Remember that I write for myself to remember – but enjoy sharing. My recent explorations continue to be in Vermont – so close, but so far away in an historical feel. I have been learning about Dummerston, and have become fascinated with Guilford (population now about 2100) which during the early 19th century was the most populous town in the new state. I again toured Guilford on 27 November, and here listed (for my memory) are my trips leading up to yesterday’s drive.

1-I first discovered the Town of Guilford on a snowy day 9 February 2016 – check out the images on this post.

2-On some meanderings exploring covered bridges 1 July 2017, I was again in Guilford discovering for the first time the Green River Covered Bridge, and its wonderful surroundings. It was in this report I said, “…WOW – Guilford needs more exploration.” Do look at the images at the end of this 1 July 2017 post.

3-Traveling new backroads to Colrain, Massachusetts, early in 2021 to research the site of the first public school raising of the US Flag, I passed the Guilford Fairgrounds – seeing the grounds – the plan was to return for the fair, and I did with friends 5 September 2021. At the fair I enjoyed the historical society’s exhibit, but neglected to buy the Town History – I regretted that.

4-Heading to the Amos Brown house on 11 November, two weeks ago, I passed the Green River Covered Bridge, and remembered how much I wanted to enjoy picnicking there. I needed to learn more.

5-Communicating with Carol at the Guilford Historical Society, I drove down the day they were closing for the season, Wednesday, 16 November to get the book (checking my database I have bought and sold eight copies over the years – do you have a book when you want it?) Well I treasure my copy now of the OFFICIAL HISTORY – GUILFORD, VERMONT – 1678-1961. I had a nice visit, and they gave me a large wall map to use for explorations, studying it, I knew I had to get back soon. Saturday 27 November was the day – remember, what you see roadside varies each day, and each season.

I studied that map, I studied Google Maps. I always need to know how roads fit together, and why they and points of interest are where they are. Bordered on the east by US Route 5 and I-91, the majority of Guilford’s roads are dirt, and the longest roads run north to south: Weatherhead Hollow Rd. (with the Fairgrounds); Sweet Pond Road; and River Road. I needed to see them all, and off I went to Exit 1 on I-91, west on Guilford Center Road to Guilford Center where I found the library open.

I looped back close to sunset to capture the above image, thus it is dark. A fun little library, I picked up a copy of THE GUILFORD GAZETTE and a smaller map, easier to handle than the wall map that I did pack into the van. My “new” map is already showing wear.

Leaving the library, I headed west to the Covered Bridge to start new explorations, the plan to follow River Road south.

I crossed the bridge, and headed up the hill, always wanting to go up the hill. And for some reason I thought that was the road I wanted. With all my maps, I was wrong, and I finally realized I was heading west on Stage road to Jacksonville. No problem, had not been on this road before. Problem, as I climbed the dirt road was covered with ice. Not a problem since it had been sanded (end of November) and I slowed down. WAZE finally got a connection, and I figured out where to head towards Colrain and Massachusetts Route 112. The occasional sign helped.

Reaching The Mohawk Trail in Shelburne I stopped in the antique and craft store at the corner, and happily purchased another tree for my Christmas Tree Collection. It was then off to a couple antique shops on US 5 in Deerfield, and the gift shop at Deerfield Village. Net result – three cartons of books brought home to eventually find new homes, and some “extra change” for my “toys and trips”.

Then I decided I still had to find River Road in Guilford – that was the main objective for the day. As I said, most of the roads in Guilford (as highly detailed on the map I got at the library) are mainly dirt, and I cannot wait until a spring ride along the Green River in BLUE BELLE or BLACK BEAUTY.

One more road to experience, but first going in an opposite direction I was thrilled to see the Mineral Spring House property from afar. I told you about this spot when I discovered it at the historical society’s exhibit at the fair.

Getting dark a tad after 4, particularly under tree cover, but I was here, and had to head south down the middle route – Sweet Pond Road – and past Sweet Pond State Park. It was dark, and I look forward to getting back on this road which turns east and back to Weatherhead Hollow Road. At that point I turned north, back past the Fairgrounds, and into Algiers (now here is a fun story to tell you someday – the hook to get you back). In Algiers I turned north on US 5 and onto I-91 and home.

And, it was a wonderful seven plus hours out. RAY RECOMMENDS – Get out and explore – Not only educational, but rejuvenating, and I work harder when I get home. Stay safe and stay well. Hopefully catch you again before the holidays – as always, Luv, RAY