Monday, October 14, 2013

Mon., 14 Oct/13

A short bit of heavy rain this morning. It is a little cooler (60's F) and overcast.

It is now drying up and tomorrow should be partly cloudy - or partly sunny - depending on whether your cup is half full or half empty. Technically, your cup is always full - if not liquid, then air. I prefer to think my cup is always full now that I see the (day)light.


I am watching a steady parade of Fifth Wheels and Motorhomes drive by as I type this entry. Probably, except for us and a few other motorhome, the only remaining RV's are the seasonal rentals. This is the last day of the long weekend and the roads will be really busy. This is why today is a day of rest and we will be leaving tomorrow.


Tomorrow we will re-trace the route we took to get here. We will probably stop at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino for supper. If we resist temptation (playing the slots) we will fill up with fuel (saving about $1 per gallon compared to Canada) at the Bear's Den, stop at the Duty Free, park the RV in storage and be home before dark.

http://www.mohawkcasino.com/

On the other hand we may dry camp at the Casino and go home Wednesday morning to avoid the usual long lines at the Canadian Customs. The Casino has a parking lot style campground with W/E for $25 per night. They previously gave a member discount - no more - might as well dry camp.

No matter what transpires - this will be the last blog for this trip. Next blog will be when we head south for the winter.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Sun., 13 Oct/13

Up with the TV; but, not out. We stayed to watch "Sunday Morning" until 10:30. It's nice to watch "Good News" items at least once a week.

Today we headed back through Randolph, VT to Bethel, VT then VT-107 to VT-100 and US-4 to Rutland, VT. We fueled up at $3.47 (U.S. Gallon) before parking to visit the "52nd Annual Art in the Park" Craft Fair held in Main Street Park, at the Junction of Routes 4 & 7 in the heart of Rutland. An estimated attendance of 8,000 to 10,000 is expected. Art in the Park has been named one of the “Sunshine Artist 200 Best”.

Fortunately, we found an empty parking spot just across the road from the park. A local bank generously allows the Boys Scouts to use their parking lot to raise funds for their troop. A $2 donation saved us a half-hour searching for a spot and a walk of at least a few blocks.


There were a lot of neat things we liked; but, either didn't need or have room for in the house or motorhome. We did buy a raffle ticket for a quilt and a Quart (U.S. = 32 oz) of Maple Syrup. There are usually 4 Grades of Maple Syrup. The lighter is from the beginning of the season and the colour darkens progressively to the end of the season syrup. The maple flavour intensifies as the colour darkens. The darkest, end of season syrup, is best for cooking only. We prefer the medium light which gives a nice balanced flavour.

Leaving the Craft Fair we headed South on RT-7. The usual traffic congestion and numerous traffic light stops before clearing Rutland. We passed a Comfort Inn which brought back memories. Years ago we stayed here when travelling with Best Friends. The guys went out for snacks and when we returned to the room we were immediately "Shushed" by the girls. We then spent the next hours sitting on the edge of the bed watching the slow-motion car chase as cops followed O.J. (Simpson) in his Bronco. We still laugh about this today.


We left RT-7 for the Historic RT-7a and were soon entering Manchester, VT. This is a cross between Stowe, VT (rich tourists - without the skiing) and Vermont's version of North Conway, NH. There is wall-to-wall traffic, outlet and boutique shopping, B & B's and Country Inns. Manchester Center a shopper's paradise with its signs, sights and many shops. It is completely different from Manchester Village.


One day it would be nice to be rich enough to stay at the Equinox Resort in Manchester Village and sit out on the front porch in one of their green rocking chairs. This area has catered to the rich for over 2oo years when they arrived by train.


It is also home to Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's 412-acre summer estate. Even if you are not into history - the tour offered here is well worth taking.

Our prime destination for today was the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive a few miles South from Manchester Village on Rt-7a. The plan is to take Skyline Drive to the summit and enjoy the views. From here, on clear days, you can see mountain ranges in NH, NY, MA, VT and even Mount Royal (Montreal, QC - Canada)

We enjoyed our picnic lunch at the new St. Bruno Scenic Viewing Center at the summit.  St. Bruno (11th Century, France) was the founder of the Carthusian Order. Mount Equinox and Skyline Drive is owned by the monks who live in the secluded monastery below the road. They inherited the 7,000 acre property in 1971 from John Davidson who willed it to the monks under the condition they care for his wife, Madeline.

