It is nearly mid-October, and we continue to be thrilled at
Autumn's array, though maple leaves of this cluster seen along
the Millstone Trail near Barre, Vermont are past "prime".
One thing that really filled our lamps TODAY was
a return to a Sabbath church meeting, with the Canterbury Ward.
Warning: this post will convey more than one reference
to edible pleasures we are "collecting" as our days sift away.
One of this week's fun developments was the "Ooops!
Didn't Pres. Beck tell you?" moment on Tuesday when
the Assistants stepped into our office space to ask a question
with a sudden mention that Elder Emmett from Springville, UT
(reassigned from Ivory Coast) would be arriving within the hour
to be trained to become Vehicle Coordinator when Vince leaves.
(This is Elder Emmett wearing a couple of Tiwi monitors, and
a colorful plaid tie - I hope that will influence Elder Warner!)
The question the APs had concerned the planned pick-up
that afternoon of 6 new mission vehicles from Mirak auto
dealership in Arlington, MA, which would now be completed
with the help of Elder Emmett. Here they are, below,
loaded in the mission van to drive south; Elder Warner is driver.
Forgive me if I talk too quickly - seems the rapid passing
of time is constantly on my mind now, and I find that there
are still a few things on my "must do" list before leaving.
The top two were related to Autumn in New England:
1) get a view of fall foliage across a valley from a mountain vista;
2) enjoy apple cider near the mill source.
Watchful for a chance to drive into Northern Vermont where, as
residents of Merrimack County, NH, they wouldn't be that happy
to have us come and stay as JUST visitors (COVID-19 precautions)
we found the "essential" business to make it work: to trade out
a couple of long-term rentals for the newly arrived Equinoxes.
We met up with two of the companionships involved,
doing Fall wrap-up and winter prep service in Sharon, VT, on
the grounds of the Joseph Smith Birthplace (we were told
later that the JSBM abbreviation now becomes JSB - with
"Memorial" being officially dropped from the designation).
Here they are, above: Sisters Merrill, Davis;
Sisters Todeschini, Isaksen, Young and Pratt.
Explanation: they are dressed in "duds" because they are
working outside with dirt and trees.
You can see the black vehicle we are picking up,
and here, below, expressions of their appreciation:
two dozen sticky notes in the cabin.
Lots of oil in our lamps from their kindness and love!
Our other errands would take us north to Burlington
to deliver packaged mail, name tags, and two bed frames
to the two Sister companionships there. Leaf color
here in Manchester is still coming on - but my worries that
in the north, time had already run out seemed to be
confirmed when we crossed the Connecticut River bridge
into Vermont and almost immediately noticed how empty
and gray colored the deciduous trees had become.
(This weather app screenshot was taken Friday morning
in Burlington, but it shows WHY leaves are down.)
The Montpelier YSA Sisters Young and Isaksen had recommended
what they called "a nature walk" that we could visit on our trip,
so we followed GPS directions to 44 Brook Street in Graniteville, VT.
Near the destination, we began to be surrounded by these
unexpected and very distinctive MOUNTAINS of cut and stacked
granite slabs and blocks, pieces and crags. Around one road curve
we passed "Rock of Ages" quarry operation, and an inkling sprouted.
(What we were seeing was "waste", called 'grout' that
was unusable in the historic commercial environment;
now the abundance is crushed for road base, etc.)
We parked, began our "hike" and realized this was a frisbee
golf course, but as we climbed we followed arrows leading to
"Grand View", so our expectations lifted slightly from zero.
Alongside the inclined trail, below, we encountered at trailside
the stacks and walls of cut granite, and intrigue grew.
and began to learn about the historic quarry operations
nearby. Then, the trail emptied onto the local road,
crossed asphalt, and continued beyond triangle trail gate.
It was enough just to be outside in still-mild weather, looking
at the beautiful fall colors - not as "passed" as I had thought.
Then, within 50 yards of the trail gate, we realized this
would be no ordinary experience, encountering
what seemed to be an entrance to an ancient garden.
(These "broken" columns are intentionally designed
this way, partly emerging from the "waste" granite blocks,
and distressed to look old!)
Ascending, the trail reaches the first plateau near a tall
stacked stone wall. Delightful and a little spooky were
the numerous figures and objects which seemed to be
randomly ghost-sculpted from the stacked granite.
This, below, a warrior sentinel - Greek spartan? -
was my favorite, watching behind us as we approached.
This area is referred to as Gnome Man's Land
of the Millstone Trail system, multi-purpose but beloved
by trail bike enthusiasts. A little owl was an 'ignorable'
offering on a wall brimming with discoveries.
More than one surprising 'gnome' greets visitors.
(If you want to see some live action from Millstone Trail,
follow this LINK: )
Greek god of fire, volcanoes and forges, patron of metal working,
blacksmithing and more.
Just a hint at the broad valley scenes beyond.
