Central Vermont - New England
posted August 3, 2019 9:37 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Sat September 28 at 3:00 PM, Turnbridge
Vermont, USA (Map & Directions)
A new Vermont resident has called for a meetup and turtlegirl and I are offering our home/farm as the venue. A traditional New England potluck gathering, and we'll provide the grill and the lovely views.
We only have bocce, and would welcome other outdoor games. We don't have a lot of flat ground though. Cornhole would be nice, if anyone is willing to bring a set.
There are wooded trails behind our house for anyone who fancies a short hike or stroll. We have bug repellent.
Depending on how much rain we get between now and the event we may have a fire in the pit, so bring your own s'mores ingredients if that's your thang.
If you need to stay overnight for any reason you are welcome to, but crash space is on a first-come-first-sleep-comfortably basis.
Have I forgotten something? Right...
CAVEATS: Our driveway is very steep and much of the gravel has been lost due to a few strong storms. We also have limited parking at the top of the hill where the house is. We encourage people to drive to the top (4WD suggested) to drop off passengers, food, drink, chairs, instruments, games, and anything else they don't want to carry up the hill. Then please park at the bottom across from the barn. Feel free to say hello to the sheep and the llamas before walking up! The Finn sheep (the dark ones) are the friendliest.
Obviously, anyone with mobility issues should drive up and park at the top. Feel free to pull onto the grass before the house to keep the top clear for other vehicles.
NO Dogs. Llamas are expected to guard against coyotes so we prefer to limit their interaction with canines. Thanks!
There are wooded trails behind our house for anyone who fancies a short hike or stroll. We have bug repellent.
Depending on how much rain we get between now and the event we may have a fire in the pit, so bring your own s'mores ingredients if that's your thang.
If you need to stay overnight for any reason you are welcome to, but crash space is on a first-come-first-sleep-comfortably basis.
Have I forgotten something? Right...
CAVEATS: Our driveway is very steep and much of the gravel has been lost due to a few strong storms. We also have limited parking at the top of the hill where the house is. We encourage people to drive to the top (4WD suggested) to drop off passengers, food, drink, chairs, instruments, games, and anything else they don't want to carry up the hill. Then please park at the bottom across from the barn. Feel free to say hello to the sheep and the llamas before walking up! The Finn sheep (the dark ones) are the friendliest.
Obviously, anyone with mobility issues should drive up and park at the top. Feel free to pull onto the grass before the house to keep the top clear for other vehicles.
NO Dogs. Llamas are expected to guard against coyotes so we prefer to limit their interaction with canines. Thanks!
Of course your wife is invite! Hope you can make it.
posted by terrapin at 8:25 AM on August 4, 2019
posted by terrapin at 8:25 AM on August 4, 2019
NYCer here who loves the outdoors and has still somehow not made it up to Vermont in the six years I've been here despite saying I want to every fall. I loved both New Hampshire and Maine. I'm free that weekend and making it a priority to come! And I decided that before I even know about the bonus llamas!!!
posted by unannihilated at 3:12 PM on August 4, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by unannihilated at 3:12 PM on August 4, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'll put myself down as a maybe. I have a Sunday morning class starting in September but perhaps I can either drive home in the evening or get up early in time for the class.
posted by bondcliff at 3:22 PM on August 4, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 3:22 PM on August 4, 2019 [2 favorites]
So great to see usernames for people I have not had the pleasure to meet IRL yet!
posted by terrapin at 12:17 PM on August 5, 2019
posted by terrapin at 12:17 PM on August 5, 2019
I'm a hard maybe to come down from Adamant (VT) for this, though kids' schedules can sometimes get in the way. But hope to come!
posted by baseballpajamas at 8:38 AM on August 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by baseballpajamas at 8:38 AM on August 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
It's about an hour away for me. Never been to a meetup before, but we (2 of us) are maybes.
posted by transient at 5:04 AM on August 11, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by transient at 5:04 AM on August 11, 2019 [2 favorites]
This will miraculously take place during a long-planned road trip for me at pretty much the perfect time and place. I'll be en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Boston (making a few stops before I'm in the area). I'll likely be there right around 3 and only able to stick around an hour or two, but I'm looking forward to making the stop.
posted by LionIndex at 4:02 PM on August 12, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by LionIndex at 4:02 PM on August 12, 2019 [2 favorites]
That's awesome, LionIndex! Will be nice to see a SpoFite too!
posted by terrapin at 8:00 AM on August 15, 2019
posted by terrapin at 8:00 AM on August 15, 2019
Is there a place in your yard I can set up a tent if I want to crash?
