Looking back after completing the Sortie at the hills over which we had just frolicked

The seventh consecutive AONE Indian Summer Sortie ran on a somewhat misty but rather warm October 31st this year. Given the uncertain weather, we had a good turnout of fourteen people and eight cars out in the remote reaches of western Massachusetts.

Of course, the remote reaches are why we were there! The roads in the area are always quite empty, and if we wait till after leaf-peeping season we have them pretty much all to ourselves!

As is our custom, we gathered at the Fillin’ Station in South Deerfield, where we variously got gas and some breakfast, made use of the facilities, kicked some tires, and got mentally prepared for our driving adventure. At 11AM, Peter Walker gathered us together for a quick drivers meeting. Then we headed out on our romp. Alas, because of the moisture in the air, the convertible tops were all up.

But, once again, Peter had selected an itinerary that provided huge amounts of Alfa driving pleasure. Parts of it were on roads we’d used before, while others were along routes we hadn’t previously seen. The roads were damp in places and fallen leaves covered some spots, so we weren’t quite as frisky as we’ve sometimes been in the past, but it still trumped the driving conditions to which most of us are accustomed!

Halfway along the route, we stopped in Windsor, MA, at Notchview, a property belonging to the Trustees of Reservations that is used mostly as a cross-country ski area. Strangely, the lodge was unlocked and we walked right in, and were able to pick up some literature on the Trustees, look at maps and other informational offerings, and (most importantly) check out the plumbing. Then it was back on the road for more frolicking on the winding roads through farms and orchards and blowing leaves.

A little after 1PM, we arrived at Peter’s family’s charming home in Ashfield. The sun had broken through in spots, giving us a great view of the mottled Berkshires from the patio out front. Once inside, Meg Anderson began serving us the "lunch" she had especially prepared for us. Rather than describe it in general terms, here is the menu:

Antipasti - Bruschetta, Tapenade, and Salame
Prima - Minestrone
Seconda - Eggplant Parmesan Lasagne
Carne - Chicken Mirabella
Contorne - Zucchini, Tomato, Basil Bake
Insalata Verde
Dolce - Brownies, Cookies, and Peter’s Birthday Cake

Meg, you outdid yourself! To say that everyone was amazed and delighted with the Italian feast you provided is a gross understatement. Thank you so much!

Alas, as people were starting to leave, the rain was beginning to pick up, but everyone made it home okay. (Well, except for this writer, whose #1 connecting rod end cap rocketed out through the side of the crankcase on Route 2 somewhere near Athol, but that’s all I have to say.) Our thanks go out to Peter and Meg for planning and hosting a wonderful end-of-season driving and dining event!

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