 
Completed in 2012, this Center replaces the "Skyline Inn" (pictured below) which was built shortly after WWII at the summit. This structure was considered "ground-breaking" at the time as it used many plastics (new to construction) and had a flat roof and simplistic, un-ornamental design with huge amounts of window space in each room.
 
 
 
In the early 90's this was a favourite place for family stays when we visited Vermont.  We always got the corner room behind the office where we often enjoyed looking down during thunderstorms as the lightning flashed through the clouds below us. At the time we stayed there it was run by a Vietnam Veteran Tank Commander and his family. If my memory serves me correctly. he lost both legs (below the knees) in combat and petitioned JFK to allow him to return to active service (first double amputee to return to combat).
 
The owner sponsored chef trainees (I believe those chosen also had some type of handicap) to train in his kitchen. Our girls loved escargot. We delighted in the steak and lobster. Our bills in the gourmet restaurant were always more than the room charges.

 
Sadly, when he passed, his wife could not longer manage. Somewhere along the line it became a B & B for a period then was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Torn down in 2011, after at least a decade of deterioration, it is now been replaced by the new visitor's center.


We passed on a return visit to Mr. Barbo's grave. Mr. Barbo was the beloved dog of the owner, who was killed by a hunter in 1955. Davidson tried vainly to find the culprit - even resorting to public appeals - with no results. A short hike along the ridge trail will bring you to the gravesite; visitors often leave 'prayer stones' on top of the marker.

 
A Note: The Norman Rockwell collection is no longer in the old church in Arlington. It now resides at the Sugar Shack - just east of Arlington.  Rockwell (who lived in Arlington for a period) is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for the Saturday Evening Post magazine for more than four decades.


Many area children served as models for Rockwell's Illustrations. We have a print from the previous Arlington location (church) that was signed by the two models who posed, when children, for Rockwell.


Our next (regular stop) was The Village Peddler Chocolatorium and Bearatorium in East Arlington, VT. Sadly, the old mill store across the road has been closed (for years). Fortunately, the mill stream still flows. We spent a few moments enjoying the swiftly flowing water as it gurgled over the rocks. A beautiful, tranquil spot.


They hold the record for the World's Largest Chocolate Teddy Bear (Cocoa weighs 100 lbs) as well as the World's Largest Peanut Butter Cup. (at least they did at one time)

At the store Charlotte found a matching "Hoppy" for the scarecrow "Muffy" she bought the other day. We also bought one of their huge "Sour Pickles"; but, passed on the fudge.


A few minutes after leaving we were headed North on RT-7. We turned off onto RT-11 towards Peru. On the way we passed the historic Wiley Inn on Mount Bromley which was once owned by relatives (my mother's side). Charlotte and I once stayed, as guests of Aunt Edith.


We turned off RT-11 onto Rt-100 and headed North to Weston, VT. We once again stopped at The Vermont Country Store. The parking lot was still full - except for the 3 tour buses. We munched our way through the dips, jams and cheeses. Charlotte bought a coffee and after sampling several "smells" decided on "White Shoulders" body powder.

Our route back to the RV, rather than doing a repeat of our return from here yesterday, took us East through Ludlow and Cavendish, VT on Scenic 131. We decided to connect to I-91 as it was now dusk. Ten minutes later we turned onto I-89 North and a half hour later pulled off at to Exit 4. In a few minutes later we were at the campground.

We could not have wished for a more perfect Autumn day. It would have been perfect even in the summer. It was not only "Top Off" cruising - we had to take our coats off and lower the windows. The leaves were at their peak and the sun was so warm. Wow! This and miles of smooth curving roads - and scenery to boot!








 





Sat., 12 Oct/13

The TV did it's duty and woke us up to news at 8 am. After breakfast in the RV we made another picnic lunch for our travels.

Our first stop was at Shaw's in Randolph. We needed some more bottled water and picked up 2 more of the cooler bags. They work great. The best part is they are fold flat when not in use. We will leave them in the car and use them when we go Costco shopping to store the refrigerated goods until we return home. This becomes an issue in the summer - especially for meat. The Costco cooler bags we have work; however, they do not fold flat and take up a good deal of room in the trunk.

