At Home in Woodstock

Mt. Peg Summit - Woodstock, Vermont

May 26, 2012

This update has lots of pictures.   Remember, you can enlarge any picture simply by clicking on it!

Following a couple of restful days enjoying our new home in Woodstock, we were ready for some activity.  As you might expect, this.............................

...............made me very happy indeed!    We chose to hike up to the summit of Mt. Peg as our first hike from the Woodstock area.  It wasn't to be a very long hike and we were able to walk to the trailhead directly from our house.  In fact, we'll be able to do that several times while here.  We'd been told this was a very popular hike so we left early in hopes of having some quiet time at the summit.  The trail was different than those we have in the Smokies with mostly a pine straw surface, lush with an amazing array of ferns and oh my goodness, never in all my life have I seen so many Jack-In-The-Pulpits!  Until a few weeks ago, I looked for this exquisite plant in specific places I knew they were to be found, but thanks to my hiking friends, Judi and Gene, I learned that where one is found, ALWAYS look for others.  Along the trail to Mt. Peg, I am so glad I knew that.  My guess (verified by Bill) is that we saw at least 25 on this trail.

We thoroughly enjoyed our morning at Mt. Peg.  Hope you enjoy the pictures!

 View to the north

View to the west

Got back from the hike just in time to head downtown (remember, it's only 2 blocks) for the Memorial Day Parade.  We weren't quite sure what to expect.  The nice lady in the Welcome Center had told me it was "too long" which I sincerely doubt is the message the Chamber of Commerce would want her to deliver.  This is a very small town and we couldn't imagine where parade participants would come from that might make it too long.  Armed with an open mind and our own flag to wave, we meandered down to the grounds of the historical society where we encountered a parade comprised of approximately ten entries INCLUDING the police escort at the front and the fire truck escort in the rear!!  In this town, the parade route meandered through town and STOPPED at several places where those in the parade performed in different ways.  At the historical society, a gun firing demonstration was held and TAPS was played.  At the town green, bagpipes played Amazing Grace.  At the North Cemetery, the Drum Corp performed.  The crowd simply followed the parade as it moved from place to place.  A very unique and moving way of celebrating.  We loved being a part of it and we most definitely disagree with the lady from the visitor center.  It was NOT too long!  

 Firing demonstration in front of the Historical Society

I think a picture of every parade participant EXCEPT the police and fire truck escorts is included!!

Following the parade, we wondered around downtown enjoying the people and shops.  We'd been taking a walk each evening, but long after the carpet's been rolled up and everyone has gone home.   Our first stop was F.H. Gillingham's, a general store opened by Frank Henry Gillingham in 1886.   What a wonderful Woodstock tradition, a place one can lose themselves in for a long time.  The saying that if you can't find it here, you don't need it, could certainly be said about Gillingham's.

 F.H. Gillingham's General Store - Woodstock, Vermont

Grocery Aisle - Gillingham's, Woodstock, Vermont

This was the warmest day we'd experienced since arriving in Woodstock, so following a bit more meandering in town, we headed the two blocks back up the hill as the cool breezes we knew we'd find on the front porch of our little house beckoned.   I'd planned a pretty aggressive day trip for Sunday and we wanted to get started early.

My plans was to include Sunday's adventure with this post, but we covered so much territory and stumbled upon so many neat places that became totally unexpected surprises, I decided it deserved a post of its own.  To whet your appetite, think Ivy League and lots of flour!  I'll get it written in the next day or so.   Tomorrow, it's back to the hiking trails. 

As always, thanks for reading!