Stowe Away!

 The fabulous "Rec" path in Stowe.

My 24 speed Raleigh Serengeti Mountain Bike.

Almost on ever Vermont trip I have had the pleasure to be on. I have tried to spend 1 day enjoying the beautiful vermont town named "Stowe". During my visits I have enjoyed biking the "Rec Path". The 5 1/2 miles recreational path. That winds through the valley of Stowe. Allowing bikers, runners and walkers the chance to absorb all of the beauty that is contained in the valley of Stowe. You will also get some great views of Mount Mansfield. Which is the highest mountain in the Green Mountain State of Vermont! After the bike ride. I again got to enjoy a nutritious and delicious lunch in the "Cafe on Main Street". Which consisted of; 1/2 of a chicken on rye bread. A cup of clam chowder soup, a bag of salt and vinigar chips and was washed down with a cool can of organic green tea!

I have included some photos of the experience today. Thank you Stowe. It is always a real pleasure to pay you a visit!

Two more photos showing the rustic beauty of Stowe, Vermont.

Photos take from "Mountain Road" 

The Beautiful Vermont Islands

Heading west on Vt Route 129 towards Isle La Motte.

Today I completed another wonderful Vermont Islands bike ride. Yesterday it was therenating rain. However I ventured north to visit South Alburg. Located in South Alburg is the Harbour View market. Which became a popular place for me. As It became my main source for food and supplies when I was staying on Isle La Motte. I parked my car at the Harbor View Market and peddled my bike to the town of Alburg. About 6 miles to the north. Then enjoyed some hot coffee at a local gas station. Then I rode back to the Harbour View Market. During the ride it was threatening rain and I did forget to bring a camera. During the ride. I figured out an even better bike ride. Which would take me west on 129 towards Isle Le Motte. Instead of crossing the causeway onto Isle La Motte. I would venture north on West Shore Dr. Which would offer beautiful views of Lake Champlain. Eventually West Shore Dr. would run into highway 2. At this point. You would head east on highway 2. Which would take you back to your original starting point.

Today I completed the Alburg Loop ride. As the weather conditions were near perfect! It turned out to be a wonderful day to enjoy summer in the beautiful Vermont islands. I also enjoyed a wonderful smoked ham and cheddar cheese sandwich with a side of broccoli salad. At the Harbor View Market. It is another reason I love coming to Vermont. It is definitely the quality of the food and beverage that is available here!

After lunch. I did pay the Isle La Motte a visit. It is also a wonderful Vermont island located on Lake Champlain. I parked my car at the local country store located on the island. The proprietor a man named Richard. Allowed me to park my car. I did a loop on the southern part of the island. Today was a great day of my vacation. enjoyed visiting the beautiful islands of Vermont!

 The Harbour View Market from the bridge that connects North Hero Island and Alburg.

My view enjoying lunch of the bridge.

Some photos from my Isle La Motte

Finally a Done Deal!

Heading south on Island Line Causeway to Colchester.

Happy to report. I finally completed the entire route of the Burlington Bike Way. Several years ago. It was early October. A friendly local bike rider who I had met. During a Vermont vacation. Alerted me about the Island Line Trail. That originally was a direct link for freight trains to reach South Hero Island from the mainland.The rail causeway that connects Colchester and South Hero Island. Goes back to 1901. It is 3 1/2 miles crossing Lake Champlain. Their is a 61 meter gap in the causeway today. That allows boats free access to Lake Champlain from Mallets Bay. The gap replaced an old swing bridge that was in use until the 1960's. A group named "Local Motion" operates the bike Ferry that shuttles bike riders across the gap for and $8 return ticket. During my first attempt at completing the Burlington Bike Path/Island Line Trail. It was autumn and I rode my bike from downtown Burlington to the gap. During that time of the year. The bike ferry does not operate.

It was certainly a positive day for me. As I got to complete what I had begun a few years ago. As always I have tried to capture all of the fond memories in  photographs. Thanks to  my newly acquired Sony 12.1 Megapixel camera for doing a nice job!

The Bike Ferry operated by "Local Motion".

Arrived on the Mainland in Colchester.

Biking towards Burlington.

A very nice lunch enjoyed at the Church Street Tavern.

Biking back home to the Ring Dang Doo Bunk House located on South Hero Island.

By Bicycle & By Boat

Very nice day enjoyed on this trip today. After a very nice breakfast enjoyed at the "Ring Dang Doo" Bunkhouse. I went on a very nice bike and boat rides today.

The day included riding my Raleigh Mountain Bike. From the Ring Dang Doo to the ferry docks located on Grand Isle. Then taking the ferry boat across Lake Champlain to visit the New York State city of Plattsburgh. It was my first time visiting Plattsburgh today.

The route from the Ring Dang Doo was to take West Shore Rd. all the way to the Ferry Docks located on Grand Isle. It was a very scenic ride along West Shore Rd. Which included passing by some very nice scenic shoreline along Lake Champlain. Also some vineyards and beautiful Vermont farmland.

The boat ride to get to New York State was relaxing and enjoyed as always. Lake Champlain is a very beautiful Lake. Which does rival the beauty of Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne both located in Switzerland.

It was about 3 1/2 miles from the Ferry Docks located in Plattsburgh to get to downtown Plattsburg. I had a short visit in Plattsburgh. It is a much smaller city compared to Burlington Vermont. I had some pizza for my lunch. With the threat of rain. I hastened my return to the Ferry Docks. By the time I had arrived at the Docks. The threat of more rain had ended and the Vermont side of Lake Champlain. looked very pleasant. I really enjoyed the boat ride on the Ferry back to Vermont. I took my time riding back on West Shore Rd. A chance to take in all of the beautiful scenery and also a chance to take some more photos.

After my return to the Ring Dang Doo. A nice cold beer was enjoyed and also a refreshing swim in Lake Champlain!

The Ferry Ride going to New York State.

The bike ride back to the Plattsburgh Ferry Docks.

Crossing Lake Champlain to get back to Vermont!

Completing the bike ride along West Shore Rd. back to the "Ding Dang Doo"