I got a whole bunch of steps in as the Mrs., the granddaughters and I spent over an hour on the mostly shaded trail on a grand walk. There were old, young, walkers and bikers, a little old lady pushing a baby carriage, and many dog walkers greeted along our adventure through the woods.

The Rooster and the granddaughters pose for the camera.

Granny and the girls under I-84.

Such Talent

Various signs along the way gave the walker the history on how the rail line functioned in years gone by. My family from the 20’s thru the 50’s had a long history with both the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Pennsylvania Seashore Line.

One great Uncle was in-charge of the mail car that ran each night between Scranton and Altoona, PA. Back during WW II another great-uncle was an engineer on a coal train that ran from Camden, to Cape May, NJ. I can remember sitting on a stool in my grandmother’s house and listening to stories from times gone by. One such story told, surrounded the expert marksmanship my uncle dad with a pistol. It seems the railroad armed the crews as they traveled the tracks adjacent to the coast, German submarines you know. As the train would pass farms that were fronted with picket fences close to the tracks, many would have empty milk bottles seated there awaiting the Milkman’s pick-up and delivery. Ready, Aim, *FIRE*, target practice would commence as the train passed. Any missed bottles would remain for the Conductor and Brakeman back in the Caboose to pick off should they be worthy enough to do so. My uncle always had a bit of a twinkle in his eye when he told his stories, especially that one.

Akron Club photo

So my friends there’s a bit of history for you, should the rails of old be of any interest. That walk with my grandchildren today rekindled such great stories I was told as a youngster and it felt good sharing it with you.

Thanks for stopping by as our adventure North continues. Writing early, and writing often, I remain,