Landon Rd. Ride!

A Hilly Section on Landon Rd.
I completed a nice local bike ride on South Hero Island today. Which has been a challenge as the some rainy and cooler then normal weather has been the norm. During the last two days. Also on Wednesday I was planing to bike to Burlington from South Hero Island. However I went to get my bike ready for the ride. Then quickly discovered that my front tire was completely flat!

I did my best to remedy the problem and get the tire repaired. However I encountered some problems finding the closest bike shop. Which was located on the mainland near the town of Milton. When I finally arrived at the bike shop. I quickly discovered that the shop was closed on Wednesdays. So I would have to wait a day for the tire to be repaired.

Yesterday was a day filled with rain and overcast skies. So I got the tire repaired after breakfast. Then continued onto Burlington to do some shopping. Going to visit and shop at the "Gear Exchange" located in Burlington. It is always a fun experience for me, to shop at this store. The Gear Exchange offers a huge selection of new and used sports, camping, biking, and hiking gear. I did manage to purchase a few items. Including a more modern bike seat.

To give you the details of the bike ride. I rode from the "Ring Dang Doo Bunk House. Until I reached South Rd. Riding north I soon reached Landon Rd. A right turn on Landon Rd. You are now riding on pristine Vermont Countryside. Landon Rd. will take you to directly into Vermont Route 2. From this point turn right. You are now heading eastbound on Route 2. It will be a short distance until you have crossed the causeway and have arrived on the Vermont Mainland, I have included some photos from the ride that was enjoyed today.

Arrived! South Hero Island, Vt.

The view from the Ring Dang Doo Bunk House, looking East.

Being on vacation in the Green Mountain State will always be a special feeling for me. The drive from Trenton to arrive on South Hero Island went very well. I contemplated driving a different route. Which would take me through Quebec into New York State and then into Vermont. That route was recommended by Goggle Maps. However my Garmin GPS recommended that I use the route I am accustomed to. I crossed into New York State from Cornwall Ontario. Then traveling on routes 37, 122 and finally 11 east. Takes me to Rouses Point N.Y. on the western shore of Lake Champlain. From this point. I drive to the bridge that crosses Lake Champlain arriving in Alburg, Vermont. I had about 45 minutes remaining to arrive at the Ring Dang Doo Bunk House, located on South Hero Island.

On arrival. I was delighted with my new place to call home. During another chance to enjoy "The Green Mountain State while on vacation. After I got settled in. I completed a 1.2 mile bike ride on the path that will take you to the gap. Where a bike ferry boat. Will take you across the gap. So you can peddle to your heart's delight. Ten miles heading south and you will arrive in the city of Burlington. The over the lake part of this route is about 3 miles.

I have included some photos from my arrival in South Hero Island.

Drones & Kites

The Mill Pond located in Ameliasburgh, Ontario
My summer vacation has begun! It is a joyous time. This is only the third occasion I have had the opportunity to enjoy a summer vacation. The first summer vacation was back in 1986. When I enjoyed a dream trip. Touring Switzerland for 1 month. Then when I finally was able to secure a position working for Canada Post. I was able to arrange another dream vacation in Europe. This time enjoying France during the summer of 2000. This trip was with long time friend Peter V/D W.

This trip which has begun. Included a weekend visiting the town of Trenton and Prince Edward County. Then I would again have the chance to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Vermont Islands. On this occasion. I have found another great place to call home during my vacation in Vermont. Located on South Hero Island is the "Ring Dang Doo" Bunk House.

The weekend was enjoyed visiting with friends Keith and Terry. Who had recently purchased a modern radio controlled drone. These new technology marvels are very impressive to see fly. Four computer controlled propps. Allow the drone. To fly up to 1 KM in distance and height. And also comes equipped a powerful camera. Which is capable of taking video and still images. This modern marvel also uses GPS to find the human operator. Just in case the drone flies out of range of the controller. Or the controller fails.

Sunday afternoon. I got to fly my kite. Which is the shape of a "Bird of Prey". That experience was also enjoyed.

Yesterday morning after breakfast. I left from Trenton and was off again for another Vermont Adventure! I have includes some photos from this past weekend!

Phantom 4 Drone.

Incredible Summer Moon over "Prince Edward County"

My Kite in full flight!

Those Wonderful Green Mountains!

Another wonderful holiday has come and gone. But so very happy that I have enjoyed more quality time. Living my life in the Green Mountain State! For enjoying time being on vacation should be some of the happiest days you get to enjoy during your lifetime.

