me was just how many of the vehicles on display were made in the Reading, PA area. I always associated automobiles with Henry Ford and facilities far from the state where I grew up.  But, here, dozens of cars proved otherwise.  

Duryea seemed to be a popular vehicle in this area.  This Phaeton, built in 1904 was produced at  a time when the company was building just about one car a week. The man responsible for this type of vehicle, Charles Duryea, had worked in the bicycle industry, and he was instrumental in the development of pneumatic tires for these cars, even if the originals managed to get a flat every 10 to 15 miles. 

James Reber, founder of the Acme Bicycle Manufacturing Company, also stemmed out into car manufacturing.  This 1910 4 cylinder water-cooled engine vehicle was built in Reading as well and featured a gravity fed fuel system. 

As driving became more common, the automobiles became larger to accommodate more people.  This Touraine Model 61 was built in Philadelphia and seated seven passengers.

The name Pullman is often associated with travel, and so we see a 1908 Pullman "light" touring car.  This one is categorized as the oldest restored and operational Pullmen Motor car in existence.  It was built in nearby York, Pa.

Here are just a few shots of the many models that were featured on the floor. 

A 1937 Chrysler Royal Six Town Sedan 

Here is a 1915 Electric Bus

And, a traveling truck 

that featured some interesting interior details.

There were service vehicles, 

 a Studebaker, 

as well as some other delightful models.

But cars weren't the only thing on the floor.  This recreated gas station was certainly entertaining.

As well as the full size Fegley's Diner, which was carefully moved from its original location to stand in this enormous building. 

It's easy to see just why the owners wanted to see its preservation.

There were motorcycles with sidecars

an ancient hearse

and a collection of children items. 

And let's not forget the collection of AAA emblems from all over the country!

There was one display that caught my eye that I found particularly intriguing: The Mighty Atom.

The information was presented in the back of what looked like a prison-on-wheels vehicle.  There was a large array of photos and magazine articles, most of them fragile and faded.  There appeared to be a small man pulling a truck full of women with a single cable wrapped around his body.  Also, there were photos of the same man bending heavy metal chains with his hands. 

After a brief search, I was able to determine that Atom Man was a Polish Immigrant named Joe Greenstein. He was, indeed a marvel when it came to unusual strength, and he performed his curious feats until he died at the age of 84.  I'm not certain why his information is featured in the museum, but I must say, it certainly did add a bit of quirkiness to the entire experience.

And, we all know how Marty and I love to embrace quirkiness!

Here's hoping you enjoyed our day out in Boyertown.  A rainy day excursion that certainly brightened our day!  I hope the same is true for you.

Gallivanting at the Strasburg Railroad

Yesterday, we ventured into Amish country to explore the Strasburg Railroad Museum.   We had visited here many years ago when the kids were little, but it was obvious that this place had undergone a huge renovation sometime in recent years. 

The building looms over the Amish countryside, and once inside, it's not too difficult to see just why it is so large.  

Once we entered the building, we were sent back in time, walking through the ticket station

and onto a street where storefronts stood recreated from ages ago. 

Peering through the windows was very entertaining.

The path led us through rooms that were loaded with various train displays.  

Here you see a display created entirely from Legos.

Simply amazing!

Then, we found ourselves admiring miniature trains set up in various cities and locations.

The backgrounds enhanced the visual display bringing the cities to life.

We exited into the main part of the building which was bursting with just every type of train ever made.  And, the experience also included other items, like this old time hearse

and US Mail truck.

Here stands the oldest surviving 8 wheel passenger car in North America which was known for its modern seating that included a center aisle.  When this car was first retired, it was sold to a farmer who used the body as a chicken coop.  But in 1892, the car was rescued by the Pennsylvania Railroad and cleaned up to show in exhibits at various World's Fairs over the years.  

This is a Conrail Modern Diesel locomotive, which was apparently the type of train that Marty worked on while supporting his college education as a brakeman in the summers. 

He was given the opportunity to recreate his past adventures by having a seat in the engineer spot. He certainly got a kick out of that!

The place was loaded with all kinds of trains, varying in age, style and purpose. 

Here is one that came all the way from Hawaii, where it was used to transport sugar cane. It might look small, but that is only because the photo is taken from a walkway above.  

Here you see the Poor Man's Locomotive, the "Climax".  It was designed to be cheap and disposable.  It's light weight enabled it to move timber from the mountains of Pennsylvania to local markets.

The dining cars were entertaining, with graphics 

as well as historic items from past days.

In the corner leading to the rail yard stands a mural representing John Bull, one of the famous original train engines that is actually on display in the museum.

Across the street from the museum is a train station where one can pay to take a short, 45 minute trip, in a passenger car on a steam train.  It was the perfect day for such an excursion.

Here are just a couple of the scenes taken out the window.

as well as some shots taken down the road.

Of course, these two had to cross the tracks to get the better view.  

I hear there will be a special edition of the train adventure on the Yinzer fishing Youtube channel sometime in the near future. 

That will give you something to look forward to, won't it?

I hope you enjoyed following along on our travels. 

In the meantime, here's bidding you fond farewell from Strasburg!

Until next time.....