We got on the road at 10:30 AM Thursday morning without issue. The drive took us north on Route 91, then further north on Route 89 to Route 2 in Burlington, VT, then just 6 miles to South Hero, VT. to the campground. The 5 hour drive, covering 230 miles with a couple of stops; one in Brattleboro and another further north, for leg-stretching, lunch, etc., it was a nice easy cruise.
The campground is on the shores of Lake Champlain and includes a campground with a mixture of RV sites, “Park Model” rentals and cabins. The park also features a good sized swimming pool, hot tub, community building, 9-hole golf course and marina (boat rentals available). Here is a copy of the campground sitemap. We took a quick stroll around the facility and it’s very nice with some sites offering views of the lake. The staff has been very pleasant here at Apple Island Resort.
Friday Brooke was able to visit and arrived mid-afternoon and what a lovely visit it was. We chitchatted for a bit to catch up then dined on homemade Margherita Pizzas and a garden salad. After dinner, we went out for another walk and enjoyed more of the campground then back to our site for Cacao brew which was delicious. Brooke has helped us learn about the benefits of Cacao and we chitchatted for a few more hours before calling it a night.
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Saturday we have evening plans with Hayley and Omei for dinner but, earlier in the day we went on a hike. We decided to hike in Williston, VT, about 25 minutes away on Sucker Brook Hollow Trail. The trail is roughly 2.5 miles, out and back, with an elevation gain of ~530′. It’s a lovely day and the mostly shady trail keeps us out of the sun. At the top of the climb, there is a park bench where we enjoy our lunch. Although the trail was very muddy in spots, still a great hike and wonderful afternoon!
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For dinner, we are kicking around a couple of choices, Pingala or Tiny Thai. Tiny Thai wins out because Pingala closes too early. We drive to South Burlington to meet at Elbe’s place (Hayley’s roommate). We got a full tour of their place and it’s a lovely apartment. Elbe is nice too, as you can see in the photo below. Omei is in-route and will meet us at the restaurant. Tiny Thai is a busy place and its about a 30 minute wait so, we hang around outside until a few waiting room chairs are available so, we move inside to wait further. It’s just a few more minutes before we are seated at our table. The staff is very nice and they cater to your individual needs; be it Vegan, Vegetarian, etc. Everyone enjoys their meal, mostly. My Pad Thai had some kind of fish sauce on it which I struggled a little with but got through it. Hayley ordered a “to go” meal so, while that was being prepared, we took a tour of the Winooski Waterfront. As Omei was heading to her car to relocate it to another spot before we headed out on our tour, she flipped her keys into the air and several came off the carabiner and fell into the storm drain. Luckily though, she still had her car key. Unfortunately, she lost some work and house keys. Afterward we returned to Tiny Thai to pick up the meal and, who do you imagine is dining at the restaurant? The Bern! I ran right up to him and said, “Hey, I’m Nick Paige’s brother!” He gave me a quizzical look and I figured well, he’s getting on. Actually, I stayed in the car. 😉
We returned to Hayley’s apartment for goodbyes. Omei is heading down to Middlebury to spend the night at Brooke’s place, about an hour drive. It was a great time and so nice to see everyone. In fact, we had such a good visit, no one bothered to take pics of the group during the evening; sorry about that.
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Sunday we’re heading to St. Francis Xavier church in Winooski then we’re having lunch at Pingala. If you have a couple of minutes, check out this virtual tour of St. Francis Xavier Church, the artwork is amazing! (2:47) I happen to be surfing channels one day and stumbled upon Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives featuring some Vegan spots around the country. Guy Fieri (host) was checking out Pingala and the menu shows Guy’s favorite, the Crunchwrap Supreme. I opted for the Napoleon Dynamite Burger, it was great! Mag had the Rooster Wrap sans wrap which she really enjoyed. You can check out Pingala here, we highly recommend it! It’s a cute spot and you can see the truck inspired motif that opens to the kitchen where you order.
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After leaving Pingala, I convinced Mag we should go fishing; fishing for keys! I stopped by Home Depot to pick up a magnet and some wire then head over to Tiny Thai. For roughly 45 minutes, I dropped the magnet down the storm drain grate in search of the keys. Although I think we had one “bite,” we came up empty handed. 🙁
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Monday was a gray day with afternoon rain so we stayed close by the campground for a walk to their marina and areas we missed on our earlier walks. We enjoyed the campground very much. Most of the sites are good size and ours had a large grassy area we were able to enjoy.
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The trip was great! The truck and trailer performed well with no issues to report. Our setup and breakdown procedures are getting fine tuned but we can’t rest on our laurels; we must remain diligent with our checklists. We’re kicking around another trip before we head south in November, we’ll keep you posted.
What an adventure for all of you! Sorry the fishing wasn’t successful.
Omei was able to obtain copies of the keys she lost, so she good for now. Thanks!
Sounds like a great trip!
While photographing weddings with dad (very early on I was still training) he said to me as we were walking to the church. My biggest fear is dropping my keys down a storm drain! I have that fear now! I hold my keys, so tight in my hand now whenever I’m walking, especially when near a drain! Great idea to go fishing with a magnet! Sorry it didn’t work out. I love that you got to visit with Brooke, Haley and Omae!! (Sp?) I stole a couple of pictures! Thanks. 😂😂
I have the same fear. I find myself either clutching tightly to my keys or stepping around the grates.
I knew you’d go back for the keys, I would have done the same. Things like that make me crazy. At least you tried. Look forward to seeing you in winter. xo Trice