October 20, 2019 – The Long Trail – Vermont

This past weekend we had a getaway to Vermont, which involved many Adventures, most of which I will blog about. We stayed in a cabin in the woods, and due to no wifi I am far behind on my blog, therefore posting much later then preferred. However, definitely some amazing locations that I am excited to share. This will be my last post from our fabulous weekend away…(blogs from the weekend were posted in no particular order).

This weekend Shadow, Wilma, My Parents, and I Adventured to the Long Trail in Stowe, Vermont. The Long Trail runs the entire state of Vermont, crossing many peaks. It is the oldest long-distant trail in the Country. The Trail consists of a 272 footpath, and many additional miles of side trails. The Trail has remote camping site and is good for all skills levels, as it provides a variety of terrain locations. The Long Trail was created by the Green Mountain Club who currently maintain and preserve the Trail.

We had an awe-inspiring Adventure to the Long Trail in Stowe, Vermont. The Long Trail was not a planned stop on our weekend Adventures, but instead an accidental find. I was quite excited to discover the picturesque boardwalk as we drove toward Mount Mansfield. We began on this path, excited to explore. The Mountain views were absolutely spectacular, highlighted by the fall foliage. We trotted along the boardwalk and snapped away. The boardwalk hung high above what appeared to be above a wetlands. There were few visitors, bringing us into the peace, and tranquility of nature. Along the boardwalk we found several information kiosks.

After completing the boardwalk trail we ended up at a path that would weave through the orange foliage, highlighted by white birch trees. Shadow, Wilma, and I walked down the trail, soon becoming a walk of “normal” scenery. I was disappointed to hear sounds of cars in the distance, but yet still pleased to entail on an energetic walk on yet another perfect Fall day. We are not sure where this trail might have lead but sauntered through the woods for some time, before turning back to join My Parents.

Upon completing our Adventure we began reading more about the Long Trail, and My Dad located an amazing map. I could not believe the immense size of this trail, and have been even more curious since we returned home. I definitely will be reading further, viewing some videos and will surely visit the Long Trail again in the future. Quite an amazing trail system in the beautiful state of Vermont. So glad My Parents could join us on the gorgeous Long Trail (Rating: 4.5).

October 19, 2019 – Brookdale Bridge – Vermont

This past weekend we had a getaway to Vermont, which involved many Adventures, most of which I will blog about. We stayed in a cabin in the woods, and due to no wifi I am far behind on my blog, therefore posting much later then preferred. However, definitely some amazing locations that I am excited to share. I now will continue our Vermont Adventures from the weekend…in no particular order.

This past weekend Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Brookdale Bridge in Stowe, Vermont. (Also referred to as the Brook Road or White Caps Bridge). The Brookdale Bridge is a “stringer” covered bridge, therefore labeling it a “non-authentic” covered bridge due to its structural system. The Brookdale Bridge crosses the West Branch Waterbury River.

We had a fun Adventure to the Brookdale Bridge, ending the first day of our Fall getaway. I found the Brookdale Bridge after studying a tourist map that we had obtained along the way. The map was easy to follow, guiding us down Brook Road, and directly to the Bridge. The Brookdale Bridge was small in scale, and rustic red in hue. We followed the adjacent Stowe Recreation Path briefly, before heading off the trail over to the River’s edge. The location was peaceful, not a soul in site. Shadow and Wilma enjoyed exploring, and posed grandly for some photographs And although my research later indicated that the Brookdale Bridge was not an official covered bridge, I still could not resist sharing our Adventure to the Brookdale Bridge (Rating: 4).

October 20, 2019 – Bingham Falls – Vermont

This past weekend we had a getaway to Vermont, which involved many Adventures, most of which I will blog about. We stayed in a cabin in the woods, and due to no wifi I am far behind on my blog, therefore posting much later then preferred. However, definitely some amazing locations that I am excited to share. I now will begin our Vermont Adventures from the weekend…in no particular order.

Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Bingham Falls located in the Mount Mansfield State Forest in Stowe Vermont. Bingham Falls is a cascade falls of approximately twenty five feet in height. It is sourced from the Waterbury River. The hike to Bingham Falls is only about a half mile round trip. It is a popular swimming hole in summer months.

We had a stunning Adventure to Bingham Falls. Shadow, Wilma, and I headed out early in search of this waterfall. It was challenging finding the Falls, although in hindsight I am not sure why I found it so difficult. However, we drove by the parking area numerous times before finding the green sign for the Falls (heading toward Mt. Mansfield from Stowe), tucked under the leaves to the right. I was quite relieved to find this trailhead at Bingham Falls was high on my list of “must-see” Adventures on our weekend away in Stowe.

We began along the trail on yet another perfect Fall day. The orange leaves covered the trail in abundance. Our anticipation was high, an enthused bounce in our step. The trail shortly landed at a gorge-like area, a perfect geological feature far below the landing. The rocks were carved out magically by the water, uniquely shaped. I was careful not to get too close to the edge, as it appeared as if danger was not far. From the lookout spot we headed to the right following a sign indicating a “steep trail” to the Falls. There was a vertical decline of rock steps, some slippery and wet, while others a bit unbalanced. I am sure it was quite the scene watching my rock jumping, bouncing Wilma, with my balancing self in between, followed by Shadow’s cautious rock-climbing moves. We journeyed at Shadow’s speed and somehow managed not to fall, slip, or crash. There were several streams coming down the rocks, adding quite the picturesque water features. Unquestionably a true trail for an Adventure.

Upon arrival at the bottom of the trail I was pleased to see Bingham Falls. The bottom location of the steps was a bit treacherous, but yet I was able to peer over to see the full view of the Falls, a deluge of water cascading down into a massive pool. It was dramatic, and of course cheerfully singing the sounds of nature. Due to the footing, and steep and rocky edges I decided it best not to pose Shadow, and Wilma, which I of course had hoped to accomplish, but instead we stood for awhile admiring the Falls, truly picturesque.

After viewing the Falls we trudged back up the stairs back to the gorge, and from there headed to the opposite side following the River trail, just slightly above the water’s banks. We strolled along the River’s edge, Shadow and Wilma wading into the water for some sips. Although I was not sure if we were actually on a trail I knew the River would be our guide. Our walk was peaceful, and tranquil at one with nature. Our journey ended when I thought I saw a bear ahead and we quickly turned around heading back to the car. We could not have a better Adventure to the Bingham Falls. Not only was there an impressive Falls, it included a remarkable gorge, and a scenic walk along the River. So hard to capture a waterfall, and the rush of water on camera, but I assure you that Bingham Falls is a “must see” waterfall in Vermont (Rating: 4).