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2024 New England Adventure
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2024 New England Adventure

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  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    A taste of the Appalachian Trail! 🤗♥️🤗

    June 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    After bidding adieu to the POM’s and trudging back to camp, we made a pit stop at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Why, you ask? Because it’s the Appalachian Trail, baby! You can’t just pass that up!

    We decided to give the Ellis River some company and took the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the Crystal Cascade Falls. Then we scurried back down the trail, crossed Route 16, and followed the Ellis River downstream on the Lost Pond Trail. Did we mention it’s part of the Appalachian Trail? Beth was over the moon, stars, and a couple of constellations about hiking on this legendary path!

    Our adventure took us past Lost Pond, and we meandered our way to Glen Ellis Falls. This route took us on the Lost Pond Trail to Wildcat Ridge Trail, where we entertained ourselves with some impromptu rock-hopping across the Ellis River. Who needs a gym when you have nature’s obstacle course!! Finally, we hit the Glen Ellis Trail, leading us to the stunning Glen Ellis Falls.

    Was the hike worth it? Absolutely! Fun? You bet your hiking boots!

    Sign along the trail about the Glen Ellis Falls reads: The Ellis River begins its downward flow from the eastern slopes of Mt. Washington (elevation 6288 ft). It joins the Saco River near Glen, NH which meanders through Maine to the Atlantic Ocean.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Jackson, NH

    June 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Here’s where we landed for lunch and a hike to the town waterfall with the fabulous Bob & Debbie Pomerleau, aka the POMs! 😜

    It was a gorgeous day and we’re determined to sit outside. A quick drive through the little town of Jackson, complete with a charming covered bridge, led us to Madeline’s Deli, the only spot in town with outdoor seating. The menu was packed with tempting choices… even a “Hell Yes” lager that made Don chuckle. The food? Good, but not exactly worth writing home about. Now, how about some ice cream before that hike?

    We crossed a bridge to Autumn Nomad, dreaming of ice cream. But surprise—ice cream dreams crushed! Only cakes … even cakes for “Jake” (a fundraiser), so we took a pic of the sign and sent it to our son, Jake! 🤣 Cake = consolation prize.

    Time to hike, so we head to the Jackson Falls trailhead (back across that bridge and across the street from the Wentworth Inn). We followed the stream up the road, stumbling upon a historical "snow roller" from the early 1900s when horse-drawn sleighs were the height of luxury transportation. We continued down the path along the stream where Lower Jackson Falls should be... but no falls in sight. 😢

    Determined, we kept going, found a gazebo and benches—perfect for a tiny wedding. Still no falls. So, we scrambled down to the stream and climbed the boulders and rocks upstream to Jackson Falls, only to find … 🥁 … not much! There wasn’t a lot of water flowing over the falls. 😭 Thwarted again! But hey, it was a fun mini-adventure!

    Now, time to say goodbye to the POMs. Looking forward to seeing them again later this month!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    OMG ... Don found a moose at the Visitor Center! He's in heaven! LOL!
    Temps posted for the day at the bottom.Wildcat Mountain ski area

    Mt. Washington

    June 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Cold and windy? Sounds like the perfect day for Mt. Washington! 🌬️❄️

    Last night, Mt. Washington threw a winter tantrum with temps in the upper 20s, wind gusts up to 80 mph, and wind chills that made us question our life choices. Today, it’s predicted to be a balmy 40°, with winds between 10-70 mph and a wind chill ranging from "Do I have toes?" to "Who needs a face anyway?" 🥶💨

    Our surprise has arrived, and we're ready to drive to the top of Mt. Washington! It was a steep, beautiful drive, with clouds playing peekaboo as we ascended. Beth, ever the brave soul, sat in the back seat to avoid hyperventilating as Don’s neck did more rubbering than a NASCAR race. Her muffled cries from the back were the soundtrack of our journey.

    !!!SURPRISE!!! RP'ers, guess who drove all the way from Maine to enjoy the day with us? Bob and Debbie POM! Yes, no cameo this time—Bob was really there! (We know, RP'ers, it’s not much of a surprise since Bob already spilled the beans on Facebook!) 😆

    Funny fact: When Bob mentioned snow was possible, Don rolled his eyes so hard they almost got stuck. Naturally, Don wore a light jacket and a baseball cap, while Beth, ever the scout, came prepared with a stocking cap, gloves, and a warm jacket. The joke was on Don, even though he had looked at the forecast!

