Trekking in New England by Commuter Rail

Rounding the corner , the commuter rail pulls into Beverly Depot.

Coining the word, "train-cation,"one friend convinced a few others to get on board with her idea of traveling throughout parts of New England by using the Commuter Rail system. Linda Collins Smith, not only coined the word following the existence of "stay-cations," but with it created another new form of vacation. To the best of her knowledge, she is the first person to have the idea of calling her version of riding the rails "train-cations." She also uses a motto as an assist in her endeavors of downsizing. It is one in which dreams of having fewer chores due to the the downsizing.This would lead to more time for adventures. Her dream is to just have her "coffeepot on the counter and backpack by the door." Admittedly, this writer made the decision to try and live by that same motto, The attempt was somewhat successful on downsizing but not perfect. However, our "train-cation" adventures did begin this summer and were deemed a success by all participating friends. The mode of transportation - the Commuter Rail.

My own "coffeepot on the counter and backpack by the door." I'm ready for adventure.

The MBTA's $10.00 weekend pass program also was implemented this year. According to one conductor, it was highly successful but it is uncertain whether or not the weekend pass program will be taking place during next year's (2019) summer season. However, in its first year, it helped several friends, financially, to experience and explore many parts of New England by Comuter Rail for these "train-cations." One ten dollar pass purchased on a Saturday was good for transportation to as many locations as could be scheduled throughout the weekend. Recently announced though was that the weekend pass program has now been extended through December 9th, 2018.

Rocky Neck in Gloucester was one destination. Leaving from Beverly Depot, we traveled to Rockport where we were met by another friend, Charlene, who provided the ultimate in tour guide experiences.The explorers were driven into Gloucester. There we switched from rail transportation, boarding a boat for a tour around Gloucester Harbor Islands.

Our Water- Taxi

Scenes around the harbor.

Tour guide, Charlene, appears to be discussing the weather forecast with one of the waiters outside a restaurant in Rocky Neck.

We had a bit of lunch on a floating deck at one of the restaurants, then walked along and shopped in the quaint and colorful New England artist's colony.

On a hot day in summer, these chairs invite tourists to relax and enjoy an ice cream while overlooking this scene.

One Rocky Neck artist's workplace.

A bit of shopping

Our adventures continued throughout the summer as we boarded many Commuter Rail lines on the weekends. Our ten dollar passes continued to be a great savings . Newburyport was another whistlestop on the list. Walking along the Clipper City Rail Trail is also an adventure not to be missed. On this route we discovered a model of a train along the way.

Our "train-cation" engineer, Linda.

As a warning to readers, be sure to have good walking shoes. The trail from the Commuter Rail station to the downtown area of Newburyport is long one. There are many sights along this route such as sculptures ranging from fish to birds and horses. Signage provides an explanation of a bit of the town's history. There is a mini library box in which readers may help themselves to a book inside or leave one for others to read.

Be sure to stop and look at all the signage along the route as well as the sculptures of horses, birds, fish and more.

Although many travel by Commuter Rail daily to their jobs,there's a difference between traveling to work and using the Commuter Rail cars while on a "train -cation." Part of the New England "train cation" experience is to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. It's always best to have a camera in hand. It's also a challenge to get a good photograph on a fast moving train.

Our photographer, Cindy, always has her camera at the ready.

This photograph is one that was taken through the window of one of the Commuter Rail cars.

Scenes noticed while traveling on tracks used by the Commuter Rail system

Another Commuter Rail adventure took us to Reading, Ma. Destination - Parker Tavern, just steps away from Reading Depot. This Commuter Rail trip was short. We boarded from the platform at Melrose Highlands just a few stops to our destination. Be sure to check the times as to when the historic home is open.

Parker Tavern in Reading, Ma.

On the day we visited, we were treated to a tour of both the home and the garden. Parker Tavern is noted as an historic home on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the late 1600s . Visitors will see a display of many items from the time period of the 1700s. Guides will also relate the history of this historic saltbox home and its past residents as you walk through its rooms.

Tours ae conducted rom May through October.

Our "train- cations" continued throughout the summer," we traveled the tracks to Boston's Paul Revere House and other locations throughout the city.

The Paul Revere House and courtyard.

Boston's Custom House viewed from The rose Kennedy Greenway.

Considered a success by all this year, the Commuter Rail "train-cation" travelers are planning more excursions..

We hope to see our readers on board as well.