The shine of steel once again glimmered against backcountry foliage as an Adirondack Railroad train whooshed along secluded portions of the rail.
Inside the train car, sunshine beamed through dusty air as chatty volunteers entertained passengers. The volunteers, older women with big smiles, told silly jokes and delivered winks at the punchline. Curious children jumped on seats and smeared small, greasy handprints on the windows as they looked out at the passing wilderness. The ride bumped at times as the train jerked and lurched and metal scraped and screeched.
This past autumn the Adirondack Railroad hosted its inaugural rides from Utica to Tupper Lake.
First, on Sept. 13, a special ride took dignitaries and regional politicians over the recently reconstructed track to Tupper Lake. On Oct. 16, media members, other interested parties and the public joined the second tour. Both times at the Tupper station, the arriving locomotive was met by the Tupper Lake community, complete with smiles and waves.
Adirondack Railroad Board of Directors President Frank Kobliski appreciated the applause.
“The inaugural train went exactly according to plan, and there was joy and celebration both on board and off the train,”
