Racquette Lake, Pine Knot, Adirondacks, NY

Seashore or mountains-which do you prefer? It's a good thing that we all don't have the same "likes". If this were true the mountains would be more crowded than they already are.

You guessed it- I love the mountains and the Adirondacks are one of my favorites. A person probably should not reveal his favorite fishing spot, hunting area, or Adirondack Lake-but, what the heck-spread the joy.

Racquette Lake is one of a number of "hidden jewels" in the Adirondacks. The general store and tavern have not changed for over a century-simplistically beautiful-like a movie set from "On Golden Pond".

Some of the world's wealthiest men (and women) loved this lake- spending vast fortunes building lavish "Great Camps", with many of them still standing today. Men like the Durants(Golden Spike and the transcontinental railroad), the Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Colliers played at roughing it- along with dozens of servants.

The wealthy first arrived by stage and stayed in primitive camps. Soon they were bringing private rail cars-loading them on steamboats and "parking" on the shores of Racquette Lake. Durant even built a three quarter mile railroad-needed to gain access to the lake. In 1870 he built Pine Knot-a beautiful great camp which is still in use today

What's so great about Racquette Lake? Other than indescribable beauty, there is seclusion and silence. Most of the "camps" have only water access-no motor traffic. The only sound in the morning mist is that of a loon-wailing a pitiful sound. Paddling quietly along the shore you may see deer, waterfowl, and possibly a bear, eagle or moose.

The song, "West Virginia-Almost Heaven" might be true, but Racquette Lake is right up there in the running!

Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake, NY

This is probably the finest museum in America-depicting mountain flora, fauna, and culture. Every fall they host a rustic furniture fair-the quality and price are mind blowing. Speaking of mind blowing, each of these artists would no doubt fail the Rorschach (inkblot) test as they think outside the box. They see a table in a tree root; a night stand in a branch or bark (traditional Adirondack furniture and dwellings were covered with white birch bark).

Daytona Beach may have, "Girls Gone Wild", but the Adirondacks have , Furniture Makers Gone Wild.

ACD Club's National Meet and Reunion

You may think the year is 1935 as you park at restaurants and hotels in Auburn, Indiana, during the week of Labor Day. Over 300 Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg Owners bring their cars to town, giving the illusion of days gone by- especially on 9th street. Here, outside the Auburn Hotel the faithful congregate. They greet old friends, kick tires, and examine and scrutinize the restored and unrestored.

Almost every year a special "treat" arrives - some finds an old original ACD Car hidden in a barn or garage- and drives or tows it to town. The club's motto is: "For Those That Don't Relish the Commonplace ".

At the Awards Banquet, Peggy received the "Woman of the Year Award".

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

I love the Festival and their activities - and truly appreciate all their hard work- they make fun things happen. Two of my favorites are the Hoosier Tour and the Parade of Classics. ACD Members drive their cars through the streets of Auburn and end the parade by parking around the courthouse square.

Each year we have a different theme-usually centered around women in World War Two. This year it was, "A League of Their Own"-The Rockford Peaches Girls Professional Baseball League. What fun it is to have the crown clapping, shouting and giving the thumbs up sign as we drive by.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Ladies Tea

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club's Weekend is not only savored by the men, but activities abound for ladies and children.

Several years ago a club member, Karen Parker, started one of the most popular events- the ACD Tea. It is an elaborate and exciting event held in the ACD Auto Museum. Vintage fashions are everywhere and trophies are presented for the most original vintage hat.

Over 140 ladies enjoy a fashion show, elegant table settings, gourmet food, and best of all-warm camaraderie.

Auburn, Indiana

Brigham Young once led his group of Mormon Followers across the plains to Utah. He looked down at the Salt Lake Area and proclaimed, "This is the Place". If you are an automobile enthusiast, once you enter the beautiful tree lined streets of Auburn, Indiana, you will know- This is the Place. Old historic homes, friendly and courteous people, plus auctions, auto events and great museums make this town the automobile mecca.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum has had over two million visitors since opening in 1974. This National Historic Landmark occupies the company's national headquarters. The building alone is absolutely stunning and one of the most amazing examples of Art Deco in the country.

Labor Day Weekend is the "Superbowl" of automobile activity including ACD Club Functions, ACD Festival Events and the world's largest collector car auction at Kruse International.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Hoosier Tour

Recipe for a wonderful time: Take fifty, 72-82 year-old cars, pack them with luggage and about 115 fun folks, and drive around the states of Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio for three days. Stop at interesting factories, speedways, parks, museums, theaters, restaurants, etc and every evening gather in a hospitality room for a "party". Driving old cars is a hoot. Some car owners have "Trailer Queens ". They move the cars in and out of a trailer and are never driven and enjoyed. It would be like having a fine coconut cream pie made for you -then keeping it in the freezer-never trying it- just taking a peek now and then (my favorite pie).

We have been going on the Hoosier Tour for many year. It is the closest thing we have to a family reunion. Once a year, owners of Auburn, Cords, and Duesenbergs bring their cars to Auburn , Indiana to participate in the tour. The ACD Festival does an excellent on organizing this massive undertaking. Every year we say it couldn't be as good as last year and it isn't- it's better.

Penn State University Ag Progress Days

Want to talk dirty- do some grass- No, I'm not talking about a heavy metal or rap concert. I am referring to Penn State's Ag Progress Days. PT Barnum once had a circus called , The Greatest Show on Earth. Ag Progress Days should be called , The Greatest Show on Dirt. Here you will meet soil, turf, insect pest and dozens of other professors and experts. All of these specialists are available for questions and consultations on any agriculture question you may have. The best part is that all is free; free advice-free demonstrations-free admission-free parking!

Not only can you see every type of new yard and farm implement- you can actually see them demonstrated. My favorite is a full size farm tractor that is remote controlled. They run the tractor along the side of a small hill and purposely roll it over by driving it over a rock. It is quite impressive to see how easily it rolls on a small incline.

There are dozens of different kinds of plants and animals, new types of hybrids, bio fuel exhibits, and acres and acres of exhibits . There are many big ag shows around the country- but few that actually demonstrate the equipment. This one will not disappoint!