Gwen and Ian: July 2009

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Hiking @ Nebraska Notch Trail

Chinese Version中文版
The Nebraska Notch Trail is an easy and flat trail. The trail comes to a T when it reaches the famous Long Trail. You can either head north or south on the Long Trail, which we didn’t do since we usually do half day hikes only.

This whole length of the trail is 1.5 miles which is slightly longer than the Sterling Pond at 1.2 miles. Being an easy trail, it didn’t tire us like some other ones. Taking advantage of this stroll, I brought the DSLR camera along with me this time.

Off to the side of the intersection with the Long Trail, we found a little side path that lead to this meadow surrounded by the woods on one side and a peak on the other. We think it use to be a pond. Take a look at all these water sculpted trees. Some were still upright in perennial anticipation, but some had their twisting roots in protest pointed up to the sky.

Knock knock… anybody home? The original habiting beaver probably abandoned this cozy little home when his lakeside access retreated. Maybe we should come back in September to see if the beaver is back, as that is the usual time they return to their lodges.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

History Hike at Little River State Park

People tend to cancel their plans when they see clouds or rain in the morning. However, this is not the case in Vermont. The weather in Vermont varies wildly within short periods and geographic areas. You can have a thunder storm in the morning and within an hour, the sky is all clear. As the saying goes: “If you don’t like the weather in Vermont, wait 5 minutes.”

Two weeks ago, we went for a History Hike at Little River State Park. The skies were clear when we headed out, but by the time we got there, light showers started. Then by the time we were half way through the trail, the thunder storm started. We were prepared with our rain coats and with the cover of the trees, we got out relatively unscathed.

Since this was a flat walking trail for the most part, walking in the rain didn’t make much a challenge. Plus, the rain actually brought us the chance to see this little orange buddy.

For some reason, there flora was much more varied on this trail than the others ones we’ve been on before.

Along the trail, we saw this abandoned house. According to the pamphlet, this house was possibly built around 1863. This is the only farmhouse from that era still standing in the Little River area.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Burlington International Waterfront Festival

Chinese Version (中文版)
Every summer, many festivals and events are held in cities across North America.
Since the two of us are in Vermont this year, we went to the waterfront to enjoy the Burlington International Waterfront Festival which is held from July 2 to 14, 2009.