Over the border...

So today we left our awful Airbnb and travelled first to Vermont State capitol, for an excellent crepe breakfast. Lovely town where we had a quick wander. We then visited a Maple Sugar House and slipped into the back of a brilliant funny talk by the Grandson (50's?) of the person who set it up. Maple syrup for tasting was interesting..the difference in color coming from the time of year it is collected.

We then drove over the Camagus highway through the mountains.  We had been warned thus could be very busy so had avoided at the weekend.  It was still very busy, particularly at the overlooks and trailhead (a lot of Chinese). Made worse by a motorbike accident at Hancock overview. Thus meant the sun wasn't at its best for the leaves but still got some good snaps and a short amble to some falls. 

We then descended into Conway to the most fabulous apartment...next to a covered bridge. So well appointed I would like to live here!

 Although the wooden steps are difficult for me as they have see-thru treads. We went out to wonderful supermarket (I have been totally surprised about how nice they are) bought some food and had a fabulous meal in. This was a really nice change from restaurants. Though these cakes are so over the top.

Wind and water...

Started day in Burlington, lovely marina area and shopping street. Eventually found a place for breakfast without a long line (queue). After mooching around we then drove north onto South Hero snd North Hero...lakes within the middle of Lake Champlain. Beautiful crisp day but wind ferocious in middle of the bridge viewpoint. We saw signs warning of turtles crossing (which T'Other One thought looked like kangaroos). Found it difficult to find roads alongside the water...so many were Privat Keep Out, but did eventually succeed. Curly was very hungry by now..not really into eating big breakfasts that the others sometimes manage. We found something on a corner which called itself a pub and though some were a little dubious the food was good. Not exactly fine dining but Curly enjoyed her first burger of the trip. The island is known for its apples, which we saw in abundance. Close to the Vanadian border which actilually crosses the next island up.

We drove back at around sunset. The plan had been to take in the outdoor movie but it didn't start until 9pm and Curly and T'Other One were too tired, so sadly we didn't do this. We drove back into Burlington for a coffee and drink before returning back to base to attempt and fail to find a TV news/weather channel amongst the miriade choices we failed!

Tomorrow we leave Vermont and travel into New Hampshire.

And another gap...

Off bright and early to local bagel place for breakfast...having spent a couple of hours looking for alternative accommodation but, it being a weekend in full fall season, Curly could find nothing affordable. Forecast was for heavy rain today...which it has been at times. Today was our Ben & Jerry's Factory tour which was mostly interesting from the point of view of hearing the history and ethos of the company. When sold to Unilever a few years ago the contract stipulated an independent board be appointed to manage the ethical and social responsibility side. From there we went into Waterbury and wandered around, the weather was more clement, and did another circuit of a baseball pitch looking for a non-existent path. After a drink in the old railway station (though there is a direct train to Washington once a day), we decided to drive up and through Smugglers Notch...very beautiful even with low cloud swirling around. Descended into Jefferson at the other side. Now sat in car in torrential rain. Original plan was to do a drive in movie tonight but I can't see that happening!

Ended up driving to St Albans on the coast...though no eateries in sight oddly on coast road...so we had to go into the town where we found a nice gastro pub.  So being near the Canadian border Curly had to try the legendary Poutines ... excellent!

Driving back to our apartment in driving rain, few street lights really made us appreciate UK cat's eyes.

Over the gap...

Friday morning saw us indulging in pancakes, bacon and maple syrup before driving over the steep mountain pass (Lincoln Gap). We descended on the other side and called in at Bristol which was a nice little town. Weather started to turn grey and cloudy( though still sit outside warm) with a few spots of rain as we drove along to Burlington. Sadly a rather below par Airbnb...and we are here 3 days. Also not in a very handy part of town (not like us to get that wrong).

Oh well...have to make the best of it ...but won't be giving a good review!

Mists and mellow fruitfulness...

The day started misty but beautiful. 

Most beautiful overnight motel stay near Manchester with fabulous views and lovely accommodation. We did a walk through the woods which was excellent (and no bears) before driving, via Vermont Country Store,  to the delightful Griff Inn for the following night.

Excellent flatbreads in lovely place either outdoor fireplace.

Onward and Upwards...

So today was a driving and stopping day. Travelling north into Vermont (much better road surfaces!). Travelling was fine..stopping less easy...too many times did the passengers see beautiful things, but too late for the driver to pull over, or there was nowhere to stop. We did back track to a lovely lake though. We have decided we should call out 'Photo' should we see anything we would like to stop for (rather than 'Stop') to avoid driver alarm!

Alarm was caused in the middle of the afternoon when suddenly claxons went off in the car...turned out to be a test of a state alarm system on our phones.  

We had coffee in a typical County Store in Bennington then followed a circular route on 'back' roads, some unmettalled. We found several vovered bridges and accidentally found beautiful gardens in the former governor's House. A teacher there was engaging children beautiful in an outdoor classroom. We sheltered from the sun, found a community garden growing veg for a food bank, a historic iron bridge saved from a scrap heap and brought here.

Another stop later in the day was alongside a reservoir, followed by a photo stop at an 'overlook' where T'Other One's  love of ice cream was satisfied. Trees are beautiful and just everywhere! Literally as far as the eye can see, also boulder strewn rivers...no doubt torrents when the snow melts in spring. Day ended in beautifully situated Manchester View Motel followed by dinner, much better quality and cheaper than the previous night's in Lennox.

Museums...

Breakfast was lots of ways to eat bread basically, though I did find a hard boiled egg! An extremely large lady decided she needed to show us a photo of how she had made her breakfast into a face (likebyou might for a child) ..bizarre. Disappointed tobsee that, despite huge amounts of car parkin space around the motel, somone had opened their car door into the side of ours leaving a considerable dent...more bother to be had with carhire people. 

Curly was very pleased when original plans for the holiday enabled us to visit the Norman Rockwell Collection. Curly has loved these illustrations since the days of working in Psalter Lane art library...they did not disappoint. As a nostalgic look back but also as a commentary on social issues. Shocked that Saturday Evening Post stipulated people of colour could only be shown in servile job roles...one of reasons Rockwell eventually broke from them. Interesting and sad video by with Ruby (black 6 year old girl famously escorted into a previously segregated school by police). The accuracy and attention to detail was tremendous.

We then drove 20 mins to Hancock Shaker Village (previously visited in 2008 by Curly & Shiny)..it was again amazing. Had lovely talks on Shaker's Music and Dance, the Barn and Medicinal plants. Watching the making of a steam bent box with the distinctive swallow tale joins was a highlight. 

Evening meal at a 'gastro pub' was disappointing for the price.

We can't understand why it seems to be the norm here to hand over your credit card to your server for them to take away to the machine to charge...we don't...something that stopped being done in UK 20+ years ago. Also you pay with your card, then are given your receipt and asked to select which level of tip...then sign that. Presumably they then enter that against your card. 

We move into the hills tomorrow.