The Red Caboose Motel

Yesterday I left New Jersey and my beloved Rutt's Hut and headed towards Pennsylvania's Amish country. As I neared my destination the landscape began to morph. Gone were billboards hawking Coca Cola or State Farm Insurance. In their place were signs that read "gospel tent meeting" and "horse hay." I must admit the landscape became quite lovely... lush farm land... it was quite beautiful.

Why would someone rent a hotel when they can stay in a caboose? The folks at The Red Caboose Motel purchased dozens of antique train cars and converted them into rentable rooms. Upon my arrival I was greeted by a lovely young woman named Amanda. She did not place me in a proper caboose as hoped but rather in the "mail" car. Then I thought to myself "I think I'll change it to 'male' car." The mind is always working.

It was late afternoon by then so I dropped off my bags and had dinner in the "dining car." Then it was time for my first road beer. I went to a place where locals go to goof off and play pool. I walked in and saw something this NYC boy hasn't seen in a bar for years... ashtrays! And in front of every one of them was a pack of cigarettes! The patrons seemed nice enough but the place was teeming with smoke. It stunk! It was gross! I lasted one beer.

On a positive note they did have a sign hanging behind the bar that read "Save the Earth, it's the only planet with beer!"... amen.

This morning, I woke up early and spent several hours browsing through a bunch of antique malls. I found a couple of cool records but made no major scores. No biggie... it's a long trip. Then I checked out The National Christmas Center in nearby Paradise, PA. I you are a Christmas fanatic make the pilgrimage.

By the way, I saw this Amish gentleman get into a pick-up truck. I thought the Amish couldn't use any mode of transportation that didn't crap on the street! I should report him...