It’s raining for the second day here in Augusta. So, I’m cooking dinner for 5 in the Tramper and decided to see if I could load my slideshow of wildflowers I’ve seen on the Voyage.
It has sound, too.
Oh, rats! If you make it fullscreen it’s a bit blurry. It’s my first time making an iPhoto slideshow and I spent 2 days trying to make it work. It’s good enough… I’m done
– Jane
That’s “Mainers” with a down east accent!
After a pleasant travel day, we arrived in the Augusta area to visit with family in Sidney (brother Bob, nieces Rachel and Amanda) and Farmingdale (nephew Andrew, his wife Hannah and our little adorable grand-niece, Grace).
Darling Gracie having her fav snack – Cheerios!
At the Harvest Fest, looking at silly Mommy in the rabbit cage
On the way to Augusta, we put in the Connecticut River for a short kayak. (see David’s description, below) Actually, a short paddle is about it for us. We stay close to shoreline to observe the animal and plant life and enjoy the scenery. Biking and hiking are long, strenuous and glorious but kayaking is relaxing and slow.
In Sidney with my brother Bob, we visited and played a fast game of Beatles Monopoly. Fast, because the Ravens game was on! Funny how our Maine relatives are much, much bigger fans of the Ravens than we, the Baltimoreans are.
Rachel, David, Bob (hmmm, he’s not really insane. Just poses that way for a pic!) and Amanda
I so love visiting family. It’s so warm and nice. Feels like home. I find myself wondering why we aren’t up here 3 or 4 times a year. Life is happening, that’s why and as David would remind you, it’s a busy sport. That’s what’s so great about the Tramper Voyage. We can travel and do fun things but also we can spend time with people we love.
Hannah gives David a much needed haircut
Hannah and Rachel at the Harvest Fest
Grace’s grandma, Marty, with David. I think she looks quite happy holding the baby!
– Jane
Bridge over the Connecticut River
We hear the Connecticut River is tidal, but had yet to confirm that from where we were at the VT/NH border along Route 2. The bridge was a steel truss, a character laden and rusty old thing. We parked at a Valero gas station where long, empty logging trucks sat. A dirty grey gravel lot, but we saw it dip in one corner toward the river. Sure enough there was a boat ramp, not paved until the last 30 feet into the river. Of course all we want for a kayak is the sandy beach found next to the ramp. Dark and clear the river was smooth with a just-detectible current Southward.
Almost mirror-smooth Connecticut River in New Hampshire
We paddled North for 20 minutes or so. It was cloudy. We felt guilty just driving so we were happy to get out and “do something”. Odd that today we saw no birds, no fish jumping or any other sign of life. The road crew onshore barely gave a glance as we finished tying the boat on the roof of our hard-working 4Runner to get back on the road.
– David
A few nights ago, we stopped for the night along a deserted country road. no streetlights. No porch lights. No glow in the sky from any nearby city. It was a new moon night. Clouds covered the sky.
We got in bed and turned out the lights. This is what I saw:
Couldn’t see a thing! Black. I’ve never lived in a totally dark place. There are always lights on somewhere nearby. At home, when my eyes adjust, I can make out the furniture in the room and my husband sleeping beside me.
Here, I could see absolutely nothing. Just black. And I loved it! The old saying “Couldn’t see my hand before my face” had meaning here. I was experiencing the night as countless millions had done before me in darker (literally) times. So cool…
– Jane
Doug and Huntly directed us to some awesome mountain bike trails right in Stowe called the Cady Hill Trails. Not all that long but definitely not for beginners! We had a blast. Here’s a trail map:
www.townofstowevt.org/images/photos/cady_hill_trails.pdf
Don’t ask me which trails we went on. My usual riding involves desperately keeping up with the group. I just follow where they go! I do remember falling off some low bridges on the Bridgey trail.
We also went to Caroline’s soccer game. They won 4-0! Yay! The game was exciting plus we got to visit with Huntly and Doug some more. Here’s a photo of some team action:
the Stowe Raiders, in dark green
And here’s Caroline in action:
Just kidding, Caroline. You blocked everything that came your way but your team dominated so, not so much for you to do!
Caroline’s fans:
David, Jane and Huntly
– Jane
You never know how you’ll be received whenever you call a relative by surprise. They have their busy schedule, need to work etc. But, you’ll know whether they really want your brief company. Perhaps bringing our own bedroom where ever we go will help? Here we feel welcome.
Jane, Caroline and David at Huntly & Doug’s beautiful home. Mt Mansfield in the background
Huntly, Doug and Caroline help us feel at home in their home. We slept in late (anything after 8 is late for me) and sat around for lots of coffee and pancakes. We ate their home cooked food, had long showers and did laundry. Great hosts, eh?!
Jane, Huntly, David and Amber, our host dog cousin.
Later we rode into Stowe and up/down the “Rec Trail”. A beautiful 5 1/2 mile paved ribbon between Downtown Stowe’s Blinking Red Light and the Top Knotch Racquet Club along the river all the way. Idylllic, safe and peaceful, but we yearn for single track. Won’t be long.
– David & Jane
The Voyage of the Tramper 