I'll probably be a maybe up until the weekend as I'll be playing it by ear. Mrs. Bondcliff (Amy) is also a maybe.
posted by bondcliff at 7:04 AM on August 16, 2019
I'll probably be a maybe up until the weekend as I'll be playing it by ear. Mrs. Bondcliff (Amy) is also a maybe.
posted by bondcliff at 7:04 AM on August 16, 2019
bondcliff: the area next to the house where we play bocce is level but a bit bumpy. But I'm sure we can find something. Glad to hear Amy may make it too!
posted by terrapin at 4:54 PM on August 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by terrapin at 4:54 PM on August 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
bondcliff: Thanks for the follow on Instagram. I hope you can make it as my fiddle/mando-playing mother-in-law would love to meet you :)
posted by terrapin at 10:23 AM on August 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by terrapin at 10:23 AM on August 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
I actually just came in here to ask about sleeping outside too!
posted by unannihilated at 6:43 AM on August 20, 2019
posted by unannihilated at 6:43 AM on August 20, 2019
I actually just came in here to ask about sleeping outside too!
Eideteker usually puts a hammock up in the woods when they visit!
posted by terrapin at 8:07 AM on August 22, 2019
Eideteker usually puts a hammock up in the woods when they visit!
posted by terrapin at 8:07 AM on August 22, 2019
MetaFilter: puts a hammock up in the woods
posted by not_on_display at 11:15 PM on August 22, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by not_on_display at 11:15 PM on August 22, 2019 [2 favorites]
MetaFilter: puts a hammock up in the (porn in the) woods.
I have not placed or seen any pron in the woods!
posted by terrapin at 7:18 AM on August 23, 2019
I have not placed or seen any pron in the woods!
posted by terrapin at 7:18 AM on August 23, 2019
You're not looking hard enough.
posted by bondcliff at 8:08 AM on August 23, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 8:08 AM on August 23, 2019 [2 favorites]
Added us as definite. We ended up getting an AirBNB so we're going to make a little weekend trip out of this.
posted by bondcliff at 7:44 AM on September 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 7:44 AM on September 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
I'm also thinking of tacking on an extra day or two and making a little weekend trip out of this. Questions for the natives:
1. Will leaves have potentially turned yet, based on historic trends? I just checked some maps and apparently things are still pretty green, but a lot can happen in two weeks.
2. Is there anywhere good nearby that you recommend for camping?
3. Any cool stuff you particularly recommend in the area? I'm more about hikes, kayaking, and outdoor things than antiquing/apple picking type stuff but also love educational stuff and kitsch so open to all suggestions. It looks like Green Mountain National Forest will be on the way on the way up. I'll browse the archives but any suggestions are welcome.
And open to all:
4. Would anyone want to do a bonus night of camping, likely the night prior and/or do some outdoors activities, either Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon? I'm even considering taking Friday off to come up early enough to do a big hike if it seems worthwhile.
Excited for this! The city has seemed especially loud and crowded lately.
posted by unannihilated at 11:36 AM on September 15, 2019 [2 favorites]
1. Will leaves have potentially turned yet, based on historic trends? I just checked some maps and apparently things are still pretty green, but a lot can happen in two weeks.
2. Is there anywhere good nearby that you recommend for camping?
3. Any cool stuff you particularly recommend in the area? I'm more about hikes, kayaking, and outdoor things than antiquing/apple picking type stuff but also love educational stuff and kitsch so open to all suggestions. It looks like Green Mountain National Forest will be on the way on the way up. I'll browse the archives but any suggestions are welcome.
And open to all:
4. Would anyone want to do a bonus night of camping, likely the night prior and/or do some outdoors activities, either Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon? I'm even considering taking Friday off to come up early enough to do a big hike if it seems worthwhile.
