Vermont — Day 3

I slept much better last night. No cranky child or dog woke me, but that might be because I didn’t leave my ear plugs in the car. I remembered them before I hunkered down into my sleeping bag. It was also a good deal warmer.

After two days of history, today was a nature day. We stayed in the state park to go hiking. Kati joined us for about a mile, then G3 and I hiked another four. It was not the most exciting hike I’ve ever taken but it could have been enjoyable and peaceful, except G3 spent most of the time complaining. I was just happy to be out in the woods far from people—we saw only one person the two hours we were out on the trail. G3 was bored. He’s outgrown me. He raced ahead most of the way, although he did stop periodically to wait for me to catch up.

Kati’s niece, Emily, and her boyfriend, Brandon, came to join us for a night of camping. They arrived as G3 and I were finishing up our hike. Once we connected with them at the campsite, we headed over to the beach on Lake Bomoseen for a quick dip. The water was frigid, but I love to swim, plus I needed a bath and a dunk in the lake was quicker and cheaper than an actual shower.

Neither Emily or Brandon had ever been wine tasting and since Kati had another winery due from our historical tours, we visited Fall Mountain Winery which is only about ten minutes away from the campsite. The wine was so much better than it was yesterday and the owners of the winery were extremely sociable and friendly. We had a lovely time chatting with them. As a bonus we got a glass of sangria which I always enjoy.

Since G3 is too young to enjoy the wine tasting experience, we went out for ice cream afterwards. We returned to the same place we ate yesterday and G3 had another Reese’s shake. While we ate, we talked and spent some time catching up since it has been years since we’ve seen Emily for more than a few minutes. G3 was really excited that he got to see his cousin and actually get to know her.

When we got back to the campground, I got the coals started and made dinner while G3 played catch with Emily and Brandon. After dinner, G3 and I combat sparred. Districts is only two weeks away so we need to practice, but it is also fun. Of course G3 beat me, but it doesn’t matter I was just happy he wanted to spar me.

I am not used to staying up so late. Midnight is way past my bedtime. But we had a nice night sitting around the fire and chatting. I think the conversation would have lasted even longer if some of us weren’t falling asleep.