Hello, fellow adventurers. Here I am, late, as usual. It seems that the only time I’m not late is when I walk the pups. (I miss you guys already.)
But on to adventure: The first phase of our journey was a sweet trek to Vermont. Thank you, Val and Rick, for making this trip possible. I haven’t been to Vermont in 25 years, when I helped to clear a tiny bit of the land they built their home on, in Waterville.
Rowan and I ventured east with our friend, Jay (thanks, Jay!). First stop, Niagara Falls. Since we left Downers Grove late, of course we got there late—too late for the Maid of the Mist and other fun, but just in time for a fabulous fireworks display! The falls were gorgeous, lit in reds, blues and greens from the Canada side. After ice cream and a brief consultation, we decided we would play at Niagara on our return from Vermont.
The road to Vermont is LONG, and not in miles! First rule of traveling smaller highways: NEVER assume you will be traveling at 55+ mph. The roads through upstate New York, as with many other places, wind around and around, up-hill and down. One minute, 55 or 65, the next—BOOM—30 mph through a small town. The boon for this is beautiful views, meeting new people, seeing all kinds of interesting things—including a full-service gas station (they still have those?)!
We arrived at the “camp” late and late—or early, July 4. Cart stuff in, and up to bed. I still woke at 7:30 (6:30 home time).
“Camp” is on the Champlain Islands. The islands run down the center of Lake Champlain, between Vermont and New York state. The towns are small, the people friendly, the views stunning: water and mountains.
We stayed upstairs in the camp, a lovely little house that reflects Val’s artistic tendencies in every inch. Upstairs is reached via ship’s ladder. The single, large room is divided by a curtain of sky-blue. Each half has a window at the end, and a skylight placed perfectly to view the lake. Rowan had to stand on the bed—she’s a little smaller than I am! We lay on our backs at night, admiring the field of stars through the skylight.
Poor Jay had to work, so she found her way to Starbucks in Burlington, for wi-fi (not available at the camp) and caffeinated sustenance. Sorry, Jay! She missed the parade, which reminded me of those we had when I was young, but we just made it to the fireworks in one of the nearby towns. Happy Birthday, USA.
Our visit was idyllic. The days were sunny and warm. Each day, we woke up and went down on the water. Val and Rick have a pair of kayaks, so we kayaked each morning.
Rowan didn’t like the canoe so much—too “tippy”. Her first time in a kayak, she rode with Val while Jay and I shared the canoe. The next day, Rowan rode with me. Immediately after that, she asked if she could paddle herself around a bit. Two days later, she and I each paddled a kayak all the way to the point—the camp is at the back of the bay, so it is quite a long way. We were out on the water for almost two hours–Go Rowan!
Visited lots of resale shops, like Junk and Disorderly (love the name!) and ReBuild and ReSource, and Goodwill. I feel like I should print up a shirt: “I went to Vermont, and all I got was cast iron pans, cool old bottles, and 23 books!”
Val drove us around to lots of places every first-time—and second- and third-time—visitor to the Champlain Islands and Burlington-ish area should go. Lake Champlain Chocolates: Yum. Didn’t take the tour, but checked out the viewing area of the factory and bought chocolate (imagine that!). Cabot (Cheese) Visitor’s Center. Sampled about 25 different cheeses, came away with soft goat cheese and cheddar with bacon–and a great cheese shake for popcorn and such. Jay bought emu and pork summer sausage. We were going to eat the cheese and summer sausage on the road, but succumbed to road food, instead. No, I do not mean road-apples!
Let’s see: downtown Burlington, checked out the pedestrian mall. They have a Dobrá Tea house—Rowan and I shared a respite from a busy day at their Madison, WI store, so I wanted to look it over. Lots of places with craft work and art. A very nice, friendly young woman at a free-standing coffee hut made a maple latte for me.
Two different Farmers’ Markets; one in South Hero—fabulous wine—I’ll tell you later what the vineyard is; not sure where the other market was. We were driving from here-to-there, and followed the signs when we saw them. Fabulous date tartlets!
Oh, in case you didn’t know, maple syrup is a BIG thing in Vermont. So what is the one thing I didn’t bring home? Yep.
So—aside from kayaking, thrift shopping, eating, shopping, thrift shopping, kayaking, kayaking, kayaking, eating and kayaking again—what did we do?
Well, Val and Rick hosted the Porsche Club Champlain Island Tour and Barbeque! The club members came from all over, including Vermont and Quebec. I think there was at least one from Maine, and perhaps Massachusetts and more—Rowan has the better memory for this.
First up: Admire the vehicles. I forget the count, but I believe there were at least 24 Porsches and one Lotus. Hubba Hubba! Jay, Rowan and I each rode along with club members in their lovely, lovely winged chariots as they cruised the islands.
After a stop at Allenholm Farm in South Hero for maple creemees (soft serve maple ice cream cones) and feed the animals cones filled with feed, we gathered at the camp for delicious barbeque and pot-luck. I think Val and Rick get extra kudos for best hosts ever! And thank you, club members for allowing us to tour with you. Thank you, Mark. Thank you, Val and Rick. Thank you, Peggy. It was FUN!
Oh, and if anyone is interested, there is a sweet property in Waterville, VT available for purchase. 11 acres, with a log cabin home (3 BR, 2 BA, tons of amenities), 5 stall barn, chicken house, huge garage/barn (big enough for a small tractor), fort/playhouse/swings/slide, and rolling meadows. Val and Rick plan to move to the camp, and the new house they are building there, permanently.
Wow, this post is longer than I thought it would be. I guess that’s what happens when I don’t have time or the connection to do it in bites.
I should have photos up, tomorrow.
Stay tuned as we head back to Niagara Falls in the next installment: Roaring Waters.
To steal a phrase from the Jamaicans, “Cool Runnings”. Or, “Peace Be the Journey!”
~ Patti
