The VRA goes to Cape May
Jun 02
February 2010, Motorcar Trips, Newsletters Comments Off
On May 7th & May 8th, several members of the VRA traveled to Cape May to ride on the Cape May Seashore Line Railroad.
Swingbridge over the Cape May Canal
Photo: KC Smith
(Jon Berkemeyer) On Friday, May 7th, 5 cars rolled south from Tuckahoe at 9:30, with the mission to clear the line from trees and other debris. As many of you know, in a weird weather twist, the past winter was far harder on southern New Jersey than on northern New Jersey.
Between the wind, snow and rain that had fallen, there was plenty of lumber to be cleared. In all, a total of 30 trees were cleared. The sickle bar on the VRA’s mower car was kept busy buzzing brush along the right of way, while the mower deck took a bite out of the grass and small brush that was growing between the rails. If you are ever presented with the chance to ride in the mower car, I highly recommend it. The operation of the sickle bar and the mower deck are relatively simple, plus the view afforded by an open air car is simply amazing. Bring a rain jacket just in case!
The work progressed slow but steadily. We had originally hoped to be in the town of Cape May by 1 pm that day. However, because of all the clearing and cutting, we ended up arriving around 4 pm. The next day 5 more cars joined us for the official run. This was a true pleasure cruise. Enjoying the scenery of Cape May, plus watching the CMSL’s swing bridge in operation made the previous day’s clearing operation all worth it.
CMSL bridge over the abandoned PRR Cape May Line at Woodbine NJ
Photo: KC Smith
We capped off the day with a stop on the bridge in Woodbine over the old PRR route for a group shot. Of the 4 scheduled motor car trips this year, I think this one will be my favorite. (Feature story from the VRA’s May 2010 newsletter.)