We were on the national news! Not us per se, but the state we’re in. Vermont. Rain. Floods. Mud slides. Locals said they hadn’t seen anything like this since Hurricane Irene came through in 2011. The interstate closed due to the floods, people were stranded for hours because the were no detours. Yes, technically, there are detours, but the detour roads were even worse than the interstate. People were stuck on I-89 – there was no place to move ‘em to. Not us, thank goodness, it was other people who were stuck.
We might have found a downside to all this traveling. We usually have no idea where we are. We make plans, we go, weather be damned. This time, this storm, we got lucky – we were touristing around Montpelier and Waterbury, seeing sights, taking tours, having a leisurely lunch, watching it rain and rain and rain and rain. We saw fields flood and streams swell, but we didn’t really think too much about it since we knew our path home was the interstate. I mean, when do they close an interstate due to rain? Snow, yes. Truck fires, yes. But rain, no. Turns out we passed through that section of closed interstate about 2 hours before they shut it down. Not a care in the world. I think God watches out for children and idiots! Thanks to all the family and friends who saw the news and checked in on us! We love you too!
OK, on to brighter things. Vermont is spectacular! Yes! As soon as we crossed the border from NY, it felt different. It felt more outdoorsy. There are trails galore for biking, hiking, skating and cross country skiing. There are big rivers and really (really) big lakes for water sports. The Green Mountains are everywhere, they are green, they are rolling, and they are beautiful. Vermont reminded me of West Virginia, just not as rugged, it’s more of a quieter, outdoor enthusiasts’ playground.
The Vermonters ooze outdoorsy, casual charm. Sandals. Flowy clothes. Lots of tattoos. Comfortable. Laidback. Not a lot of bras (old & young alike, just an observation, you can make up your own mind about that). Kind of hippie, but not hippie at the same time. The towns have a fun, calm feeling. A place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and do outdoor things.
We most certainly sampled the Vermont delicacies. The cheese is good. Ben & Jerry’s is a hometown favorite. And maple syrup is everywhere. I mean everywhere. I ordered a grilled cheese that had maple syrup in it. And the Creemee, a soft serve summer ice cream treat, is made with real maple syrup. We like maple syrup, we were good with it.
And we got to connect with family we haven’t seen in 16 years. Vermont was good!
Today we travel the dry and open Interstate I-89 across Vermont to New Hampshire. I wonder what NH has instore for us! Maybe I’ll pull out the weather radio, just in case ……
You were fortunate and still having a wonderful experience, continue to enjoy.
Thanks Eric. We were very lucky with weather the first year – but this year, not so much! Lots of rain. It seems it’s always raining on a travel day. We keep moving forward, not giving up …. yet! Hope you are doing well.
Gorgeous photos…think I’ll pass on the broccoli ice creams thoigh…and I LOVE broccoli. That sounds simply nasty 🤮First time I’ve used that emoju]i.
Don’t think I’ve been to Vermont…
Would never have thought of it as hippyish, your description reminded me of Boulder?
And am k the onlh one thingsking you guys seem to be around a lot of the National bad things/. Fired shits down interstate, big dolls closed interstate and seems ss thought there was one in MI earlier in the year….., stay safe……and ahead of the fray…..💜
Hi Elizabeth. We’re trying not to be near the national disasters! It’s been so much rain on this trip. I’m really tired of rain. The broccoli ice cream is a Ben & Jerry’s prank, except on April’s Fools Day, when they actually make it and give it out as samples on the tour. So plan your trip accordingly. 🙂 Vermont did not remind me of Boulder. It seemed more casual and outdoorsy, if that is possible. Hope you are doing well. Take care!
I’m thankful that God is protecting you. I’ll keep praying.
I am confident your prayers are helping! Thanks Susan. Hugs to you and Hugh!
Hey Mary and Pete, Been thinking about you and just happen to be sitting next to Guy while he was surfing FB. News reels on Vermont were crazy. Glad you missed it all. We are counting down to Guy s retirement in November. My mother s bday is today 102, yes, she is still around. Not sure if you heard that Deanna s mom passed on Monday so she s out of town for 7 weeks. Been super hot here as you can image. Hope you two settle back in AZ soon. Miss you.
Love Diane
Hi Diane and Guy! We miss you guys. 102? Wow, happy happy birthday to your mom. I did know about Deanna’s mom, but thanks for the heads up,just in case. It’s been super rainy this whole trip, I miss the hot and dry of AZ.
Thank God your safe been praying for you guys! Hope when we get there this fall all roads etc will be fixed!
Be safe
Thanks for the prayers, I think they are working. We’re safe, but very tired of all the rain. Maybe the rain will make all the leaves that much more amazing for your trip.
You miss 102? Well, it’s heading to 115, so hurry back to enjoy this hell heat! I just have to say, the maple cheese curd fries look interesting and could be awfully tasty. Did you actually try them or is that just a photo of what they offer? I will get back to my hell heat in the print shop. ENJOY
It has been raining since we left Tucson in February, so yes, I’ll take the dry, and if that comes with 102, then so be it! Too much rain!!!! The cheese curd fries are Poutine. We crossed the border to Canada for lunch, since we were in Quebec, I needed to try their favorite food. And yes, it was delicious, it’s gravy, cheese and french fries – what is there not to love! Have fun printing!
Hi Mary and Pete,
Diane and I just returned yesterday, July 16th , from a trip to Denver (granddaughter time), Taos (just because we had not been there for quite a while), and then Sante Fe to meet up with some old friends from California and an art show.
Unlike your recent rain adventures we had heat adventures (don’t know which is worse). We will be home for the next two weeks and then off to June Lake, California for three weeks to get out of the heat, some fishing, hiking and visiting with old teaching and bike racing friends.
Want to remind you your old house is coming available on August 1. Hint-Hint). Come on home, we miss you.
I miss you! 🙂 I know you love June Lake, so I know you will have a wonderful time. It’ll be fun to meet up with old friends, especially from your teaching days. I can’t believe our house is going to be for sale again. Sometimes I wish we had kept it, but I know it would have just added more stress, wondering if it was OK all the time. Hugs to Diane. Kiss on the head for Maggie.
I can taste the Ben & Jerry’s. Bill & I loved VT!!
I loved VT too. I definitely want to return to Burlington area.