Page 11 (10/6 - Thursday) - Let's Ride The Choo Choo!
One has to ride a choo choo! You'll enjoy riding along this historic rail route in vintage passenger cars from our 1874 train station in North Conway Village to Sawyer River and back again.
But first, we explore the B&B and await the time to leave for Colleen's home.
Binx and "Book" watched over us!
Mary examined his eye, he could see 20-20!
Paul and the butler hit it off.
We awaited our ride.
As the crow flies! NOTE: Fryeburg (the fair) is only a few
miles from Conway!
The railway terminal was well maintained.
Did You Know? - North Conway station is a railway station located in North Conway, New Hampshire. Built in 1874, the depot was designed by Nathaniel J. Bradlee in an eclectic Russian Victorian style.
The station is also the terminus for the Conway Scenic Railroad. Northwest of the station stands a roundhouse, which now houses the Scenic Railroad's rolling stock; it was built around the same time as the station.
The yard and depot were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as North Conway Depot and Railroad Yard
Which way to the wine?
We needed a quick snack!
Mystic Sugar
The homemade biscuits were made with a lot of butter.
The tickets are ready to go!
We went to shop but alas, it was closed!
Did You Know? - Travel back in time on this heritage Sawyer rail excursion! You'll enjoy riding along this historic rail route in vintage passenger cars from our 1874 train station in North Conway Village to Sawyer River and back again.
They had several engines in pristine condition.
Hyrdrangias were still bloooming everywhere.
There was a lot to see inside the train station!
Lots of history about this railroad line.
Even the coffee cups were colorful!
Did You Know? - In the mid-20th century, passenger rail travel declined due to competition with automobile transport. In the later years of passenger service, the Boston & Maine stopped operating traditional locomotive-and-coaches trains, and switched to Budd Rail Diesel Cars.
Finally, on December 3, 1961 passenger service to North Conway was abandoned. Just over 10 years later, on 30 October 1972, freight service was also discontinued, and the station, yard, and rail line were abandoned. The station building had been reused as a firehouse and post office by 1968.
Abandonment did not last long. In 1974, three local businessmen and a host of volunteers restored the abandoned terminal and founded a new heritage railway called the Conway Scenic Railroad. More restoration work was done in 1996
No choo choo?
Here it comes
Did You Know? - This operational engine was built in 1950 and is a ex-Maine Central unit acquired from Guilford Rail System. Typically referred to as "Mr. Miller's Engine", 573 was the preferred power for the Maine Central business train by the president of the Maine Central Railroad, E. Spencer Miller. 573 led the last business train through Crawford Notch (St. Johnsbury to Portland) shortly before Guilford closed the line in 1984.
When Guilford acquired the Delaware and Hudson Railway in 1984, 573 became Delaware & Hudson 573. In 1988 when Guilford sold the D&H, they kept 573 and assigned it to Springfield Terminal and renumbered it 27.
573's first season at the Conway Scenic (1996) was operated as number 27. Today 573 is the typical motive power for Valley Train excursions.
The Engineer was fairly young!
He pulled up right in front of the station!
GN dome car #1329 now named Dorthea Mae and operating on the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire.
Seated and ready to go!
Cuba and Rick, Colleen and Mark, and Mary.
Bring it on!!
The foliage was turning as we watched.
We crossed several streams during our 22 mile trip.
The sand bars change positions during the year.
See the geese?
The water was still and made it look like a mirror.
We crossed several streets.
The school was on both sides of the tracks!
At the end of the line, the engine moves to the front of the train.
The plow is always ready!
Just us!
The station looked better in the sun light.
Off to the shops!
Shopping was mandatory!
Anyone need a stove?
Hey, it's gas and not wood!
A trip back in time.
There I was in 1955!!!
I remember building these bins with my father in the 1950s
The holes were for lifting the supports from the counter.
Neat plate.
From 2004!
Pegboard was new in the 1950s enabling store to use vertical space.
The bins were variable in size to accommodate the goodies.
Rubber lizards for 59 cents? Use to be five cents.
I cut this glass for years helping my father at his dime stores.
Mary found a treasure.
Right on the front of the store.
Reminded me of the Marx Brothers movies.
The restaurant was next door to the dime store.
The wine helped!
We were dressed for Halloween.
Good food with family.
More giggling going on!
Mark wanted to drive this home.
We loved the bright colors.
Heading home!
Mandatory Dunkin' Donuts stop!
Butt first.....
I"ll raise you one!
We checked tomorrow mornings trip!
Getting it started.
We had no mosquitos
Fire starter always works?
Burn baby burn!
Mary has the cell phone set at 911.
Getting a little warm, huh?
Where are the marshmallows?
The fire is going well now!
Wet wood!
We had to go in the house and get Colleen;
she was inside for a long time.
Granddaughter Jacquie was funny!
Great shirt!
Jon keeps an eye on Emmerson.
Our little dare devil!
The fire kept us quite warm
The wine helped also!
We are heading home tomorrow after an amazing visit.
"No driving off the platform little one!"
We had an idea!!
A Jacquie sandwich!
"I like red, Grandpa!"
Generations
