To Stowe and the Flume

August 20-22, 2023                                               Most Recent Posts:
Moose River Campground                            Mary Visits from Virginia
St Johnsbury Vermont           Marsh, Billings, Rockefeller National Historic Park

We saved two of the big ticket days for the last two of Mary’s visit.  On Sunday we drove to Stowe and took the ski gondola up to the top for the views which weren’t all that spectacular because of the ever present rain clouds.  But it was fun still.

We speculated as we stood in line to board about who we would have in our cab with us. 

But it turns out, each party has one to itself.  Mary chatted with the attendant as he closed the door and we moved on.

In the previous picture we were facing forward but we soon discovered the better views were behind us so we switched seats.   Such a shame it was not a fabulously clear day.

From the top I could see a few of the distant mountain ranges.

We traded picture taking with some folks at the top.  I have no idea what the white streak is since it wasn’t in any other picture I took.

Once back at the bottom, I took a picture of the path to the top.  Some folks had hiked  up and saved the $40 fee.  Looks like it might take the whole day and kill your knees going back.  Although there were no tickets to return so I guess if you hike up you can hop a ride back.

From there we went to the Von Trapp Family Lodge for lunch.

The patio tables were clearly visible  through the atrium windows.

We went through the lounge out to the patio.

Mary is sitting at a back table alone.  I should have called to her to turn for the picture.

The food was very good and reasonably priced.  I took this picture of the menu when we first arrived and had no intention of using it in the blog.  But I neglected to get a picture of the lovely presentation of our lunches so this is a substitute.

Mary had the chicken salad and I had the vegetable quesadilla.   Click on the picture to enlarge it if you cannot read it.

We skipped the delicious sounding desserts.  Next time I’m in the area I will do lunch AND dessert.  Makes my mouth water to look at the list.

But we were afraid we would not have room for ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s. 
Unfortunately we arrived too late for the tour but not too late to buy expensive ice cream.

Mary entering the popular Flavor Graveyard. 

I closed off the day with a Vermont Maple Creemee at what I was told is the best creamee spot “near by”.  Read that as within an hour’s drive.  Yes, that is two versions of ice cream in a row.  Mary declined saying she wasn’t a big fan of maple.   IN VERMONT??

We spent Mary’s final day in New Hampshire hiking the 2.1 mile Flume Gorge hike in Crawford’s Notch.  This is perhaps my favorite area hike.  The work done to make it accessible is amazing.

The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart.   It is one of my favorite hikes in the area though only 2 miles long and they charge $18 due to the maintenance of the required walk ways to make it available to the public.  We spoke to one of the workmen who put them up and take them down every year.  He says it takes a week or more.   Well worth the price in my opinion and a great way to end Mary’s stay in Vermont.

The flume trail goes by a covered bridge.

All of this boardwalk is removed in late fall and reinstalled in early spring.  Amazing!

The walls are so close you could almost reach out and touch both sides.

The hike turns back into the woods after going by Avalanche Falls.

Mother Nature is amazing.

What does it look like to you??

I had no idea Mary was so strong.  Thank goodness, it might have fallen on us.

Mary took the final picture of our days together when we saw our first moose.
I was willing to get up close so we could hold “hands”?

I’m happy we were able to do so many things during her visit. 
I only wish the weather had been better for her.