Day 15, 16, 17 - Burlington/Colchester, VT

We left upstate New York and headed towards Vermont.   For some reason the state of Vermont is one of the main states that I have been looking so forward to seeing.   Maybe it was the anticipation of pancakes and Vermont maple syrup; or maybe the scenic bike path along Lake Champlain; or maybe just knowing that it was bound to be much cooler weather.   All of these and more proved to be true.

The two-lane highway from Pulaski, NY to Colchester, VT was ideal...not too "roller-coster & winding" (which makes me rather nervous in a car, much less this big rig).  Instead, what we encountered was picturesque scenery of rolling hills, farms, barns - and oh yes, the windmills.   Let me tell you, we passed through some awesome windmill farms - no way any pictures can do it justice).   Of course as we expected, the Adirondacks made an awesome background.

But our awe & breath were very quickly taken away when we soon realized that we were approaching none other than,...oh my goodness... a Ferry passage across Lake Champlain!  Trust me, we have been in some pretty tight perdicaments, but this one was by far the most scary.   Let's just say that after we confirmed that we could actually fit on this ferry (size & weight), I kept my handy little "window-breaking & seat belt cutting" tool quickly assessible (and made Keith do the same).  The ferry actually saved us two hours traveling time and after I got over my nerves, it was a pretty cool experience.

It wasn't long after we exited the ferry and crossed over into Vermont that we noticed a problem with our right, outside dually tire pressure.  (Again, just a little reminder that it is not all sunsets & roses on the road.   Believe me, there have been many perdicaments that we have found ourselves in - that if you were indeed a little bird watching these adventures, you would laugh so hard).

EARLY Tuesday morning we headed for the "tire fixing" place/garage.  Again, I can't believe how friendly and engaging these folks were.  We came away feeling like we had just spent time with friends.   And get this.... they only charged us $22 dollars for everything (removed and cleaned tire stem and replaced grommet in one tire and checked & adjusted tire pressure in all tires).

Later that day, (after pancakes & maple syrup), we were able to finally settle in and adventured out on a beautiful bike path from Colchester to Burlington, which even had a causeway over the Lake.  At the end of the causeway was a bike ferry that would take you over to an island.   We rode on to Burlington, stopping along the way to enjoy the beach and even to enjoy an amazing lobster roll at the Burlington Marina & Boathouse.   There was a wonderful scenic park which included shops, skateboard arenas, etc.   We ended up biking 23 miles (had to work off those pancakes).  Of course we must confess that we are riding e-bikes that provide pedal assist.   (Still get the resistance & exercise but without the struggle up the hills...best way to go).

We love the cooler weather.  We were able to put away the fans and barely need the air conditioning.  The funny thing is that all the locals are complaining about the heat and humidity, while we are greatful for the sunshine and breeze.

The original plan for Wednesday, was to travel to historic Stowe, VT.   However, due to clouds and anticipated rain, (which didn't happen until that evening), we elected to take a day of rest instead.  Perhaps we will plan a Stowe trip on our return path sometime in the September timeframe.

For now, we head to Island Pond/East Brighton, VT.  Click for More Pics of our stay in Vermont