Day 215: Country Miles

Sunday was about packing up to leave Guildhall, VT. It’s the only town in the world with that name, which derives from a meeting house on the square called the Guildhall.

I drove 100 meandering country miles, up mountains, around bends, through tiny towns, along the Connecticut River. With waves of mountains stretched beside and before me, I couldn’t help singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. Loudly, so I could hear over the noise of the engine.

I crossed that covered bridge again. There were few vehicles on the road, making for more enjoyable driving and fewer pull overs to let them pass.

Before I started rolling, I asked for three things: a farm stand with eggs and vegetables, water to cool off in, and a tag sale or two. 

First I came across free items left by the side of the road. The best find was a much loved small handmade patchwork quilt for a cradle in need of only minor repairs. There was also an individual vintage metal canning jar holder with a handle, coasters too cute to leave so I will give them away, and a picture of a tree for a friend.  

Next I came across a mountain spring. There was a PVC pipe coming through the trees and pouring into an overflowing barrel. After filling my jugs and bottles, I splashed some of the cold water all over myself. Two down, one to go.

Driving through Grafton I found an awesome farm stand run by inmates and operating on the honor system. I got five pounds of zucchini (to satisfy my craving for zucchini pancakes), radishes (an excuse to eat butter), eggs, Swiss chard, and three large sunflowers (wishing I’d gotten more). This happens more and more, much to my delight and gratitude.

By the time I got to the farm, I was tired, hungry and overheated from having the sun shine on my lap and the road and engine heat radiate from the metal floor. It took all my energy to get everything off the bus … except as it turned out, it wasn’t everything. My toothbrush, Pye’s scratching board, the bag of garbage and a handful of other things will have to wait for tomorrow.