Anybody remember that old folk song? I grew up with folk songs. While my peers were rocking to Jimi Hendrix or Donny Osmond, I was listening to Elizabeth Cotten, Burl Ives, Pete Seeger, and James Taylor. I later found out that Elizabeth Cotten lived in Syracuse in her later years — just a hop, skip, and step from my home. She wrote the song “Freight Train, Freight Train” when she was eleven years old.
She also played her guitar “backwards.”
I found this video online, a clip from a special 1985 series “Down Home.” Boy, does this bring back the memories!
The whole reason I’m thinking of that song is because we went on a train this week — the lovely Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Last time I was on that train was a few years before that Down Home video, lol.
The train’s baggage car doors were open and a metal gate bolted across. We could really take in the scenery as we moved along.
It was a great trip. I love train travel. I took a few videos and additional photos, and will be placing them on my travel blog sometime this week.
Have a good weekend, friends!
Life is never dull, and exciting things just seem to always happen to me... why me... when I'm not running around the house fixing things, I'm a freelance writer for national media outlets like USAToday.com, Salon.com, and others. I've even been interviewed by TIME and The Wall Street Journal about blogging. Can you believe it?! Here is where I express my zany, creative, motherly side. 
July 21, 2012 at 4:25 pm
I haven’t been on the train yet but hope to soon. Just wish it was less expensive. Glad that you guys had fun! :frolic:
July 22, 2012 at 1:35 am
I love trains. It’s definitely one of the things I miss about living in Germany. My uncle is an engineer and he still drives passenger trains. When I was little he used to let me ride with him in the locomotive! Love the scenic pictures.
July 23, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Wonderful video. I did not know Elizabeth Cotten, though I have sung the song. Thank you.