Remarkable that we didn't notice the Hephaestus statue
at first, because it was directly across from this defunct
Wells Quarry pit, now filled with water, and picturesque.
(The intermittent sun was absent when picture was clicked.)
As Vince explored and began his "dangerous" activity
(seeking just the right precarious position to shoot from)
that usually makes me turn away to quell my anxiety,
I left the pit rim, turning directly to view the Greek statue.
Mounting it's platform, I could finally see the namesake of
this fabulous trail destination: "Grand View".
Here, in front of me, was the vista that I had imagined
was out there, but despaired of experiencing!
Above is the east view. At trail's end, looking
west is this view (below)! I was brought briefly to tears.
My longing and inward prayer had been answered!
And my heart soared.
A little more about the quarry, which eventually became
the "Rock of Ages" operation of three co-founders
just before the turn into twentieth century. It has become
the largest 'dimension block quarry' in the world.
In this historic photo we glimpse how labor intensive
the harvesting process was, employing hundreds
in the Barre (pron. bar-rie), VT area. Among the work force
were many highly skilled sculpture artists from Italy
(and other origins), a tradition continued forward to
present. Those artists are the "culprits" who carved on the hill.
This photo, below, also from the web, shows the more
modern methods. A film at the Rock of Ages visitors' center
had a cartoon demonstrating how the blocks are cut out now
using equipment that is a cross between a pallet jack
and a band saw with circulating cutting rope
composed with diamond bits to act as blade.
Apologies: I only captured half of this graphic which
explains how really deep the pit has become -
half left off to right shows the opposite pit wall extending
ABOVE the flame of the top statue line drawing.
Of course, we purchased a small bit of granite
from the gift shop - a square block paperweight.
Still feeling thoroughly delighted, we headed on toward
Montpelier, and stopped in Waterbury for a COVID-modified
experience at Ben & Jerry's. Gift shops and play areas were
closed, and six-foot marks on the ramp showed us where
to stand while waiting for our turn to order, then move away
to consume our delights.
Here is my choice: New York deluxe choc brownie chunk.
(Excuse me a moment - I need to lick those drips away.)
We also stopped at the Danforth Pewter showroom
in Waterbury.
Fast forwarding now to Burlington on Lake Champlain.
Enchanted by another unexpected sight - painted mosaic
artwork on the side of a historically old building in downtown.
Here is the view from the lake bay park, with break water,
moored sailing boats, and small white lighthouse.
That is New York visible on the horizon.
We parked in a five-level terrace undergoing repairs
and so reached the open-air top before finding a spot.
Not a bad consequence for the dizzying drive upward!
Then we explored along the pedestrian plaza downtown
(retail area) known as 'Church Street', because, of course,
a church stands at the end of it!
Vince found his spending 'swing' at Frog Hollow
Vermont Craft Center, so we are bringing even more
artistic pieces home with us.
After a brief debate, we decided to drive on surface roads
down to Shelburne to at least see the Shelburne Museum,
with its moved-to-the-site historic buildings, exhibits of quilts,
Americana and art on thousands of acres of beautiful grounds.
I knew about the COVID restrictions, so we asked about
walk-in tickets, usually requiring pre-purchase.
"Would need to see if you "qualify" the hostess explained.
Deciding to try it, we began the screening:
NOPE we could not get in, unless we had quarantined for 14 days
because we were from Merrimack County in NH,
which has experienced a recent too-high infection rate.
So we were kept away from an exclusively-open air experience.
Oh, well - I WAS there at least.
Here below is the iconic round shaker barn viewable
from the expansive parking lot.
Instead, we opted to return to Waterbury and stop by
what I thought would be simply a rural fruit stand.
Wow were we surprised again!
This is Cold Hollow Cider Press, below, which is a bonafide
tourist attraction, with a general merchandise and gift store,
factory view of apple pulp being piped onto cloth presses
to have the juices and flavors extracted, before being
purified and packaged for consumption.
Must have been 200 cars parked in their farmyard-size
parking area. And inside, the social distancing was rarely
the prescribed 6 feet (which is faithfully observed here in NE).
But with masks universally being worn, we enjoyed our brief
stay, sampling their 'cider' (I would call it 'juice') . . .
. . . watching the apple spice donuts being made,
and doing our bit to support the local economy.
(YUM!)
As we drove home to Manchester via Sharon, VT,
part of the way in separate cars to get both rentals back,
I kept thinking how unexpected were the delights of this trip.
So happy that we 'fit it in' amongst the busy-ness ahead,
as we train and prepare, assist and plan.
Pondering on the resource of this igneous granite that is
part of a wonderful, beautiful and diverse landscape here,
I was reminded of remarks made by Elder Uchtdorf at
General Conference last weekend.
God has revealed and will continue to reveal
His almighty hand.
The day will come when we will look back and
know that during this time of adversity,
God was helping us to find better ways—
His ways—to build His kingdom on a firm foundation.
Wishing you a happy, pleasant autumn week,
with just enough surprises to delight!
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