    At the summit, it was indeed cold and windy! Don almost donated his baseball cap to the mountain gods! 😂🤣😂 We got to witness the fascinating process of rime ice forming and melting. Rime ice, in case you’re wondering, is what happens when fog freezes. Tiny water droplets in the fog turn to ice, sticking to anything in their path, especially those facing the wind. Science is cool—literally!

    We watched the trains come in on the Cog Railway. Beth held up some rime ice like a trophy in the pictures, while Deb, in a hilarious twist, was caught on video chasing after a hat that she ironically forgot in her car at the bottom of the mountain. And yes, Don was freezing, looking like he was reconsidering all his life choices. 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

    What a great time! Now, it's time to head down the mountain for some lunch and more shenanigans with the POMs!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    Bye-bye Timberland

    Timberland Campground

    June 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Staying at Timberland Campground in Shelburne, NH for a couple of nights. The site's not half bad—though a tad unlevel. It's peaceful (before the weekenders rolled in), delightfully rustic, and surrounded by thick woods. The campground hugs the Androscoggin River and has a charming trail leading to it, complete with a couple of Adirondack chairs for river gazing—bugs included, unfortunately! On our way back to our site, a friendly lady even gave us a sneak peek inside one of the campground’s new cabins!

    Oh, and guess what? We got a phone call today while we were on our hike, and we have a surprise in store for you... but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Hello New Hampshire!!!

    June 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Hang onto your antlers—New Hampshire delivers two moose in a meadow! Unfortunately, Beth's iPhone skills weren't quite moose-ready, but Don's moose mania is officially unleashed—bring on the moose sightings! 🫎 😀Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Views, Hills, and Construction Thrills

    June 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    From beautiful views to rolling hills to, you guessed it, more construction! 🚧 Oh my, this scenic journey takes a detour through the land of orange cones!

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Porchside Passageways

    June 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    They just wrapped up paving both sides of the road, and some of these little towns felt like we were cruising right up to their front steps! 😳 We were half expecting someone to hand us a cup coffee from their porch!Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    New Pavement!!

    June 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    We hit the jackpot with fresh pavement on our side of the road! But, oh joy, Route 2 through Vermont has turned into a construction obstacle course. Time to channel our inner rally drivers!

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    1

    South Hero Birdhouses

    June 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    As we were cruising towards the vineyard, Beth's eagle eyes spotted something unusual—a field across from the beach filled with birdhouses and dinosaurs. Yes, you read that right: birdhouses and dinosaurs. Naturally, she made Don stop on the way back so she could capture this bizarre scene on camera.

    When we pulled over, we discovered the field was even more fascinating up close. To Beth's delight, there was a story behind the whole setup nailed to a tree. We’re talking about a tale worthy of Hollywood—a little Jurassic Park meets HGTV birdhouse edition.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery

    June 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Next up… wine tasting! I mean, come on, we’re still in wine country and we deserve it after a 23-mile bike ride! So, down the road we go to Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery, sliding in just before closing time.

    Beth ordered a flight—Vermont Seyval Blanc, Leon Millot, Baco Noir, and Marquette. Don, being the efficient connoisseur he is, went straight for a glass of Baco Noir after sampling a couple of Beth’s reds. Naturally, we had to get some cheese and crackers. After all, we worked up an appetite, and what goes better with wine!

    We sat outside and had the place to ourselves. Just as we were settling in, a fly decided it wanted to taste Don’s wine too and made a dive for his glass! 😳 Don went in for a fresh pour, and they were quite generous—maybe they sensed Don would be sharing with Beth or perhaps buying another glass! 🤣😂🤣

    Most of the wines were pretty good, except for the Marquette. We’ve enjoyed Marquettes at other wineries, but this one tasted very earthy (and that’s putting it mildly). Neither of us were fans.

    Out front, they had a cute “Little Free Library” which we absolutely love! Across the street, next to their Inn, there was a huge parking lot. Apparently, they draw quite the crowd on weekends for live music. All in all, it was a fantastic experience to wrap up our day of biking!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Island Line Rail Trail Ride

    June 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We are absolutely soaking up the sunshine! Today, we’re off to South Hero to tackle the Island Line Rail Trail by bike, cruising all the way to Burlington. This includes crossing the epic 3.25-mile causeway, constructed of massive marble blocks back in the early 1900s when it was known as the Rutland Railroad Island Line.

