A Winter to Remember

I'm writing this post on the first full day of spring. When I look out the window, most of the snow is gone, and there are a few American Robins scouting our lawn for worms. The high will be in the 50s today, and I'm ready for it!

Our winter in CT this year reminded me of the winters I remembered growing up--the kind of winter where we would get snow, then another day of fresh snow, and then another--one piled on top of the other until late February or March when the sun would be strong enough to begin melting it away. We also had bitterly cold weather — for much of February, it was too cold to take my Bruce out for a hike.

Nonetheless, while it was challenging to be stuck indoors for weeks at a time, it was also nostalgic — reminding me of what it was like in years past.  I started to complain when I couldn't go out for a walk, but that frustration quickly turned to gratitude.  For over a decade now, our winters have been mild--light snow one day, rain the next, snow, melt, rain, repeat. My son, knowing these mild winters well, couldn't understand the types of winters I remembered until this year. Then he got to enjoy it, too. He went hiking with me a few times and then skiing with the Ski Club after school. Last year, we paid for a four-day ski pass, but he only used it once. This year, he was able to go all four times.

We also had seven old-fashioned snow days--yes, seven! I call them old-fashioned because they were full days off.  There was no obligation to be online in front of a screen. Instead, we could sleep in, eat well, play games, and get some rest and relaxation. (I used the time for studying.) 

Going back to school has kept me from regularly posting on my blog, but here are some of my favorite pics from our old-fashioned winter...

In January, we started with a wisp of snow, but soon we had storms that totaled up to 18 inches in some places.  On one hike, Hubby and I had a chance to go immediately after a storm--it was magical with the snow still glistening on the trees all around us. On other hikes, I was able to take my trusted companion Bruce. He typically likes to lead the way, and every once in a while, I can get him so excited that he runs and goes into "puppy mode."

In January, we spent one day snow tubing with Lewie's cousins. We had gone many times with friends, but this was the first time with family. It was a blast! Unfortunately, since we were all scattered, I didn't get any photos of us on the mountain, but I did manage to get this pic of us chilling at our favorite restaurant afterwards. 

Yes, it was a "real" winter this year. If I still had ice skates, I could have gone skating at some of our local ponds. Even our town hosted a "skate day," where people brought their own ice skates, while they served cookies and hot chocolate.  

Of course, like all "real" winters, there comes a time when we tire of the snow. For me, the excitement ended around the second week of March after we got our first warm day in the 70s!!! The warm spell didn't last long, but it was enough for me to crave the new season. I can't wait to see the first green, yellow, and purple sprouts of spring flowers... They haven't arrived yet, but I know they are ready to make an appearance soon!

Our Last Six Weeks of Winter

On February 2, Chuckles, our State Groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter.  My mom and son groaned while secretly inside, I rejoiced.  I was never a fan of winter, but once we adopted Bruce, my opinion changed.  Taking him for walks in the snow means no bugs, no mud, no poison ivy, no ticks, no sunblock, and no insect repellant--just a coat, boots, hat, and gloves (and maybe some hand warmers). 

During these last six weeks, I was able to get about six "snow walks"--some on a trail and some in the neighborhood.  I also managed to take my son sledding once and snow tubing once.  We didn't get to spend nearly the same amount of time outside as we did last year during the COVID lockdown, but we managed to have a few fun winter days.  Even today, on March 9th, we had a delightful covering of the white stuff--it wasn't enough to go sledding, but it was beautiful to watch while simultaneously listening to the birds chattering in the background.  I'm guessing it may be our last winter scene for a while.

Here are some of my favorite photos from these last "six weeks of winter:"

The weekend before Valentine's Day, Hubby and I took a trip up to the Berkshires and stayed overnight.  We found this random country road to take an awesome walk to nowhere in particular.

My hiking buddy, Bruce, who LOVES to play and explore in the snow.

Oh snowy day!!

A magical day of exploring our hometown park, Matthies Park.