Excited for this! The city has seemed especially loud and crowded lately.
posted by unannihilated at 11:36 AM on September 15, 2019 [2 favorites]
Leaves are starting to turn up here already, so it's still mostly green but at the higher elevations there's some color. The big deal is the rate of change versus the probability of high winds and/or rain. Here's a good report page.
posted by jessamyn at 2:07 PM on September 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 2:07 PM on September 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
On the page Jessamyn linked we are located approximately where the point in the V shape (county line) below Montpelier is.
posted by terrapin at 4:19 PM on September 16, 2019
posted by terrapin at 4:19 PM on September 16, 2019
I don’t know much about camping in the area, but can suggest Silver Lake in the VT state park system. It is only 20 mins from us and has a lovely lake and the there is a quaint general store.
My only caveat is that it is already getting into the low 40s overnight.
posted by terrapin at 4:36 AM on September 18, 2019
My only caveat is that it is already getting into the low 40s overnight.
posted by terrapin at 4:36 AM on September 18, 2019
Oops. Looks like the state parks close Labor Day weekend.
posted by terrapin at 4:43 AM on September 18, 2019
posted by terrapin at 4:43 AM on September 18, 2019
Update: We will be making pork burgers, beef burgers, sweet and hot sausages, and will have a few vegetarian sausages as well. We will have some beers and soft drinks as well. We will likely make one side as well, likely a non-lettuce salad, but that hasn't been decided yet.
If anyone wants to share what they plan to bring, please do. Please note that you do not need to bring anything, and you certainly shouldn't avoid coming because you don't have anything.
You can MeMail me if you have any questions that you don't want to put here.
This is expected to be a pretty laid back event, and we are very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
posted by terrapin at 12:54 PM on September 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
If anyone wants to share what they plan to bring, please do. Please note that you do not need to bring anything, and you certainly shouldn't avoid coming because you don't have anything.
You can MeMail me if you have any questions that you don't want to put here.
This is expected to be a pretty laid back event, and we are very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
posted by terrapin at 12:54 PM on September 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Cheese, I am bringing cheese. And Jim. Possibly other stuff. Anyone who needs/wants a lawn to camp on is welcome at my house also.
posted by jessamyn at 3:32 PM on September 20, 2019
posted by jessamyn at 3:32 PM on September 20, 2019
If I can get my shit together this weekend I'll build a cornhole board. This'll be my third one so I can knock them out in about an hour or so. I don't think I'll get around to painting it though. Do you have enough flat ground for it?
We'll be spending the night before outside of our home so we'll pick up something that doesn't need any prep, like some chips and beer.
posted by bondcliff at 3:54 PM on September 20, 2019
We'll be spending the night before outside of our home so we'll pick up something that doesn't need any prep, like some chips and beer.
posted by bondcliff at 3:54 PM on September 20, 2019
I'll be coming in from Lake Placid, and I'll just pick something up on the way in the bondcliff vein of no prep. There's a place in Lake Placid that's apparently a sourdough bakery, so I was thinking I'd pick up a loaf or something there? Is there anything local to Lake Placid that's noteworthy foodwise?
posted by LionIndex at 10:42 AM on September 21, 2019
posted by LionIndex at 10:42 AM on September 21, 2019
I am not familiar with Lake Placid, and sourdough sounds delicious, but please don't feel an obligation to make special trips or stops.
posted by terrapin at 2:29 PM on September 21, 2019
posted by terrapin at 2:29 PM on September 21, 2019
I am bringing my unbridled enthusiasm. *checks map jessamyn linked to* aww yiss motha fuckin LEAVES.