    Nowadays, the causeway is a hotspot for bikers, walkers, and runners. If you’re starting from the South Hero side, you’ll ride about a quarter-mile before encountering a gap in the causeway. Here’s where the adventure kicks up a notch—you’ll need to hop on the bike ferry to reach the other side. This trusty ferry runs daily, funded by donations to a non-profit organization called Local Motion.

    Once we crossed the gap, we pedaled into Burlington and back, racking up about 23 miles round-trip. It was a fantastic ride on a beautiful day. Sunshine, fresh air, and a bit of history—what more could we ask for?    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    The car that got towed! 😳What is that!?!

    Stowe Bike Ride

    June 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    With our hike conquered and our legs warmed up, it's time to switch gears—literally. Next up: a bike ride! Does that make sense? Of course! Or maybe we've just lost our marbles. Either way, let's pedal to the metal and hit the Stowe Recreation Path!

    We make our way to the parking lot for the trail, only to find a car being towed. Don, ever the curious one, strolls over to the tow truck driver to make sure we’re in the right place and not about to join the towed car club. The driver assures us we’re good, explaining that the car he’s towing was left in the lot when the rains came two days prior and flooded the area. It was a brand-new car with only about 200 miles on it, now filled with water and mud. You could see the mud line halfway up the side of the car! YIKES! The driver also mentioned they had received 4 inches of rain in 2 hours that day. Yes, the very day we got those tornado warnings and sought refuge at Ben & Jerry’s (just 9 miles from Stowe)! 😳 We even saw spots on the path where mud had covered it, trees were leaning over, and bushes and tall grasses alongside the river were all laying flat.

    The path took us across several bridges and followed along the West Branch Little River. We did an out-and-back ride, stopping at a park with a cute chairlift swing and having an early dinner at Idletyme Brewing Company. For dinner, we tried Cabot cheese fritters with jalapeño aioli dipping sauce. Delicious! Don had a beer, and Beth tried a local cider brewed right in Stowe: Stowe Cider, High & Dry, Super-Dry Hard Cider. It was refreshing and delightful!

    As we headed back and crossed one of the last bridges, Don noticed something in the water. It was a beaver! 🦫 How cool is that?!

    All in all, it was a great day despite the previous two days of rain!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Pinnacle Meadow Hike

    June 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Did someone say "exercise"? Oh yes, we heard you loud and clear! With sunny skies and no rain in the forecast, it's time for an adventure. Stowe, here we come! First stop: the Pinnacle Summit.

    But, of course, every great adventure has its challenges. Just before reaching the trailhead parking lot, we encountered a "Road Closed" sign. And there, in the middle of the road, was a big ol' track hoe, digging away like it was searching for buried treasure. We had a classic dilemma: turn around or follow the car that just went through? Being the intrepid explorers we are, we threw caution to the wind and followed suit.

    Upon arriving at the trailhead parking lot, we found ourselves thwarted once more. The road had decided to take a break, thanks to the heavy rains from the past two days, and was partially washed away. So, off to the other parking lot we went, dodging washed-out roads and driveways like we were in an off-road rally.

    Finally parked and ready to roll, we hit the Pinnacle Meadow Trail, which, for the first quarter mile, is basically a gravel road. But then, the real fun began! We climbed boulder staircases, hopped and jumped from rock to rock like mountain goats, and made our way to the top. The view? Absolutely stunning. The day? Perfect for a hike. The experience? Exactly what we needed.

    Next stop: biking the Stowe Recreation Path!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Wine Tasting to End the Day

    June 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Last stop of the day: Shelburne Vineyards for a little wine tasting!

    Beth decided to take a venture on the wild side and tried the Wild Carrot tasting. These wines are wild-fermented and on the dry side. They were all pretty good (except for the 2021 IAPETUS Tectonic), but none were good enough to buy a bottle! Don, on the other hand, went for a flight of reds, naturally … which included a 2022 Marquette and 2021 Marquette Reserve. He ended up walking away with a bottle of the 2021 Marquette Reserve.Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    Fire Hydrant Jack in Shelburne, VT
    Cheese being boxed for aging process.Outside the woodshopOn the way to the InnView from the front steps of the InnCows waiting to head to the milking barnExpelling milk before getting hooked up

    Shelburne Farms

    June 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    Dairy Farm Tour … here's the scoop on our udderly unforgettable afternoon!

