Quechee - a Balloon and some Syrup

Woke very early after dreaming that the Brady Bunch had reunited (as they were 30 years ago) but in Australia. So I had come all the way here and they reunited in Australia! 

Just lay in fabulous king sized bed watching TV and playing computer games until Darrick called to say ready. I was going to go on - get this - a hot-air balloon ride over Quechee Gorge. Don't know what inspired me but there we go, the hour is upon us.

Drove down to the cafe where we were meeting then we drive off to an open park area to set up the balloon. It was meant to be a sunrise thing but the fog was strong again so we had to go later. 

There are two couples holidaying together from Wisconsin and a younger girl whose husband was one of the two 'ground' guys and she was going for her first ride, actually everyone was going for their first ride and three of us are not keen on heights.

The female contingent decided a final 'restroom' break was in order so we went across to the Simon Pearce Glassworks nearby. Watched a bit of glass blowing while we were there. Then back to sign the I-won't-sue-you-if-I-fall form before hopping into the basket. 

After a few jumps to get it started, the basket slowly lifted into the air - a very smooth and gentle rising and the ground just drops away from you. Bit apprehensive at first but that gave way to, "this is pretty cool". Couldn't look directly down, though.

It was still foggy. We went up and into the fog/cloud. Came out above the cloud and that was amazing - we were literally on the clouds! 

Drifted along looking at the tiny homes and farms and trees, golf course, roads. Up to the gorge, which was pretty spectacular.

The group was fun, Darrick had some funny stories, including one when air traffic control told him to move to a certain height - which is difficult to do in a balloon - because a leer jet was coming at him. He couldn't move, had to wait while the leer jet came at him, then turned at the last minute, waving. Also of the couple who either forgot, or didn't care, that they weren't alone...

The wind was up a bit and we drifted a bit too far past the landing spot. We had gone past landing spot plans A, B and C and ended up with plan D - the ground guys grabbed the rope and literally dragged us up Darrick's own driveway and we landed in his backyard!

Down came the balloon and into the van...

Back to the Trapdoor Cafe for mimosas and quiche and cake. And that was the balloon ride! It was pretty spectacular and I'm really glad I did it.

Next I went back to the glass shop for a look at the dam and waterfall - pretty cool.

Then was going to drive into Woodstock. I followed Darrick's directions but missed a step and went for an unexpected drive - which was really pretty, so that was fine.

Made it into Woodstock - a lovely town. Had a walk around there.

Stopped for a really good burger. Then went into a general store to get more batteries. Great shop - they sold everything. Loved the section that had alcohol next to the kids toys and then alcohol next to the winter rain gear...

..with bird houses hanging from the ceiling. Saw a guy kneeling down and looked to see what he was doing. Saw this...

..so had a bit of a cuddling.

Off to the next stop - Sugarbush Maple Farm, to see how the syrup was made and try some samples. Lovely little farm out on a hill all by itself.

First, inside for the samples. They tap the trees and drain the syrup, adding just water (if I remember correctly) to make the product for sale. There are four different levels, the later in the season, the more dense it is. I tried all four levels and definitely preferred the first one, but didn't get any, it would be a bit awkward to travel with.

They also had cheeses for sampling. Then through to the jams, pickles, mustards, etc, room to try more stuff. All delicious and I would buy if I wasn't travelling. Through to the...gift shop. Then outside to see the animals.

Then up to the maple forest to see the way they tap and tube them to get the syrup.

And while there, saw a chipmunk! Managed to snap this one - with the camera, not its neck or anything.

Last stop was to the Quechee Gorge, from ground level. Parked and walked along the bridge and actually got worse vertigo than from 4,000 feet up in the balloon!

Everyone is so polite here - I was waiting to cross the road and the cars just stopped to let me walk across - both ways. That doesn't happen often! 

Went back to the Worthy Kitchen for a little macaroni cheese before coming back to my suite. I do NOT like driving on the dark!