Looking back, I have not had many adventures to share with you the past year plus, and we know why. But I just got home from another “Change of Scenery” at Kipling’s Carriage House – essentially replicating an adventure from 13-16 January 2021. I am not sure when and why I booked another stay with LandmarkTrustUSA, but I did, and so glad I did. A storm approached for my original dates, but with emails with Michele, we went in a day later to Kipling’s Carriage House avoiding the hill up Black Mountain Road in ice and snow. This was a break, a retreat with no plans. I worked on my next book, Gary had work projects and Zoom meetings, and Ilana was finishing up a year long contract – she is an accomplished attorney. Gary and I also had plans for a HOGAN’S HEROES marathon, with my video toys.

In the last about 14 months I have arranged seven stays at the impeccable LandmarkTrustUSA properties which are unequaled in history, restoration, and amenities. Make sure you look at the link above with the visit Gary and I made last year. Again we arrived, with snow on the ground…

Do look at Landmark’s website for professional images, but in my gallery below are images of the first floor of Kipling’s Carriage House. On the second floor is the bath and two bedrooms. Remember you can click my galleries to enlarge the images.

Plans for Sunday were no plans. Reading, writing, eating, and a start on the HOGAN’S HEROES marathon. Going in order we saw about six episodes – we estimate about 84 hours of watching to go. Two nights away staying at the same inn or B&B is good because you have one full day in between. Three nights away even better, with two full days to do nothing or something. The plan for that something on Monday was a tour through Guilford, Vermont. Based on my recent CLARION writings, Gary has started reading Royall Tyler’s THE ALGERIAN CAPTIVE, (first published in Walpole in 1797) so I wanted to introduce Gary to all things Royall. And, from my recent writings here you know I have developed an affinity for Guilford visits, and Green River.

Leaving shortly before noon we drove by Prospect Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro where Royall and his wife are buried (they moved from Guilford to Brattleboro in 1801). Still snow covered, we did not traipse around to find the grave on the far side of the cemetery overlooking the Connecticut River and New Hampshire. Excuse (none needed) for next road trip.

UPDATE 14 MAY 2022 — ROYALL TYLER’S GRAVE – yes on a nice warm day I found it. All I had was a small image on-line of his stone, but with the curve of the New Hampshire hills in the background of that image I was able to narrow down the location. And, Royall’s stone is straight on top, and in that on-line image I saw a larger stone to the rear, and a tiered base to the left. The cemetery has three rough dirt roads heading off the street and to the east. Take the center road, and about half way back, well plus a tad, park and walk to the left. Below is the row of stones of Royall and his wife, and a closeup of his stone. Historic and thrilling – enjoy, RAY

It was then lunch at the 1817 country store in Guilford (Algiers) – name no relation to Tyler’s book, but do read my stories on both – see the articles I wrote in the January 2022 THE WALPOLE CLARION on pages 12 and 14.

Do you enjoy “small world stories?” I do. Gary and I were at a table in a corner eating (Ilana stayed back to work), I looked over to the counter and said to myself, “that is Chris Parker.” I called over, and it was. He lives in Guilford. We visited for awhile. Chris, as a restoration contractor, advertises in my paper, and he currently has several projects a stone’s throw from my home. Have a project? Talk with Chris.

It was then off to Guilford Center to show Gary the Tyler historical marker, and where Tyler lived. In reading the town history the home he lived in was in the parcel of land that the mineral springs and hotel is located. Here is “downtown” Guilford Center – the historical society and library and old meeting house.

And, looking across the field behind the meeting house is the old beautiful Mineral Spring property and location where Royall Tyler lived, and most likely wrote THE ALGERIAN CAPTIVE.

Heading further west-ish, on bucolic dirt and snow covered roads we came to the Green River section, which I have mentioned I plan on picnicking often at. You may remember my sharing views here, but now in the snow.

on the other side looking back at the hill, and the restored Crib Dam.

more bridge and Green River flowing to Massachusetts — RAY RECOMMENDS, follow River Road south.

nowadays when people want to plan a route they look at a little screen held in their palm. I love paper maps, I love to study them and how an area “goes together.” Gary and I when exploring call it “filling in the map.” To show Gary where we were, and the route I planned “home” I reached back and pulled out the map of Guilford that the historical society gave me on my visit. He found the large size funny – you may have heard his laughter. With the topographical lines he teased it was on old piece of parchment.

RAY RECOMMENDS:

1 – Explore LandmarkTrustUSA’s website, and plan a fun escape. They have changed how reservations are made – now through an on-line service – not as personal and easy, but what you younger generations are more comfortable with. I still like to talk with someone, or email.

2 – Learn about and visit Guilford, Vermont. Plan to explore and picnic at the Green River Covered Bridge – there is a picnic area.

3 – Get out and explore – I have been afraid to, but have stayed healthy, and hope to get back into the “swing of travel.” Hey, I still have to find Royall’s tombstone.

Stay safe and well, as always, luv, RAY