Localism: Lamoille County, VT

Smugglers Notch, Part Deux

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:30:57 -0600

Smuggler's Notch, Vermont is just such a beautiful place that I wanted to post some additional photos from my hike two weeks ago. What an absolutely incredible place - the rock formations are amazing and the views are simply spectacular. I really want to do a lot more exploration. My dream is to pitch a tent and sleep out under the stars at the highest point in Vermont.

My, I feel small next to that boulder!

Interesting how a little change in perspective can make such a big difference. Boulder doesn't look so big now, does it?

If there is no one there to hear it, does a rock still make a sound when it falls? I heard a HUGE rock slide from somewhere over in this zone. While the slide was just out of sight, the roar was Very Dramatic!

Dramatic rock formation...

Another dramatic rock. This one sort of makes me think of Jabba the Hutt, don't ask me why!

Somebody is happy about all the rocks...

I can't help liking this shot. Just makes you feel so small...

Just kind of liked this shot of the mossy tree. And like the way the sun is illuminating the trees.

I love moss! Gives me Happy Feet! This mossy carpet was especially cushiony :)

Smugglers Notch, Vermont: What a Beautiful Place!

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:16:43 -0500

I would like to share some pictures with you from breathtakingly beautiful Smugglers Notch which is located between the towns of Stowe and Jeffersonville, Vermont. There is also a ski resort with the same name. The road closes at the first snowfall each season because it becomes impassible. Cars that try to make it through the notch in winter usually stay there til spring! Seriously! A few times each year, some brave idiots try to make it through 'The Notch' and get stuck - too bad.

The notch has a few hairpin twists that are barely wide enough for one car to gt through so imagine the banned tractor trailers that get stuck from time to time.

I was there last week and the road was closed so I was able to get some nice photos. Every single time I go to Stowe, I must go to The Notch. The sheer majesty of the mountains always overwhelms me. It really keeps me in awe of nature.

For the first time ever, I heard a rockslide. There was a big BOOM and it sounded like a large piece of the mountain had fallen off. When I turned, I could see dust flying way up in the air, but the actual slide was around a corner so I did not see it. It was so loud and pretty exciting to (sort of ) witness!

While I have only done a few easy hikes there, I would love to get to the rock face at the top one day. There are lots of cool caves and rock formations to explore down below. Maybe some time I will post some photos of those :) Enjoy!!

The two below pictures were taken just outside of The Notch and across the street from the ski resort. What pretty views!

This tree really amuses me. Reminds me of the Rorschatt Ink Blot Test - what do YOU see? I see either a mad (as in crazy) drunken reindeer, a happy laughing alligator or an Ent from Lord of the Rings!

The Clouds are Rolling In (Stowe Rec Path)

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:52:55 -0500

Here are some pictures that I took along the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.5 mile path (11 miles round trip) that is popular for walks, jogging, bicycling and roller blading with both local residents and tourists. Stowe is a ski resort town in northern Vermont which has a vibrant downtown with over 70 restaurants and many shops. Stowe is a wonderful town to visit for winter skiing, fall foliage and its temperate summers. The mountains are absolutely amazing.

The Rec Path is so beautiful. On a nice day, I can take 50 photographs on a stroll or bike ride along the path. There are numerous views including of the mountains, river, farmland and valley. I compare the backdrop of Stowe to Monet's Water Lily paintings - you can have the same subject, yet have many different depictions of that subject based on lighting and mood at different times of day and in different seasons. I must have hundreds of pictures of Stowe's Rec Path!

These pictures were taken over two hours as the weather turned darker on a misty day, yet I still find them to be beautiful...

North Country Animal League, Morrisville, Vermont (Stowe area)

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:36:32 -0500

North Country Animal League is located on Route 100 in Morrisville, Vermont a few miles past the Stowe border. The staff at NCAL are super friendly and they absolutely love the animals that they care for. In the past, I have volunteered at the shelter by walking dogs occassionally when I have been up here for vacation.

The facility is super clean and they adopt out about 800 dogs and cats each year. The average stay for a dog is 11days and the average stay for a cat is 21 days. The animals all look very happy and are very well cared for. Their laundry area is full of hundreds of blankets, crocheted afghans and towels to keep the animals comfy and cozy. They have lots of toys to play with and again, I have to comment on how absolutely clean the facility is. There are medical facilities on site.

I have been visiting and donating to the shelter for eight years. As a no kill facility, animals stay there until they are adopted. One notable dog who stands out in my mind was Pete, a three legged pit bull. He was there almost a year and I met him on three separate visits. I am so happy that he finally got adopted. Below is a picture of Elmer, a pit bull mix who is five months old and waiting to be adopted. He is happy and fun loving and feels soft as a peach. There is another sweet dog there named Seamus who is a Shepherd mix. Hopefully they will both find homes soon.

If you would like to make a tax deductible on-line donation of as little as $5 through PayPal, please click on this link... http://www.ncal.shoppingcartsplus.com/page/page/767736.htm I highly recommend the daily planner/calendar that you can purchase at their on-line shop. I have bought dozens of these calendars over the years to give as holiday gifts. The photos in the calendar are always beautiful.

Stowe Coffee House - Best Little Coffee House in Vermont

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:23:54 -0500

Stowe Coffee House is located at the corner of Route 100 and Mountain Road in Stowe, Vermont. It is one of my favorite places. Yesterday, I went to the Coffee House before going for a bike ride. What I like about Stowe Coffee House is that it is a small establishment, you see the same people every time you go in, there is always a friendly atmosphere and it has that small town feeling that you just don't find in many places. Stowe is a resort town which has an amazing ski resort. The coffee shop is located in the downtown, about eight miles from the mountain. They have comfy interior seating for about thirty and outdoor seating for about fifteen. They have a beautiful interior with hardwood floor, nice comfy sofas and chairs and a smattering of books, magazines, newspapers and games for you to enjoy.

Some of my favorite items found at the coffee shop are Maple Everything - anything maple related. My favorite is the Maple Latte. Of course, the maple flavored ham and turkey sandwiches are good, but of course, being a small Vermont specialty shop, you can't just have a ham and turkey sandwich - they must add on tasty things like Vermont specialty cheeses, maple mustard or a cranberry spread and it must be served on some sort of delectable bread such as Cranberry-Orange Bread. Oh, and fresh apple is found on almost everything too. Maple and apple - how can you go wrong?

They also have several different 'treats' that are unique in nature such as cardamon cake. Their salads are the best and their homemade quiche and granola are outstanding. In addition to my favorite maple latte, they also have a delicious gingerbread latte and caramel apple cider :)

BLOG UPDATED 10/22 - Just returned from Stowe Coffee House (again!) and had to comment on their De-Lic-Ious Chicken Salad - chicken breast, red grapes, apple, slivered almonds, red onion, lettuce and tomato - Yumm!