Summer is here! This year summer was true to it's core... the heat waves and scorching sun!.. Before summer bids goodbye, I wanted to do some exploration.... my days were busy learning to drive, few baby showers to plan and our friends bidding good bye to Philly!So I really wanted to leave the hustle and bustle of our place and go to quaint place! I have always known Vermont as a fall color place! Infact, the New England is famous for it's fall foliage... but a few pics made me think why not explore the "Green Mountain State" :D. So we started our trip from Keystone State through Garden State & Empire State in search of that country love!
Friday, July 24th,2016
Our plan was to rent a full size sedan, but unfortunately there was no sedan available. Usually it meant a good thing as we would get an upgrade.. But the fact was we weren't sure of driving one :D. We got a Jeep Patriot! It seemed a little intimidating but at the end of the trip we were happy that we got this ride! It made our trip comfortable and also easier to drive through those hairpin bends at any time of day!
We started our trip around 5.30pm... It was a gorgeous sunny day with temperature around 90F.We had our Jeep stuffed with all our stuffs & additionally water, Pringles & orange!Little did I know that this would save us a few bucks :D
And off we goooooo... instead of taking the I-95 route we were passing through the countryside of our state... I could see the luscious green everywhere...slowly but steadily we reached the Catskills mountain area before sunset! That is where we took our first break... And the pizza we had was the yummiest.. After a small test drive in the second floor parking lot, I got the green signal to drive the Jeep! Even though It would be a little difficult for me to gauge the width of the vehicle, it didn't seem to give me troubles driving! Definitely one thing scary for me is that BIG RED LIGHTED ALL SET for Party Lit Trailer Trucks! But I had my hubby helping me out of that one! After an hour and half drive, it was N's turn to drive again!Our destination was still hours ahead as we passed Albany The Capital of NY state..
when Sun is setting at the Catskills Mountain Area
another pit stop!
As it was already midnight the roads were empty and lonely!It could easily transform into one of the sets of Twilight Movie or Stranger Things.. We would do a Yippie the second we see another vehicle!
We were also much past our Sleeping time, so we just wanted to reach White Horse INN in Waitsfield...Around 1am , we reached our Inn... It was actually easily accessible and they had passed us all the required information via email and had our keys with some additional information at the front desk. Next thing we did after unloading our luggage is HIT THE BED and off to the dreamland to wake up to a beautiful reality of being in midst of the mountains.
Saturday, July 25th, 2016
The Gorgeous morning rise... In the dark we have not seen exactly what was around us.. The inn is located at an elevation of 1,213 feet and Mt Ellen was just few minutes away.
Our INN
The first thing Mr. N noted was the Fresh, Clean air! It was something he could feel and was so happpy about it.. Second thing which made him the happiest was The Breakfast! It was undoubtedly one of his favourite after Biriyani Of course!....
His Ideal Breakfast!
There was also banana bread, cookies, flavored coffees and the Famous Vermont's own Maple syrup with waffles....So once his tummy was happy and full, we were all set to explore the Beauty of the place!
oh yeah, that s me & our ride!
The itinerary of the day was Stowe, Moss Glen Falls & Ben&Jerry Factory tour... Stowe was an hour and half mins drive from there. Though I have never been to Europe, this place looked like a mini Europe to me... It was a picturesque countryside with farms and surrounded by mountains. As we reached the Stowe Mountain resort area for the Gondola ride we were smitten by the beauty of the place! Truly I fell in love! And that second, everything felt worth for! Mt Mansfiled, Vermont's highest peak@4395 feet elevation was waiting for us to join in the majestic paradise that it had created...
Mt Mansfield...
We hopped into the Gondola to see the Skier's paradise... Stowe is known as heart of skiing and it ought to be! That little ride up was clearly mindblowing and I still couldn't believe that such a place existed in USA :D... My excitement knew no bounds...
on top of the Mountain
the Gondola Ride
Just US :D
we spent almost an hour exploring the place and just being at peace and trying to inhale the beauty of the mountains when clouds were passing by! Felt like touching them and float with them!
at peace!