Today we will trace part of the route we took when we were here 2 years ago - just after Hurricane Irene. The extremely heavy rainfall did tremendous damage, especially in the narrow valley areas. There was still evidence of the devastation in some areas; but most of the major roads and bridges have been repaired. Some of the minor roads and washouts are still pretty rough and under currently under construction. There are not too many areas left to repair and things should be under control by next fall.


We headed south along RT-12 to Woodstock, VT - not to be confused with the Woodstock in NY of Hippie Music Festival Fame. Passing by the Historic Billings Farm we could see disappointed folks turning around at the entrance, that, like the National Parks and other Federal Institutions, are closed as a result of the current Congressional funding stalemate.

We always have to travel through here when in the area. It is always packed with tourists enjoying the 18th century architecture, scenic parks and many stores along the main street.


The town is a showcase at all times of year. In the fall the foliage and mums are a special treat. Busloads of leaf peepers are unloading near the town square and the traffic, as usual, is dense and at a crawl. At least the drivers are courteous - letting cars enter, turn and cross the main flow as it winds through the downtown intersection. This is a must visit - anytime of year!


Our first stop is just on the outskirts of Woodstock along US-4 (also RT-12). Here tents are set up in Bailey's Meadow for the 41st annual Apples & Craft Fair. We have been here previously - it is a neat little show. This, being the Canadian Thanksgiving/USA Columbus Day long weekend means that there are similar shows all through New England. This is one of the two we have on the agenda for today.


As usual, we manage to find some things we didn't know we needed. I added to my Route 66 collection (2 signs). I am not sure if they will go in the motorhome or on the wall at home.


Of course, we "nibbled" our way through several booths as we sampled dips, spreads, jams, fudge and trail mixes. Charlotte found a Ginger/Pineapple trails mix she liked (anything with Ginger is a sale).


We then continued on US-4 heading East. Just past the Taftsville (VT) Country Store (a neat stop where you can sample great cheeses) we continued on RT-12 to link with US-5 South.

http://www.pathoflifegarden.com/

Later in the day we may have stopped at The Path of Life Sculpture Garden and Simon Pierce (not the main one - it's at Quechee, VT) for a picnic. The neat thing is that RT-12 and US-5 (Connecticut River Byway) has a lot of 40 mph speed limits.

http://www.nhtourguide.com/scenic_drives/connecticut_river_byway.htm

Soon we arrived at Windsor, VT - home of the American Precision Museum. This Museum a nice short visit that will enlighten. The Industrial Revolution began in England with the mechanization of weaving looms; however, this is where mass production began (not Henry Ford).

http://www.americanprecision.org/

The American Precision Museum, housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence Armory, holds the largest collection of historically significant machine tools in the nation. Precision manufacturing tools and methods made mass production possible and were pioneered here at the Robbins & Lawrence Armory in Windsor, Vermont. Using precision metal and wood cutting machines and high standards of accuracy, Robbins & Lawrence proved the effectiveness of a new type of manufacturing that would soon be known as the American System. Charlotte has a miniature wine cup made for her by one of their skilled craftsmen using an antique lathe (as we watched).

Further South, at Bellows Falls, VT, we headed West on VT-121to Grafton, VT then on to VT-35 North to Chester, VT.


A perennial stop here is the Hugging Bear Inn. We stayed here several years ago (In the Tower Suite) as part of our Anniversary trip.


They also have thousands of Teddy Bears for sale. Charlotte found a Gund and a Muffy (dressed as a scarecrow) that had to be adopted.

This is another neat Vermont town - just love the architecture and Main Streets in towns like this.

Soon we were driving along VT-11 then turning onto VT-100 towards Chester, VT which was our main destination for today.


First, we stoped at The Vermont Country Store. The huge parking lot was packed more than usual - including 3 buses.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com



At least there was still a picnic table available for our picnic lunch.


Since the Vermont Country Store is always open until 7 pm - 7 days a week, we decided to head across the road to the 30th Annual Weston Craft Show. This is one of Vermont’s premier juried crafts shows with all proceeds supporting the preservation of Weston's Historic Properties.
The original playhouse burnt and the new version now in a converted church.



