Things were really warming up in New Jersey. 32 very special people were in search of an educational and historical adventure. They also requested a little respite from the first blast of summer heat and humidity of the year. Since smiles were visible for most of the day, it can be safely assumed that our tourists got what they wanted.

Thanks to NJ Region members Rich and Ann Watkins who brought a "one for the road" shipment of coffee and donuts.

Our Rides For The Day Spanned Seven Decades

Off we went to a scenic overlook of the Manhattan skyline.  A summer haze made that a bit difficult to appreciate.

Off to Rifle Camp Park to their nature center, for a quick check of the Richter scale.

Once it was deemed safe to travel we ventured to the Great Falls of the Passaic River for a summer view of the 70 foot drop.

A quick swing past the stature of Lou Costello brought us to the twin locomotives of the Paterson Museum. Much welcomed air-conditioned air showcased a variety of artifacts from Paterson's history. Submarines, airplanes, silk mills and a display of midget racers from Hinchcliffe Stadium rounded out the bill of fare.

Our final stop brought us to the Jewel of our tour. The recently renovated Lambert Castle showcased fine art and presented a unique view of society in Paterson at the turn of the last century.  (Click on the postcard, for a bigger view of Lambert Castle)

After an informative dissertation, we skillfully avoided newlyweds to hit Alexus Steakhouse for a hearty repast.

Stalwart tourists included Rich Nalavany, Al Gionta, Kathy and Hugh Dyer, Bob and Ann Losco, Andrew Monahan, Andrew Monahan Jr., Rosemary Spicuzza, Bob Rankin, Tex and Linda Sorrel, Pat Caruso, Mary Caruso, Julie Levine, Steve Rose and Bernie Cooney. Accompanying this group were friends from other clubs, Pat and Brendan Hogan, Mary Barry, Leroy and Marlene Gearhart, Larry and Marie Littman, Bob and Pat Kapral, Greg and Joan Newell, Jim Fields, Tim Ly, and Art and Mary Ann Ackerman.

Special thanks go to our "on site" photographer, Alan Leder. He's helped us in the past doing photography at Brogan. This time he was invaluable in advising tour routes and exhibits. As usual, Pat Caruso was right where he was needed for suggestions to facilitate directions.

For those of you who are computer savvy, here's a little photo album of the day's activities, courtesy of Al Leder:

http://www.pbase.com/eagle01/silk_city_tour&page=1

Not only did Brendan & Pat Hogan bring a beautiful Buick - they brought a camera, too!  Check out their photos, here:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=cgdfi29.555iyqd9&x=0&y=-viypid&localeid=en_US

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=cgdfi29.bz4esy0t&x=0&y=-krrvbh&localeid=en_US