New England 'Marmite' Flydrive - Day6 - Birthday Fun

roonlou · 15 Sep 09, 11:52 AM

Day 5 - Chocolate Moose

Thursday 20th August 2009, Day 6, Pa's Birthday.
Basin Harbour Club, Vergennes VT
Distance 0 miles
Expensive purchases and Birthday fun

Long restless sleep due to the ceiling fan being a bit too squeaky and it being very warm and humid. There was a window air-con unit, but we only had it turned on fan first of all, and it didn’t cool enough. But we eventually awoke at 6am, to see signs of a lovely sunrise over the bay on yet another beautiful day, even though rain was promised later. I was too tired to do my diary last night, so spent an hour catching up in the morning, hoping the folks wouldn't be too upset at our late departure for breakfast. Needless to say, Pa excited about his Birthday, eventually came up to find us when we inevitably ran over our agreed meeting time.

We headed to the Rangers Room for the buffet style breakfast, and were shown into a large bright dining room, filled with families clad in bright polo shirts and chino shorts whether they we male, female, young or old. Two young men in pale blue Polo tops and chinos awkwardly served chilled water and coffee, before we headed up to the huge buffet selection. Coincidently, Pa was also wearing a pale blue polo shirt, but due to his age wasn’t likely to be confused with the waiting staff! Lots of fresh fruits, cereals, breads, yoghurt's, juices and smoothies, nice chef cooking you eggs anyway as long as it was in omelette form, and bacon and sausage from nearby Dakin Farm, potatoes, scrambled eggs, French toast and waffles!

We all returned with a selection of fruits, cereals and yoghurt's for our first course to find the bill had already arrived - $89 including service charge at 18%! Wow! We then attempted to eat as much as possible to make up for the over priced items. After our 3rd or 4th, or even 5th course for some of us, we lumbered out of the restaurant and back to our rooms to prepare for the day out.

When we got in our super wagon, Pa was behind the wheel and headed off to Burlington for a look around the quaint college town right on the banks of Lake Champlain. On route, Tom Tom was still having problems and getting worse by the minute, Roo was cursing him from the back seat! We passed a Radio Shack on the way into town, and popped in to view their Sat-Nav's, but they only had older versions that Roo wasn’t keen on.

We arrived in town, and after popping into a garage for change, filled a parking meter up for a 3 hour visit. Using a free map we picked up from the hotel we wandered to the pedestrian only streets. We passed by an Art Gallery converted from an old Fire Station for a look around at local art work inspired by the effects of climate change on our planet. It sounded pretty grim, but actually there was a lot of humour and faith in man kind in some of the exhibits.

We then strolled further along until we approached a shopping mall, still looking for a suitable store to replace our poorly limping Tom Tom. This was not achieved, so we carried on through the mall, buying some trainers for the nephews and niece at home and spotting an item of cook ware we'd pick up on the way back to the car, and then on out the other side and down to the lakes harbour. We popped into the local aquarium to use their loos, and then took a nice stroll along the board walk. It was still very warm, but the breeze of the lake was very cooling. We sat for a while on one of the swinging chairs to enjoy the views, before having to rush off for an emergency petting of a very cute and chunky Burmese Mountain dog puppy.

With time getting on we headed back to the Mall to pick up a few things we'd spotted on the way, a nice cast Iron skillet for us - which the lady kindly weighed for us so we'd know for packing - and a few items for me from the Old Navy store. We then headed back to the car, with a few drops of rain falling from the once blue skies.

Bad news, Tom Tom was dead, he'd finally had enough and had passed over to the other side, and Roo was secretly pleased, as he was now completely justified in wanting to get a new one. Only one problem, we'd also lost our town map, and even though we knew there was another shopping mall nearby, had no idea how to get there! So even though Tom Tom was no use, Roo tried desperately to resuscitate him to aid our journey. It's funny how you really learn to rely on these gadgets – think what you'd do if you lost your mobile phone?

roonlou · 15 Sep 09, 11:53 AM

Bit more rain now, so we rushed into another nearby shopping mall, and as it was just coming up to 3pm, and even though we'd had a giant breakfast, it was time to eat. We headed to the Food Court, and all enjoyed half of the huge Chicken and Bacon Flat bread salads from Quiznos. No sign of an electrical shop in this mall, so we had no choice but to carry on with our new quest. Finally, after exploring the stuff we'd been shoving in the car, we managed to find another local map, and Roo guided his Pa to another Mall. Success! We found a better stocked Radio Shack and the deed was done, and Roo was more than happy with the purchase of his new much slender Sat-Nav.

