At this point, I'm just hoping my GPS doesn't completely fail during this “Fall Foliage
Frolic”. After 150,000+ miles of trouble free service, it seems to be giving up the
ghost. Today's sign that the end is probably nearing, it directed me to Hungary after
I selected my route here in Vermont this morning:
I like to ride, but 7,388 would make for a rather long day ride:
During the past ten days that I've been in Vermont and New Hampshire, I've witnessed the
progressive influx of visitors who are also here to enjoy the fall foliage display. However,
the last day or so I've started seeing “Leaf Peepers” arrive by the bus loads. It reminds
me of my recent experience in Alaska where if I was in proximity to a tour bus, I would quickly
ride or run in the opposite direction! Passengers swarm the streets wherever the bus lands
and whatever businesses are in the area get slammed. Here's an example:
Before leaving the Quechee area, I stopped at the nearby covered bridge. I had previously
avoided this bridge each time I have ridden by it because it was crawling with bus peepers. It's
called the Taftsville Covered Bridge and holds claim to being the third oldest covered bridge in Vermont:
A view from the bridge, (GPS coorindates for this bridge: N 43 38.730, W72 25.150):
Around the corner from this bridge is a National Park site, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National
Historic Park (NHP). Those who follow my travels know this means one thing: a stamp! (If
you are completely confused, go to this link:
HERE). Those who REALLY pay attention know that I visited this exact location last July when
I was in Vermont to attend a motorcycle rally. I'll add that it was one of the two rallys that I
have attended during my 38 years of life and nearly 15 years of being a licensed rider. Anyway,
at that time I was riding a different motorcycle, so I figured the FJR should also have a National Park
stamp from Vermont! (See, some of us riders are notorious for coming up with reasons to ride and
logic behind certain routes). I almost always take a photo of the bike I'm riding in front of the
park's sign so that I can add it to my personal collection and have a way to demarcate the different
journeys. Unfortunately today, due to increased traffic and no shoulder to pull off, I was unable
to get such photo. I did, however, stroll around the property and saw these horses:
If you are in the area, I would highly recommend taking time to peruse this facility and grounds. It
appears there are special events happening to coincide with the arrival of leaf peepers. For directions,
specific information, etc., go to the official website: HERE
My wandering along Hwy 12 was simply wonderful. I came across a small lake and was told by a local,
who was being walked by his two German Shepherds, that lake is called “Silver Lake.” I went to the
end of the lake to take this photo: (GPS coordinate: N43 43.642, W72 36.310):
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