Hudson Valley and Mystic, CT

April 29 - May 2, 2026

We left Pennsylvania headed for the New England states. We spent a couple of nights at a KOA in Newburgh, NY. With limited time, we opted for a little exercise at Walkway Over the Hudson Historical State Park. What great views over the river we enjoyed. We imagine the fall colors would be spectacular. 

We passed on the Culinary Institute of America tour in nearby Poughkeepsie. It was spring break week. Perhaps we'll try again someday. West Point is nearby too. 

We then headed to Mystic, CT, where Harold wholeheartedly embraced the CT Pizza Trail. He has a whole separate blog entry for pizza! We walked around Olde Mystic and downtown Mystic, admiring the drawbridge. We missed seeing the bridge in action though. We picked up a couple of monkeyfist knot zipper pulls for unique and practical souvenirs from Mystic Knotworks.  

If you're into gambling, there are two massive tribal casino complexes nearby that easily rival anything we've seen in Las Vegas. 

 Where Are We Going Next?

Clickety-Clack, Clickety Clack

April 24, 2026

Funny how I can still remember bits and pieces of the Song of the Train by David McCord that we read somewhere in elementary school, "clickety clack, clickety clack, clickety, clackety, clickety, clack.

While in the Strasburg, PA, area, we took advantage Strasburg Railroad's behind-the-scenes tours as well as the train ride. Our friends, Glen and Tanna, joined us for the adventure. 

Harold and Glen joined the train crew as they geared up for the day, assisting with firing up the engine and the maintenance checks. After the ride we toured the maintenance shop. No photos allowed in the maintenance shop as they have a number of private contracts for steam engine and railcar refurbishing. Those contracts often run into the millions of dollars. Strasburg Railroad's maintenance shop is one of very few specialized facility with dedicated workers.

Where Are We Going Next?