On a perfect summer day in July, some Pittsburgh Prime Timers members embarked on a wilderness excursion aboard a vintage diesel-powered passenger train. Stephen filed this report.
OUR PRIME TIMERS TRAIN TRIP to WEST VIRGINIA
by Stephen Mallinger Abravanel
I am very pleased to report on our most recent Prime Timers event, which was both interesting and a lot of fun. Hopefully this event signals a rebirth of future events and activities for our group.
Last early Saturday morning eight of us traveled from various parts of Pittsburgh and after a two-and-a-half-hour trip we arrived in Elkins, West Virginia. I rode with Brian G. and after stopping for breakfast somehow we made a wrong turn – which led us into the deepest part of rural West Virginia through gravel roads – but we finally arrived in the town of Elkins, where we parked near the train station (and museum) about 10 AM.
Elkins is actually a lovely town (it reminded me of Mayberry and all we needed was Aunt Bee and Opie). Near the station were several booths selling homemade pastries – sort of corny but actually nice. At the station our group assembled for photos. There were eight of us – six from Prime Timers and two from SAGE; I must comment that we got along very well and in fact the camaraderie was perfect. This is what Prime Timers is all about!
The train experience was something out of the 1920s with a large 1920s engine, carpeted passenger cars, with comfortable tables and cushioned chairs plus a very elaborate dining set up. The train staff could not have been more friendly and more hospitable. The train actually was divided into regular cars and a special parlor car (we chose the regular cars because we are cheap). All the passengers seemed to be tourists including many Amish. There was even a young couple on the train who were about to be married during the train trip (and they actually had the wedding ceremony under a waterfall).
The trip lasted four hours and I must emphasize it was comfortable and a lot of fun. There was a guide on the train who, with a classic West Virginia accent, explained the sights as we passed forests, creeks and streams. A very generous and tasty cold lunch was served cafeteria style (in fact we were urged to eat more) but I think the parlor car people got fancier food. Upon arriving back at the Elkins station (which was surprisingly busy with another crowd waiting to board the next trip), our Prime Timers group reassembled to return to Pittsburgh. Oh – on the way back we stopped near Morgantown for a gigantic Chinese buffet (carbs and more carbs).
What a great (and long) day! This trip brought home to me once more why I joined Prime Timers! Some of us are already planning another trip (suggestions are welcome).