August 1-12, 2024 Most Recent Posts:
Moose River Campground Last Days Before the Second Flood
St Johnsbury, Vermont First Days After the First Flood
The second flood of the summer happened on July 30 and kept us mud bound for 3 days. The first flood was the “rain” flood and the second the “mud” flood. I posted about both just after they happened. If you have not seen the mud flood post, you can find it here.
By August 2nd the rains weren’t over and the clean up was still going on AGAIN.
Yet as you will see, I was able to get out around the mud for a trip to Parker Pond known by some as Lake Parker.
This was one of the best mornings I’ve had on the water this summer. The wind was a bit high early on but it calmed.
I watched a group of mallards several times during the morning.
The far end of the lake has no development.
I’ve been surprised all summer that I had not seen any Canada Geese but they were here in a large group today.
I’m not sure how many loons are on the lake. I heard them calling several times but this was the only one I saw close enough to get a picture.
I’m thinking this is an Eastern Kingbird but I could not see his back. His tail looks white tipped but the color isn’t clear against the blue sky. Can anyone confirm?
Either there were two groups of mallards or this one was doing a lot of paddling.
The lake had several channels which I love to explore.
This one got too narrow for an easy turn around. It was so shallow that it was easier to just step out of the boat and turn it.
Coming out of one of the channels I found myself behind the Canada Geese
When they became aware of me, they picked up speed. Notice the water around them and they flat lake in front.
I came around an edge section and found this Great Blue Heron who decided he had better things to do.
I pleased to be able to get a decent picture of this beautiful dragonfly.
Another surprise or at least something I’ve never seen on a Vermont Pond was this sea gull hanging out on a floating dock.
I don’t think she’s a fisherman but she was sure watching the fish. Made me laugh to watch her.
Such concentration.
She gave me a great look when I asked her owner on the shore about her.
What wonderful memories this grandfather and grandson are making.
This was my first visit to Parker Pond and I’m very sorry that I didn’t know about it sooner as it is now one of my favorites. There are just SO many lakes and ponds within an hour of the campground.
Lake Parker is a great paddle but adding to its allure is that it is less than two miles up the road from Lake Parker Country store. This is the home of the Parker Pie Company which, in my opinion, hands down has THE best pizza within 30 minutes of St Johnsbury.
The front is a great general store and the back is the restaurant. They have a lot of things going on here.
Love this little spot with the comfy chair.
On the table next to the chair, I found this cook book from the locally famous Shenandoah Valley Mrs. Rowe’s Restaurant near the farm in Virginia.
They have been open for over 70 years and have more than 3000 followers on their facebook page. If you travel I 81 through Virginia stop in for homestyle southern food and make sure you have a piece of pie. Their coconut cream is outstanding. What a surprise to see this in a little country store in Vermont.
The restaurant has tables inside and outside.
Check out their menu from the link above. They have a full menu not just pizza. But I could not resist trying the Green Mountain Special. Baby Spinach, Red Onion, Bacon, Apple, Fresh Garlic, Cheddar Cheese & drizzled with Deep Mountain Maple Syrup.
I really really wanted to go back the day before I left Vermont just to be able to take one with me for the road but that day was labor day and they were closed. So Sad.
Two days later it was raining again and my car was sitting in the water.
Luckily I bought a small tarp and tall rain boots so I could get in and out of the rig without tramping through too much mud.
Amazingly two days later it had dried up enough that I was able to take a trip over to New Hampshire to visit the town of Littleton. I had been to their big box area as that is the closest Walmart and Home Depot but I had never walked around the town itself and was told it was a must do.
Again, I’m sorry I hadn’t done this earlier this year or last year. Real over sight on my part.
The Ammonoosuc River flows through town. There is both a swinging bridge and a covered bridge over it. There is also a trail between them on both sides. After wandering around town, I took the covered bridge over to The Little Grille for lunch and then walked back down the trail to the swinging bridge which was near where I was parked.
It was difficult to get a picture of how long the covered bridge is. This is the best I could do.
After taking pictures of the bridge, I walked up to the main street in town past these great murals.
A closer look at the colored steps and cute hanging umbrellas.
This is perhaps the best little toy and book shop I’ve ever been in. I spent a long time inside and found some things for Colin’s 6th birthday which is less than a month away. Grandmothers take note. This is a GREAT place.
Books and sweets rival for my favorites.
The WORLD’s Longest Candy Counter?
Littleton is a wonderful little town to wander around in. At lunchtime I took the covered bridge over the river to have lunch at The Little Grille.
At the Little Grille you can also eat inside or outside.
Take a look at their menu. Wish I’d known about Wednesday Burger day.
Another mural on the side of the Little Grille. They definitely have some wonderful artists here in Littleton, New Hampshire
The 3rd unfortunate incident happened during the next two weeks. This has been some summer. BUT it has been a lot cooler than most places.
