What Vermont tastes like

Since we were in Vermont we wanted to learn about maple syrup.  Steph located a place a bit south of our campground called Dakin Farms that seemed like a place we could learn something and try some of the sticky sweet goodness.  So we loaded up the family truckster and headed through the hills along Lake Champlain to Dakin Farm.  Its not maple season right now so we missed out on seeing how its done live, but they had some videos and a little museum/learning center where we were able to get a feel for what all goes into making maple syrup.  They also had a store full of meats and cheeses and jams and spreads and dips and, of course, maple syrup.  I think we tried just about everything and ended up buying some stuff for our picnic dinner we had planned for the evening out by the lake.
Big ol bottle

We went back home for lunch and then to the pool for the kids to play.  It was a really nice day and we had the pool to ourselves so the kids were able to be pretty wild.  Later that afternoon I continued working while Steph gave haircuts to the boys and we all showered up.  Then we loaded up the Beast to head out to the little town (or neighborhood) of Charlotte on the edge of Lake Champlain.  We drove through beautiful rolling hills of green pastures with horses, cows and freshly cut alfalfa when all of a sudden the view of the lake was right in front of us….totally amazing!!  We pulled into the little parking lot by the beach and playground and were greeted by a very nice young woman who asked if we were Charlotte residents.  Turns out non-residents have to pay a $6 day use fee.  I told the boys they should start their own business like this back home!  We paid the fee and it was totally worth it.

We went down to the beach where we took in the beauty of the lake backdropped by the Adirondacks.  There were awesome skipping rocks so the boys began chucking rocks across the water.  I taught Brielle how to skip rocks while the boys helped Steph.  I’m pleased to report that both of them got the hang of it!  After awhile we stopped by the cool covered bridge for some pictures and then went to the playground to burn off some energy.  Once the kids were hungry we broke out our picnic foods from Dakin farm.  We had Kabanos (an old time sausage I guess), local sharp cheese, maple mustard, crackers, carrots, snap peas and for dessert, some local maple candies.  I think that may have been the best meal so far on the trip.  And not necessarily because of the food (although it was delicious) but because of our beautiful surroundings and the people I was sharing the meal with.  Right then everything just seemed better.
Lake Champlain

As the kids played together on the playground after dinner Steph and I sat together on the bench and reflected on how unbelievable this journey has been.  How many things had to happen for the dream to become a reality.  God provided in so many incredible ways before and during this adventure and I know He will continue to provide as we wrap this adventure up and start a new one (whatever it may be).

I’m not yet sure I fully comprehend what affect this trip has had on my life or what life lessons I’ve learned.  But there are two things that I think stand out the most:

  1. most people are good and want to help, and
  2. home is more about the people than the place

I’m a Colorado native.  I’ve lived in 7 different housing units in my life, four of which were dorms and sublets during college.  So CO is home to me as is our house in Longmont.  Deep down I always believed that home was wherever Steph and the kids were and that our actual location and shelter played just supporting roles.  However, those weeks leading up to departing on this adventure were making me think that might all be poppycock.  Our house felt very comfy and our neighborhood familiar.  It seemed ridiculous to leave that.  But once we got out on the road those feelings dissolved rapidly…for me anyway.  I can honestly say that I feel at home wherever we are.  Sure, I miss our family and friends in CO.  I miss our neighbors.  There is a lot of good about our house in old town.  But I have learned that I can be happy in many different places when I’m with Steph and the kids.

Big ol bottle

Karate man

Ta daaa

Scooping syrup

Relaxed

Pool fun

Office

New hairdo

Dacen

Caden

Taking it all in

Covered bridge

Reflection

Me and my hunny

Steph skipping rocks

Green slime

Bridge

Weeeeee

Never too old for slides

Picnic dinner

Triple slide

There they go

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain

Sunset on Lake Champlain

Steph

Caden

Picturesque

Dog urinal

Heart rocks

2 thoughts on “What Vermont tastes like

  • June 8, 2016 at 12:10 pm
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    Totally agree with you Huck! From the start of our adventure, I was ready to sell it all in order to make our dream come true. Our nice stick-and-brick house provides shelter only. It isn’t our home. Our home (for me) are the memories we’ve made here and the time we’ve spent here together. During our RV adventure across the USA, we had been on the road less than a month when our 12 year-old son said it best, “Home is where ever Fannie (our 3-legged dog) greets you at the door.” Home is family not a structure or a location. As my husband and I get closer and closer to being empty-nesters, my home is where ever my husband is. And I hope our home can be an RV and the open road again…some day. Have enjoyed following your travels. Continued Travel Mercies.

    Reply
  • June 8, 2016 at 12:34 pm
    Permalink

    Since I’ve been rooted in the same place for over fifty years and never experienced a big move I can’t say from experience… But I’m sure you hit the nail on the head!! Your insight gives me a glimpse of what our heavenly home is going to be like!

    Reply

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