Vermont's geo-site is located 1/2 mile from the New York state line just outside of Bennington, Vermont. That seemed a doable visit from eastern Massachusetts where we are camping, so this morning we headed out in the rain. The drive out was beautiful, along Route 2, the Mohawk Trail. Unfortunately the rain and fog kept us from seeing any distance, but it was lush and green.
Passing into Vermont gave us the opportunity to stop at the Vermont Welcome Center.
Bruce, on the left, helped us with directions around Bennington.
The outside of the charming Vermont WelcomeCenter.
We arrived at the site just about 12:30 so we ate our lunch before we got out of the car to capture the geo-site and show Mr. Spock a little Vermont landscape. Fortunately, there was a sort of access road just in front of the road cut; it may have been intended to be a truck weigh stop, so we were off the four lane, divided highway.
Not a very successful attempt to get the entire road cut with an panoramic shot.
I climbed over the guard rail, went down a sort of ravine, crossed the four lanes of highway and got this shot from the other side of the road. That is why Dale crossed to road.
This is the picture from the book - 101 American geo-sites you've gotta see. The compressed tectonics created multitudes of anticlines and synclines and this road cut presents a dramatic glimpse into the gargantuan geologic powers responsible for the early evolution of the Appalachian Mountains.
Mr. Spock stretching his legs under the umbrella.
Mr. Spock marveling at the rock formations.
Spock pointing out some interesting features to Frederick.
We think that is some Vermont marble in the cliffs.
On our way back we stopped at the Bennington Visitor Center. Out of the window you could see the Bennington Battle Monument in the distance. It commemorates the Revolutionary War battle that changed the course of the war by weakening the British forces as they were attempting to split New England from the rest of the colonies. The Revolutionary forces were led by General John Stark. As he was leading his men into battle, folklore has Stark uttering the immortal words, "There are the Red Coats; they will be ours or tonight Molly Stark sleeps a widow."
These Vermont rocking chairs were really comfortable. They were made from individual little blocks of wood strung together on ropes.
I'm not really sure why this Dr. Seuss piece was in front of the Visitor Center.
The Bennington Visitor Center.
After driving over 300 miles we arrived at Suzanne and Scott's house where we were greeted by a wonderful dinner prepared by Suzanne.
Nathan concentrating on his puzzle construction. He is a puzzle wiz.
Nathan delighting in his work.
Maura and her Mom.
Mastering the art of walking. I love the black leggings.
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