Today was Antique Tractor Day at the Billings Farm & Museum! After getting some chores done around the condo, I left Hanover (0845) and drove to Woodstock (via I-89 and US-4) to do some volunteering (0930 to 1345) at one of the most fun events that “The Farm” hosts. I really enjoyed working at my station: the Tractor Pedal Obstacle Course (colored buckets, used as checkpoints, not shown). The weather was overcast, warm and humid - at one point, it actually rained for a while. But the spirits of the many youngsters who stopped by were undampened. Most were too short to pedal by themselves but moms, dads and/or siblings got them moving (I only had to help a few). There were big smiles all around! Nearby, the sheep, goats and horses kept an eye on things - they were being quite sociable while the tractors were moving. In addition to the time I spent with happy visitors, I got some maple ice cream and also checked out the tractor parade and quilt exhibition. Afterwards, I changed clothes and then took VT-14 to Barnard, Along the way (near Pomfret), I saw AT hikers on the way and offered one a ride (he declined). By 1430, I had arrived in the town of Barnard and parked at the Store. My reason for visiting this town filled with quaint slices of Americana again was that I had been wanting to paddle on Silver Lake - today turned out to be a perfect day for that! Between 1430 and 1530, I kayaked twice (counterclockwise) around the edge of the lake (2 miles), looking at breathtaking waterfront homes, talking to fellow boaters and people working in their lawns and communing with the dragonflies (one landed on me!). It was a beautiful afternoon! Afterwards, took Stage Road towards the east and got on the South Royalton Turnpike. Later, I ended up on Wilbur Hill Road and used several other gravel roads (north, east and then south) to reach the West Hartford Bridge. From there, I took VT-14 towards Hartford and back roads to reach I-91. I was home by 1645. Another great day of volunteering and paddling in Vermont!
