Bright sunny weather greeted my arrival early last week, and that was the norm, until Sunday. Making the most of the sunshine, though, we spent lots of time outside. Thursday was the day for a trip up into Vermont, where the fall colours were much more in evidence than here, so with all those tree-covered hills and mountains, we were constantly turning our heads this way and that, to appreciate the wonderful variety of shades, and subtleties of colour, all around us. The Woodstock Inn, in Woodstock, VT, was our lunch destination. The Inn was built on a grand scale, with an impressive front entrance leading into a lobby with an enormous fireplace. The logs stacked beside it were each several feet long, and it was easy to imagine a blazing fire in the grate, with skiers toasting their toes after an energetic day on the slopes! Of course, the day we were there was a warm and sunny fall day, and we were able to enjoy the colourful flowers in the gardens, and to explore the town of Woodstock itself.
Quechee Gorge - described as Vermont's little Grand Canyon - was the next stop along the way.We were cautioned not to go down to the bottom of the gorge, but I did take a little walk along the edge, as far as the dam, marvelling at the depth of the canyon.
A demonstration of glass-blowing, at the Simon Pearce glass factory, was most interesting - and hot, too! Apparently most of the glass-blowers working there had never done any glass-blowing before they came to work at the factory, but became proficient at the art in a matter of just a few years.
Just a few yards from the property on which Sue's condo is situated, there is a wonderful rail trail, primarily for biking , but also for walkers. As the weather has been so beautiful, I have been able to get out quite a bit on the trail, even pedalling a couple of times to Curves, in Northampton, just over 6 miles in each direction. As we are heading off to Cape Cod to spend a few days there, I am planning to get in some more biking, as I have heard that there are some very good trails there. Sue's neighbour, Trudi, has very kindly invited us to use her cottage, in Chatham, on Cape Cod, so we are definitely looking forward to that. We are optimistic that the weather will be sunnyToday for our Cape capers!
Today's adventure - in the rain! - was to walk into the centre of Amherst to watch the big parade in honour of the town's 250th anniversary. We took along the 'granny cart', loaded with folding chairs, umbrellas and our lunch, and made our way into town along the rail trail. We found ourselves a prime spot in the town centre, set up our chairs and umbrellas, and proceeded to enjoy our lunch, in the rain, as we awaited the start of the parade. The parade had hardly begun, when the rain eased off, and it remained dry for the next two hours, as the various floats, bands, vehicles and animals wended their way past us. There were several marching bands, the most impressive of which, for sheer numbers alone, was the University of Massachusetts (UMass) band. It seemed as though there were several hundred musicians and singers, but that is probably a gross exaggeration! The UMass campus is just a few minutes away from where Sue lives.
In addition to the marching bands, there were floats depicting the history of Amherst, local clubs and associations, such as 4H, Skating Club. Swim Club, Pony Club, Shriners and Rotary. As is traditional at such events, there was much tossing of candy etc., by the parade participants, into the crowds of spectators. Of course, the candy is primarily for the kids, but I did make a rather spectacular catch of a donut (in plastic bag) tho' I do say so myself!
Coming soon - an account of our Cape Capers!!
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