Our next plan was to go to BEN&JERRY factory! As we left Stowe mountain resort, we noticed that the scenic route was just behind us. Without further thinking we turned around car and went in for the ride... Must say that was a Awesome Impulsive decision... it was curvy road offering a look into the forest, where the sun would just peep in! Tried to make a mental picture of what this place would offer during Fall season....the Yellow, red, orange and light green...isn't it the magnificent color palette that one can offer!there were many people out there to explore the forest inside! Since we weren't ready for a hike at that moment, we continued our trip to BEN & JERRY.
Now about Ben & Jerry, before visiting the factory all I knew was they had introduced Tonight Dough Flavor in Jimmy Fallon's Tonight show! ( pssst: just a big fan of Jimmy Fallon )... and there is a Ben & Jerry ice cream shop in NBC NYC ( and that shows how obsessed I m with NYC and everything there ). A little bit of fun fact : Did you know that soft serve in Vermont is known as CREEMEE! Of course how would Flatlanders ( that is what they call us who are not Vermont Natives) like us know. But one thing, just because they have a name for us don't consider them as rude people. Infact I would argue that they are one of the most Friendly people in the states.
Ben & Jerry was an ice cream parlor started by two childhood friends when they wanted to invest in business. One of the specialities of these ice creams are the chunks being added and the weird names they have! Chunky Monkey :D.. No wonder Haagen-Dazs considered them competition. But for me Haagen-Dazs is one classy sophisticated one and Ben & Jerry would be the supercool, not afraid to mix up & experiment.. In life we definitely need these two characters :D.. Sometimes we need to face the world baring nothing and sometimes it's better to remain classy :D.
Ben & Jerry Time!
We received a sample flavor that was Milk & cookies flavor! Absolutely Yumm! I think one could easily spent an evening there tasting the various flavor they offer... I believe Ben & Jerry is part of the Vermonters and considering the company was born & raised there, it seemed perfect too! Just like them it was all Natural :D.
Another thing I felt is the Love for Bernie Sanders. Amongst the potential candidates even i was hoping Bernie to be elected... No wonder it was "Bernie or Bust" for Vermont representatives in the Democratic National Convention! I did feel the Bern in Vermont even though there was no campaigning happening.
Next in the plan was Moss Glen Falls Hike. Before that we had to gear up for the hike, so we were on our way to the Inn. It was almost 2.30pm then, but we weren't that hungry because of the KING-SIZE Breakfast! But still didnt want to take a chance with hunger, we ate at Mad Tacos! Just as the name suggested it had different flavor combinations than the regular tacos! we tried and we were happy!
once we reached N wanted to take his favorite Nap which I happily agreed to!
You know that the most predictable thing of this place is the Unpredictable weather!
Within seconds the sun was gone paving way for thunder and rain!But it couldn't diminish the beauty at all instead it just increased exponentially!
View Through our window!
We still carried on with our plans.. Psst, on the way to the parking lot N had a lemon cookie from the fireplace area in the inn! By the time we reached midway, the rains were gone and it was like the whole place got refreshed and new Wallpaper was installed...
See that fog passing through the mountains!
Moss Glen falls is just one mile hike, considered to be one of the easiest hike. But still we were doubtful as to how will we perform :D. Since it had just rained, the area was bit wet. We started hiking, but we couldn't see anyone else... Ta da, after a slightly steep slope we saw this
Moss Glen Falls
Happy Faces :D
It was a gorgeous falls, but the fact that it was this easy made us wanting more. Quickly we descended the hike and N started to think about new place. As we reached the parking lot, we saw two more couples getting started for the hike and we were happy to know that there were others like us :D. One place that N had in mind was the Smugglers Notch we talked about earlier. He found that there was Sterling Pond trail there. I was not sure if we would be able to make it down before sunset...But still there is no harm in giving a try! So off we went in jeep for our next adventure. As we reached there, it was slowly getting dark and we hiked up a bit... But then the cloud had started coming in and we weren't ready to face another rain and the it was a bit slippery already! So we just clicked a few pics from up & then from the parking lot and made our way back home!
