{"id":1825,"date":"2016-06-01T22:59:48","date_gmt":"2016-06-01T22:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/?p=1825"},"modified":"2016-06-08T11:48:04","modified_gmt":"2016-06-08T11:48:04","slug":"what-vermont-tastes-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/2016\/06\/01\/what-vermont-tastes-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Vermont tastes like"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Since we were in Vermont we wanted to learn about maple syrup. \u00a0Steph 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. \u00a0So we loaded up the family truckster and headed through the hills along Lake Champlain to Dakin Farm. \u00a0Its 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. \u00a0They also had a store full of meats and cheeses and jams and spreads and dips and, of course, maple syrup. \u00a0I 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.<br \/>\n<a title=\"Big ol bottle\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/136797225@N05\/27254365210\/in\/album-72157669472127605\/\" data-flickr-embed=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/c3.staticflickr.com\/8\/7498\/27254365210_9d6b22eab3_n.jpg\" alt=\"Big ol bottle\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" \/><\/a><script src=\"\/\/embedr.flickr.com\/assets\/client-code.js\" async=\"\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--more-->We went back home for lunch and then to the pool for the kids to play. \u00a0It was a really nice day and we had the pool to ourselves\u00a0so the kids were able to be pretty wild. \u00a0Later that afternoon I continued working while Steph gave haircuts to the boys and we all showered up. \u00a0Then we loaded up the Beast to head out to the little town (or neighborhood) of Charlotte on the edge of Lake Champlain. \u00a0We 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&#8230;.totally amazing!! \u00a0We 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. \u00a0Turns out non-residents have to pay a $6 day use fee. \u00a0I told the boys they should start their own business like this back home! \u00a0We paid the fee and it was totally worth it.<\/p>\n<p>We went down to the beach where we took in the beauty of the lake backdropped by the Adirondacks. \u00a0There were awesome skipping rocks so the boys began chucking rocks across the water. \u00a0I taught Brielle how to skip rocks while the boys helped Steph. \u00a0I&#8217;m pleased to report that both of them got the hang of it! \u00a0After awhile we stopped by the cool covered bridge for some pictures and then went to the playground to burn off some energy. \u00a0Once the kids were hungry we broke out our picnic foods from Dakin farm. \u00a0We had Kabanos (an old time sausage I guess), local sharp cheese, maple mustard, crackers, carrots, snap peas and for dessert, some local maple candies. \u00a0I think that may have been the best meal so far on the trip. \u00a0And 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. \u00a0Right then everything just seemed better.<br \/>\n <a title=\"Lake Champlain\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/136797225@N05\/26922613853\/in\/album-72157669472127605\/\" data-flickr-embed=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/c6.staticflickr.com\/8\/7781\/26922613853_0ee18771ce_n.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Champlain\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" \/><\/a><script src=\"\/\/embedr.flickr.com\/assets\/client-code.js\" async=\"\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>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. \u00a0How many things had to happen for the dream to become a reality. \u00a0God 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).<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m not yet sure I fully comprehend what affect this trip has had on my life or what life lessons I&#8217;ve learned. \u00a0But there are two things that I think stand out the most:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>most people are good and want to help, and<\/li>\n<li>home is more about the people than the place<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>I&#8217;m a Colorado native. \u00a0I&#8217;ve lived in 7 different housing units in my life, four of which were dorms and sublets during college. \u00a0So CO is <em>home<\/em> to me as is\u00a0our house in Longmont. \u00a0Deep down I always believed that home was wherever\u00a0Steph and the kids were and that our actual location and shelter played just supporting roles. \u00a0However, <a href=\"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/2015\/12\/28\/dear-huck\/\">those weeks<\/a> leading up to departing on this adventure were\u00a0making me think that might all be poppycock. \u00a0Our house felt very comfy and our neighborhood familiar. \u00a0It seemed ridiculous to leave that. \u00a0But\u00a0once we got out on the road\u00a0those feelings dissolved rapidly&#8230;for me anyway. \u00a0I can honestly say that I feel at home wherever we are. \u00a0Sure, I miss our family and friends in CO. \u00a0I miss our neighbors. \u00a0There is a lot of good about our house in old town. \u00a0But I have learned that I can be happy in many different places when I&#8217;m with Steph and the kids.