Monday, October 17, 2011

Fall Foliage on the Tracks

Our senior center offers bus trips to county residents. I saw one that I thought my parents would enjoy going on with us. The tickets were a bit pricey, so I told my folks this would be their Christmas present. (I know I'll end up buying them other gifts, but this is how we fool each other.)

My parents spent the night with us before our trip. I invited my daughter and granddaughter over for dinner. Cate just loves her great-grandma.

Cate provides predinner music for us.

The bus left Roanoke at 5:30. We then picked up some more seniors at the other senior center, before we hit the road for our trip to Elkins, WV.


This bus "kneels", which made it easier for Mom to get on it.



Getting on the train was another matter. For a senior citizens' trip, there were not any accommodations made. I would not recommend this trip.



See how narrow the aisle is. We couldn't push Mom in her wheelchair.


Then we had to walk through two cars to get to our car and seating. See the bag lunches waiting for us.


We let the rest of our group board first so we wouldn't hold them up. However, none of them thought to save the first table in the car for us, so we had to walk to the end of our car. (And to think that generation condemns young people for a lack of upbringing.) Even our "tour guides" didn't make any arrangements for us. (I had asked them before booking the tour if accommodations could be made for Mom.)


Despite my complaints, Mom loved the trip.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery. I'm sorry I don't have lunch for you.







Tomorrow I'll show you the falls we were taking the train to see. Please come back.

13 comments:

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

You are so sweet to travel with your mom. She's a trooper too. The train looks fun even though it was a pain. :o)

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Those pretty colors are exactly why fall is my favorite season. I wish the leaves would hang around longer so we could see their beauty for a long time. Your mom is lucky to have a daughter so concerned about her comfort. I don't think that sounds like complaining at all. I'm sure she enjoyed the scenery and you have a wonderful memory of time shared with her. Our leaves are showing a little color but nothing like the ones in your photos. It will be another week or two before we have good color.------ Shannon

Anonymous said...

your fall photos just kicked the crap out of my fall photos!!!!!! this is what fall should look like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mtashie said...

Beautiful Fall pics!! My parents are with my brother visiting this week in TN. I hope they get to see the fall foliage as well! We'll be traveling on Sunday to pick them up in Atlanta. I so get "the complaining"! Ha!

Natalia Lynn said...

This looks like a beautiful trip, even if it might have been hard. The views are gorgeous!

Alex, Speaking Denglish said...

WOW INCREDIBLE - I cannot believe I've never seen a real fall like that. I know Texas will always fail me there, but come on Germany step it up!

my thrifty closet said...

so so lovely! I enjoy pictures of your family especially your parents, I really miss my grandparents and my mommy. It's such a blessing to have them around! I love those colors of autumn too, so beautiful!

love,mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a fun trip! The scenery is gorgeous! I'm glad your parents got to go with you! Sweet!

The Single Nester said...

What a fun trip! I am so in need of some foliage. Not much here in NYC yet.

Melissa G said...

What beautiful fall leaves! I especially love the red maples...so vibrant! Hopefully you can leave some constructive feedback to the tour people, so next time they can improve the experience for people with special needs.

poppilinnstudios said...

Beautiful colors and photos! Wonderful trip!
-Lynn

Screaming Sardine said...

Sorry it was such a hassle for your mom. I agree; they should make things easier for those who might need a little more help. At least your mom had a good time, and the scenery is gorgeous. I'd love to see WV in person; it looks so pretty in pictures.

Cheers,
Tracy Screaming Sardine

Paula@SweetPea said...

The foliage is absolutely beautiful! It's too bad that there weren't more accomodations made for your mom since it was a senior's trip, but it looks like a good time was still had by your group.