10/16 to 10/20 - Dorset RV Park - Vermont

 Dorset RV Park

Vermont

October 16th to October 20th

3½ hrs - 179 (scenic) miles

Only up to the 50's daytime, 40's nighttime.

My drive through New Hampshire into Vermont via I-93, I-89 and I-91 gave me some of the most scenic vistas that come to mind when you hear the phrase, "driving through the back country roads in New England in the Fall." True, Interstates and back country roads is an oxymoron, but to connect to them, I traveled those country roads; an experience everyone must include on their bucket list. In that category, mine is complete and with more to come. My next trip will take me through the rest of Vermont via Manchester and Bennington into New York State. What beauty must await me. Now here's the sad news about the drive. The weather the entire day was an overcast, dreary, dismal, intermittent drizzly day. The anticipated colors were not at peak nor enhanced by sunlight; but now that temps at night are in the mid-forties, things will change. I reminded myself as I scanned left and right while driving, these forests are mostly evergreen/conifers. It's the deciduous trees (oak, maple, ash, aspen) that are providing the spectacles. So far, their time has not arrived and so, the views are not as spectacular. The few photos taken while driving don't compare to what my eyes enjoyed. 

My last glimpse of the State Park in NH

Ah yes, every five miles or so a reminder.

Dorset, Vt, is a small town of a little more than 2,100 people in the southwest region of Vermont and home of the Dorset Marble Quarry, the first marble quarry in the United States (1785). It's also the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, Bill W. The Bill Wilson House is in East Dorset.

I found this historical note in The World Atlas: Due to the area's closeness to New York and New Hampshire, the area was frequently claimed by both. New York insisted that it was included in its 1664 grant from Charles II but didn't make any effort to settle it. New Hampshire, attempting to expand its border to the west, simply seized the land and proceeded to grant 131 charters in the territory, which then was named the New Hampshire Grants. On the other hand, New York took revenge by announcing the Grants null and void and informed the settlers that they would have to buy the land back from New York at a much higher price if they decided to stay. The New Hampshire Grantees responded by organizing the "Green Mountain Boys," which is a casual association of civilian soldiers who protected the settlers from being expelled. In 1790 New York finally turned over her claims when Congress announced Vermont as the fourteenth state. In 1912 the Vermont Society of Colonial Dames built a historical icon at the site of the Cephas Kent Inn in Dorset.

This is a 360º video clip starting and ending with Winnie in the background. An active campground, RVs are coming and going everyday. 

And the celebrity chickens. One rooster has three hens, a half-dozen or so of a different breed went about on their own.

Big Daddy

My token offering was 'bird seed' which they seemed to enjoy. I figured I had friends for life.

Fortunately, he did not greet me at sunrise in the usual farmyard manner.

Even after returning from my shower, they were eager to greet me.

Chilly nights? Being warm and toasty sitting beside a campfire? S'more's? Marshmallows? All pleasing, comforting thoughts for the Fall. However, I've always maintained that all of it is wonderful...but you have to do it with company. I had my first campfire here solo and it just didn't do it. Warmth? Yes. Maybe it's because I'm a Gemini, that one aspect of camping, for me, requires others to make it memorable. I'm okay with traveling solo all these years soaking in the sights and enjoying the experiences, but a campfire requires at least two.  Does anyone feel the same way?

With the sun finally appearing the day before I leave, I've given you the sum total of the excitement experienced here in Dorset VT. RVs came and went spending just a day or two here. Tomorrow, when I leave I'll stop at the Dorset Bakery for breakfast which may be the highlight of my stay. On the way, the Dorset Quarry should be an interesting stop as well. I'm on my way back to New York State and Livingston Manor for five days.

Three photos from the Internet:

My photos of the same area:

How must they have carved such patterns back in the 1860's? Based on color, I'm guessing this is a "young" quarried slab of marble...

..as compared to older slabs that have undergone their color change due to the interaction of the atmosphere, moisture and the stone's chemical composition. It's a guess because I was a biology not an earth science teacher.

Today this quarry is a popular "swimming hole" that attracts many during the summer.

And after breakfast at the Dorset Bakery, off I went. Breakfast was French toast with Vermont maple syrup and a side of bacon. Two fresh baked pastries left with me. Off I went to Livingston Manor in New York state.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein