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Re: It's Not Bullit...

Re: It's Not Bullit...

07/22/12 - posted by candis smyk hurlbut

You're on, Tim! I WILL be back in town next year for my Lowell High School reunion. Perhaps Paul Rosenburg--also attending--will join us.

I remember the old "Iron Monsters" which were not retired until about 1959. (If I'm wrong, Paul will correct me, eventually, when he reads this, eventually.) I rode the N many times thru that route's tunnel , and can remember the sensation of riding in the semi-open front and back thirds was entirely different than riding in the middle third, or in the "modern" cars which were entirely enclosed. I also rode the L several times, and I think even the K and M cars thru Twin Peaks Tunnel, before the retirements. (The B, C, and J cars lacked any similar adventures.) I have always been curious about how it would feel to be completely exposed to the air as the car would speed thru the tunnel; would it have been anything like my still remembered trip on the Disney ride? Unfortunately, I shall never know, since it would be impossible today.

I remember how, to make up lost schedule time, or to break up dull routine (or I'll bet just an antisocial driver's desire to scare the passengers), the drivers would blast along much faster thru the tunnels. We would bounce up and down, and sway side to side, as the car reached its version of warp speed, which I enjoyed, but many other passengers did not. Perhaps this is why your West Portal to Forest Hill experience was less than delightful, Tim.

I know sometimes my less than perfect editing (and wulrd's wurst pruff reeding) confuses people. So: Did I read the above correctly? Did you REALLY drive thru some, or--oh, gracious!--all of Twin Peaks Tunnel? In a VW? Amazing if you did! (Was your conviction subsequently removed after a pardon was issued?)

If you want to retrace the Youtube ride for me in person, I'd be delighted as well. If the fix could be in so you can duplicate it exactly, I'd be even more delighted if you can afford it!

I enjoyed viewing your and Victor's trip to Italy. My Facebook page mentions my becoming sort of a (fake) Italian--Sons of Italy membership, Italian language study group, and I've made some friends I would have never met otherwise. Years ago, each time I concluded a trip to Europe, as I flew home, I thanked God for yet another wonderful experience, and promised I would never complain if I could not travel again. Unfortunately, I was called on this promise, and the next planned trip--to Italy, of course--did not take place. I want to visit Rome and Milan most of all (and one more trip to London after the Olympics is over would be nice, but I don't want to be greedy), so if a few prayers/thoughts could be went to achieve this I would be very appreciative. Also, funds appearing to finance this trip would make it possible! (A lot of prayers/thoughts would be even better, but I'm still not greedy.)

Thanks again, Tim, for sharing this filmed adventure. It isn't quite as good as being Home in person, but far better than nothing.

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