ESSEX JUNCTION VERMONT

It seems hard to believe that we have only been on the road for 5 weeks. We are now finishing up WORK in Essex Junction, Vermont.  Since last post we visited Betty's mother and siblings in New York. We were fortunate that Louis took us fishing on his boat one day. It was good to be back on the waters of Long Island's south shore that I had been on since I was a kid and then in the Coast Guard over 40 years ago. Anyhow I guess I have lost the knack for fishing, only the girls caught fish. As usual, according to Louis, Charlene caught the biggest fish.  

We also attended Betty's mom's graduation for this years senior citizen class at The Arbors where she lives. This was her second year participating in the program. 

We then left Betty's sister Louise's front yard where we were parked and headed North. Our first stop was a campground outside of Bennington, VT that we first stopped at in 2001 when we started traveling. It still was pretty much the same. Then a couple day stop in Shelburne, VT where we found -  guess what? A winery, yes Vermont has replaced most of the cows with wineries. LOL Well not quite but it was a surprise to see and taste grape wine in Vermont. Apparently they have developed a hybrid grape that can survive the cold winter temperatures. We also visited the teddy bear factory where I was able to get a man sized hug. 

Our first assignment for Adventure Caravans was the FCRV Family Campers & RVers, annual Campvention. Until a few years ago we had not heard of FCRV but it has actually been around longer than Good Sam or FMCA. It is different from the others as it is a non-profit with only two part time employees the rest is all volunteer. Their membership is made up of both US and Canadian members. They are also trying to grow the membership.  In conjunction with FCRV we went on a lunch cruise the day before Campvention and again I was on the waters of Lake Champlain that I had cruised in the Coast Guard almost 50 years ago. There are a lot more boats on the water now then back then but what was absent was the oil terminals along the shore. Our booth was located in the main entertainment hall so we had the opportunity to observe the preparations for the teen queen pageant. The pageant is judged and a Queen or King is selected. Last year's queen sung "Let It Go"from Disney's "Frozen" which was fantastic. I tried to record it on the I Pad for Payton but was I Pad challenged and it didn't work out. It was a great show for all age groups. What a great organization.

After the Campvention we moved over to Mallet's Bay for a few relaxing days.  This is also an area I use to patrol in the Coast Guard. We took a ride up to Stowe and the Ben & Jerry's factory for a tour and free sample. But that was not quite enough to satisfy my pallet so I had a hot fudge sundae with a new flavor for me (triple caramel.  I should have stuck with cherry garcia.

Our second assignment was the FMCA NEAR rally. For non rv'ers, that is Family Moter Coach Assn. North East Area Rally. Again manning a booth for Adventure Caravans and presenting RV travel seminars. This group is a motorhome only group put is starting to allow towables to some events. Like all RV clubs they are losing membership due to aging membership.

Today we have finished the rally so its time to do laundry and paperwork. Later today we will be starting our travels and only going an hour or so North then tomorrow starting our trek west along the saint Lawrence sea way Thousand Island region. 

Lou' Boat

LOU AT THE WHEEL

BETTY

SUMMER FLOUNDER,  Lou and Charlene

CARRIES GRADUATION

Lou and Carrie

The Family plus one
left to right
Charlene, Barbara, Louis, Carrie, Me Betty, Carries friend Fay

Our first stop in Vermont
From our campsite across the way was our site in 2001

I always wanted to wrestle a bear

Our luncheon cruise boat

Who says you can't do a selfie with a camara

Cruising on Lake Champlain

Burlington Coast Guard Station
Not quite the same as when I was stationed there 47 years ago

Burlington Waterfront

The Ferries have not changed. These are the same
ones that were here 47 years ago 

This is the first production factory after they moved
out of  their original location a converted gas station
in Burlington

A reproduction  of  the original motorhome that
Ben and Jerry used to travel the country and dispense
free samples to get the word out about the product

Mallets Bay Vermont

Betty at work talking to potential customer

Dick and Kathy winners of a gift certificate
They will join us at Mardi Gras in 2015

The teen Queen and King contestants at campvention

You can do this too if you are
a retired New York City cop