Besides quiet walks on glimmering white paths, we had some other fun, too. I was able to get Lewie together with some of his friends after waiting patiently for the Omicron surge to slow down.  On one weekend, he had a day of bowling and another, a day of snow tubing.  Our snow tubing adventure was similar to years past but with a twist.  Hubby couldn't go because of neck issues, so we invited a second friend to come with us.  The boys had a blast!  (Of course, the whole time they were enjoying the snow, they were reminiscing about summer.  "I can't wait until summer, so we can have our sleepovers and bike rides again," said one of Lewie's friends.  Another chimed in about how he couldn't wait to go "night swimming" again.  I couldn't stop smiling--these are the good times thirteen/fourteen-year-olds daydream about!)

  

Yes, Chuckles the Groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter, and he was right.  What he couldn't have predicted is how much fun we'd have spending time with friends, family, and Bruce on some of those cold, blustery days.  I'll look back on these pictures with joy in my heart.

Celebrating the First Day of Spring in Killington, VT

 Last weekend, we went on a short excursion to Killington, VT.  

During the weeks before the trip, I waivered back and forth on whether we should actually go.  First, my husband and I are not vaccinated yet (although we just recently got our first shots this week).  Second, we would be leaving my mom alone with our puppy, Bruce.  Third, we would be spending a lot of money for a short two-day, two-night trip.  Would the trip really be worth all the worry?

We received our answer, and it was a resounding, YES!!  Having not gone on any trips or vacations since December 2019, we needed this one--not just to reconnect as a family but to remember what it was like to enjoy activities, to sightsee, and to PLAY!  We called my mom every day to make sure she was doing well at home with Bruce, and thankfully, we did have our neighbor/friend across the street who would have gladly checked up on my mom if we asked her to.

We started our vacation by renting a cute cabin in Mendon, VT through Vrbo.  I didn't know much about the place other than it received excellent reviews for its cleanliness and the friendliness of the owners.  Well, the cabin was PERFECT.  We soon discovered that it's centrally located to Rutland, Killington, Plymouth, and Woodstock, VT, and the owner couldn't have been nicer.  First, he greeted us at 8 p.m. Friday night with a key (after a series of texts back and forth), and he also gave us a map where he starred favorite restaurants (after I asked him for eating recommendations).  On Saturday, he gave us firewood, so we could use the firepit in front of the cabin. (Fun fact--we all think we saw a UFO as we were gazing at the stars from the firepit.)  The cabin itself was roomy, clean, and warm.  I packed a number of blankets and pillows just in case, which we didn't need for the entire trip.

On Saturday, our "vacation" finally began.  Here were some of the highlights from our weekend, and some places, activities and restaurants we would HIGHLY recommend.

Maple Sugar and Vermont Spice, Mendon, VT:  This family restaurant is a MUST if you are staying anywhere near Rutland, Killington, Plymouth, Woodstock, or Mendon, VT.  The building itself is a working sugar house, and in the spring, you can actually watch them boil the maple syrup right from your table.  Because of COVID, we ordered our breakfasts to go on both Saturday and Sunday morning, but on Sunday, I did give myself a few minutes to browse through their giftshop, which is full of maple syrup goodies like butter, cream, hard candy, cotton candy, and nuts.  Their breakfasts were also kid and husband approved with dishes like French toast, waffles and ice-cream, and steak and eggs.

Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, Plymouth, VT:  We drove to and walked around the Calvin Coolidge Homestead since we were right near Plymouth.  Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States back in the 1920's, and it was interesting to learn a little about his conservative values and legacy on the website.  (He was definitely a product of his times.)  The site, which seemed to include a museum, two houses (his childhood home and his adult home), and a church were all closed for the winter, but even with the snow, I could tell the grounds are BEAUTIFUL.  I would have loved to see the inside of the buildings and to have learned more about VT life and American life from the late 1800's and early 1900's.  I'm thinking this would be a good summer/fall trip to take with my mom!  (P.S.  Dogs are allowed to walk here on a leash.  We didn't have our Bruce with us, but it's always nice to know he would have been welcomed if we did!)

Snowmobile Vermont and Back Country Tours, Plymouth, VT:  We haven't gone snowmobiling since Lewie was six (exactly six years ago), and we were hoping there would be enough snow on the ground in March to enjoy an excursion.  Thankfully, there was still about 6 to 12 inches of snow left (although it was melting quickly).  Lew rented a double snowmobile for him and Lewie, and I rode on the back with the tour guide.  We chose the "back country tour" because it's a two hour jaunt through Calvin Coolidge State Forest, which is located right across the street from the snowmobile shop.   

