Smugglers Notch

It's been a few weeks since I've posted about a new hike with good reason. Just over two weeks ago, my dog decided to chase something small and furry. The only problem was that I was holding onto the other end of the leash. Down I went, and my ankle is still not fully recovered.

Last weekend, I took a trip to Vermont and visited Smugglers Notch. The fall colors were in full swing, and the temperatures were in the 70's. It was beautiful. The windy road from Stowe to Smugglers Notch is enough to give any driver or passenger heart palpitations. A two lane road weaves between impressive boulders. It's no wonder the area attracts bouldering enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, I was only able to hobble around the parking lot. There are plenty of bouldering problems within spitting distance of the road. We ventured a few feet up one of the many trails that left the parking lot and walked out on top of a large boulder that formed a sweet cave beneath.

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I will definitely be back when I can do more exploring. Maybe even a winter snowshoe trip to see the ice cliffs.

 

 

No trip to the area would be complete without a stop by the Ben and Jerry factory. The place was a zoo.

Kids + sugar + tired parents = chaos

The wait was too long for the tour. The line was too long for the ice cream bar. But I did find the flavors graveyard wildly entertaining. Of course I had to get a picture of the flavor grave of a Maine classic.

My ankle is slowly improving. Yesterday I went for a short hike around Great Head. It was a challenge, but each day I can walk a little farther and get a little more stability back. In another two weeks the lab hiking group starts its fall/winter hikes. The first one is supposed to be 6 to 8 miles. With a little care and a little patience, I should be ready to get back to hiking by then.