Vermont

Happy Cows and Apple Orchards

What a day. I feel like I say that a lot on these blog posts. But part of the reason we go to all these places is so by the end of the day we are going oh wow.

As I sit here putting pen to paper and then to blog the notes of a concert echo across Grand Island reaching me through the orchard stretching out beneath the sunset in front of me. The evening sky is shades of red, orange, blue and purple the wind is just picking up and whistling through the trees. Crickets are chirping and a cool breeze keeps me company as I look back at another amazing day.

Though amazing it was a rocky start. My choice for breakfast was the famous Polly's Pancake Parlor. I did not know how famous. Reservations are apparently needed normally. We came in and were told a 45 minute wait that slowly turned into an hour plus. Again as I have many times on this trip, own this mistake. I should have called ahead. But the girls and I once we managed to get seated were able to enjoy a really good breakfast. Oh, I forgot the amazing mana of the gods, the pure Maple Spread. I don't even know what to say.

With our tastebuds still buzzing from maple goodness we headed to our big stop of the day. The Ben and Jerrys Factory! I am pretty sure I can die a happy man now that I have witnessed the birthplace of such greatness. We enjoyed walking through the past of the Flavor Graveyard right into a tour of the factory. Sadly there were some mechanical problems keeping us from seeing ice cream being made but it was still pretty cool. At the end we got a wonderful sample of "Cinnderella" or something. Was a cinnamon buns swirled in ice cream goodness.

When I first was looking for a stop in Vermont, I went through many different places before settling on The Orchard in South Hero on Grand Island. It was one of the best BNB's I have stayed in. Hands down. It was amazing.  The Allenholms, the owners of the BNB, which is part of farm have a little farm stand. We were told via email and then we go there that we had to try the Maple Cremee when we got there. We of course did. Maple infused soft serve ice cream. YUMMMY.

As we ate our creemes we hung out and got to meet the "locals", Winston, Willie, Twinkle, Squirt, Teddy and more.

We even dipped our toes in Lake Champlain and checked out the Birdhouse Forest also thanks to the directions of our hosts at the BNB.

I want to stop for a minute, and just make an observation. I am very sure my politics are very different from many of the people I have met on my trips. But the things we have in common should be so much stronger than the things that tear us apart. The beauty of this country is just one of the most special things. I just am so happy that for the past two years I have managed even with the ups and downs been able to have two amazing trips with two of the most wonderful young women on the planet. I love you two so much.