Members of the 66 Card Club, spouses and friends enjoyed an old-fashioned wagon ride courtesy of John Ryder, member of the Chautauqua County Antique Equipment Association.

On a glorious, warm fall day in October, John and Karen Ryder hosted the 66 Card Club, their spouses and friends, for an old-fashioned wagon ride starting at their cabin in the woods off of Route 83 in Fredonia.

Ryder is a member of the Chautauqua County Antique Equipment Association. Recently, several members of the Association, including John, participated in the Fredonia Farm Festival parade. Ryder drove his 1955 gray Ford tractor and he pulled his self-made, well-built, ten-foot long trailer with sides.

Members of the card club asked their member Karen Ryder if her husband would consider taking the group on a wagon ride. He agreed.

Meeting at the campsite on their property on a Thursday afternoon, guests enjoyed pre-ride treats of trail-mix and popcorn in individual-sized bags, perfect for the ride.

Using a ladder provided, 14 senior citizens joyously climbed aboard the trailer. Benches covered with blankets and chairs were provided. A few guests chose to stand, and off they went.

Ryder drove the tractor, narrating points of interest from time to time. He crossed over Route 83, but chose the country roads of Brainard, Miller and Skinner for the ride. Even on the less-traveled roads, passersby and residents smiled and waved.

The trees had just started to change colors, but there were many signs of fall. Along the roadside, purple asters, yellow goldenrod, lavender Joe-pye weed and white daisies lined the black-topped roads. Tall golden sunflowers towered over the rest. Brown cattails peeked around the tall brush. Windmills swirled in the background.

They saw harvested hayfields, cornfields that needed to be cut down, large hay bales wrapped in white plastic and dotting the land or at times piled into rows like giant marshmallows.

A few animals were spotted — dogs, cows and horses.

Looking back towards Lake Erie — it seemed like a blue ribbon had been stretched along the horizon. Farm houses with old-fashioned barns stood empty — no longer holding cows and hay. White plastic and wire fences divided some properties. Large fields of grapes, soon to be harvested, smelled like grape jelly.

Eventually the paved roads gave way to gravel roads that would not get plowed in the winter. Farm houses gave way to dark forests with hidden campsites and trails. Grape vines trailed up some of the tall trees searching for daylight. Pine trees, maple and oak trees stood as tall soldiers affording a majestic feeling of nature’s power.

The afternoon sun warmed the group of friends and brought back memories of long ago.

Finally back at the Ryder property a fenced in garden of squash and pumpkins was spotted, protecting it from the ever-present deer population. Ryder had cut a tricky maze in some tall vegetation. Many red-bud trees and English oak trees had been planted by Ryder, protecting the campsite.

The group enjoyed the campsite with its four-room cabin, bonfire, picnic tables and even the outhouse.

Some of the group enjoyed a refreshing hike down to the creek at the bottom of the gorge, next to the campsite.

The Ryders cooked hot dogs and provided beverages. Pizza, fruit, snacks, peanut butter cookies and pineapple cake were shared by the friends.

It was a beautiful day, with perfect weather that was filled with old-fashioned fun and relaxation in a peaceful setting.

The 66 Card Club meets weekly in their alternating homes to try their luck, but mostly to enjoy their long-lasting friendships. .