2 More State Parks and Calvin Coolidge

In spite of the rain, we headed out early for Coolidge SP, very nice with a complete lean-to loop and a separate tent loop. Ovenbirds were calling loudly, as were Wood Thrush. At the picnic area near the summit we waited out a downpour. I walked over to the pavilion to check out the view. Even with the low lying clouds, quite breathtaking.
Easy to see why Ash is considered a prime lean-to site. Imagine waking up to this view!

Constructed by the CCC in 1933,  the shelters are comfortable and cozy.

 Calvin Coolidge was born in this house in Plymouth Notch VT on July 4, 1872. Only President born on Fourth of July.








 He moved into this house at age 4, his parents bought it for $360.

 He made this quilt when he was 10 years old.
His chores consisted of keeping the wood box filled and taking care of livestock.

When Warren G Harding died unexpectedly in 1923, Coolidge was sworn in by his father in the family sitting room at 2:47 AM August 2.







The presidential pew is marked by the flag in Union Christian Church.

The journey ends in this hillside cemetery holding 7 generations of Coolidge families.




After purchasing Venison Jerky and a tasty Vermont cheese from the Cheese Factory started by father John Coolidge, we opted for lunch at the Wilder Family restaurant. Alvin ate chili, definitely not Texas chili, but tasty. I had 1/2 grilled ham and cheese and chicken noodle soup, all home-made. Reasonably priced for a tourist spot.

We checked out the country store to find Moxie, a carbonated soft drink Coolidge favored and some really cool socks. Pictures to follow on these to items.

Next stop was Camp Plymouth SP, a place we could have chosen for our volunteer work this summer. Mostly a day use area at Echo Lake, they do have 4 cottages and 1 group camping area with lean-tos.
Birds there included Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Robin, Wigeon, and Mallard. Ranger told us they pick up a 5 gallon bucket of  Canada Goose poop every day.

The drive back to Quechee was over the mountain to Route 106, very scenic with numerous moose crossing signs, but sadly no moose today. When we stopped to photo a covered bridge I found this marker...

The zebra at the top of the hill was totally unexpected.