We took Michael for a ride through our Green Mountains to Stowe. We observed some of the changing leaves up there and found lots of sideways windows! First on our day trip was a stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill where we watched Apples being pressed for cider and bought the delicious apple cider donuts.
Then it was off to the falls.
If you weren't careful you would drive right past the small gravel turn off and never find the overgrown entrance to the path. A few feet in was the sign. It was delightfully cool on the path in and we would
stop and identify sights, sounds, and smells.
Michael is learning about his senses so we really try to have him use each one separately so he can really
practice using each sense. You could hear the falls and Michael said the sound was cars going by. It did sound like that! We kept on as he struggled to figure out the roaring sound.
As we walked on he kept licking his fingers. I thought at first the sound was making him nervous but he had just eaten an apple and a cider donut and I think he was using his sense of taste and licking the stickiness
off his fingers!
The path was brilliantly lit with slivers of light between the leaves. It was such a beautiful walk
with my two boys. I wished all my boys were with me there. Very peaceful journey.
The gorge comes up quick with steep sides and rocks with holes cut out of them from rushing waters.
It sneaks up on you and you can look way down and see quiet pools between the falls and racing
water. Wanted to go take a swim in that clear water...maybe kiss my husband down there...looked so
romantic.
Then we followed the path downward to the bigger falls. So many stones to step over.
There were even built steps of huge rocks to help us down the steep sides.
Michael carefully stepped between exposed roots as he made his way down.
The boys peered down at the water. They had to lean way over for it was so far down.
Michael felt safe in his Daddy's arms.
The rushing noise came to Michael and he said, "The waterfalls!" He figured out the sound.
Almost down he held onto Daddy's hand and walked through the big river stones.
This fall was so beautiful.
We sat for a long while, listening and looking, and
just being out there, living in the moment of our day.
Nature seemed so alive, so bright and clear.
Michael noted the cracks in the stones from winter's ice
expanding against them. He really remembers so much
of what we talk about!
Look at this pool that the falls rush into. So beautiful.
Then it was time to head back and we crept back up
the path, over rocks, roots, and leaves. It was hard
work for Michael and myself but Jim was patient
and encouraged us to keep on.
We got back to the car and drove through the Notch,
observing nature, tourists, and old farmsteads.
On the other side was another sideways window,
I didn't find it...Jim has a good eye for that.
So if you ever are in the mood for a drive up to Stowe
do check these falls out, not too far in the woods
and they make a real lasting memory.
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