This year’s vacation is in Stowe, Vermont. We have been to Stowe a couple of times before and we really love Vermont. We traded our timeshare for a week at the Trapp Family Lodge. It is owned and operated by the Von Trapp Family (from the Sound of Music fame). The week, unfortunately, is a Saturday start, but we decided to take it anyway, and just go up on Sunday and leave on Friday. It is a short week, but Shabbat without much to do is very difficult for Avi, so this seemed for the best.
We began packing on Saturday night and this includes not only our clothing, but food supplies since we do most of our own cooking while we are there. It makes vacationing much less expensive (but next summer for Marsha’s 40th she wants to go away and not have to cook at all!) I think we finally got to bed at about 2am! Yikes!t
My goal was to leave by 9 am. Marsha’s goal was to leave by 10 am. We left at a little after 11 am and for the most part (except the GW bridge) we had very little traffic. We did, however, have to stop a number of times. Not only for bathroom breaks, but for Avi breaks (explanation not necessary). We had hoped to stop at the King Arthur store in Norwich VT, but it became clear as we got closer to Vermont, that this would have to wait until the trip home (for those who do not know King Arthur, check out their website).
The drive up was very difficult. Not the drive itself, but Avi was very difficult. This may be the last long driving trip we take for a while, as Avi make it very unbearable at times. And this is despite bringing DVDs to watch in the car, his DSi and lots of other games and activities. Thank God there were a few 20 – 30 minute periods of relative calm.
We were planning on grilling hotdogs for dinner, but as it got later, we deiced to stop for pizza and found a nice little pizza place somewhere near Montpelier. While we were there the sky opened up and it poured for the next hour or so. Yuck! We finally got to Waterbury at about 8 pm. After filling up the car and doing some quick shopping at the local Shaws, it was off to the lodge.
We arrived at the lodge at about 9 and as quickly as possible got everything in the unit and the kids to bed. And after some decisions as to what we will be doing for the next few days, I took a few minutes to write this quick blog and then go to bed!
Tomorrow we will explore Stowe and take the kids to an active Cider Mill, a glass blowing studio and some of the shops in town. There is also a wonderful walking trail in Stowe so we might walk some of that as well. As long as I keep Avi moving and active we should be fine.
Sounds like a productive first day – even with the extra added stress. And leaving at 11 a.m. when your goal is 9 or 10 — not a problem in my opinion!! Here’s wishing you a great Monday.
Marla