Very lucky for me. I have found a spiritual home. Getting the opportunity to live and holiday in the State of Vermont. Every wonderful amenity that makes Vermont a very special destination. To travel away too. Gives me the chance to enjoy life my way. As I have described in past posts. Vermont is just like a small and very beautiful European Country that is part of North America. With the very high costs of travelling today. It makes perfect sense to me. To travel to and enjoy Vermont. Instead of selecting some other exotic and wonderful holiday location.

I have enjoyed so, so much. And it starts as soon as I lay eyes on Lake Champlain. That euphoric feeling continues throughout all of seconds, minutes and days. That I get to call "The Green Mountain State" my home.

As always I have lots to be thankful for. For all the times I have had the opportunity to sail away and enjoy life during a vacation. And for all the trips that have gone so smoothly. When oh so much can go wrong. When you travel away on a vacation. A huge thanks to "Mother Nature" who I feel seems to be following my life. Not on Facebook. But in real life! As every time I have traveled away on vacation. The force, the energy that regulates and controls this home we call "Planet Earth". Has provided a wonderful environment. So I have had the pleasure to enjoy my travels very much!

I would like again to thank "Kathleen Byrne" owner and proprietor of the "Gathering Inn" located in Hancock. The Gathering Inn has provided to me a wonderful place to call home during so many wonderful Vermont Vacations.

A very special thanks to my late mother Charlotte. Who gave me the gift of life. And also for inspiring me and giving me the ambition to travel. Which has provided so many wonderful memories during my journey through my life!

A very special thanks to Vermont. You have provided and given me so much during every time I have ventured to pay you a visit! For those Wonderful Green Mountains have so much to contribute to a wonderful quality of life. For those reading this post. Always remember. That Vermont is really not a State at all. It is for now and always. A Wonderful State of Mind!

By An Angry Lake

On the way back to my my home. I stopped into Trenton, Ont. To visit long time friend Keith. Which was a big help in breaking up a 9 hour drive to get back to Brampton.

It gave me the chance to relax and renew my confidence. And to let all of the beauty I had adsorbed during my holiday in Vermont to be absorbed! Also a very nice dinner at the Yukon Galley. Which is the main place that provides great food for all the hard working staff. At the Air Force Base located in Trenton. The general public is also allowed onto the base to enjoy the great food served at the "Yukon Galley". Only when their is a security alert in effect. Is the general public restricted from visiting this part of the Trenton Air Force Base. I have enjoyed many a great meal at a great price at the "Yukon Galley"!

For our entertainment in the evening. A visit to a secluded beach on Lake Ontario. Near the town of Consecon was exactly a perfect choice. To enjoy the last part of my late Spring vacation. Terry a good friend of Keith went along to enjoy the sites and sound that Lake Ontario was going to provide to us. When we arrived. The wind was blowing and the waves were riding high. The sea birds were in a state of euphoria. As they were looking for food and enjoyed flying and gliding all of the swift moving currents of wind! I did my best to catch the monuments that were enjoyed! Using my Canon Camera. Viewing a very angry but surreal Lake Ontario. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkkJpobWlGI&feature=youtu.be
Video and a great memory of a very upset Lake Ontario!

A Visit to Stowe

photos from the morning bike ride.

Today was another marvelous day of this holiday in Vermont. The weather was again near perfection. With Mother Nature providing the right amount of; temperature, sunshine and humidity. Just a wonderful job Mother Nature!!!!

I started the day was a nice breakfast at the Gathering Inn. Which consisted of a nice fresh Vermont yogurt topped with a nice healthy cereal. Then oatmeal toast topped with all natural blueberry jam. And a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee. Made by yours truly! What a great way to get the required energy to enjoy a great day of vacation. Enjoying here in the Green Mountain State!

I completed a bike ride to the village of Granville. Located just to the north of Hancock. Then cycled back to the Gathering Inn. I was then ready to have a nice day trip to visit the most famous of the towns located in Vermont. That would be the town of Stowe. This part of Vermont is renowned for it downhill skiing in winter and it mountain biking in summer!

I arrived around noon and enjoyed a very nice lunch at the "Cafe on Main St.". Then I set out for a leisurely bike ride on the "Rec Path". Which has become a Vermont tradition for me. A valued part of a wonderful Vermont Vacation!

Then I paid my second visit to the "Von Trapp Family Lodge". Which over looks the beautiful valley and surrounding mountains that make up the beautiful Stowe Area! This high end place to stay in Stowe. Is owned by the original Von Trapp Family Singers. There real life story was the inspiration for "The Sound of Music". A classic movie to watch and enjoy! I have included some photos from my wonderful day today!

photos from the "Rec Path" located in Stowe.

Overlooking Stowe Vermont is Mt. Mansfield. At 4393 ft is the highest peak in the Green Mountains.

The Von Trapp Family Lodge and views overlooking Stowe, Vermont.