I have had a hard time getting back out – we all have. I have lost momentum with LadyRABIII, BLACK BEAUTY is buried behind LADYRABII who has a leaking carburetor and dead battery. Bottom line is I am really out of practice. Earlier this week I started planning a BLUE BELLE sojourn around Lake Raponda where Carrie and Rudyard Kipling would visit. On the way I could shop at the Wilmington, Vermont, flea market that opened today. But my mind waffled. Email replies to Ray said, “just do it.” But I modified to a shorter route to hit some new (and old) spots, and finally I left. Glad I did.

Did I say modified? Let me also modify my presentation. Get out your pad of paper and pencil. I will number the images of my route, and see if you know where I am taking you. It could help if you get out a map, I had my 1980 atlas open (real paper in book form) as I went. Write your answers down, and check with the answers at the end. Get them all, and “name your prize.” Actual award up to me. Let’s get going.

For some reason I always end up in Vermont. Better loops? More isolated scenery? Fun dirt back roads? All perfect reasons. I first passed through this village. Great meals at this inn. Sadly most all other retail and eating establishments I used to visit are now vacant

Number 1

Although abandoned, this great “Stonehenge” has not changed in my almost 20 years of passing. The nearby general store, however, is no more.

Number 2

This should be easy. An overnight here in 2002 changed my life. I turned left (south) here.

Number 3

Please do follow this road south. As with many older, original New England roads it follows a little stream. When the road ends, bear right and continue south passing lovely properties until you reach the next town with a perfect Common. This bandstand was constructed for the movie FUNNY FARM, and the “Towns” people asked that it remain.

Number 4

My new plan, hatched less than an hour before I left, was to get something to take out to eat in this historic village and find a spot to eat. I called and found that the village store, since 1822, re-opened just Tuesday by new owners.

Number 5

Around the corner I knew where I was going to eat. No picnic table, but how about a rock along side a small stream? I remember when this museum was opening for the first time, but I did not make it. Named 36 Miles of Trouble, this railroad ran along the West River from Brattleboro to South Londonderry.

Number 6

these images are not on the test, just click to expand, and look and learn.

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Heading back south on the not so bad scenery wise main road, one of the few spots to cross the river for many a mile is right here – often seen in my posts.

Number 7

and, turn south just over the bridge, and on the almost immediate bend, turn right onto a unmarked dirt road that you can easily mistake for a driveway. I have wanted to explore this road for some while now, but in chatting with Ilana, I believe she biked this route last week. It follows the river, eventually climbs a mountain with amazing views. Coming back down the mountain, the road ends on a US numbered route near the Connecticut River. That end is close to Kipling’s Naulakha. Giving you too many hints.

Number 8

Yes, that is BLUE BELLE’s antenna that I did not see when taking this image.
RAY HIGHLY RECOMMENDS — TRAVEL THIS ROAD. Along the way you can make out part of the old railroad bed and right-of-way. At this point (below) the old railroad bridge abutments exist, and with turn-offs for parking many folks were down in the river having fun.

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With a spot in mind, I turned back north to this farmhouse. On my list, the Landmark Trust USA property is isolated and perfect for large gatherings. Sorry about not so great images – basically an overcast day, thus not that bad with top down (of course it is never up).

Number 9

Getting to this intersection, I turned right at this old 1874 Grange Hall to head down the hill to a US numbered route.

Number 10

Heading back up north I decided I wanted to get back home, and to “work.” I cut over to the super slab, thinking it was time to “blow out some carbon.” BLUE BELLE and I decided to stay a tad under 160 KPH and 4000 RPM until we exited. Then crossing the big river, and onto Main Street and home.

Number 11

Remember I said I was going to modify this post to a different format? Well, as writing, I decided on another modification. I am not going to give you the answers now. Instead I invite you to post your answers as a comment. So, get out your old detailed hard copy maps (or Google.maps if you must) and plot the route and identity the image locations. Maybe in a couple weeks I will post the answers, and annouce a winner, or winners. But if you just get out and explore, you will always be a winner.

Hit those ROADS and ROUTES, love, RAY