Where Ben and Jerry live

Maine saw us off to Burlington, VT. We stopped in the White Mountains in NH on the way and that decision did not disappoint! We stayed at a state park and woke to a river running behind our campsite about a half mile away so we all climbed down the rocks and played around in the river before hitting the road for the last part of the trip.

After arriving in Burlington we hopped on our bikes and rode down the awesome bike path that takes you right to town. Being in Burlington, it felt like there were two worlds. There was the family world and the college world. Five colleges occupy this smallish city and it was interesting watching the two worlds come together. We've been in plenty of college towns that seemed to blend a little more, but this one seemed to be separated  by the different statuses of if people were there for school (or working at all of the places to visit) or working (people who are going to all of the places to visit). 

We loved the town and the view coming down the main street looking over Lake Ontario was one I'd like to have framed. Hanging out on Apple St made us feel like we were home on Pearl St and I'm pretty sure if I took a picture and showed it to anybody at home they would think we were right there in downtown Boulder. 

Visits to the Ben and Jerry Factory, a maple store, and the Burlington Bear factory were enjoyed by the boys and I who thought the HUGE bears should find a home in our camper...

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We also got to tour the aquarium downtown and the really cool Shelburne Farms out in the country. They do a lot of work teaching farming techniques for a sustainable future, have a farm to table stand, AND they have a school for children right there on their incredibly beautiful campus. Along this road trip we have learned about so many awesome types of schools and this is by far one of my favorite ones. If I could transport this to CO the boys would be signed up tomorrow! Alas, it's not possible, so we enjoyed it for the day...

 

Just outside of Burlington there is a really cool state park that has a HUGE area for dogs off leash. We brought the pups out and enjoyed the views as they enjoyed their leashless freedom. After our short week was up we loaded up the house and put the whole thing on a boat! We got to take the ferry across Lake Champlain as we traveled on to Niagara Falls and Erie, PA. On the way we met four dads with three four year olds and a 7 year old who were going biking and camping for three days. They had bikes, trailers, gear, and smiles from ear to ear. It was fun to meet other people who are going on grand adventures and we went ahead and stole their idea for a future trip!