The folks wanted to visit a toy shop, to get some gifts for the grand kids, so whilst there we made a very quick purchase on some Birthday candles for Pa, that spelt his name out. The lady helps us out by serving us real fast while the folks were browsing further in the store. Less discreetly we purchased three small plastic whales, as we'd got Whale Watching booked for Pa's birthday treat, and thought it would be funny to add some plastic whale photographs into our shots on the boat!

Back into the motor, with Roo driving to use his new toy, we headed in the rain back to the Basin Harbour club. We stopped at a deli on the way just to see the large hay bale bear outside the store, but felt obliged to look inside too at all the home baked goods, and when we re-emerged witnessed several old cars driving past waving at us when they spotted the camera’s.

When back at the Club, we took the opportunity to book a table at the Red Mill, and even managed to get the candles sent over without Pa knowing ready for later. We then sat inside in the lounge, as even though it had stopped raining, it was very humid outside now, and enjoyed a cold beer emblazed with the Basin Harbour Club name. The folks took the chance to go through their photos on our laptop, while Roo programmed up our new Tom Tom.

Quick shower before our 19:30hr reservation for dinner, and we headed out into another beautiful sunset for the ten minute walk to the restaurant, this resort is very big and spread out. We were seated at the table next to the one last night, and we carefully positioned ourselves so Pa would have his back to the kitchen. Our waitress was much better then last nights, and she joked around with us and wished Pa a Happy Birthday. Roo and I both had a glass of wine, while Pa had beer. Ma is a non-drinker, so “enjoyed” iced water. Pa and I had soggy Thai Fish cakes to start, Ma and Roo had the healthier option of the garden salad.

Next up was Mahi Mahi for Pa with mango salsa, rice and squashes, Roo and Ma had fresh salmon with spinach and layered potatoes, and I had an Eat well green salad, with grilled asparagus and peas with some of that very fresh and very well cooked salmon. My main was a better choice on my behalf than of the previous night. After the plates had been cleared away, I could see the candle lights flickering in the background, as the staff approached singing Happy Birthday. I think Pa was quite touched, at least I hope he was at the little bit of fuss on his special day. After the candles were blown out, the tasty chocolate layer cake was soon devoured between the four of us!

Pa suggested we returned to the lounge for a bourbon night cap, and so with our arms ever so slightly twisted we headed back to the main lodge, again the stars clearly visible in the blanket dark night. Roo ordered up the drinks ($10 each!), and Pa took the opportunity to get his tripod out for a pretty night time shot of the hotel.

We crashed into bed at just gone 10.30pm after Roo kindly extracted 7 or so large spiders with long red legs from our room. But it was another very hot night with noisy air-con and the slight fear of more spiders lurking in the dark preventing a very restful sleep.

Day 7 - Farms, Candles and Thunderstorms

DisneyMadAng · 15 Sep 09, 03:28 PM

Happy birthday Bill

What a lovely shopping day and fab photos again. I'm looking forward to the whale watching.

Mickeyetta · 15 Sep 09, 05:35 PM

Happy Birthday Pa!

I doubt your arms were twisted that much for the bourbon night cap

H

Guest · 16 Sep 09, 03:28 PM

Happy birthday Bill!

Another great report with lovely photos.

Strommie · 19 Sep 09, 11:58 AM

What a lovely way for Bill to spend his birthday

Don't like the sound of those spiders

**BevS97** · 19 Sep 09, 01:17 PM

I am really enjoying your reports. Many many years ago I lived in the States and had a good friend at University from Vergennes. She got married in a hotel overlooking Lake Champlain and looking at your photos I am pretty sure it's the same hotel where you stayed.

ethanjosh · 19 Sep 09, 02:17 PM

Another great day, looking forward to reading more

:pop:

orlandosgr8 · 28 Sep 09, 01:41 PM

A wonderful way to spend a birthday, and the candles look lovely. Glad you found a new Sat Nav in the end.

