18 August 2023 to 21 August 2023 - Austerlitz, NY to Stowe, VT
We drove a designated Scenic Highway, Route 100, north up through Vermont to Stowe. The scenery was spectacular and the towns we passed through were quintessential Vermont. Getting to Stowe took two days and we camped overnight near Ludlow. We had no idea that Ludlow had been hit hard by the floods of last July, but we found out when we tried to turn onto the road that was to take us about 5 miles to our campground for the night. A big flashing sign said, "Road Closed." Tried to contact the campground but AT&T and even Verizon had bad service in the area. Finally, returned to the town and contacted the Ludlow police. They told us the road wasn't actually closed, closed until just after the turnoff we needed to take for our campground. Saw lots of flood damage as we made our way - washed out road shoulders, buildings being torn down and destroyed bridges. The campground road was rough - they are having a hard time keeping it repaired because of all the rain. After that one night in the flood area, we continued our way north to Stowe and did not encounter any more flood related issues. Visited Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory and the Von Trapp Family Lodge. Vermont with its Green Mountains is beautiful!
Russ getting the trailer ready to head out from Massachusetts. We have a long drive ahead today.
The Green Mountains of Vermont are beautiful. As we drove north, we saw lots of cross-country skiing centers and downhill skiing resorts. In the summer, the mountains are popular with bicyclists, hikers and canoeists.
Williamstown is the home of Williams College. The main road of the city goes through the middle of the campus. Beautiful buildings and gorgeous grounds. We passed through a number of nice towns; the area seems prosperous.
I can see why Route 100 is popular with fall leaf peepers. These hardwood trees would be beautiful with their autumn colors. We have seen a number that are getting a head start.
While many farms seemed to be doing well (most of them are dairy farms,) we did see some places that have been abandoned and are falling into ruin.
I have been getting Vermont Country Store catalogs for decades and have occasionally ordered from them. We really enjoyed taking a break from our scenic drive and browsing through the store. Lots of nostalgia. The third generation of the original family that started the store is running the business.
This potbellied stove is used in the winter to keep visitors warm. It is original to the building. So much to look at, and maybe buy. I did get a few things, including some Vermont cheddar cheese.
After the scare of being cut off from our campground for the night, we finally made it to the road. Dirt again, but it wasn't too bad. The road inside the campground was much worse.
Lots of steep descents on Route 100. Russ is good at managing the gear shifting though, so we got through them with no problem.
Kept thinking of "On Golden Pond" as we passed lots of beautiful lakes.
Another falling down building. This was funny because there were a couple lawn chairs inside it. Apparently, it is still being used.
Our campground during our stay in Stowe. It was basically a field behind what used to be a farm. You can see one of the potholes, full of water in the foreground. We managed to setup camp between rain showers.
Loved the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory tour. Such unique individuals in their approach to business. Got their start after taking an on-line course in ice-cream making.
I think Russ might take a run at eating 19 pints, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't make it.
Great company values and very creative way to display them. Ben & Jerry no longer own the company (they sold to Unilever,) but they required an independent Board of Directors that would make sure Ben & Jerrys could preserve their social mission and expand their quality. For example, they work with a bakery that provides all their brownies for various ice-cream flavors. This company provides jobs to people regardless of their background, such as prison time and homelessness. They do no background checks; the next one on the waiting list gets the job.
There is a graveyard for flavors that are no longer being made. Clever epitaphs.
Apple trees in the orchards we passed are ready for picking. Maybe we will get to sample fresh cider on this trip!
After the Von Trapp family escaped Austria in 1938 (Sound of Music took liberties on how they did it,) they came to Vermont and built a home on this site. In the 50s, they created a lodge and then rebuilt it bigger and better when it was burned down in 1980. Still run by family members, it has a big cross-country ski center and trails.
One relatively new addition to the Von Trapp Family Lodge is a brewery and bier hall. We had lunch there and I sampled their fest bier. Very good!