I can also bring s'mores ingredients if it still looks good for a fire and I get confirmation that others are interested (so this doesn't end with me eating 87 s'mores.)
posted by unannihilated at 6:23 PM on September 21, 2019
I can also bring s'mores ingredients if it still looks good for a fire and I get confirmation that others are interested (so this doesn't end with me eating 87 s'mores.)
posted by unannihilated at 6:23 PM on September 21, 2019
Leave are turning for sure. S’mores are welcome but we won’t have that many people. But a dessert would be welcomed.
posted by terrapin at 10:49 AM on September 22, 2019
posted by terrapin at 10:49 AM on September 22, 2019
Alas, our good friend is having her birthday party next weekend instead of this weekend (her actual birthday) so we won't be able to make it. Sorry to miss you all!
posted by restless_nomad at 11:20 AM on September 22, 2019
posted by restless_nomad at 11:20 AM on September 22, 2019
I would love s'mores, but I'll be back on the road well before an hour where it becomes socially acceptable to eat them.
posted by LionIndex at 5:07 PM on September 22, 2019
posted by LionIndex at 5:07 PM on September 22, 2019
There is no hour in the day when it is not socially acceptable to eat s'mores.
posted by bondcliff at 7:01 AM on September 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 7:01 AM on September 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
What bondcliff says. We can always start a fire whenever folks want s'mores.
restless_nomad: We're bummed, but understand. have fun!
posted by terrapin at 8:56 AM on September 23, 2019
restless_nomad: We're bummed, but understand. have fun!
posted by terrapin at 8:56 AM on September 23, 2019
Terrapin, if I don't sleep outside, is there a place for me to crash? (The floor is fine.) I might do my big hiking day on Saturday instead of Friday, in which case I'll get there on the later side and also won't want to mess with a tent.
And I should also ask if you guys have any rough idea of when this would end - in terms of like, 'we all go to bed at 8pm here' or something like that. I wouldn't want to get there just as everyone is going to bed...
posted by unannihilated at 7:26 AM on September 25, 2019
And I should also ask if you guys have any rough idea of when this would end - in terms of like, 'we all go to bed at 8pm here' or something like that. I wouldn't want to get there just as everyone is going to bed...
posted by unannihilated at 7:26 AM on September 25, 2019
Cornhole has been achieved. There will be cornhole.
posted by bondcliff at 7:35 AM on September 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 7:35 AM on September 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Unannihilated: of course there is room inside for you!
It’s a small group visiting and I can’t say when others will want to leave but with at least 3 people (Eidetwker, skorgu and one other) from NYC expected to stay overnight there should be people up and about.
posted by terrapin at 4:44 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
It’s a small group visiting and I can’t say when others will want to leave but with at least 3 people (Eidetwker, skorgu and one other) from NYC expected to stay overnight there should be people up and about.
posted by terrapin at 4:44 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
Bondcliff: Having seen a preview on Instagram I have one question: are you now referred to as a Cornholist or do you prefer a different term?
posted by terrapin at 4:46 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by terrapin at 4:46 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
Unannililated: we have an air mattress for you.
posted by terrapin at 5:27 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by terrapin at 5:27 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
Cornfitter
posted by bondcliff at 7:40 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 7:40 AM on September 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
As the newest Vermonter and the person who wanted to do this, it pains me to say that I can't. I've got this new job which is turning out to be all-consuming and I just discovered that there are apparently monthly reports I need to be writing, due Monday, that are going to take me all weekend. I am so sorry...please have fun.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 3:42 AM on September 27, 2019
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 3:42 AM on September 27, 2019
That’s unfortunate but understandable. Good luck with the new job.
posted by terrapin at 8:42 AM on September 27, 2019
posted by terrapin at 8:42 AM on September 27, 2019
I'm sorry to say that life has become complicated over the last couple of weeks, so I must downgrade my first meetup-maybe to a meetup-no. Hopefully the weather will stay as lovely as it is today. Next time!
posted by baseballpajamas at 10:27 AM on September 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by baseballpajamas at 10:27 AM on September 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
Looking forward to it!
Is Gage Rd the same as Gage Hill Rd? Apple Maps only seems to have the latter.
posted by bondcliff at 3:21 PM on September 27, 2019
Is Gage Rd the same as Gage Hill Rd? Apple Maps only seems to have the latter.
posted by bondcliff at 3:21 PM on September 27, 2019
Yeah, it’s gotta be it. I think there’s a typo in the post.
posted by bondcliff at 3:40 PM on September 27, 2019
posted by bondcliff at 3:40 PM on September 27, 2019
The sign at the bottom of our road simple says “gage rd”
Gage is approximately 3.8 miles from when you turn onto Rte 14 and the East Bethel cemetery is across from where you turn on Gage. Our drive way is o.8 miles from the bottom of Gage and on the left. There is a stenciled sign with “801 Gage Rd” in red paint.