 

All 3 floors of the playhouse were packed with unique art and crafts. Yes, once again, we found something we didn't know we needed. Charlotte bought a Zipper Art Brooch (similar to the Blue Heart) to compliment the Marah Lago Hydra Larimar pendant/necklace I gave her for this year's un-birthday. Charlotte said - after retiring - she would no longer celebrate birthdays (at least age-wise). She is now on her 39th birthday - with "?" years experience.



We took a few moment to enjoy the "Falls" before heading back across the town square to do some more shopping at the Weston Village Store and then the Christmas Shop next door.


Then, we crossed the road, back to the Vermont Country Store. These stores are absolute fun - with aisles full of everything and anything. There was still 1 bus remaining in the parking lot as we left and headed North on VT-100 towards Killington, VT. Southeast Vermont was mostly cloudy. More sunshine began breaking through as we continued North. Turning off VT-100 to VT-107 to Bethel where we retraced our morning route on VT-12 to VT-66 and back to the campground.

In the evening I watched the front TV - switching between the Boston/Detroit baseball game and the Charlotte Nascar Race while Charlotte watched other programs on the bedroom TV.

This was another fun day in Vermont.

Friday, October 11, 2013


Fri., 11 Oct/13

Today is a day of rest. The weather is once again terrific; however, we will just enjoy it relaxing in the campground. In the morning we could see the mist rising from Lake Champagne.


We started with a regular Cheerio breakfast w/sliced bananas. Spent most of the day watching the History channel as we relaxed.


Charlotte made great spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. We tried to find cappalletti (a friend converted us) at Shaw's - no luck - so we settled for Angel Hair. This gave us a chance to try our new Induction Cooktop. It will take us a bit to get used to the temperature range - it cooks really quickly; yet gives off little heat.


I like it! (cooktop) and the Spaghetti, too!....mmmm



A lovely afternoon and it will be even warmer and sunny tomorrow!

Like at home, we watched Jeopardy in the evening. Charlotte helped the players out - they would have been right if they could have heard her!

Another full day in another direction planned for tomorrow!




Thu., 10 Oct/13

Same up and out routine as Wednesday. Our first stop was just outside the campground - at the Post Office. The Danforth purchase was addressed and is heading to Mexico for a friends birthday. Waiting to mail it when we got back home would probably mean it would not arrive on time.

Today we headed in the opposite direction on VT-14. This time we turned towards Barre, VT to connect with US-302 which will take us east to NH.

http://www.miniatures.com

If you are into dollhouses, may we recommend Real Good Toys in Barre. This is their factory outlet store. Charlotte has purchased a few items here in the past.

The connection in Barre (right turn) has a myriad of roads and streets meeting - it may take some time before you get your light. Another strange thing about this corner is the Whispering Statue in the square. With a partner, sit on opposite benches in the curved plaza, with the statue "Youth Triumphant" blocking you and whisper! Amazing.

After making the turn onto US-302 we continued on towards Woodsville, NH. Another glorious `top off`day for travelling. A short distance past Woodsville we connected with our prime destination - RT-112 towards Lost River.

http://www.findlostriver.com/


If you don`t mind climbing on rocks (and stairways) and squeezing through between, on and under rocks - this is a fun place.

Just past Lost River RT-112 is also known as The Kancamagus Highway.

http://www.kancamagushighway.com/

The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH's Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture. Max speed is 50 mph - more often then not - it will be 40 mph or slower.

The correct pronounciation of Kancamagus is "Kank-ah-mah-gus." also known as "The Kanc," Often misspelled and mis-pronounced Kangamangus Highway, Kangumangus Hiway or Kancamangus Highway.

Please, not kangamangus, which is shooting a hole in someone's head and hanging them by that hole from a clothesline (according to the Urban Dictionary).

RT-112 becomes `The Kanc`at Lincoln, NH and ends at Conway, NH.


We stopped at Beaver Dam to have a picnic lunch. Unfortunately, the only picnic table was being used. We took a walk out along the dam. The pond to the left was dead calm - the water on the right tumbled over the dam and into a rocky, fast flowing stream below. A very serene scene.

We stopped again when we reached the picnic grounds - it was packed - so we continued onward. It takes about an hour to do the 35 miles at the speed limit. The lookout areas were packed with cars and tour buses.

