Vermont Fall Foliage 1

Driving North from Boston, I see decent colors, but the weather is not cooperating. Rain is predicted for two days after apparently a long dry spell in this area. Instead of blaming bad luck, we are thankful that we had a great weather on the Camino de Santiago in Spain we just finished.

As we pass Lebanon/Hanover, New Hampshire on Hwy 89, the rain stops and we find a classical music station on FM. A brief stop at Woodstock, Vermont would be the only detour for the day before reaching our destination, Stowe, Vermont. As we slow down on Route 4 near Quechee, and then Woodstock, the radio gifts us with Schubert's String Quintet, Second Movement and Tarrega's Recuerdos de la Alhambra.  One of those moments when sonic and scenic beauty converge!

Near Quechee, Vermont



Near Quechee

Near Quechee

Woodstock, Vermont

 

Woodstock, VT

After what feels like a long stretch on a mountain road, we finally arrive at our rustic lodge surrounded by trees. Not luxurious but comfortable and well-maintained, it suits our needs.

The following morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we head out to Smuggler's Notch, a short drive away. The summit is shrouded in fog and most trees are barren. Many of the colorful leaves are on the ground and only the green leaves seem to be hanging on the branches.

Smuggler's Notch near Stowe, VT. Many leaves have already fallen.



There are still patches like this visible near Stowe.

Near Stowe, VT

Near Stowe, VT. Fog can be tricky to capture in a photo in a way to preserve the mystique.

Stowe, VT

Near Stowe, VT

The resort owned by the Von Trapp family is not far, and like any Sound of Music enthusiasts would, we want to check it out. It is a sprawling complex even with timeshare villas, far removed from the days when the family initially settled. But it is still a bit of Austria in the Vermont hills (and these hills are eerily similar to those in the opening scene of the movie), and I'm glad the Trapp Family lodge is not a total tourist trap.

Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT

Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT

On the grounds of Trapp Family lodge

On the table on our right at lunch is a lady who just ran the New Hampshire Marathon at age 79. Our recent credentials of walking on the Camino for two straight weeks pale by comparison. On our left is a covered bridge aficionado who's giving me more information than I need.

Lunch at Trapp Family Lodge: knackwurst and bratwurst

In the afternoon, the stroll in the Stowe town was followed by a visit to another place which is seemingly on everyone's list: Ben and Jerry' Ice Cream Factory. I am not sure how it came to be such a globally popular product, as ice cream is ice cream, but I am all for any corporation which unashamedly promotes social consciousness, not to speak of doing it in a funky way. In any case it was a good thing to do in the pouring rain. Will any leaves survive the storm predicted for tonight?

Near Stowe, VT

Stowe, VT. There are probably a billion photos like this.

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Mobile in the background