So now it's Saturday, October 8th (in my 'time can be non-linear!' world).
My cousins are leaving tomorrow afternoon, so today is really the last chance for another exploratory hike/walk in the Mad River Valley of Vermont for our little group of three.
We heard about an area called Lareau Park, and then discovered that it passes pretty much just outside the entrance road into where we are staying. The actual entrance/parking it about half a mile south. So off we set, on another absolutely beautiful - if unexpectedly warm - New England fall day.
I'm quoting in places and also giving my own thoughts in others. By the way, we didn't swim; it wasn't warm enough for that! And the water is pretty low as northern New England has had some moderate to severe drought conditions this year. It was still beautiful, and we followed the walking paths in both directions from where we entered.
"There are lots of swimming holes in Vermont, but this one is extra special ... talk about this stunning water. The gentle current of the river swimming spot ruffles water that is an almost otherworldly emerald green... A shallow sandy bank makes for easy access ... right across the river are some fearsome boulders that make for awesome jumping platforms... At its deepest, the water here is about 12 feet deep."
The path(s) that run through this area are part of the Mad River Valley Path. For 31 years, the Mad River Path Association (MRP) has focused on building and maintaining a network of multi-use public pathways to connect the people, businesses and places of the Mad River Valley. There are apparently nine sections and 11+ miles of trails throughout The Valley.
Like a lot of places up here, the paths and the views along the paths have been compromised by the proliferation of Japanese knotweed. Which is shame. But there are places where work has been (and continues to be ) done to clear areas.
The swimming hole area:
Various places along the path of the Mad River:
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