Sandy's Books and Bakery

Another great pleasure for me when I'm traveling. Is enjoying great food. While visiting Vermont. Eating great and healthy food is your constant companion. Located 4 miles south of the Gathering Inn. Lies the town of Rochester. In Rochester you can find "Sandy's Books and Bakery".
The food, atmosphere and service are all a top level. The cuisine and bakery items. Are both healthy and very good quality. Also they are tasty! I recommend eating at Sandy's Book's and Bakery. Oh I almost forgot about the books. You can browse though and purchase a wide selection of new and used books.
Bon appetit!!!!

The Search For Bingham Falls

Today I headed north to visit Stove, Vermont. Which I like to refer as "The Valley of Green". When you decide to come to Vermont on a vacation. Then you know what I am taking about.
A Vermont vacation would not be complete. Unless you have paid the town of Stove, a visit. Being a biking enthusiast. Translate in enjoying to ride the excellent bike path that is located in Stove. You get to enjoy riding a bicycle in a completely natural and beautiful setting.
On departing my home at the Gathering Inn. I headed north on Route 100. It would be a direct route to arrive in Stove. Located 34 miles (55 KM) to arrive in "The Valley of Green". I first made a stop in the idyllic village of Warren. I just had to stop to enjoy one of there excellent scones. Washed down with a first rate cup of coffee. At this point in the trip. I hit a snag. As some major road work was being done on Route 100. Between Warren and Waitsfield. I just had to stay cool. After all. I'm not in a rush. I'm on vacation in the "Green Mountain State"!
I arrived at the main parking area for the Stove Rec. Path at about 11:30. I did enjoy the ride. The weather was very nice during the ride. I did stop to enjoy a slice of veggie pizza. From one of the restaurants that are located directly on the Stove Bike Path's route.
After my bike ride. I began the search for "Bingham Falls". I did not have a long search. As the falls are located on a few miles north of downtown Stove. Bingham Falls are located just before you reach the main entrance of "Smugglers' Notch" State Park, on route 108 north. There was parking available for my car. I left my bicycle at the
entrance to the Rec. Path. Locked to a park bench.
It only a short hike to get to Bingham Falls. There was the best view point to get great photos of the falls. It was a much longer hike. To get the better view of Bingham Falls. Also to gain access to pools. Adjacent to the falls. Where you can go for a swim. There was two young ladies going for a swim. They did inform me. That the temperature of the water was cold!!!!
After I hiked back to my Corolla. The rain came! It was time to pick up my Raleigh Bike, and make my way back to Hancock. I made a smart move driving back to my Vermont home. By avoiding the road work on route 100. By taking the East Warren Road out of Waitsfield.
I arrived back home in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner at Sandy's. Time know to turn in and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful night sleep. Here in "The State of Vermont". Good night!

Some pictures of my days activities;

The General Store located in Warren.

Biking on the Stove Rec. Path
The rest of the pictures are of the hike to see Bingham Falls.

Pizza in Paradise

For my first full day of my vacation time. On my 8th trip to enjoy Vermont. I began my day with an 8 mile bike ride. Nothing too strenuous. I just road my bike from where I am staying. That would be the "Gathering Inn", located in the village of Hancock. To the town of Rochester located 4 miles to the south, on route 100. I then treated myself to a nice breakfast at Sandy's. I will do a nice post on Sandy's before this trip is over. My breakfast at Sandy's consisted of her version of a breakfast sandwich. It tasted great and was served with cooked potatoes and carrots. The homemade biscuit the sandwich really makes eating at Sandy's. A tasty and healthy experience. Also the friendly young lady named Amanda. Who waited on me, and made me feel at home. Also added to my enjoyment.
After my breakfast I rode the 4 miles back to "The Gathering Inn". Then drove off in my Corolla. On an organized tour to go looking for cool treasure. My tour included stops in Bridgewater, Quichee, and White River Junction. Then the rain began in the afternoon. So again I used my GPS to design the quickest route back to Hancock. Some of my finds today; were a guide book to Key West and the Florida Keys, a great book on the history of the Hurst Estate in San Simeon, a nice pair of "The North Face" hiking shorts, a "Mickey Mouse" quartz wrist watch.

The title of this post. Is from the enjoyable lunch I had during my visit to the village of "Bridgewater". The old paper mill that is located there. Has been renovated and is used for commercial stores today. A great pizza place is located in this historic building, "Ramunto's. Which serves an excellent pizza! I enjoyed my pizza by the Ottauquechee River. Which runs by the old paper mill. Where would you enjoy eating a hardy meal? In a overcrowded and noisy city. Or in a peaceful and beautiful place like Vermont. For me the choice is easy. The food tastes a lot better, and digests a lot easier. Here, in the Green Mountain State!

Essex to Charlotte!