Terrific scenery all the way through. Once we reached the end we continued on to North Conway. This is the main outlet shopping area in NH. We pulled into Settler`s Green which is the main outlet.

A shuttle runs from the Outlets to the train station. Scenic train rides are offered through the tourist season and are especially popular this time of year. There are several departures daily.

http://conwayscenic.com/

North Conway Village also has a number of interesting shops including a few old fashioned general stores that are all within a fun, easy walking distance of the train station (which is worth the trip in itself).


There are tables for several food outlets in this huge mall. We finished our lunch and returned the lunch bag to the car - then went shopping. Charlotte found a few items - I got some dish soap (forgot to buy at Shaw`s) and we headed back along the Kanc.

Going in the opposite direction on the way home was just as much a treat as coming. Different direction = different views.

We returned using the same route back - there really aren`t too many options going East-West. When we got back to Randolph Center we decided to not go to the RV. We headed into Randolph for supper at Chadwick`s.

I think this is the only sit-down restaurant open in the evening in Randolph. We have eaten here before. The food was great. I had their Black Diamond steak smothered in mushrooms and wine sauce and a baked potato. Charlotte had a killer slice of Meatloaf with glazed carrots and garlic mashed. We finished by sharing an apple cheesecake torte with vanilla ice cream.

We enjoyed the glowing pumpkins once again as we drove into the campground. Again - TV on timer - and again we were asleep before the TV shut off.



Wed., 9 Oct/13

Set the bedroom TV to wake us at 8 am. We had breakfast in the RV. We also made a picnic lunch. We are not being frugal. We just want to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The temperature was warm enough to travel "top off".  Love the fresh smell - often accented by the odour of wood smoke from nearby chimneys.

Our mission for today was to take the slow back roads to enjoy the riot of fall colours. The Interstate offers sweeping vistas of colour; however, the back roads have virtually no road allowance, allowing the tree branches to hover over the road. Part of our first section was on an almost one-lane dirt road at 30 mph as it wound from farm to farm. It's so neat when leaves flutter into the car from the branches above.


We eventually got on VT-14 southbound and passed through the Royaltons. Like Alburg(h) and Randolph, there are several Royaltons (N, S, etc.). Often given as Sharon, VT, the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial Visitor Center is technically in South Randolph.

Even if you are not a Mormon - this is a beautiful and peaceful place. Also, if you enjoy history, it is well worth a visit.

Thanks to the light traffic we continued along the slow roads at speeds less than those posted allowing us to enjoy this beautiful fall weather and scenery. Eventually we reached the King Arthur Flour Bakery, CafĂ©, Kitchen, and Shop in Norwich, VT on US-5 South.

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop


We make a point of stopping here when in the area. They have quiet a following who only use their flour. There are many boxed items as well. We usually get the cheddar bread mix and other offerings.


There are picnic tables outside to enjoy the bread, desserts or coffee, etc. offered by their excellent on-site bakery. We both decided on the pecan-cinnamon rolls for dessert and headed for the picnic tables.


We enjoyed a relax lunch the prepared to continue our explorations.


Returning to the car I found a near-perfect maple leaf. It's a keeper.


Soon we were on the road again heading to another regular stop - Quechee Gorge Village.


We had our picnic; otherwise, we would have probably eaten at the Farmer's Diner here.


As usual we found a few things we didn't know we needed or wanted including a piece of Danforth Pewter made here in Vermont.

We "snacked" our way through the main store which features samples of Cabot cheeses and spreads. This always works with - we did buy some of what we sampled.

Our next destination was Sam's Club in Concord, NH. I wanted to stop in to renew my membership. We took I-89 there and back. On the return we connected to US-202 then SR-9 to Keene, NH. We continued on SR-9 back into Vermont where we headed north on US-5.


Here we made another usual stop at Basketville in Putney, VT.


I found a neat metal sign to add to my Route 66 wall.

Now that it was almost dark we decided to return a mile back on US-5 then take I-89 at Exit 4 and return to the RV.

We decided to finish our picnic sandwiches for supper - then watched TV in bed until we fell asleep (TV was on timer - were zonked out before it turned off - must have been all that fresh air.)

Tue., 8 Oct/13

Looked at the weather forecast and the leaves and we decided that we should head to Vermont to do some leaf peeping.

