My first visit to the State of Vermont was back about 1972. We had taken a vacation there. I had a 1971 Volkswagen Beetle a little four year old daughter and not much money. Vermont at that time was a magnet for those who had various life styles and ideals that were a bit different than the norm at the time. Hippies and communes were more plentiful then brook trout. Now when I look back to that time it doesn't look so bad.
After visiting Vermont last week I can say it's just as beautiful as always. And Flower Power is alive and well. Coffee houses are very plentiful and hellos are said frequently.
We stopped at a diner on our climb through the Green Mountains. The diner is an old one from way back. Lots of coffee and served there over the years.
A Vermont country breakfast with coffee...5.99.. Free refills on the Java.
The Green Mountains. Lots of beauty and history. Ethan Allen, and the Green Mountain Boys called this home.
Last August tropical storm Irene came through this area and wreaked havoc not seen before. The amount of rain was so heavy and for so long. The rivers went totally wild and out of control sweeping away highways, bridges, homes and forever changing the lives of the people who live here.
These are a few photos of some of the streams in the Green Mountain National Forest. The high water marks on these waters was incredible.
The people of Vermont are strong and are helping to rebuild and return to normal. While Irene impacted all of us in New England, Vermont was probably hit the hardest.
I spent a lot of time in up state Vermont when I was growing up and it is for sure a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteRick Kratzke,
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Wonderful state with lots of wild things.
Looks like a great trip and the water marks sure are impressive. I'm sure time will heal all as it always does. No fish?
ReplyDeleteJohnny Utah,
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That's true, time is a great healer. No fish this time.
Funny how things change in hindsight...the landscape I ached to get away from in high school, I now miss dearly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, as always!
e.m.b.,
DeleteThanks.It makes you wonder why that is.
Hey Alan.......Irene certainly did the worst damage to Vermont of all the New England states (not to say western MA didn't get impacted terribly). As you may recall from local (i.e. NECN) broadcasts, there were some stores that got flooded and as soon as the water receded the owners were back to business due to the indomitable human spirit.
ReplyDeleteVermont is on my travel agenda this summer or fall and hopefully I will be able to find a diner that serves pancakes like those featured above. Of course some time on a stream will be on the "To Do" list.
Ed,
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They pulled together, no moaning, and got it done.
Vermont is spectacular in the fall. They have great cheddar also.
Hurricanes do have the tendency to trash the place. Still a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteMark
Shoreman,
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One of natures ways of showing us how vulnerable we are.
Thanks for the great photos Alan. Vermont is on my bucket list for places I want to visit.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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I'm sure you would enjoy it.
I live here and question sincerely some of the things that have been done to rivers, the Walloomsac to name one, in the name of "flood control" after Irene. I can't imagine the stretch through Bennington ever holding another trout.
ReplyDeleteAbsent that, its a great and by and large friendly place to call home, and you did it justice in your post.
Gary,
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I saw one example of perhaps some overkill on one stream. Time will tell.
Bennington, wonderful town.
Looks like a wonderful place...and I can only imagine how much prettier those streams were prior to the havoc that Irene invoked on that area. Mother Nature always seems to find a way to repair the damage whether it's self inflicted or created by man , thankfully for us.
ReplyDeleteI can almost taste those blueberry pancakes...probably made with wild blueberries and homemade vermont maple syrup , mmm-mmm!!
HighPlainsFlyFisher,
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That's what we're hoping for. As for the pancakes, your right.
Brk
ReplyDeleteAmazing what a hurricane can do to a beautiful place like that. It may take time but I am sure it will come back better than ever. I wonder if Diner, Drive-in’s and Dives have heard of this Diner you found. From the looks of that breakfast it may not take long before they find it. Thanks for sharing some great images.
Bill Trussell,
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Guy would fall in love with that diner.
A beautiful State for certain. Nice to visit places where greetings are the norm and not the exception...heading up there in a couple weeks to fish the Battenkill, can't wait. Nice looking pancakes by the way...
ReplyDeleteSteve,
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Classic waters. I'm going to enjoy that report.
Vermont is such a lovely state Brk Trt..If I wasn't living on the coast of Maine I would choose the hills of VT..Are those blueberries nestled in those flap-jacks?
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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New England, what a place. Blueberries, right you are.
your post has got me away from the hustle of big city life for the moment, thanks for that
ReplyDeleteBlake Hamilton,
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I'm glad I was able to help put some enjoyment into those tough days.
I love Vermont, and that streak of alternativism. Still have some friends near Brattleboro, but haven't been there in years. Time to think about getting back.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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I was in Brattleboro. That's where I buy the best Muddlers anywhere. Sam's Outdoor Store.
Great town.