I made it back to the beautiful State of Vermont today! Happily leaving the rat race behind. I'm now ready to enjoy some more quailty time. Enjoying life in "The Green Mountain State".
The weather conditions were picture perfect today. I did enjoy the trip driving down. However I did get into a disagreement again with GPS. They are rare when they happen. However the negative cause by my GPS created a very positive situation today. As I enjoyed my first ever boat ride on Lake Champlain.
When I left on this trip. I intended to drive my usual route. Crossing into New York State from Cornwall, Ontario. Then driving into Vermont. Crossing on the bridge from Point Rouse, New York, to Alberg, Vermont.
Well my GPS has other ideas. And commandeered my car. Before I knew what had happened. I was in Plattsburg, New York. The GPS was again headed for the southern approach again. Through the Adirondacks, into Vermont.
Well I came up with a better idea. After some quick thinking. I plotted a new course on my GPS to take me to the ferry terminal. Located in Essex, New York. I was in time to take the 4 pm ferry boat across Lake Champlain. Which would delivery me. To Charlotte, Vermont. Very fitting that I arrived today. Back in the Green Mountain State, in a town named "Charlotte".
I am now looking very forward to tomorrow!

Here is some HD video of the trip across Lake Champlain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjKpImORDXU

Back On The Road!

The year 2013 has been a tough one thus far. As I have lost both my parents. My mom Charlotte passed away suddenly on the evening of January 11. My father Sheldon passed away on the morning of May 29th at the age of 91.
All the sadness and stress of having a loved one pass away can be quite devastating. I have remained strong though this whole ordeal. Trying to be more like my mom Charlotte who was always a pillar of strength facing adversity. My mom was always a positive and happy person.
Also the fact that my brother John and I were very lucky in the first place. To have great parents, who have given us such of a great life.
We will have to make it the rest of our journey though life now. Without there support and guidance. Life is always a challenge. To create happiness.
Lucky for me. I have enjoyed so much happy and exciting times. When I have ventured away from home. My trips have been a great part of my life. Through some of the sadness and stress of losing my parents. I quickly found myself. In some of the happy memories from my past. I remembered the joy of hiking on The Matterhorn in Switzerland. Walking down the Champs-Elysées in Paris, hiking on Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon, biking along the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont!
As long as we are alive. We have to keep enjoying life. That is what we all must strive for. Tomorrow I leave on yet another adventure. Back to the Green Mountain State of Vermont. It will be my 8th trip in the past seven years. To enjoy living in "The Land of Green". I have nothing but praise for this beautiful and peaceful place. They say that home is your sanctuary. Well Vermont has become a sanctuary for me. I can't wait to see Lake Champlain again! And the opportunity to start to enjoy life again. I will see you soon Green Mountains!

I dedicate this Vermont trip. To the memory of my parents; Charlotte and Sheldon Wolfe. I can only hope. That where they both are now. Is as beautiful as the Green Mountain State!

The Good Book

Travel has been a very special quality in my life. We all look for different ways to stay sane. In this high pressure, crowded, and every expensive world we live in.
Some people cope with the regular use of drugs and alcohol. Some just keep working away. Driven with the theory that an ever increasing numerical size of there bank account. Will be the cure to solve all problems. Yet others still have faith in the good book. The bible. With the believe that god. Will intervene in our lives. And help to solve there personal problems. Also the problems that plague mankind. Which would be; greed, hunger, wars, and corruption. Just to name a few.

Now I'm not going to be a judge. I admit. That I don't have any of the answers. To solve mankind's plight. I do hope that there is a divine force. That does in fact exist. That will come to our rescue, one of these days. In the not to distant future.

A great classic movie that was made in 1960. The movie "Inherit the Wind". Starring Spencer Tracy as lawyer Henry Drummond and Fredric March as his friend and rival Matthew Harrison Brady. This fine film is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial, which resulted in John T. Scopes's conviction for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to a high school science class, contrary to a Tennessee state law.

One of my favorite quotes from the movie. Comes from Henry Drumond who was defending John T. Scopes right to freedom of speech. "The bible is a book. It's a good book, but it is not the only book".

Well my favorite good book is the National Geographic World Atlas. I believe in, and have total faith in this good book. The information that is provided. Concerning our beautiful planet is first rate and accurate. No need for various interpretations. It is just a good book that will enlighten you. Guiding your path. So that life will be enjoyed. Exploring the wonderful and beautiful planet we all get to call our home.

My copy is the 1981 edition.

Paddle To The Sea

In 1966 "The National Film Board of Canada". Produced a short film named "Paddle To The Sea". Based on a book of the same name written in 1941 by Holling C. Holling.
The story is about a young Native Indian boy named Kyle Apetagon who carves a miniature wooden canoe. With the likeness of a Native Indian Traveler. In the control of the canoe. Kyle who lived in a log cabin in Nipigon country, located north of Lake Superior. Dreamed to paddle a canoe from his home. All the way through the "Great Lakes. Then traveling along the St. Lawrence River to reach the Sea.

Kyle Apetagon lived his dream. As he launched his model canoe into a river. So the tiny boat could flow into Lake Superior. To try and reach the Sea! The story follows the quest and the adventure of the tiny canoe. Travels to reach the Atlantic Ocean.

Needless to say as a young boy in 1969. I watched this short film for the first time. The story of "Paddle to The Sea" has left a lasting impression on me. Remaining one of my all time favorite films. All the great journeys I have lived in my life. Started with a dream. Just like "Paddle To The Sea".