View from the first breakpoint of the trail
That is the clouds passing by which makes the mountain invisible
Another Selfie time!
My Partner in Crime
It was then time to wind up for the day! Even though we both wanted to wander more, we ended up having taking a take out from The Blue Donkey {kick ass burgers}! As much as I was attracted to the name Blue Donkey my hubby was attracted to the Burgers :D. And that night we had one of our best sleeeps!
Now you know why I liked Blue Donkey!
Sunday, July 24th, 2016.
As the clock striked 6.00 am my hubby was all up and enthusiastic about the Hike we had planned. Even though I had made the initial plans, my laziness and the coziness made me wanna sleep more! But still seeing an excited N made me also get up from the bed and all set in the trekking mode!
Vermont ( VERTS MONTS is 'green mountains' in French) takes it name from the 250 mile long Green Mountain range that forms the spine of the state. You will find plenty of options to hike according to your need. Since we were not that trained for the strenuous hikes, we chose a 1.1 mile hike called Sunset Ledge trail as part of Long Trail.The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks.
Here is a bit about Long trail from the maintainers of Long Trail:
Driving through the steep and narrow roads in the wee hour was an entirely different experience...As we reached the parking spot we could see two cars parked but we assumed that they were already camping there...
At the start of the Trail
It was a 1.1 mile to reach the Sunset Ledge point. With me leading the way and N capturing the moments of us hiking we were happily on our way upward... The path was mostly rugged and unpaved & sun has not yet peaked into warm up the trail... At one point we were doubtful whether we were following the right way, but our google map assured that we are on the right path... it surely was one of those chilling moments, just me & N at that time of the day with no one else around.. Just us & the trees surrounding us!
Me!
N!
Puffing and panting we were climbing up....we could also hear the sound of water splashing.. wondering if we were about to see a waterfall, we reached the summit and it was breathtaking!
View Up There!
on any other day or during the latter part of the day one could view the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains... But we were very thrilled and enjoyed the wind and water splashing into our face!
Soaking in
We found it a bit hard to believe the fact that we did it and what we experienced was wilderness! and we started our journey to the starting point.. It is then we realized that this gap was between the eastern and western side... on one side we would see the rising sun and on the other side the fog passing through with little droplets in it! And now it is time to show off some pictures...
My Fav Capture; that early morning Sun Rays!
One of his Capture...
That would b me leading the way!
They say Early bird catches the worm; as for us we captured the Early Morning Sun rays! By the time it was 8.00 am we had reached the parking spot! We headed back to our inn and freshened up quickly and went downstairs to enjoy the Breakfast!
wish i could eat this every morn!
Happy Tummy Happy He Happy Me...
Now it was time for us to leave this place :(... I was indeed sad to leave Vermont, but promised myself that I will visit again when possible... Packed our bags and set off to our next destination.. Lake George NY....
on the way :D
Next Place, Neighboring State, NewYork State.... A last minute plan.. Instead of taking the easy route to reach Lake George, we thought of travelling along Lake George from the north point to all the way down where our next stay was booked. While passing Vermont to NewYork State, we took a break at Crown Point!Another breathtaking view... Lake Champlain shares it's border with Vermont in the east & New York in the west...
These pics are from the East side of Lake Champlain i.e, Vermont Side :D..
Lake Champlain is situated in the Lake Champlain Valley between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York.... And it is BEAUTIFUL! As we crossed the bridge, I couldn't resist and asked N to enter the Crown Bridge Park :D..What a beautiful way to be welcomed to the NY state.