    So, we were all jazzed to tour a dairy farm, right? But seriously, what in the world were we thinking?! For some reason, we imagined most of the tour would be indoors. Why? Who knows! After all, it’s a dairy farm!

    As soon as we jumped onto the carriage with two other couples, Mother Nature decided it was the perfect time for a drama show. The skies opened up, and the wind nearly launched us out of the carriage! Our first stop: the Shelburne cheese factory. We got schooled on the cheese-making process, which was surprisingly educational. And yes, we got to sample some cheese! Yum!

    Next up, the petting zoo. We saw lambs, goats, a cow, and calves. Since it was raining cats and dogs, we took a shortcut through the back of a building to get back on our "chariot." On the way, we stumbled upon a tiny woodshop that crafts furniture. Pretty neat!

    Thanks to the rain, we had the bonus adventure of touring the Shelburne Farms Inn. We were led down to the bay, where the wind was having a field day! We got a brief history lesson about Dr. William Seward Webb and his wife, Eliza Osgood Vanderbilt Webb, and how they established Shelburne Farms in 1886.

    The grand finale of our soggy tour was the milking barn! Calves are separated from their mothers right after birth and kept in individual pens until they’re ready to graze together. We even saw a calf that was just 4 days old! Then, we strolled to the next barn to watch the milking process. Those cows are pros—they march in, get hooked up, and then trot back out like they’re on a dairy catwalk.

    And there you have it: our whirlwind, rain-soaked, windblown, and hilariously memorable dairy farm tour!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    Loading onto the ferryAusable River in Keeseville, NYEssex, NY (old foot ferry)

    ⛴️ Ferries ⛴️

    June 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    Another day of rain means no hiking or biking! 😩

    Yesterday was all about a sugar coma, and today's rainy weather called for checking out Lake Champlain via ferries! Our adventure kicked off with a surprise: a turtle crossing! Perfect for the day's soggy vibe.

    We started on the Vermont side, naturally, driving to Gordon's Landing. We loaded up at the Grand Isle Ferry Dock and set sail for the Cumberland Head Ferry Dock in Cumberland Head, NY. It was windy, rainy, and the lake was so rough, we might as well have been at sea!

    Once in New York, we cruised down Route 9 and stumbled upon Ausable Chasm. What a find! We had to stop for pics. If we had known about this gem (and if it wasn't pouring), we would've spent all day there. Adventure trails, cable bridges, cargo nets, and edge walks galore! Plus, lantern tours, rock climbing, rappelling, rafting, and tubing the Ausable River—talk about an adventure wonderland!

    Next, we headed to Essex, NY, and caught the ferry back to Vermont. This ride was a bit less crowded, and we scored a prime outside spot with a fantastic lake view. The rain eased up a bit, but the waves kept us rocking and rolling! We docked at Charlotte, VT (established in 1762), a quaint cove filled with anchored sailboats and a charming sailing center.

    This unexpected ferry/road trip turned out to be a blast, a rainy day gem we wouldn't have discovered otherwise. 🌧️🛳️

    Next stop: Shelburne Farms for a tour of the dairy! 🧀    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    Gotta lock your ice cream!!!Watching the mooooovie!

    What to Do When It’s Raining?

    June 23, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Fill yourself with sugar and visit a chocolate and ice cream factory, of course!

    First stop: Lake Champlain Chocolates in South Burlington 🍫

    We kicked off our sugar spree with a chocolate samples and mochas. Don indulged in a Hazelnut Mocha that was absolutely nutty delicious, while Beth opted for the Old World Mocha, creamy and chocolatey divine! Naturally, we couldn't leave without some chocolates for later... or should I say for Don? Sharing isn’t his strong suit when it comes to chocolate! 😝

    Next stop: Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury, VT 🍦🍧

    Did I mention it was raining today? I mean really raining! The closer we got to Waterbury, the more it poured. And then came the tornado warning! Beth started freaking out, but there was no exit off the freeway or any safe spot to pull over until we reached Waterbury. We ended up driving around the charming downtown streets until the rain eased up. Whew!

