Who'll stop the rain?
Click here to listen to Creedence Clearwater Revival
Our next stop was only 35 miles up the road from Burlington. We got settled in Stowe at our campground with 75 spaces where we happened to be the only people there on our arrival. As night fell, another RV came in and parked right next to us. Our view of the mountains changed to a view of them. Fortunately, we moved closer to the check in building to get internet and we were alone again.
Leaving North Beach after one more walk. |
Of course, we stopped and tasted the cheese since it was raining too hard to go outside even with rain gear.
The Apple Cider Mill had cider donuts that we felt obligated to taste test. They passed with flying colors. They also had Maple Cream liquor that was so smooth and tasty that it could be habit forming. I decided against taking any home.
What can I say?
We also made a visit to the Green Mountain Club to make our hiking plans on trails that go up.
Mills Trail to Bingham Falls
Bingham Falls |
Von Trapp Lodge
Stowe is a Vermont ski resort and home to the Von Trapp family
that moved here from Austria and which the Sound of Music was based on. The Von Trapp Lodge is on the mountainside with unbelievable mountain views.
that moved here from Austria and which the Sound of Music was based on. The Von Trapp Lodge is on the mountainside with unbelievable mountain views.
After checking out the lodge, we headed back down the mountain the their brewery for a scrumptious lunch and some bier. The tarragon dressing, pickled eggs and marinated tomatoes made this Cobb Salad extra special.
Mike opted for the burger and shaved radishes with a lemon olive oil.
Stowe Rec Path
Stowe Rec bike path end |
The sun finally came out on Sunday. We were out the door for a bike ride on the Stowe Rec Path that runs along the Gold Brook Creek. I had unzipped my bright yellow vest and it was flapping in the breeze behind me as I rode. I like to wave at little kids as they ride by me. Mike heard a little girl asked her mother why I was wearing a cape as I passed. So I began singing the Mighty Mouse theme song. "Here she comes to save the day."
I love little kids. They live in another world.
I love little kids. They live in another world.
Chair lift now used for a swing in the park
Bubbles and music at the Farmer's Market
Pedestrian covered bridge
Green Mountains living up to their names
Smuggler's Notch
The sun was still shining after a stop at the farmer's market. We put away our bikes and headed out for a hike to Sterling Pond.
Sterling Pond Trail was steep hike from Smuggler's Notch, not a walk in the park. The higher we walked the more the mud and water covered the trail. I felt a little bad for the tourists that bought new shoes for their trip to Stowe and ruined them in the mud on this hike.
A hike and bike ride in one day were tiring and sitting by a campfire was a treat. I wasn't to sad about the rain returning in the evening. Chilling out and reading was pretty nice after all of that activity.
The trail rarely leveled off more that a few feet.
Smuggler's Notch is a narrow pass through the Green Mountains with 1000 foot cliffs with narrow winding roads. In1807 President Thomas Jefferson passed and embargo forbidding trade with Great Britain and Canada. This was a hardship for Vermonters since Montreal was closer than other markets in the US. Many local people continued illegal trade with Canada, herding cattle and carrying other goods through the Notch. Later, fugitive slaves used the Notch as an escape route to Canada. During Prohibition years, liquor was smuggled from Canada.
A cave used by smugglers to hide with their wares.
This is the most difficult section of the Long Trail rated as expert.
The cliffs of Smuggler's Notch
Moss Glen Falls
Slip sliding away in the mud on the way to Moss Glen Falls |
The ski museum was closed except weekend.
Gold Brook Bridge
Gold Brook Bridge is not your ordinary covered bridge. This bridge is also known as "Emily's Bridge," due to the fact that it is haunted by a ghost named Emily. There are many stories of how Emily died on the bridge. One story is that she was supposed to elope with a lover who was meeting her at the bridge, and when he didn't show, she hung herself from the rafters.
Reports tell of scratch marks appearing on parked vehicles and of mysterious bangs echoing throughout the bridge. Visitors who explore the structure on foot, hear screams, laughter, footsteps, and creaking rope. Some people have even spotted a white apparition floating near the bridge’s entrance.
It was raining when we arrived and didn't stay long but didn't see any sign of Emily.
The rain is finally supposed to end for a while as we head to Rutland for Mike's class reunion and a visit with his family.
Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain here
You're in our old stomping grounds. They don't call it the Green Mountain State for nothing, all that rain sure helps it stay green. We actually used to spend summers in Johnson VT at a wonderful campground. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteIt is a great place to spend the summer with all of those shades of green.
DeleteI am very surprised that you two were the only one at the campground.
ReplyDeleteI love all the trails. There is so much beauty in VT.
The candy bar is a hoot.
I didn't know there was a real Von Trapp Lodge. Lunch looks yummy.
Have fun at the reunion.
I think the weather was a factor in people staying away.
Deletewe are hoping to make it back up to Vermont this summer but I think we may be moving too slowly to get there this year...
ReplyDeleteThe sun finally came out and it is just right now. You are just where you need to be for now.
DeleteGreat having the campground almost to yourself. That part of Vermont looks awesome with such mountainous scenery. I really enjoyed the pic of the Von Trapp Lodge.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the share.
It was nice a quiet for sure.
ReplyDeleteLove your story of riding your bike with your yellow cape. :-) Hope the rain lets up for you guys soon -- although it doesn't seem like it stops you from getting out and doing what you want to do.
ReplyDeleteMight as well get out and seize the day. Beats hanging out inside.
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