We are enjoying a beautiful fall. The next week predicts sunny or light clouds and temps into the high 60's F and low 70's F. The leaves are at their peak in several areas of Vermont so we decided to fire up the motorhome and head for Lake Champagne (no - not Champlain) Campground in Randolph Center, VT. We called and are booked in for a week.


http://www.lakechampagne.com/

This is our favourite place to stay for leaf peeping in Vermont. It is just off I-89 and dead center in Vermont. The campground has full services and the sites are spread out with great views. We use this as the base camp and go in a different direction each day to enjoy the leaves in Vermont and New Hampshire.

We crossed over from Canada to the USA (NY) at Cornwall, ON. This bridge could easily make the Guinness World's Records for the longest, highest and bumpiest international non-suspension bridge with the most curves in the world. Emphasis on the roughest!!! I have driven the RV on lumber roads in Northern Quebec and they were smooth in comparison.


The new low level bridge is virtually complete (bottom view).


(Bridge Photos Courtesy of my Cousin Keith)

We may start a "Pool" on how many months it will remain completed before it gets used. Canada Customs can't decide on where to build the Port of Entry as it is an International Bridge. Maybe we will be able to use it next year?


We usually stop at main Bear's Den Trading Post for fuel and breakfast when heading this way. Try the Hash (not hash browns) - it doesn't come from a can. (RV Parking in the rear)

Unfortunately, the RV was full and we were leaving late morning due to the spur of the moment decision to go leaf peeping.

We take RT-37 to Westville Center where we turn onto RT-122. This is a "shortcut" and saves time, distance and delay by not having to drive through downtown Malone, NY. It connects with US-11 east of Malone. We stay on this road until we cross into Vermont.

We pull into our other usual stop - the McDonald's in Champlain, NY at the junction of US-11 and I-87. This has a great RV parking area.

Soon we were on our way again. A short time later we arrive at Rouses Point, NY were we turn left off US-11 onto US-2. Make the turn or you will be in Canada in a few moments if you stay on US-11)


After the big sweeping right hand curve we pulled into another usual stop - the Alburgh Welcome Center. There is parking on the edge for the RV - make sure to slow down to make the first entrance! You can spot it by the wind generator (much smaller than the ones you saw previously on US-11)

We stay on US-2 through Alburgh and continue on to Alburg Center without turning onto RT-78. No - I did not make a spelling error - strangely the spelling changes (official names use/don't use the final "H"). RT-78 will connect with I-89 quickly. US-2 will connect with I-89 much later. The ride through the Champlain Islands is much more relaxed and scenic.


My favourite view is at North Hero, VT - much better in real life.

As we leave the Champlain Islands we turn onto I-89 southbound. Approaching Burlington the speed reduces to 55 mph. This area can be very congested. Best advice is to stay in the left lane until the speed increases back to 65 mph just past were I-189 joins southbound I-89.

 
 

A very short time later - on the left (Southbound) you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Whale Tails (Reverence Sculpture created by Jim Sardonis in 1989) between Exits 12 and 13. The sculpture depicts two tails of whales "diving" into a sea of grass and is meant to symbolize the fragility of the planet. The tails were made from 36 tons of African black granite and stand 12-13 feet tall.

The sculpture was originally commissioned by British metals trader David Threlkeld, who was then a resident of Randolph, VT. The tails were to be at the entrance to a conference center that Threlkeld was planning, but financing fell through and Threlkeld moved to AZ. In the original unusual location it depicts sea creatures in New England's only landlocked state. After ten years at this Randolph site, they were sold and then moved to Technology Park in S. Burlington where Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream has its corporate headquarters.
 

It was an easy drive on I-89 to Exit 4. A few miles later after a left turn onto VT-66 we pulled into the campground. The entrance was beautifully decorated with numerous pumpkins on hay bales. Mums, leaves and other decorations surround these spooky, carved symbols of Hallowe'en.

After checking in and setting up on lot M we headed into Randolph, VT. As usual we stocked up on food at Shaw's (groceries) then moved on to the Village Pizza for supper.

The pumpkins were even "spookier" when we returned in the dark with the candles flickering through their toothy gaps and eyes.

Looking forward to tomorrow's adventures.