Day Tour

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Date:  October 24, 2004

Location:  Pioneer Tunnel

Host:  Goelz
 The weather forecasts earlier in the week were not encouraging, but Saturday morning turned out to be a beautiful autumn day for a scenic drive up into coal country. We all met at the restaurant in Zieglerville, most of us early enough to have a hearty breakfast before the 75 mile drive to Ashland. For the geographically challenged, Ashland is north of Reading on PA Route 61 beyond Pottsville. It lies in the heart of the Anthracite coal-mining region where the Molly Maguire’s gained power and notoriety. Almost ready to go… But no. Tom forgot something at home (only 2 minutes away). As he and Dick drove out of the parking lot, the MGA sounded like it was running on 2 cylinders, sputtering and balking. When they returned 10 minutes later, it was running fine. It turned out to be a loose ignition wire at the coil. It was a bit chilly as we drove out Route 73, and I knew the crisp air would give us a nice haze-free day to enjoy the foliage and mountain scenery. Judy & I were glad, though, that we brought the B, because we didn’t want to be as cold as Lizzy looked! Of course, we did have to fight our way through Boyertown. Hasn’t PennDOT ever heard of a bypass? That’s a lot of congestion for such a small town… As we progressed northwesterly and gained some elevation, the gradual change in colors proved that the timing for this trip was right on target. And we had a great hill climb between Pottsville and Frackville. In Frackville Rt 61 takes a turn to the west, and becomes an MG delight for the 6 miles into Ashland with hills, curves, and scenery. For me, this was the pinnacle of the driving pleasure for the day. After parking at the Pioneer Tunnel Mine Tour and Steam Train grounds, we made our badly needed pit stops, and headed into the gift shop to soak up a bit of warmth and buy the tickets for the mine tour. People are shuttled into the tunnel in small mine cars pushed by an electric tug. There was more than enough capacity to handle all of the DVC people in one tour.

Once deep inside the tunnel, we followed our guide on foot through smaller tunnels to various displays where he explained the process of mining Anthracite. He showed us the Mammoth Vein, which runs down the slope of the mountain, under the town of Ashland, and back up the slope of the next mountain. It is, we were told, the largest single deposit of Anthracite in the world. After the mine, most of us went for a ride on the scenic narrow-gauge railroad pulled by the steam powered, coal fired Henry Clay, one of the very few such engines still in service. The train took us around to the other side of the mountain, where we walked around to take in the views, and listen to our guide explain the rich history of the area, and point out Centralia where underground mine fires have been burning for decades. We had a bit of a picnic lunch, and soaked up some of the radiant heat the sun was starting to deliver There was a nice little snack bar next to the gift shop for those who didn’t notice the suggestion in the flyer to bring a picnic lunch… The food is cheap, and, did I mention that it is cheap? Hey, the hot dogs were actually pretty good, and available with chili, sauerkraut, and/or mustard. The ride back to Zieglerville was just as pleasant as the ride up, and a bit warmer. On our way through Boyertown, we decided that we had not yet agreed on the benefits of Anthracite vs. Bituminous Coal, or the ecological impacts of underground vs. strip mining. These pressing issues led to a decision to hold a debate on the pertinent subjects, and Rippert’s were chosen as the hosts! Thanks to those CB radios, we coordinated this impromptu gathering while enroute and pointed the MGs to Perkiomenville. The ride back to Zieglerville was just as pleasant as the ride up, and a bit warmer.

And what a debate it was! Anyone who knows this group knows how successful we would be at sticking to the topics and maintaining a proper, dignified debating atmosphere… And I hereby name Gudi & Jaimee as the winners of the Great Anthracite Debate 2004, with their delicious contributions of home made bread and various German meats and garnishes. Kudos to Tom & Jaimee for their spontaneous hosting of a party to put the ribbons on an already great day!!

Attending were: New Members Lyn & Bobbi Hughes (Fiero); Dick & Sandy Suffredini (T), David & Gloria Schwab (B), Roy & Sue Dougherty (B), Barre & Elenor Williams (B), Wolfgang & Gudrun Fischer (B), Lee & Liz Niner (T), Lew Phillips & friend Brian (B), Earl Wanklin (911), Tom & Jaimee Rippert (A), and Chuck & Judy Goelz (B).