Montreal

Walked a lot around Montreal today. Went to two museums and the Centre Bell, home of the Montreal Canadiens, winners of 24 Stanley Cups.  Took a tour of the arena and saw the Canadiens hall of fame. Strolled around Old Montreal yesterday and today.

The ice was getting prepared today for the upcoming season.

Burlington to Montreal

Stopped at Ben and Jerry’s factory on the way out of Burlington.  Did the factory tour. Let’s call the ice cream we ate brunch instead of breakfast. Went to Canada through Derby VT, where you can walk across the border by cutting through someone’s backyard. Below is a picture where the border is protected by some potted plants. We are in Montreal now. Driving was interesting as all the road signs are in French. Most words make sense once you sound them out. Ouest is west, est is east, detour is detour. Anything more complicated than that and we are in trouble.

Bennington VT to Burlington VT

Long driving day today, 310 miles. Left Bennington, tried to  find an old covered bridge, drove past it a little ways, backtracked, found it,  bridge was hidden by trees from one direction and very obvious from the other. Went to Quechee Gorge, not very good. Went to Franconia Notch Flume Gorge, was nice. Saw what was left of the old man of the mountain. Walked downtown Burlington. Watched sunset over Lake Champlain and New York.

Lexington, Concord, Bennington

In three states today. Visited the Minuteman national park, where Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride, which he didn’t complete because he got caught by the British. It also has a bridge where the first shots of the Revolution are supposed to have been fired.

Drove past Walden Pond, didn’t see much as the place was packed and parking lot was closed.

Drove into NH and past a house covered in license plates.

Arrived in Bennington, Vermont. Went to the Bennington battle monument. Went to the top, or as high as the top windows. Was a little hazy and the windows were small so not a great view.Went to a place that makes pottery, but no one was working today. Drove through a couple of covered bridge (that weren’t very old)

Boston

Last time we went to Boston, we still lived in Chicago, so the flight was only two hours. From Seattle, it  is closer to six hours. Staying at the John Jefferies House, a small, reasonably priced (for Boston) hotel.Dinner was at Jacob Wirth(German),  and not as good as we remembered.