Pedaling on the high steel

May 8, 2026

One thing I like to do in our travels is to take rides on scenic railroads. While scanning a brochure rack, we spotted Rail Explorers in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. We thought the price was a little high for the experience, so we were going to pass on it. However  as I was driving by myself to Home Depot to pick up a switch plate, I paralleled the track and spotted some people enjoying their ride. I was sold.

Ready to pull out of the station!!!

Elizabeth booked us some tickets for the next day and we had a great time.

Quite a scenic ride.

The trip is 6.2 miles and took us about 1 hour 45 mins to pedal our rail bike.

on the high steel!!!!!

I was wondering how the turned the bikes around and spotted the turntable in the station. I assume it has an air lift.

One tiny turn table.

once we pulled ack in to the station I got to look at the locomotive and cars on display.

Pedal cars and a 50 Ton Center Cab Diesel Locomotive

Where Are We Going Next?

PEZ

 May 4, 2026

We discovered that PEZ candy is made in New Haven, CT. While they do not have a factory tour, they do have an on-site museum and you can view some of the packaging floor. Half of the museum's  minimal entry fee can be credited toward on-site store purchases. They have a scavenger hunt that adds to the enjoyment of the PEZ displays. Some of the more rare dispensers bring thousands of dollars to collectors. There might even be a collector convention near you!

PEZ started out in Austria as a peppermint candy to aid those desiring to quit smoking. It wasn't successful in the US, until they remarketed it as candy with a dispenser to kids. As Harold noted, there's a reason the dispenser looks remarkably like a cigarette lighter. 

Remember, "You're not famous until they put your head on a PEZ dispenser."

Tallest working PEZ dispenser

Beginnings

Early dispensers

Character dispensers

From tins to dispensers

Tools of the trade

PEZ chopper by Orange County Choppers

Advertisements

1970's packaging

Am I famous?

Scavenger hunt prizes

Where Are We Going Next?