2.18.2008

"Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues."

OK, I know it's been a while sense I've updated, but I'm having some internet issues... as in I don't have any. But, do not fear, I have found a temporary solution in a nifty little place called Radio Bean. It's a cute little coffee bar that has free wifi (though they do ask for a donation which I gladly give).

The unfortunate thing is that it is open mike night tonight. The last guy (who thankfully just ended his set) was a really bad imitation of Bob Dylan. Harmonica and everything. Thankfully the new guy is much better.

Well, I'm going to sign off, but just wanted to let ya know that I didn't drop off the coast of New England...

2.02.2008

"Cold enough for ya? Brrrrrrr! "



Today I got to do one of the coolest things I've done sense I came to Vermont! I got to walk on Lake Champlain. No, really. I actually walked on Lake Champlain...


Of course it was frozen.

What, did you really think that I could walk on water? Sheesh. :P

Anyway, it was really cool. There is this place about 20 or so minutes outside Burlington where there is a strip of road that has water on both sides of it. Before you say it, no, it's not a bridge... it's a sandbar (man made I'm sure, but a sandbar nonetheless) This road eventually takes you to the islands of South Hero and Grand Isle. Cute little places that I need to explore more.

So, there's a couple of parking lots which allows people to park and walk down onto the ice to enjoy a variety of true "northern" activities. There were people out there with their little buckets and shanties ice fishing. There were also two guys who were doing something I think they called ice-kiting. This is where you go out on the frozen lake, strap on skis or snowboard, attach yourself to a large parachute looking kite and allow the wind to pull you across the ice. It looked like so much fun. I really wanted to try it, but I'm afraid that I would get going and not be able to stop until I ran into New York State (no, really... the state itself).

Kim and I may go back out there tomorrow. We would have stayed longer and explored more, but she had to get back so that she could go to work. But, rest assured, I took pictures... have a look:


The trees that you see line the road that splits Lake Champlain. We were standing on the New York side.

Facing towards New York, the frozen lake spans out in front of us.




An empty ice shanty sitting out on the lake. This one is on a sled so that it can be dragged out and placed where the owner would like it.



Above: a basket of fishing gear and two guys drilling holes for fishing.


Above: The small hole that the fishermen will use to fish through. Also, for those fishermen who want to fish multiple holes, this little contraption allows that. The line is attached to that loopy thing you see, which will jiggle once a fish bites.


A little ice fishing village.




This is Ice Kiting. Doesn't it look fun!!!