<\/p>\n<div id=\"flickr_72157669472127605_8809\"><div class=\"slickr-flickr-slideshow landscape medium \"><div class=\"active\"><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7498\/27254365210_9d6b22eab3.jpg\" title=\"Big ol bottle\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Big ol bottle<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7582\/26922605983_28d261c52a.jpg\" title=\"Karate man\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Karate man<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7434\/27254359130_5ec9a5ee17.jpg\" title=\"Ta daaa\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Ta daaa<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7370\/27496447276_95f555a97b.jpg\" title=\"Scooping syrup\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Scooping syrup<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7456\/26922603373_ff7d122d0f.jpg\" title=\"Relaxed\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Relaxed<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7015\/27496445026_10c4f50fbf.jpg\" title=\"Pool fun\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Pool fun<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7531\/27254353770_fbd8563b72.jpg\" title=\"Office\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Office<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7402\/27496442806_b1c2015c2d.jpg\" title=\"New hairdo\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>New hairdo<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7423\/26921513444_a8d6e4a5df.jpg\" title=\"Dacen\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Dacen<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7323\/26922614713_12fe93c65d.jpg\" title=\"Caden\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Caden<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7388\/27496441226_e0509df502.jpg\" title=\"Taking it all in\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Taking it all in<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7393\/26922599593_d3ffa20127.jpg\" title=\"Covered bridge\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Covered bridge<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7360\/27496437596_2a9db8d5cc.jpg\" title=\"Reflection\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Reflection<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7292\/27496436306_7aca43b2e8.jpg\" title=\"Me and my hunny\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Me and my hunny<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7387\/27254369070_d72e4ab741.jpg\" title=\"Steph skipping rocks\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Steph skipping rocks<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7370\/27496434596_941481b5bf.jpg\" title=\"Green slime\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Green slime<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7673\/26921497304_79e45c2161.jpg\" title=\"Bridge\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Bridge<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7352\/27496430926_7549c75511.jpg\" title=\"Weeeeee\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Weeeeee<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7326\/27458579521_43141173df.jpg\" title=\"Never too old for slides\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Never too old for slides<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7289\/27496428106_a3f3f19d2a.jpg\" title=\"Picnic dinner\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Picnic dinner<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7103\/27530890985_d343deaea3.jpg\" title=\"Triple slide\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Triple slide<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7676\/27458593721_6b9e66aa88.jpg\" title=\"There they go\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>There they go<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7781\/26922613853_0ee18771ce.jpg\" title=\"Lake Champlain\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Lake Champlain<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7193\/27254351030_de30a33dc6.jpg\" title=\"Lake Champlain\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Lake Champlain<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7685\/27496425266_7661778b2c.jpg\" title=\"Sunset on Lake Champlain\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Sunset on Lake Champlain<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7059\/26922610813_d4790b0e17.jpg\" title=\"Steph\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Steph<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7508\/26922609813_0c388ecbaa.jpg\" title=\"Caden\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Caden<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7266\/27530889445_bdbcb1a612.jpg\" title=\"Picturesque\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Picturesque<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7375\/26922616833_4630839752.jpg\" title=\"Dog urinal\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Dog urinal<\/p><\/div><div><img src=\"https:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7545\/27496449456_2181ed30be.jpg\" title=\"Heart rocks\" alt=\"\"  \/><p>Heart rocks<\/p><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">jQuery(\"#flickr_72157669472127605_8809\").data(\"options\",{\"delay\":3000,\"autoplay\":true,\"transition\":500,\"link\":\"next\",\"target\":\"_self\",\"width\":\"\",\"height\":\"\"});<\/script><div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since we were in Vermont we wanted to learn about maple syrup. \u00a0Steph 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. \u00a0So we loaded up the family truckster and headed through the hills along [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[60,59],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1825"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1825"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1859,"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1825\/revisions\/1859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}