So, I’m back. Got to Vermont just in time for the hurricane, and then got to see the aftermath. Luckily our family members were all in places not terribly affected. But, oh my. Really. I never would have thought Vermont would be devastated by a hurricane. The evidence we saw (mud covering fully grown corn stalks up to the tassels) of the volume of water flooding roads and fields was unfathomable. I don’t have pictures to show you. I just didn’t have the heart to photograph other people’s tragedy.
But I do have pictures of the fun things we were able to do in parts spared the disaster. Like this. We climbed amidst huge boulders up in Smuggler’s Notch. I used to go there as a kid, too. It was just as fun taking my kids and climbing around with them. Or maybe even more so. (Plus, this place would make such a great setting for paranormal books. . . . I may have to go back and photograph more of it when I move on to another series.)
 |
| How cool are those tree roots stretching across the gigantic rocks? They make great hand and foot holds. |
Steve took Riley and Torin on a 6 mile (round trip) hike to the top of Mt. Mansfield. The trail follows that rocky ridge you see in the picture, snaking up from above those trees to the top, and leads to the highest point in Vermont. They LOVED hiking to the top of a mountain. (Who wouldn’t?) Can’t wait for all the kids to be old enough to do it.
 |
| This is the view from my parents house. SIGH. |
My dad took us flying, which was a huge hit with the boys, but not so much with the girl while it was happening. Once we got back down on the ground she was happy to tell everyone she went flying and say how much she liked it. But up in the air? Not so much. She kept saying “Me no go with you anymore, Mom,” and clung to me in the back seat. It is really noisy in a little plane, which I think is what bothered her the most. But at least she wasn’t traumatized by it. She talks as if she loved it and (mis)remembers it as a great time. (Whew.) The boys each got a turn to fly the plane, too. Totally exciting.
 |
| My dad pulling the airplane out of the hangar. |
 |
| Nothing like a little shade from an airplane wing. |
 |
| Riley and Torin taking off on an adventure. |
It was a good time, but I’m so glad to be home. And ready to get working. I’ve basically taken the month of August off in terms of the book, which was good. But I’m anxious to get back to it and get it up for sale in the next two months. So much to do! And it’s all good.
What have you been up to while I’ve been away?
