For such a run-down little city, Utica has an exquisite train station. The Department of Motor Vehicles and many small shops are in the station, too. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad and Amtrak use the station. We visited it to ride on the lovely ADK Scenic Railroad. What a trip! The entire entourage is made up of volunteers from the area. There’s a distinctly fun and whimsical atmosphere, largely cultivated by the volunteers who obviously love their work here. I am actually surprised that it’s a volunteer crew — there’s SO much work involved. No pay. The work must be tough sometimes and there’s definitely danger involved. Most who volunteer (those who I saw) were older than 55, so they were all retirement age or more.

But they all were AMAZING. I think a volunteer force is better than a paid-for work force. These people WANT to be a part of the ADK RR. And their enthusiasm is very contagious. What a gem for the area, indeed.

I customized my photo of the railroad with Corel Paint Shop Pro. I used the “timeline” effects… I think this one was 1960s. I like it. Railroads are so conducive to old-timey effects, wouldn’t you say?

We took the Adirondack Scenic Railroad to Thendara last week. Oh my word, it was AMAZING! I want to go again!

That photo is us next to the memorial “ADK RR” stone, with a conductor. Do you like our custom t-shirts? I recently ordered a few more as my son will only wear black shirts now.

The trip was simply phenomenal. I have yet to write a review– stay tuned for that and for a video I made of the ride.

It’s 90+ degrees today. The humidity is relatively low, but STILL.

It’s during this time of the season that I really miss living by a lake. As a kid, I could walk to the beach and take a swim any time I wanted. Here, I live in a land-locked area and I sure do miss the water. Even looking at it makes you feel instantly cooler.

Alas, it’s just as well, anyway. I’m stuck inside.

Maybe I’ll try to sneak out sometime and dabble my feet in the cool water…