Although our tour wasn't exactly through the State Forest (our tour guide told us they had to change the route because the snow was melting too much in the forest), we did get to ride around the campground area, which was just as much fun!  Sometimes we went at a leisurely pace, and sometimes we sped up super fast, watching trees, cabins, and even cemeteries (yes, VT has a lot of historic cemetery plots in their woods) whizz by!  We stopped to get a glorious picture with Mount Killington in the background, and then we went to an open area where both hubby AND Little Lewie had a chance to test their skills.  Hubby did a couple of rounds super fast, and then he let Lewie take the front seat, so he could drive around a few times.  My son, thank you God, is more cautious than my husband, so he had fun driving, but he was not interested in going fast.  

The ride was exhilarating, scenic, and refreshing.  We were able to get such nice pictures, and we lucked out to have such beautiful sunny weather.  It was one of the last perfect ways to frolic in the snow.

Our tour guide is on the left.  It was wear a suit Saturday for the guides.

The Lincoln Covered Bridge, Woodstock, VT:  What is a vacation to VT without a covered bridge sighting?  I made the family drive about 20 minutes North of Plymouth, so we could check out this beauty.  In short, the Lincoln Covered Bridge was built in 1877 and is the only known example of a wooden Pratt truss bridge in the United States.  It has undergone some restorations over the years, but today, it still serves as a functional one-lane bridge.  Of course, I not only needed a selfie with it, but I had to walk through it!

Flannels Bar and Grill, Mendon, VT:  I don't always post about everywhere we eat, and quite honestly, I couldn't tell you about the ambiance of Flannels because we did take-out.  (Again, darn COVID spoils the full-experience again.)  Still, I have to mention this restaurant because I had one of the BEST foodie experiences ever!  I ordered the Mendon Grilled Cheese because I just had to try it--a house specialty with Vermont Cheddar Cheese, maple bacon, maple syrup, and apple served on sourdough bread.  The sandwich was one of the best I've ever had in my life--it was like a dessert sandwich.  I'm honestly thinking about making this trip again, just so I can come back and have this sandwich!!

Mountain Top Inn and Resort, Chittenden, VT:  On our last day in VT (Sunday), we decided to go snowshoeing and have lunch before our 3.5 hour trip home.  A blog had recommended this resort for winter activities, and they weren't kidding.  This resort has EVERYTHING winter--cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sleighrides, ice skating, and sledding.  (They also have snowmobile trails for those with their own.)  We rented snowshoes for the morning and had access to their trail system, which included soft, groomed snow.  It was just glorious to walk in the snow on a 60 degree day!  In fact, Little Lewie became so warm, he asked if he could remove his sweatshirt and just wear his t-shirt while we were hiking up the trail.   

In the beginning, the "peanut gallery" (that's my husband and Little Lewie) complained a little about having to stop and go snowshoeing.  They seemed to be satisfied with the snowmobiling experience; however, after about 10 minutes of walking on the trails, we were all so glad we did it.  There's something so rejuvenating about the fresh mountain air, and we laughed and laughed, mostly at daddy's antics, as we tried climbing to the peak of the mountain.  (Spoiler alert: we were supposed to walk up to the "lookout," but after all our climbing, we never found it!)  

Hubby jumping on the ice.  I told him I should have bought a life insurance policy.

Going down the trail was a lot easier than going up, and we were back to the "activities building" in no-time.  Before leaving, I suggested we grab take-out at their tavern, but when we went downstairs to the tavern to place our order, we discovered they had a beautiful patio with some tables and chairs.  "Can we eat outside?" I gushed.  The weather was so warm.  The answer, or course, was yes, and we spent the next 40 minutes looking at this view (below) before leaving.   

The scenery from the patio.

My favorite picture of the trip.  Little Lewie and I look so happy here.

It was quite honestly the perfect end to the perfect trip.  I didn't know how we got so lucky with EVERYTHING, but we did.  The year of quarantine was worth it.  I couldn't have asked for a better experience, plus, I left knowing we were SAFE about everything to boot.  My cup is full.