Ghost Station

One of the charms and a major draw of the Catskills is the unchanged landscape, affording one a sense of place in the world. Up here, you're not passing by an endless stream of sameness with Dunkin Donuts, Taco Bells and 7-11s replicating themselves every 10 miles. Which is why, when I see something like this, I have to stop and pay my respects.

I almost expected Gomer Pyle to come ambling out to assist me. However, there was nary a Gomer nor Goober in site. Everything seemed frozen in time, including the price of gas.

The vehicles surrounding the joint also reflected the 30 year time warp...and the awesome, transformative power of oxidation.

Somebody really likes Scouts. And what groovy little workhorses they were! The International Scout Harvester was introduced as a commercial utility pickup in 1960 as a competitor to the Jeep. It set the stage for future 4-wheel drive recreational vehicles of the 70s, 80s and 90s. But something tells me these vehicles were not used for recreation.

I'm sure that one day this service station will be razed to make way for a modernized facility, but for now let us be thankful for this particular suspension of progress and revel in the cool clean lines of the Mobil font.

Happy 4th of July!

Why the sad face, Uncle Sam? Don't you know it's your birthday today? Here's a little poem to turn that frown upside down:

I've got a rocket
in my pocket;
I cannot stop to play.
Away it goes!
I've burned my toes.
It's Independence Day!

I hope everyone has a marvelous day with their picnics and pyrotechnics!