Ridin' the Rails

A few weeks ago, an article appeared in the Travel section of the Sunday Post-Gazette about the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad which makes a round trip run between Cumberland, MD and Frostburg, MD every day.  Neither one of us, believe it or not, had ever ridden on a train (the NYC subway and The T don't count), so we decided to make an overnight getaway.

We chose a Friday to make the trip because on Fridays the train is pulled by an authentic steam locomotive, so we thought that we just had to go for that.  Alas and alack, when the train pulled into the stain in Cumberland, this is what was leading the way.

Unfortunately, the steam locomotive had broken down early that morning, so we would be pulled by a diesel engine.  Disappointing, but what are you gonna do?  It was still a very fun trip to take as these pictures will attest, and it included a conductor on the train straight out of Central Casting.

 No, that's not Wilfred Brimley.  I asked.

Cumberland, Md, of course, played a key role in the history of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, and I got a picture of me with a part of that history.

And we even enjoyed some live music in downtown Cumberland after dinner on Friday night, and yes, I was surprised to see that Mama Cass is still performing.  They were quite good.

I nice little overnight adventure for us.  A very fun trip.