Romance on the Rails
Feb. 14, 2009
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| Lynn and Jeanne pose with Penny in front of Southern Pacific car #2979, a restored 1940s art-deco lounge car. (Photo by Dave Roth) |
In early February, Jeanne points to an ad in the local paper for a Valentine's Day wine tasting event. Riding in a newly restored 1940s parlor-lounge car, participants will travel through scenic Niles Canyon sampling wines, cheeses and hor d'oeuvres. "This sounds like fun," Jeanne says to Lynn. "OK, I'll look into it," he replies.
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| Lynn finds this event flyer on the web. |
Later, navigating to the website of the Niles Canyon Railway, Lynn finds more information about the event. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to dress in 1940s attire. "Ah hah!" thinks Lynn. As a late 1930s auto, Penny is a close match for the period of this event. He suddenly sees a way to make this not only a fun Valentine's Day excursion, but to also make it a mini car show, too.
Lynn contacts the organizers to let them know that Penny will be there. He hopes that they will recognize that her presence might enhance the atmosphere of the event, helping to contribute to the allusion of stepping back in time. Lynn is relieved to receive a warm welcome to his cold call. Penny will be given a special parking spot near to the train.
There will be two trips of this special wine train. Buying tickets for the second seating, Lynn, Jeanne and Penny arrive early so they can be staged and in place before the first seating returns to the Sunol train station.
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| Not only is their dress appropriate for the period, it seems to be color coordinated with Penny. |
As Lynn hopes, many of the people departing the train immediately gather around Penny, most of them posing for photos with her. A significant fraction of the people are dressed in clothing reminiscent of the 1940s. Lynn asks one couple, who are wearing particularly attractive attire that seem to be perfectly color coordinated with Penny, to stand near the car for a photo. They happily comply.
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| The Niles Canyon Railway volunteer staff pose with Penny. |
Once the crowd from the first excursion thins out, Lynn is surprised and pleased to see all the staff gather around Penny for a group photo. Seeing this helps dispel any lingering doubts that Penny is welcome.
The ride aboard Southern Pacific lounge car #2979 is fantastic. Our conductor tells us about the history of the car in which we ride. Steve Ferree, a wine educator, tells us about the wine and food. (Steve has written an Examiner.com article on the event.) The wines, all from the Livermore Valley, are awesome. They are also expertly paired with cheeses selected specifically for each wine. The wine menu includes the following.
- Sparkling wine (Elliston Vineyards) and a special brie
- Sauvignon Blanc (Occasio Winery) and a St. Andre
- Chardonnay (Wood Family Vineyards) and a bandage wrapped cheddar
- Grapeful Red (Ruby Hill Winery) and a young Manchego
- Cabernet Sauvignon (McGrail Vineyards) and an aged gouda
- Tortuga Royale Port (Cedar Mountain Winery) and chocolate
The discussion amongst the people on the train is animated and interesting, helped no doubt by the wine. Lynn hears multiple people comment on feeling as though they were immersed in an Agatha Christie novel.
Next evening, after having thought about it for a day, Jeanne tells Lynn, "Best Valentine's ever." Yes, sir, that was one great adventure.
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Last updated: Mar. 11, 2010