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Published: September 10th 2022
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Gondola ride
A neat little selfie stick stand was made. Perfect for solo travelers like me. Beautiful VERMONT. I started my trip through this beautiful lush green state at Smuggler's Notch. Camping at the state park was nice and my first time in a lean to. Basically a wooden platform with three walls and a slanted roof. Smuggler's Notch is known for being a path to run supplies to Canada during the war in 1812. The large boulders and tight narrow paths allows travelers a number of hiding space and not be seen. Today there is a very narrow paved road that visitors can drive to the top and back down again, when heading east, you will end up in Stowe, VT. There are a few parking spaces along the road to hike on designated trails. I took the trail to Bingham Falls, because that was the only one I could find a valuable parking space at. It is end of the summer season so the falls were not as full as advertised but still an enjoyable walk to stretch my legs and snap off some pictures.
The pine, oak, spruce, maple and ash trees hover over the twisting paved roads. Now they are green with slight yellow tips on the leaves as they are just
now preparing to turn into the lovely fall colors they are so well known for. Arriving at the base of Mount Mansfield, I purchased my round trip ticket on a gondola that will take me to the top of the highest point of the state. The ride was 12 minutes each way to climb the 2,800 feet of elevation. Nothing compared to Oregon's Mount Hood, but this is what the area offers. Along the ride I noticed metal piping up the hill. I asked a staff member about these. I was told that the pond of water you see the below pictures is water they pump up to the mountain, mix it with air, and make snow so people can ski. I was perplexed by this. They MAKE snow. Why not just find a different hobby? At the top of the hill the area is well known for amazing Belgian waffles with Vermont maple syrup. I had to try it, no regrets. Delicious.
After Stowe, I needed to walk off that waffle I consumed so I went to a very large well known corn maze (free if you show your military I.D. - thanks' Don). I enjoy these little
Waffles
Hot fresh Belgian waffles with hot Vermont maple syrup drenched on top. I pulled up a chair with a beautiful view and enjoyed this treat. breaks in the day to stretch my legs, meet people, do something fun and just get out of the car. There were calves to pet and goats to feed, so it lifted my spirits too. I totally forgot this was even on my itinerary Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory. Everyone knows the brand and knows it is delicious ice cream with chunks and swirls of flavor throughout. I took the tour, tasted the ice cream, then bought more ice cream to taste. I choose "The Tonight Dough" single scoop in a bowl for my flavor choice. My parking space was next to the flavor graveyard where a person can walk through and read the titles of flavors that are no more. Very fun stop! Next on the list is Graniteville, VT, home of Rock of Ages. A granite company that offers tours and an explanation of how it all works. I found this online before I left and was very excited to see this! See the picture below and you'll see why I was so excited.
Vermont was fun, beautiful, the homes are grand with large enclosed covered porches. No litter, no visible homelessness, no fencing around properties
Gondola ride
Yes, this is the States highest mountain. unless they are containing farm animals. The best part was the neighborhood farm stands. Approximately 1 out of every 10 homes offer a service or goods for sale. Maple syrup, eggs, corn, squash, fruit, jams, baked goods, pumpkins, art work, milk, honey...I LOVE this concept.
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer
Michelle
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bain
don bain
Nice photos
That ice cream looks delicious! Are the Rock of Ages man made or natural?