Vermont

No, this is not a fishing related post. Yes, my blogs title screams fishing, I know. Truth is, I want to blog about great trips and memories even if a fish is not at the end of the line. Don't fret, however, because there will hopefully be many fishing related posts coming this year. My fieldwork begins this summer and I won't be subject to endless homework and projects. This should yield more free time for me to explore the great state of Maine, and possibly greater New England. Stripers and char await.

Vermont:

Vermont was a place that had been on my radar probably ever since I heard Orvis headquarters were located there. I knew it was saturated with liberals and hippies, but there were also trout, and a million sugarhouses. This time we set out to experience the ladder, but rest assure I will be back hopefully some point to cast a line in the green mountain state.

The first destination on our trip was a small quaint town named Quechee. There, we experienced the fascinating art of glass blowing. This trade goes back many years and felt as though we were stepping back in time. The factory sits on a river and its waters power the big furnaces used during the glass blowing process.

Master of the trade

"Seconds" where the ones with slight imperfections go

Lunch next to the river

Salmon w/raspberry compote

After a delicious lunch and tour of the factory we made our way to Quechee Gorge. Most of the trails to get down to the river were iced over but we talked with an employee at the visitor center who steered us toward one that may not be. The trail turned out to be icy as well but we managed to make it down.

Anxiously standing on an ice shelf to capture this shot

The following day we hit Burlington. Snow was currently falling and had been overnight. There was 4 or so inches with more planned in the forecast.

Frozen Lake Champlain. No view of the Adirondacks this time

The following morning we were met with a beautiful surprise. The snow had fallen all night and totaled around 18 inches.

We were worried the snow would throw a kink in our plan to tour sugarhouses but it ended up making the experience that much better. The first farm, which turned out to be one of our favorite was set deep in the woods. The family running the operation welcomed us and gave us a scope of what it takes to process syrup from sap to bottle.

First destination 

This cabin housed all of the old historical tools of the trade

Checking out the old tools while eating fresh maple candy

Fresh hot syrup, the smell was AMAZING

Filling up our own bottle

Firing up and prepping to make maple syrup

The rest of the day we hit 3 more sugar houses. All of them were special and unique in their own way. The drive to the farms was spectacular with freshly fallen snow blanketing the surroundings.

Steam from the syrup making process

This syrup is SO GOOD

Emma riding the horse drawn sleigh. One of the highlights of our trip.

In the syrup making room