Vermont is Gorge-ous!

It was Memorial Day weekend, and no one had any homework to do, any reading to finish, or any sports to watch, so off we went to explore some of New England.



One thing that is always hard to capture in a single photo is an object of great magnitude. Here is a shot of Quechee Gorge, the largest gorge in Vermont. Some people call it "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon." While I wouldn't go that far, the gorge was still an impressive site.



The best way to experience the great outdoors is of course to go camping. And none of that "cabin camping." Thanks to a couple friends who lent us some equipment, we had the whole shebang.



Of course, the best part of camping is indulging your inner pyromaniac. In a safe environment when there is low burn risk, of course. Fortunately, in Vermont, unlike Texas, there is plenty of rain, so the hard part is finding dry wood. Also unlike Texas, the temperature in Vermont drops below 90 degrees, so it's actually pleasant sitting around a warm fire.



Just when we thought things couldn't get any more crazy, the wild in wilderness came out! We didn't even have to go looking for it, it just came right up to us. Do you see it here next to the car?



There it is. A porcupine was just wandering along, munching on some leaves. It didn't appear particularly concerned about us, and can you blame it? I wouldn't be bothered by much if my butt was full of spines.



We also came across this snake sunning itself on a rock. While it doesn't have the advantage of a spiky bottom, it probably knows that, ever since Eve, most people have been hesitant to get involved with a snake.