DIBBadmin · 28 Sep 09, 01:41 PM

This thread has been automatically closed as it has not been posted on in 365 days.

15 Sep 09, 11:52 AM	#1
	15 Sep 09, 11:52 AM roonlou Apprentice Imagineer
roonlou Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 07	New England 'Marmite' Flydrive - Day6 - Birthday Fun Day 5 - Chocolate Moose Thursday 20th August 2009, Day 6, Pa's Birthday. Basin Harbour Club, Vergennes VT Distance 0 miles Expensive purchases and Birthday fun Long restless sleep due to the ceiling fan being a bit too squeaky and it being very warm and humid. There was a window air-con unit, but we only had it turned on fan first of all, and it didn’t cool enough. But we eventually awoke at 6am, to see signs of a lovely sunrise over the bay on yet another beautiful day, even though rain was promised later. I was too tired to do my diary last night, so spent an hour catching up in the morning, hoping the folks wouldn't be too upset at our late departure for breakfast. Needless to say, Pa excited about his Birthday, eventually came up to find us when we inevitably ran over our agreed meeting time. We headed to the Rangers Room for the buffet style breakfast, and were shown into a large bright dining room, filled with families clad in bright polo shirts and chino shorts whether they we male, female, young or old. Two young men in pale blue Polo tops and chinos awkwardly served chilled water and coffee, before we headed up to the huge buffet selection. Coincidently, Pa was also wearing a pale blue polo shirt, but due to his age wasn’t likely to be confused with the waiting staff! Lots of fresh fruits, cereals, breads, yoghurt's, juices and smoothies, nice chef cooking you eggs anyway as long as it was in omelette form, and bacon and sausage from nearby Dakin Farm, potatoes, scrambled eggs, French toast and waffles! We all returned with a selection of fruits, cereals and yoghurt's for our first course to find the bill had already arrived - $89 including service charge at 18%! Wow! We then attempted to eat as much as possible to make up for the over priced items. After our 3rd or 4th, or even 5th course for some of us, we lumbered out of the restaurant and back to our rooms to prepare for the day out. When we got in our super wagon, Pa was behind the wheel and headed off to Burlington for a look around the quaint college town right on the banks of Lake Champlain. On route, Tom Tom was still having problems and getting worse by the minute, Roo was cursing him from the back seat! We passed a Radio Shack on the way into town, and popped in to view their Sat-Nav's, but they only had older versions that Roo wasn’t keen on. We arrived in town, and after popping into a garage for change, filled a parking meter up for a 3 hour visit. Using a free map we picked up from the hotel we wandered to the pedestrian only streets. We passed by an Art Gallery converted from an old Fire Station for a look around at local art work inspired by the effects of climate change on our planet. It sounded pretty grim, but actually there was a lot of humour and faith in man kind in some of the exhibits. We then strolled further along until we approached a shopping mall, still looking for a suitable store to replace our poorly limping Tom Tom. This was not achieved, so we carried on through the mall, buying some trainers for the nephews and niece at home and spotting an item of cook ware we'd pick up on the way back to the car, and then on out the other side and down to the lakes harbour. We popped into the local aquarium to use their loos, and then took a nice stroll along the board walk. It was still very warm, but the breeze of the lake was very cooling. We sat for a while on one of the swinging chairs to enjoy the views, before having to rush off for an emergency petting of a very cute and chunky Burmese Mountain dog puppy. With time getting on we headed back to the Mall to pick up a few things we'd spotted on the way, a nice cast Iron skillet for us - which the lady kindly weighed for us so we'd know for packing - and a few items for me from the Old Navy store. We then headed back to the car, with a few drops of rain falling from the once blue skies. Bad news, Tom Tom was dead, he'd finally had enough and had passed over to the other side, and Roo was secretly pleased, as he was now completely justified in wanting to get a new one. Only one problem, we'd also lost our town map, and even though we knew there was another shopping mall nearby, had no idea how to get there! So even though Tom Tom was no use, Roo tried desperately to resuscitate him to aid our journey. It's funny how you really learn to rely on these gadgets – think what you'd do if you lost your mobile phone? __________________ Roonlou's Florida Trippies Roonlou's Non-Floridian Trippies

