Trapp Family Lodge - One of Vermont’s Finest - TRIP REPORT About This Page:

[MissMousey]

My computer apparently caught some kind of virus and has been locked up for a couple days so I haven’t been able to get to my pictures until tonight. I’m using another computer to post; and managed to save all my important documents and files thanks to an automatic backup system. Anyway, please send pixies and well wishes for my other computer’s recovery.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009


Up again around 7:30 a.m. – seems like a real pattern is emerging here. I am just not good at sleeping in. As a family we discussed the plans for the rest of the week, what things were left to do and which days they fit into best. After showers and breakfast (from the bakery again) we drove over to the main lodge to ask a few questions about the activities we were looking to experience. They were very helpful, giving us maps, writing out directions, and even calling ahead to one of the places to make sure someone would be there when we arrived. With my fistful of information, we drove down the hill heading to a glass blowing factory where you can watch pieces being made and shop in the gallery. The website showed many of the pieces and the colors and designs were magnificent-different color combinations and patterns. We plugged the address into our Garmin and 20 minutes later we arrive—only to find a “Closed” sign out front. Rats, I was really looking forward to this.

We proceeded to our next stop which was a short drive (in the opposite direction) to GlenMossFalls. We changed into our tennis shoes and headed off down the trail.




We were told there was a spectacular water fall not too far down the trail. We’re hoping we can find it. Within a few minutes we came upon a “Danger” sign indicating steep slopes to the left and a fork in the trail. We decided to go to the right first which took us down to a stream where parts of it had flowing water and other parts were dry rocks. The kids climbed right out on the rocks and started exploring. I pulled my camera out and hooked up the gorilla pod I bought which enables you to wrap it around whatever is nearby in order to use the self timer. I wrapped it around a tree branch, set it up, and then ran back to join them for a family picture.





Then we climbed back up to where the fork was to start the ascent to the left. Up, and up we went—huffing and puffing until we came upon this beautiful sight.






Then up and up some more until we were at the top. From here we could see all of Mt.Mansfield including the white restaurant where we had eaten lunch a few days before. We took some more pictures and then sat for a short break before heading back down.



About halfway down the kids asked if they could veer off over to the falls. I really wanted to go back to the stream to take some pictures with my DSLR which I only drag along for serious nature photos—otherwise I use a small point and shoot for ease of use. So DH offered to take them to the falls while I headed down with both cameras. They emerged upstream about 20 minutes later barefoot and in the water, carrying their shoes. They loved walking through the water, even though it was so cold it made your feet cramp up in the arches within a minute or so. I took off my shoes and socks joined them. We had to step out onto the warm(er) rocks often to keep our feet from cramping though. We took some more family pictures here before putting our shoes and socks back on and heading for the car.









We were hungry by now, so we decided to go to the only burger joint we had seen around town. It was called “Blue Donkey – Burgers on Boards”. We ordered our food and (since there were only counter stools inside) found a table outside. They bring the food to your table once it is ready. DH had a burger wrap, DS and I had cheeseburgers, DD had sliders (mini burgers) and we all shared orders of curly fries and Donkey Chips (freshly made potato chips). Here you order your fries or chips ‘by the potato’ which I thought wouldn’t get you very many. But I was very wrong! We had so many chips, we couldn’t even come close to finishing. So, we saved them and ate them for a snack later.

I was still kind of bummed about the glass blowing factory, so I asked DH if he would mind if we went and tried to visit another one I has seen listed on the resort map. It was down by the reservoir where we had planned to visit another day this week. When we go nearer however, the kids began begging to go there instead. I relented since the schedule wasn’t set in stone and we still had a few more days to get around to the glass studio.

We drove into the reservoir and came upon a park ranger type of office where you must pay admission. We paid $10 for the day. The kids really wanted to rent a canoe and the local outdoor shop has a little rental hut set up and offered canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, etc. We found out that the canoe only seats 2 adults or 1 adult with 2 kids. I graciously offered to stay ashore as baking in the sun isn’t my idea of fun and there was no shade to be found on the water in a canoe! We paid $30 for two hour canoe rental and once suited with life jackets, they headed out onto the water. I found a picnic table under a shade tree and sat to enjoy the beauty that surrounded us.











When DH brought the canoe back to shore so that the kids could change seats (one had a bench and the other had to sit on the floor) DD hopped out and came to find me. She really wanted to go out alone in the paddle boat. We asked the lady since she was only 12 and she said it would be fine. So we rented that for a half hour for $5.






It wasn’t long before I could tell everyone was getting hot and thirsty. We weren’t prepared since we had never been here before and didn’t really know what to expect. We probably should have brought some snacks/picnic lunch and a cooler of drinks with us and spend the whole day here. I decided to jump into the car and make a run for some drinks. When I returned with the drinks, our two hours was almost over. After everyone had hydrated they wanted to cool off in the shade. So we returned the rentals and headed for the benches again. DD really wished we had packed our bathing suits as there was a beach area that allowed swimming. But since we didn’t bring them, we sat in the shade and played Uno again. After a few games, we decided to head back to the guest house. We all changed into our bathing suits and headed to the fitness center to enjoy and pools and hot tub. There were no signs posted at the hot tub that prohibited children from entering. So we took the kids in with us and made sure they behaved. It was really HOT. But it felt great, and since it was outside facing the mountain, the views were incredible! The indoor pool was very big and heated (but not really warm). We hung out there for a few hours before heading back home.

At this point, nobody really wanted to get spiffied up for dinner so we decided that we would have a pancake night. I whipped up some pancakes for everyone, although DD opted for her leftover pizza instead. And of course, since pancakes didn’t really fill us up, I then made dessert. I put come of the pre-made, break and bake cookie dough in the bottom of 4 glass bowls and cooked them in the oven until they were still a little gooey in the middle. I pulled them out and scooped Ben & Jerry’s ice cream on top. The only thing missing was the hot fudge which we didn’t remember to buy at the store this week.

While we were all just hanging out DD found some puzzles in the closet and decided to try her hand at one of the Trapp Family Lodge. Also in the closet, DH found some old guest books for this house. The oldest book dated back to 1988. He found it really interesting to read through them making note that by now some of the kids who had written entries in the book were 21 years older. Dh and the kids lit another fire in the wood stove, but honestly it wasn’t really cold enough this night and it made the house a little too warm. This was easily fixed though by opening the porch door a little to let in the cool night air. Soon enough we were all off to bed for the night.