Family Photo Memories of Our Train Dinner

Celebrating 50 Years Together--Our Train Dinner

This year we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary! Who knew it would last this long or for that matter that we would still be around to celebrate it. We are blessed!

When it came to deciding how we would celebrate we tried out several ideas. One was a big party, inviting all our friends and family. That sounded good until I began to look at things a bit more realistically. Knee surgery was going to slow me down and what was the one thing I really wanted to have happen? I really wanted all the kids and the grandkids together to celebrate with us. With that in mind, we moved forward to another idea.

All the kids, big and little, are interested in trains or have been in the past. When the boys were little Bob had a train table that he would set up every Christmas. A little investigating later and I found that we could reserve the dining car on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and have dinner aboard the train. It would be casual which would suit all of us and a lot of fun and something everyone would remember.

After we were able to determine when it would be possible for all the grandkids to get together working around school, summer camps, softball and a myriad of other activities we made our reservation for August 12 on the evening run. Putting together the menu, ordering a small cake, and making all the reservations was easily done and we finally managed to arrange for all the kids to be together for that weekend--the one gift I truly wanted.

A couple of friends were able to come and take group pictures for us using all the cameras and phones before the train arrived. We boarded the train as a group carrying with us a cake and some extra themed napkins and plates. The Table Car (as the dining car is called) was set with white table clothes and cloth napkins. In the back corner, the caterer set up our appetizers and main entree. There was more than enough food even though I had not ordered entrees for each person. With small kids, I knew they wouldn't eat a whole entree.

Our menu included shrimp cocktail, a cheese and fruit patter, sausage kabobs, chicken tenders (the kids loved though), a salad, the most delicious tender honey pecan chicken, potatoes and veggies. Our cake was way too big for all of us but I had to order a certain size in order to get two tiers and use my original cake topper that I'd modified for the 50th.

The ride was about three hours long and the kids lost interest a bit on the trip back. One of them had brought cards and they entertained themselves. We all enjoyed visiting together and just being family. I love that everyone got along so well. That doesn't always happen in a lot of families.

Our anniversary is actually in September and we have booked a cruise in October as our personal celebration but our evening on the train will hold a special place in my heart for at least the next fifty years.

The Crooked River - Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Senecas and the Mohawks each had a name for the river that divides east from west in the Cleveland area. The Mohawks named it Cuyohaga which meant "place of the jawbone" probably because it makes quite a turn near Akron on its way from Geauga County to Lake Erie. The Senecas however named it Cuyahoga which meant "crooked" and that was the name that stuck.

There is a bridge on Route 82 that passes over the Cuyahoga Valley and in this time of early spring with the trees just getting their spring green dressing, it is breathtaking. As we cross over and I look out into the valley I can only imagine the awe that must have been in the hearts of those who first settled here.

Not only is our river  a gem but the valley which is largely owned by the National Park Service is teeming with wildlife and adventure. Those reports of the Cuyahoga catching fire are true but it seems that it is all old history now as the approach of the last fire nears the fiftieth anniversary mark. The river has been cleaned up thanks to many volunteers and ecology minded industry leaders.

The Erie Canal that runs parallel to the river between Akron and Canton has a tow path that has been restored and extended. Blue herons, eagles and river otters can be found along the waterways. Plans are being made for canoeing the river. A new visitor center is on the horizon in addition to several already there. And of course there is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway that makes available all sorts of train adventures including the Polar Express during the holiday season.

The CVNP is one of the few national parks that is free to explore. Lots to learn. Lots to see. Much to explore. Enjoy!

Polar Express Time!

For the last five or six years, Bob and I have volunteered at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad as Trainman and Elf for the Polar Express runs. We have a great time doing it. I started out as a train elf but found that a little too much to handle and last year switched to the North Pole.

The North Pole is a little less hectic and still a lot of fun. North Pole elves arrive at the "Pole" around 7 PM and sign in. We're out ready to greet the first train by 7:15 as it pulls in from Akron. The train pulls through so all the cars can see the North Pole lights and the elves. Then it backs up and stops and Santa in a John Deere version of the Polar Express train drives down the parallel road and waves to all the kids.

On his way back Santa boards the train and then magically makes his way through all the cars by the time the train has returned to its starting point. Of course each child gets a Polar Express bell and as long as they believe, they can hear it ring.

Meanwhile the elves at the North Pole are welcoming the second train from the Independence station. It does the same procedure as we elves wave and greet the little faces at the windows. And magically, Santa is there for them too!

This year I chose to be a baker again but expanded my costume to a chef's jacket and new red hat. I kind of like the look and someone told me I look like the movie part. If you look closely at the picture, you can see that someone stole a bite of one of my cookies. I walk along the stopped train and try to find the culprit. There are a lot of suspects *smile*.

If you are in the area and would like to volunteer to have some seasonal fun, go to the CVSR website for volunteer information. The North Pole furnishes costumes if you don't want to make your own and you can even be a tree or Rudolph or Frosty if they are available. I'll be looking for you.

In My Backyard - The Canal Exploration Center

Near us is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park through which the Ohio and Erie Canal runs. This past weekend we were invited along with other volunteers who are connected to the park in some way (we are with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad) to get a sneak peek at the new Canal Exploration Center at the corner of Hillside and Canal Roads. Before this it was known as the Visitor Information Center. Before that, Hell's Little Half Acre or Gleason's.

Gleason's as it was known in the heyday of the canal served both locals and canal travelers and dates back to the late 1830s. Located at Lock 38, passengers would get off the canal boat and go into Gleason's to eat, rest, and catch up on the news. They also stocked needles, thread, razors, clay pipes, tobacco, sugar and coffee. They served meals and any delay in proceeding through the lock meant an increase in profits. 

Like most taverns in the Canal Era, Gleason's was often a hot spot for those who imbibed and earned it's nickname of Hell's Little Half Acre during the 1920s when it was purported to be part of a bootlegging operation.

The new Canal Exploration Center is full of hands on exhibits which are rich in information about the canal and the era when it served as a main connection for shipping and industry. The story of building the canal will intrigue engineers and yet is easy enough for the kids to understand as well. It is well worth a look-see before or after strolling the towpath or taking a train ride through the Valley. 

Join in the welcome for this new center on Saturday, May 17, 2014, as they have the grand opening. 

It's Spring at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

As the temperatures edge up and the trees begin to bud and blossom, the river valley echoes the sound of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Now through May, the train makes regular runs on the weekends and has some special event runs in between.

The conductor calls out the familiar, "All aboard!" and the whistle sounds. While we live a ways from the Rockside Road train station, I can hear the whistle in the distance as I take my morning walk through my neighborhood. It brings back fond memories of our Polar Express runs before Christmas.

The nature runs are a little different than the Polar Express--make that a LOT different. Park rangers from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park provide information on the flora and fauna you see along the way. There is also audio commentary available with individual players and ear buds.

For the more adventuresome and athletic, the train provides transportation one way or the other for you if you want to bike but don't want to make it a round trip on the tow path. This year there will also be the opportunity to jog one way and take the train to return. It will all be a part of a get fit program the train will be promoting.

One of the amazing things about the railroad is that it runs mainly with volunteers. Only a handful of the people involved are paid employees. Trainmen, servers, gift shop and cafe personnel are all people who have volunteered their time to keep the train operational. It's a great bunch of people and recently those with 100 hours or more of service for the year were recognized at a banquet.

No matter what your interest, fitness, fun, or just being a train fanatic, you'll enjoy a ride on the CVSR. A great way to see the park and experience an old fashioned train venue. Hop aboard this spring and summer!