15 Sep 09, 11:53 AM	#2
	15 Sep 09, 11:53 AM roonlou Apprentice Imagineer Thread Starter
roonlou Thread Starter Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 07	Bit more rain now, so we rushed into another nearby shopping mall, and as it was just coming up to 3pm, and even though we'd had a giant breakfast, it was time to eat. We headed to the Food Court, and all enjoyed half of the huge Chicken and Bacon Flat bread salads from Quiznos. No sign of an electrical shop in this mall, so we had no choice but to carry on with our new quest. Finally, after exploring the stuff we'd been shoving in the car, we managed to find another local map, and Roo guided his Pa to another Mall. Success! We found a better stocked Radio Shack and the deed was done, and Roo was more than happy with the purchase of his new much slender Sat-Nav. The folks wanted to visit a toy shop, to get some gifts for the grand kids, so whilst there we made a very quick purchase on some Birthday candles for Pa, that spelt his name out. The lady helps us out by serving us real fast while the folks were browsing further in the store. Less discreetly we purchased three small plastic whales, as we'd got Whale Watching booked for Pa's birthday treat, and thought it would be funny to add some plastic whale photographs into our shots on the boat! Back into the motor, with Roo driving to use his new toy, we headed in the rain back to the Basin Harbour club. We stopped at a deli on the way just to see the large hay bale bear outside the store, but felt obliged to look inside too at all the home baked goods, and when we re-emerged witnessed several old cars driving past waving at us when they spotted the camera’s. When back at the Club, we took the opportunity to book a table at the Red Mill, and even managed to get the candles sent over without Pa knowing ready for later. We then sat inside in the lounge, as even though it had stopped raining, it was very humid outside now, and enjoyed a cold beer emblazed with the Basin Harbour Club name. The folks took the chance to go through their photos on our laptop, while Roo programmed up our new Tom Tom. Quick shower before our 19:30hr reservation for dinner, and we headed out into another beautiful sunset for the ten minute walk to the restaurant, this resort is very big and spread out. We were seated at the table next to the one last night, and we carefully positioned ourselves so Pa would have his back to the kitchen. Our waitress was much better then last nights, and she joked around with us and wished Pa a Happy Birthday. Roo and I both had a glass of wine, while Pa had beer. Ma is a non-drinker, so “enjoyed” iced water. Pa and I had soggy Thai Fish cakes to start, Ma and Roo had the healthier option of the garden salad. Next up was Mahi Mahi for Pa with mango salsa, rice and squashes, Roo and Ma had fresh salmon with spinach and layered potatoes, and I had an Eat well green salad, with grilled asparagus and peas with some of that very fresh and very well cooked salmon. My main was a better choice on my behalf than of the previous night. After the plates had been cleared away, I could see the candle lights flickering in the background, as the staff approached singing Happy Birthday. I think Pa was quite touched, at least I hope he was at the little bit of fuss on his special day. After the candles were blown out, the tasty chocolate layer cake was soon devoured between the four of us! Pa suggested we returned to the lounge for a bourbon night cap, and so with our arms ever so slightly twisted we headed back to the main lodge, again the stars clearly visible in the blanket dark night. Roo ordered up the drinks ($10 each!), and Pa took the opportunity to get his tripod out for a pretty night time shot of the hotel. We crashed into bed at just gone 10.30pm after Roo kindly extracted 7 or so large spiders with long red legs from our room. But it was another very hot night with noisy air-con and the slight fear of more spiders lurking in the dark preventing a very restful sleep. Day 7 - Farms, Candles and Thunderstorms __________________ Roonlou's Florida Trippies Roonlou's Non-Floridian Trippies Edited at 12:18 PM.

16 Sep 09, 03:28 PM	#5
	16 Sep 09, 03:28 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	Happy birthday Bill! Another great report with lovely photos.

28 Sep 09, 01:41 PM	#10
	28 Sep 09, 01:41 PM DIBBadmin Imagineer
DIBBadmin Imagineer Join Date: Mar 02	This thread has been automatically closed as it has not been posted on in 365 days.