Shoreham to Middlebury Vermont

We woke to another beautiful day at the Shoreham Inn. One of the nice things about this bike trip is the relaxed schedule we have. Breakfast is served 7:30-9:30 am and we can start biking whenever we like. By 10 am it was almost 60 degrees and we were packed and ready to head north toward Middlebury. The challenge each morning is deciding what to wear, and how many layers to put on. I chose the "don't hit me" bright yellow long sleeve shirt.

 We were met with some challenging hills right away but the view is worth the work.

 There were many farms along the way and beautiful hills and valleys.

The Green Mountains are in the distance.

 We saw pretty churches and other buildings, many built in the 1700's or early 1800's.

 Another apple orchard where they were busy picking the fruit.

 Some of the trees are so pretty, the colors are beautiful.

We took a break in a park

 the view as we ate a snack was amazing.

 I stopped a lot to take pictures today, maybe it was because I wanted a break!

Russ laughed at me for taking this picture at the dairy with all the cows...

like I'd never seen cows before!

 Our stop just before reaching Middlebury was at the University of Vermont

Morgan Horse Farm. We took a tour and loved hearing about the history of the Morgan horse.

 We saw some 6-8 month old babies

Jupiter had a rubdown, then was ready for some petting

 Next they vacuumed him, he LOVED it!

 Then it was time for some exercise.

 It was an interesting and beautiful place to visit.

Our next stop was Danforth Pewter company

 We watched how they made Jefferson mugs.

 We arrived in Middlebury and headed to the Swift House Inn, our home for the next two nights.

 The Inn is really beautiful

 The rockers on the porch were a perfect place to relax.

We walked a few blocks to the quaint downtown area. The Methodist church was on the way.

 A park surrounded a waterfall in the river.

Long ago many businesses had water powered machines surrounding the falls.

 Several artists were on the hill painting and drawing the landscape.

 

  Russ decided to rest awhile in the BIG chair.

 Our view as we both sat in the big chair.

Dinner was back at the Swift House Inn, we enjoyed a delicious seafood chowder, Russ had a ravioli dish and I had crab cakes as our entree's. The ambiance was quiet and relaxed.

We rode 19 miles today. Even though we faced some steep and LONG uphill climbs, (one lasted for a mile) it felt a little easier today. In the past two days I walked up some of the steepest climbs but today I remained on my bike. Sometimes pedaling in the lowest gear VERY slowly, but I stayed on the bike. Russ always told me that you get a little stronger every day and I think I experienced that today. I knew the mile long hill was coming and I kept wondering if we had reached it yet, the anticipation was much worse than the actual hill. Sometimes anticipation of challenges can paralyze us with fear, worry, discouragement or a multitude of hang-ups we have.

Joshua 1:9 says:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

How true, God IS with us wherever we go whether we pay attention to Him or not. Let's choose to pay attention and be thankful and receive His strength, guidance, protection and love.