We had a very curvy, frequent-road-changes, scenic drive to Stowe, Vermont today. We arrived in Thompson Park which has a walking trail through it and access to a creek, and, most importantly, shade for Usain. Tony used the afternoon to work and stay with the cats while Janelle, a former JHS colleague and friend who moved to Vermont, came to pick me up for a hike. Penny is a great hiking companion and is so well-behaved off leash. She stays close and waits for us if she gets ahead. This was a beautiful trails with some mud navigation needed and some rock scrabbling, too. Being the same height, Janelle and I are great hiking partners! It was so fun to catch up with her move to Vermont and the big changes that brought.

After the hike, Tony and I found our spot for the night at the Boondockers Welcome Tamarack Queen, the beautiful home of our hosts, Roger and Chris. They have a 5-acre secluded and peaceful lot just minutes from downtown Stowe. It was a perfect place to spend the night.