We have yet to slow down! Over the past two days we have packed in some incredible memories.
On Sunday all eleven of us woke up eager and excited in our sleeping bags and tents! Together we shared blueberry-stuffed pancakes and eggs, a feast to prepare for a morning of activities. After learning how to break down tents and pack up our cars, all of us jumped in and set off for our first stop: Vermont Shepherd. After a short drive from the Putney Barn we began our tour of the local organization. We learned about the process that makes this world-recognized pasture so special! Highlights included seeing and touching the youngest sheep, watching the milk be mixed and pasteurized and, of course…discovering the cheese cave! Those brave enough faced the sharp and fierce smells of the aging process and were able to see dozens of some of the oldest and most well-known sheep and mixed milk cheese in the country!
You may be wondering if we got a chance to sample some of this 250-acre farm’s product… Answer? YES! Though some were hesitant about the many smells that come with cheese making, everyone agreed the product is worth it!
After visiting Vermont Shepherd we headed down the road to Green Mountain Spinnery, Putney’s own wool spinnery, and the factory Vermont Shepherd uses itself! Walking between machinery made at the end of the 19th century, we were wide-eyed learning about the incredible process that occurs between shearing a sheep and putting on your favorite wool socks.
Sunday afternoon began with a two-hour drive to Branbury State Park. It didn’t take long for our camp spots to shine with four tents and a table full of food. We jumped in the lake and splashed before heading back up to a dinner of mac ‘n cheese with broccoli, bell peppers, and onion.
Monday was a full day at Branbury, giving us plenty of time to explore and adventure. Bagel sandwiches with bacon (veggie bacon) and eggs gave us enough fuel to begin our hike up to Silver Lake. Following along the beautiful river, we wound up into the forest before emerging at a massive and refreshing lake. We even saw a snake on the way up! After gobbling down our pack lunch sandwiches, no one had any hesitation before jumping right in! While some of us stayed in the water for nearly an hour, others played ridiculously crazy games of Ninja and Human Knot.
Together, we made the trek back down to the cars and back to our camp sites. Everyone decided they hadn’t had enough lake time, so we headed back to Lake Dunmore. As a group we played games of Mafia, Finger Tag, and loads of frisbee in the water. Exhausted, we dried off, showered, and began to cook as a group. Tonight’s menu? Burritos and Oreo s’mores!
With everyone in sleeping bags now, we are ready to wake up early and start our next day together along the Burlington Bike Path. Though small nerves fill the air about a long ride, the mood is filled with excitement and readiness to take on the challenge.
— Claire & Clay