You can enjoy watching the movie clinking on this link.Or copy and paste!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhjb1IG1pnQ

Florida Keys- Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another trip for this Travel Wolfe is in the planing stages. If all is well. My departure date is set for January 17. I will fly on Sunwing Airlines for the first time. I will fly from Toronto Pearson Airport to Ft. Lauderdale Airport located in Florida. A rented car has been reserved and and is waiting for me. I return home on January 24.

This trip will be another dream, to come true. As I will have the chance to explore and enjoy "The Florida Keys".

I did enjoy a day trip to visit Key West during my Florida vacation in 1984. Being a big fan of Singer-Songwriter Jimmy Buffett. I just had to visit Key West. I must say I enjoyed the experience. Always dreaming of the day I could go back.

That day is now quickly approaching. With of the turmoil. Not only in my life. But the whole world that we all live in. It is always very beneficial to have the opportunity to get away from it all. Even for a short time.

The cost of everything in life is always on the increase. Which alone is a big part of the problem we all must come to grip with, in our lives. This reality will continue to have a negative effect on most of us.

Even for an experienced budget solo traveler like myself. I constantly have to try and stay one step ahead of the game. To try and make these dream vacations possible. Hosteling still is my main source of finding interesting and affordable accommodations. Also my investment in purchasing state of the art lightweight luggage has proved to be a great advantage.

When I planed and booked this adventure. I looked at the idea of staying in Key West. The problem is that Key West is now a retreat for the wealthy. It is no longer a cool hangout for free spirits and rebels. Like it was back in the good old days. That enjoyed the chance to avoid living a normal life. When Jimmy Buffett moved to Key West in 1971 to put his life and his music career back on track. Jimmy "B" rented a room in a historic old home in Key West for $80 a month. Today the worst dive in Key West can be rented for $50 a night! You can easily see how expensive is has become to live in the year 2013. I checked the reviews of this budget place to stay. They were all terrible. Plus friends and fellow travelers Al and Christine. Stayed in what they thought was a nice hotel in Key West. Which set them back $150 per night. They both found the place mediocre and dirty. So I found and booked a very nice and cheap hostel located very close to Key Largo.

I will use this hostel as my base. To adventure into "The Florida Keys" and to try again to enjoy my life to the max!!

I have included a picture of the Overseas Highway 1. It is the path that leads you all the way to Key West. Which is located 113 miles south(182KM)from Key Largo and takes you over 42 bridges.

Of interest my 1984 Florida trip was my only vacation. That I damaged and lost all of my pictures. Now with the advantage of digital photography. This will not happen again.

Where will this adventure take me? Who will I meet? Will I get to enjoy being a peddler and not a pusher? Will I enjoy a cheeseburger in Paradise. The only way to answer these questions is venture out and live it!!!! To try and produce more fantastic memories. Isn't that what life is all about?

The photographer for this great photo of U.S. Highway 1 leading south to Key West is unknown.

With the deepest sadnest. The Wolfe Family suffered a great loss, as my mother Charlotte died suddenly last night of an aparant heart attack. My trip to Florida will be cacelled.
I was very pround to love a mother so rare!

The Cup & The Saucer.

Anybody that knows me. Knows that I love to collect. Weather it be Lp's, nostalgia, time pieces, and etcetera. That I am fascinated by finding and purchasing interesting or historic items.

It has been a lifetime hobby. That has been throughly enjoyed! The searching has been a lot of fun. It is possible to find and purchase treasure shopping in; thrift stores, garage sales, or even pawn shops. People can be very lazy or wasteful! Making possible to find valuable collectibles, or high end items. Just discarded by there previous owners for various reasons.

This post is dedicated to my mom. Who I received the rare gift of being a collector. As my mother from when she was a young lady. Started to collect fine English Cups and Saucers. During my searching. I would come across and purchased some nice additions to my mom's collection.

A few years ago I came across a nice Royal Doulton Tea Cup, at a garage sale. It was a in nice shape and was selling cheap. I think I paid 1 dollar for it. As the saucer was missing. This Cup was used as just a paper weigh and to put odds and ends in. Sitting on my mother's night table.

Then one day. I decided to do some research on this Royal Doulton Tea Cup. The pattern is named "Rosamund" which was made in 1941. The pattern number is "H4494". Then I did more searching on the Internet. If I could find the matching saucer for sale on-line. Sure enough I found a seller in Australia who was selling the original saucer for the cup. I made the decision to purchase the saucer. That to reunite the saucer with the tea cup would make a perfect Christmas Gift for my mom.

Great news. The original "Rosamund Royal Doulton Saucer" survived the long journey from the land "Down Under" to be reunited with the Tea Cup that I found at a garage sale. Who knows what stories they could tell if they could talk. Just maybe they lived through the "Battle of Britain" and the savage bombing of London, during World War 2. They have lived a lot and survived. Now this Cup and Saucer have been reunited. The only Royal Doulton Cup and Saucer in my mom's collection. Are now a very valuable part.

This will be a Merry Christmas! Cheers!!! Everyone!!!