Fall “Leaf Peepers” Trip - Saturday, September 28 to Sunday, October 6, 2019

 

In addition to the many forms of exercise and wonderful, informative sightseeing we experienced, there was the added amusement of witnessing both Vermont and Adirondack quirkinesses. For example, Lynne, Barb and and Susanna, while on a quest to buy some soup on September 30 were informed several times that “soup season” began on October 1st!!  Also, in the Adirondacks there is no such thing as a nightcap given that so many places close at 9 pm!  (I guess those Olympians had to get their sleep.)

 

Several of us flatlanders got our comeuppance on the hills of the Adirondacks, with “fairly easy” and “moderate” hills providing plenty of challenge. In reviewing the first trail she hiked (the Long Trail in Vermont), Laura suggested that they change the name to the Rock Hiking Trail- since it was all rocks! And Kate recalls how her group (with Darrell as its intrepid leader) got lost on a mountain for an hour. “It was very Lord of the Rings ish- foggy, off trail, and several salamanders there. We were saved by hearing children’s voices on the mountain top so found the right direction to go at last. It was actually a cool experience.” Wendy had another kind of adventure when she almost tripped over a garter snake, sunning himself on the trail. He slithered into the bushes where he joined 20+ other snakes, all “bromating” (that is, gathering into a pile) in order to stay warm during the winter. And finally there were the mountain highs, when some were able to reach mountain summits and saw the surrounding foliage exploding with color. And speaking of natural highs, many of us had the opportunity to canoe in designated wilderness areas, led by guides who kept us on track as we headed through the fog and helped with portaging.  And Susanna adds “Oh and let’s not forget the runaway canoe that tried to make an escape and almost went over the rapids! Good catch by Monica and save by our guide.”

Ken set up so many unique and special adventures, including a Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain as well as a lunch cruise in the area of the Adirondacks which was the wilderness refuge for the Gilded Age elite. And the Museums were remarkable-The Shelburne Museum in Vermont; who other than the Vanderbilt family would move their entire mansion (containing world famous art and collectibles) from New York City to a farm in Vermont.

 

But this trip wasn’t just about “leaf peeping” and other outdoor and cultural adventures. Ken had selected many amazing breweries, bars, and restaurants where the group gathered and shared their exploits from the day and plans for the next day.

 

Good food, good drinks, good company and an outstanding trip leader were key ingredients to make this an unforgettable trip.

 

Susanna and Wendy

 

Susanna had one more thing to add: “A friend of mine once said that while she always brought a book on a ski trip, she knew it was a good trip if she never read it.  Well, I never cracked open my iPad on this trip!” And she wasn’t the only one!!😊