​Our trek through Vermont culminated yesterday with a visit to Sugarbush Maple Syrup Farm. It was delicious. 

​The children and I learned about the whole process of making maple syrup through a tour of their maple sugar house.

We also saw a small portion of their tapping operation as we walked a trail through the trees adjacent to the property. Every year the farm taps almost 9,000 trees to produce their maple syrup, which comes in four different grades.

We went on a tasting tour and were able to taste 3 of the 4 grades with our favorite being the most robust one. We picked up some goodies from their gift shop before having a quick picnic lunch and getting back on the road.
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While the syrup tasting was delicious and learning about the process educational, one of us was more thrilled by the animals the farm keeps. Little One just couldn’t get enough of the goats. They were definitely her favorite part.

You might be reading this wondering what all this maple syrup talk has to do with fantastic new friends. Well, the answer is nothing, but our final destination tonight does.

See, I love meeting new people! And a couple months ago we met a fellow roof top tenter in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He invited us to camp on his property in central Maine and yesterday after leaving Vermont we finally made it.

Our fantastic new friend Paul and his wife own a few acres next to a 1400 acre wildlife management area in Chesterville, Maine. They offered to let us camp in their front yard while we were in the area seeing some sights before we headed to Bar Harbor. It was one of the most scenic places we’ve been so far.

We were camped next to a gently flowing river, where a fire pit and stone benches looked out over the water. When we pulled up last night, Paul had already set out a roaring fire, so the kids could roast marshmallows and enjoy some time running around before bed.
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This morning I woke up to a gorgeous sunrise and got to enjoy it solo while sitting by a fire, drinking a cup of tea. This is the type of place I’d like to have for my own one day. It’s quiet, peaceful, serene. Of course, that will all change once the munchkins wake up, but for now I’m enjoying it. 

We have a few adventures planned over the next couple days – Coos Canyon and some river boating. Paul recommended both to us while generously offering to let us use his two boats. The kids are super stoked and can’t wait to get out on the water. I’m a little less enthusiastic, but don’t want to disappoint them. After all this trip is all about having fun and making memories.