HEADING NORTH STILL

Now on the quest for some  autumnal colour we are staying with a friend of Lauren's in Massachusetts so we can do some day trips into Vermont to try and catch some of the famed colour in the trees during autumn/fall. 

Of course, the color is not restricted to any single state but I am reliably informed that the sugar maples make all the difference. They turn a brilliant red.  Other advice is that as the area is experiencing drought the colours will not be as spectacular as the photos.  I really am not bothered

I didn't realize that shingles would make me tired but they do.  By the end of a pretty easy day I am well and truly ready to crash early. I am just relieved that the drugs seem to be kicking in and I  am improving. So we've had a few less strenuous days,  thanks to Lauren driving us about. We've been to a local craft fair checking out the artisans' work, a few galleries,  and seen trees galore.  

MassMOCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is great and is one of those places where the building is as interesting as its contents. It's in Williamstown well away from the State capital, Boston, which is unusual. There is another big gallery,  The Clark, also an interesting building which houses a more traditional collection.

Pumpkins abound of course as Halloween approaches and many many houses have had their decorations up for some time.  Everywhere we go people are selling them at roadside stalls and the range of sizes is remarkable. Some displays and installations are witty and some are not.

We also caught up with Nancy, with whom we rode in Oregon two years ago. It was great to see her as those opportunities are few and far between.  Meeting over breakfast in a traditional diner a treat enjoyed by all. Teri recomnended it to us and advised us to take particular note of the specials - so we did.  Banana bread french toast with bacon and REAL maple syrup for me.  Small wonder we had a light lunch of apples and cheese sitting by a covered bridge. I am still very keen on these. Passing one that is being rebuilt Lauren tells me that a high number were washed away a few years ago, evidence of damage and many landslips can be seen on the river banks as we drive through.  

The fair highlight was a time machine built by a local sculptor which a local radio personality was going to use at 1pm.  We stayed for the artist's introduction, more chat, introduction of local scientists and a bit of a Q&A session with them.  Thinking he might never get round to actually setting it off we left before the main event. On the way out we pass a local TV News crew arriving.  Perhaps that is who they were waiting for. 
Back to the colour.  The trees may not look as spectacular add they have in other years,  or may look in a week from now but they look damned good to me.  There are just so many covering such a big area I just sit back and enjoy the view.  Last stop of the day on Tuesday is the 100 mile view.