Burlington

Lake Champlain

North Beach

Monday July 24 - can't believe I'm so far behind with the blog...

On the road by 7:45 arrived Burlington by 9:30

Down town area called Church Street Market, a pedestrian mall about 4 blocks long, lots of cafes and coffee shops, restaurants and arty shops. Lake Champlain Chocolateers  had excellent selection of fudges, both maple and chocolate. I purchased cherry cordial, wished I had bought several more, and Maple Latte. Both very tasty.

Drove along the waterfront as far as we could, found North Beach for a good view of the lake. Largest fresh water lake after the 5 Great Lakes, 125 miles long and 14 miles wide max. The depth varies from 64' to 400'. Looked all over for Champ, but didn't locate him. Too many boats on the water that day, maybe.

Lake Champlain

Farther north from Burlington on islands named North Hero and South Hero we found Grand Isle and Sand Bar SPs. As volunteers hosts we have free access to all the state parks and historic sites, so we're trying to see as many as possible. Don't think we're going to make it around to all of them. Even though the state is small, there are 54 state parks, I haven't counted all the historic sites, plus we have to throw some birding in every day. 

Sand Bar SP

I really liked Sand Bar, a small day use only with a nice beach on one side and a wooded march on the other. The marsh was filled with Osprey nests, I counted 6 along the highway. We met Jacob, who worked with Ranger Lisa at Stillwater SP, very nice young man. 

Birdiest spot all day, Ring-billed Gull were prowling the grassy areas looking for unattended food. 

Green and Great Blue Heron, Common Yellow-throat, Belted Kingfisher, Common Tern, Cormorant, Robin and Song Sparrow. 

Going back through Burlington, I found Oakledge Park, home of the Burlington Earth Clock, 

Earth Clock

life sized sundial on the order of Stonehenge. 

Lots of sunbathers and swimmers, but no one else seemed interested in the sun clock. When I inquired about it with the parking attendant, he seemed surprised that I asked. 

We took Rt 7 south to Rutland and Rt 4 back to Quechee, arriving home about 6:30.