Stowe Vermont

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.

 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.



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

Stowe and Smuggler's Notch

The ride up to Stowe resort from the town is a bit steep but breath taking. It gives you time to think about things. That could be that it was easier than talking. The climb got steeper and more narrow as we headed to Smuggler's Notch.

I have got a couple of chances to spend time in Vermont. Once, working at Rutland Medical Center as a traveling ICU nurse for 3 months and loved the bike rides and hikes we took.

Just as the leaves were reaching their peek colors, the rain started and in no time they were on the ground.

Burlington Vermont has a great campground on Lake Champlain along the bike path that we hope to return to someday.

I feel as if I hit the jackpot to have a partner in life that loves and aspires to the same things in life, riding our bikes, hiking and traveling. I guess that is what it is all about. Who knew?