Again the weathermenpersons got it wrong, instead of waking up to a grey overcast day it was clear blue skies and a little cooler than forecast. After breakfast we set off for Essex Connecticut. Essex is about 80 miles south of here and is home to the Essex Steam Train.
Essex Steam Train
The engine and carriages were all built around 1920. We (I) opted to splash out the extra $5 each to travel first class! The Pullman Carriage, also known as the Parlor Car had 34 individual swivel seats, 17 down each side of the carriage. Each one a window (and aisle) seat.
The train journey was about 30 minutes, and in the spirit of useless trivia the train burns about 100lb of coal per mile and consumes about 100 gallons of water over that distance. After 30 minutes or so we arrived at Deep River to join the “Becky Thatcher” for a boat tour on the Connecticut River.
Becky Thatcher
The boat trip lasted about 90 minutes. The Connecticut is quite wide at this point and provides some excellent scenery. At the end of the cruise it was back onto the train for the return trip to Exeter.
A a worthwhile trip and a great day out.