MeMail me if you need a phone number.
posted by terrapin at 5:10 AM on September 28, 2019
Gage is approximately 3.8 miles from when you turn onto Rte 14 and the East Bethel cemetery is across from where you turn on Gage. Our drive way is o.8 miles from the bottom of Gage and on the left. There is a stenciled sign with “801 Gage Rd” in red paint.
MeMail me if you need a phone number.
posted by terrapin at 5:10 AM on September 28, 2019
As Jessamyn can attest Google doesn’t do Vermont well.
They only recently correct where they had Randolf Center instead of Randolph Center.
On edit I see you said Apple Maps. I don’t use Apple Maps locally so I wasn’t aware they also have Gage Hill.
I think it is officially Gage Hill but most locals have dropped the hill part.
posted by terrapin at 5:12 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
They only recently correct where they had Randolf Center instead of Randolph Center.
On edit I see you said Apple Maps. I don’t use Apple Maps locally so I wasn’t aware they also have Gage Hill.
I think it is officially Gage Hill but most locals have dropped the hill part.
posted by terrapin at 5:12 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
We’ll be there closer to 4:00. Got a little deeper into the woods than we expected.
posted by bondcliff at 10:57 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 10:57 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
Me and Eideteker will be there 5:30 or after. Hiking to Mt. Bromley right now!
posted by unannihilated at 11:07 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by unannihilated at 11:07 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'll be more like 4 as well. Currently waiting at the Ticonderoga ferry, and it's supposedly about a 2-hour drive from this point.
posted by LionIndex at 11:09 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by LionIndex at 11:09 AM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
Unless you are driving a huge SUV there should be space up top to park. 🤞🏼
posted by terrapin at 11:41 AM on September 28, 2019
posted by terrapin at 11:41 AM on September 28, 2019
Now 6:30pm as we're just getting off the mountain at 4:45pm (made it to the top!) and still need to get s'more fixin's. (I may have eaten all the ones we bought yesterday.) Anything else we can grab while we're at a store?
posted by unannihilated at 1:41 PM on September 28, 2019
posted by unannihilated at 1:41 PM on September 28, 2019
Thank you for making this happen. I wish I could have stayed longer and had an adult beverage, but it was a nice, peaceful feeling to sit with you all on the deck for a bit.
posted by LionIndex at 7:15 PM on September 28, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by LionIndex at 7:15 PM on September 28, 2019 [2 favorites]
Sarah and I want to thank everyone who came over yesterday. What a lovely group of people you all are. It was nice to see familiar faces and to meet new folks.
We are in awe at the great distances many of you traveled to be here — with visitors from Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon!
Thank you!
posted by terrapin at 12:22 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
We are in awe at the great distances many of you traveled to be here — with visitors from Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon!
Thank you!
posted by terrapin at 12:22 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
Amy and I had a fabulous time! It was just so relaxing and mellow. I don't know how long it's been since I gathered around a fire with a group of friends but it was really nice.
It's really too bad though that your yard has that problem where it throws off my A+ cornhole game. You should probably get a landscaper to fix that.
Thanks to terrapin and Turtlegirl for hosting!
posted by bondcliff at 3:53 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
It's really too bad though that your yard has that problem where it throws off my A+ cornhole game. You should probably get a landscaper to fix that.
Thanks to terrapin and Turtlegirl for hosting!
posted by bondcliff at 3:53 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
I’ll get on that as soon as I fix the steps.
posted by terrapin at 4:26 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by terrapin at 4:26 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
🤣
Thanks much for hosting, so great to see everyone and I, too, am a sucker for a friendly campfire.
posted by jessamyn at 5:27 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
Thanks much for hosting, so great to see everyone and I, too, am a sucker for a friendly campfire.
posted by jessamyn at 5:27 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by restless_nomad at 7:07 AM on August 4, 2019 [2 favorites]