Travels in my head: Vermont

Motto: The Green Mountain State.

I first travelled through Vermont en route from New Hampshire to Niagara Falls.

It has a lot of trees.

A lot.

Route 9 crosses the southern end of the state, and apart from trees, we stopped at a gas station for, well gas, and supplies. They sold stuff made of wood, which we didn't buy.

Its not much of a recommendation, is it?

We stopped off in Bennington just before the road leaves the state and joins I90. There was a famous battle in the Civil War where most American fought on the British side and the French fought on the American side.

I believe it was complcated.

We stopped here to have a picnic, and to visit the tower, in which was a lift so you didn't have to climb like 500 steps.

Which is nice.

I seem to remember from the top you could see a lot of trees.

Vermont is the opposite shape to New Hamphire, the two states forming a pretty squarelike area.

Useless fact.

Anyway, the other thing about Vermont is that it is where the original Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory was situated. Its still a visitor centre, and worth a visit if you like ice cream.

On the way back from Niagara, I stopped in the Adirondacks, so that the next day we could drive through northern Vermont to the factory. YOu cross from New Yark state to Vermont over a bridge at Port Henry, the last crossing place as Lake Champlain opens up to the north.

On the New York side I found a fine diner made out of an old railroad car, that Jools and I were unable to find, but on the Vermont side there is a good diner, staffed by unusually sarcastic staff, which made we Brits feel very much at home.

On our last time in New England, Jools and I travelled back the same way, back through Port Henry and over the bridge before heading south and east towards Boston. We driv along valleys and over hills, all covered in yet more trees.

Vermont, like many other US states has a whole load of space, and few people. Nice to get lost in.

And eat ice cream.