This would be the west side :D.. We enjoyed our Left Over Food with this view in foreground! A light breeze was the cherry on the top in this place for us! I can still feel the breeze as I am typing.............. Slowly caressing the wind, we drove through the small village towns... Even though the topography was almost similiar to Vermont, I felt there was a great distinction between the two states... It was like slowly the civilization was creeping in... To be frank I felt so weird being in this side of the state, I started missing that 'Vermont feeling'... Now don't get me wrong, i am not at all an Introvert.. Infact I feel my soul get replenished the moment I set my foot in New York City!So I must say this was the magic of Vermont! Lake George was another Beauty!The Blue color of the lake reflecting the sun rays and people rejoicing and enjoying the Beautiful Summer Day! And finally we reached our stay!
This was our reception area..
We were just minutes away from the hustle bustle of the Lake George, but this place was like a hiding place from there... Absolute Peace & Serene! We relaxed for a while & then set out to explore Lake George...
Map to explore..
Lake George is known as the "Queen of American Lakes" and why shouldn't it be, it offers one of the most beautiful views of the mountain & clear lake!
Blue Blue!
Lake George
SteamBoat Ahoy!
Lake <3
Flying High..#HotairBallooning
As we parked our car we decided to take the Cruise to explore the lake... After booking the tickets we decided to walk around.. Let the picture speak for itself for what we saw :D
Slush anyone! :D
Adirondack chair time!
Perspective as N mentioned!
Now it was time to Board MinneHaha, our steamboat for the evening... Whistle Blew and the paddle wheel is all set for the next round! The ride was fun, with the captain briefing about the history of Lake George and Summer Palaces around :D... What intrigued the most was the sight of a tiny island that had just one small cottage in there.. Would have loved to stay in there!<3<3<3 Slowly as it was cruising through Lake George, the sun was also setting.. And we reached shore an hour later... And then it started, the music...
I felt like a kid listening to this ( though i act like one most of the time).... We picked up rice & chicken combo from nearby food shop and headed towards our stay for the night..
Dinner Time
Hammock time!
lost in the swing!
U can see the hammock right in front of our place!
And then it was our sleeeeeping time! and slowly we slept..zzzzzzzzzz
Monday, July 25th 2016
Today's plan included Prospect Mountain Summit and returning to Our Home Sweet Home! Today we planned of having a nice long sleeeep... We were all set, packed & stuffed our belongings in Jeep by 10.30 pm... After dropping our keys and saying goodbye to the owners off we went to have breakfast.. took a stroll around the tiny town and entered one of the cafes in there...
Breakfast :)
With the energy gained, we started driving towards the Summit :D.. Hiking would have been the best option, but since we didn't have much time Driving was the best option... It is one of the most popular place during fall season in Lake George. What this place offers is the panoramic view of the Lake George...and it did!..
we stopped at each viewpoint and enjoyed the breathtaking views... The day before we were just at the bottom of this summit enjoying the view of the mountain & today the view of the Lake...
I could spot Minne Ha ha cruising with new guests today :D...
Once we reach the top, we can either take a shuttle bus or hike through a small portion to reach the summit...We hiked :D..
the civil engineer in me was happy!
On the way up, I saw a Grandfather who was very excited to have his three granddaughters; one toddler and other two of 9 -10 age group.... And while he picked up and showed the lil one the view, grandmother was telling the kids that years ago they took a photo from here when their mom was a kid.. the lil tradition continued :D.. I really love such moments.. I find it to be more endearing and beautiful than anything else..... There were a lot of kids hiking through the place and enjoying the vacation... It again a pretty sight to see, when all we hear is that kids these days are busy playing video games and don't play outside... and no they were not in search of Pokemons.. coz all they had were the sticks they found on the way up hiking :D... "For Better or Worse, Reminiscences constitute the only acquisitions in this life that remain uniquely our own" - Christopher S Wren..... I found this to be so true especially after this trip... It was refreshing and a beautiful one! The weather, be it rainy or sunny it had its uniqueness in this trip of Summer 2016. We were welcomed back in our home with heavy rain & thunder... Nonetheless it was beautiful like always.
on the way....
And Jeep reached his home!Thanks for the awesome ride!
We signing off :D
Like the Chinese Sages mentioned The journey of ten thousand miles begins with a single step.... and glad we started with that single step... Keep Travelling, Nammu :D
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