    Now for our tour! Well, we were about half an hour early, so what did we do? Got a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s, of course! Don chose their #1 seller, Half Baked, and it was delicious! Beth, already in a sugar coma from the chocolate factory, chose a refreshing sorbet, which was also delicious! We even had time to walk off the ice cream by visiting Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard.

    Time for the tour! It was pretty cool! We got some cookie dough chunks and a sample of a new flavor that might be released soon. It was Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese... April Fool’s! Oh wait, we’re in June. Seriously though, they did make that flavor as a joke for April Fool’s. Our actual sample was Cookies and Sweet Cream, and we hope it hits the shelves because it was really good!

    Now that we were both in a major sugar coma, it was time to head back to camp. No sooner had we hit the road than we got a severe thunderstorm and tornado warning! OMG!!! This time we managed to pull off into a “texting” parking lot. At least we were driving away from the storm instead of into it! And yes, we made it back safely!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Burlington, VT … downtown waterfront

    June 22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    All settled in, we decided to head to the waterfront in downtown Burlington, VT, to explore and grab some dinner. We stumbled upon this gem of a Cuban place called Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine, and wow, the food was incredible! We feasted on Lechon Amado (roast pork) and Ensalada de Aguacate (avocado salad). Beth discovered yet another coconut margarita. It was pretty good, but she’s still raving about the one she had in Kentucky! We highly recommend this spot if you’re in the area.

    Feeling pleasantly stuffed, we decided a post-dinner stroll was in order. As we wandered down to the waterfront, we passed ECHO, the kid-focused science and nature museum, and noticed a sign informing us of the number of cows in Vermont. (Because, you know, cow trivia is a must when visiting Vermont!) The night was beautiful, and we couldn’t resist snapping a few pictures of the Burlington Breakwater North Lighthouse, the bay, and the train station. A perfect ending to a delightful evening!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler

    Lone Pine Campsite

    June 22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Here's our spot for the next couple of days at Lone Pine Campsite! All the sites are grassy, which makes them pretty soggy when it rains. There are three pickleball courts here, but it's been too wet to even get out and play so far!Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    Solar Farm

    The Great Rain Chase!

    June 22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Imagine an RV, a rainstorm, and us, all engaged in a high-speed, slow-speed, mostly wet-speed pursuit of each other heading up north. 🚐🌧️💨

    Our windshield wipers worked overtime, swiping away at a rainstorm that decided to hitch a ride with us. Every view out the window was a waterlogged masterpiece, like Monet painted our entire trip through a soggy lens. The roads were long, wet, and sometimes rolling—though it was hard to tell if that was the terrain or just our eyes adjusting to the perpetual waterworks display. 🚐💦

    From afar, we spotted a cool barn that looked intriguing in the misty rain. As we got closer, it seemed quite mysterious, with the rain adding to its eerie vibe. Then, we saw big letters on the side: “Yankee Vineyard!” We thought we were discovering a hidden gem but instead found what looked like an abandoned barn from a horror movie set. It was like the grapes had packed up and left, and the only spirits there were the spooky kind. 🍇👻 Still, nothing says “fine wine” like a place that looks like it might house a ghost or two!

    Next on our soaked sightseeing tour was a solar farm. Yes, in the middle of a rainstorm, we spotted a solar farm. Let’s just say the picture doesn’t do it justice—mostly because it’s hard to depict rows of solar panels through a curtain of rain. But hey, those panels must be soaking up the drops and saving them for a sunny day, right? ☀️➡️🌧️➡️☀️

    So here we are, continuing our wet and wild adventure northward. If you need us, just follow the rain—it seems to know where we’re headed! 🌧️🗺️🚐

    P.S. – If you see any vineyards that actually have wine, let us know. We could use a drink after today’s splashy escapades! 🍷🚐💦    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2024 New England AdventureTraveler
    Beth had the salmon!

    Last night with family

    June 21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Tonight we had a blast dining with family at the 110 Grill in Lenox, MA. The food was good overall, but let's talk about that coconut pineapple dessert from the specials menu—seriously, that biscuit could double as a wrecking ball! 😳

    Another wonderful evening with the family—filled with laughter and unforgettable memories! It was truly heartwarming to reunite and cherish these moments together.    Read more

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