Stowe, Vermont 17th October

Frost on the car this morning, clear skies and chipmunks on our patio.

Sensational horse ride today. I was on a strawberry roan called Red Clouds, Ian on a horse called Marcus. Only 5 mins away. Very relaxed western riding through wonderful fall forest and through the river several times. A little trotting and very relaxing and enjoyable. Lovely sunshine and fall colours.

Went up to the base of Mt Mansfield, a few mins further up the valley and confirmed what we had heard ie one gondola lift had shut at the weekend and the next opens this coming weekend - fab planning leaving this week as a gap. No worries, we were told we could drive up on the Auto Toll road - only it had shut 'for the season' so the only alternative was to hike up so...

Instead. Brilliant cycle ride along the Stowe Recreational Way. Started at the stables up the Mountain Road, cycled downstream 5 miles into Stowe. Made Ian have beer at the Stowe Public House, and met some people who were trying to convince us to do a Motorhome trip from Reno to somewhere, but very jolly. So then cycled 5 miles back upstream back to the other end of the Way, after beer, and yes I had some local (Cambridge) wine - very nice! So it all seemed harder somehow until Ian said it took the same time down as up! 

Decided to do a detour to the Von Trapp Lodge on the way back, just out of curiosity. Strange place, Austrian style obviously, on a 180 degree view site, chosen very well! Lots of history and pictures around about Maria and the family. Slightly spooky graveyard in the garden! Drove back the pretty way along a gravel road looking for Moose. We didn't see any!

The hills are alive......