My final trip abroad for 2019 was for a beautiful family Winter wedding in Vermont. After arriving at Boston Logan International Airport, we drove three and a half hours through three states. The journey was notable only for how magical the forests in New Hampshire look with even just a little snow.
Naturally, the majority of the time was spent at the wedding functions. However, there was enough time in between for us to take on a couple of short hikes too. For our first trek, we ventured North from our accommodation, the Mountain Top Inn & Resort, along some of the snow covered trails in the forest. The following day, we headed West, this time navigating an icy path down to the frozen Chittenden Reservoir lake. Although we the ski season should have been well underway, there hadn’t been anywhere near enough snow, and all the pistes were closed. As you might expect, ‘climate change,’ got the blame. Nevertheless, a few flurries here and there, and the festive vibe ensured the atmosphere and wedding photos were as the bride and groom had hoped for.
Our return flight was scheduled late in the evening, which gave us about five spare hours on our final day. As avid collectors of Hard Rock Cafe Guitar Pins, my brother-in-law and I decided that this time would be best spent by taking the opportunity to add to our collections with a pin from Boston. In order to do so, we paid an extortionate fee for parking, and so restricted ourselves to walking around the Faneuil Hall area and North End after completing our purchase, in which the most striking features for me were the number of Irish pubs, and Italian restaurants, respectively. I am aware of Boston’s history, and perhaps other parts of the city may be more interesting, but as the Cold Front finally rolled in, after a quick meal at Antico Forno, our thoughts quickly turned to the warmth of the airport departure lounge. We may well have reason to pass through Boston again in the future, and if we do, will be sure to explore the other areas.
As with many of our holidays in the past few years, one of our main considerations was whether this trip would have enough benefit for our children. In the end, the precious time spent with family, experiencing the magic of the natural outdoors, getting in more physical activity, and seeing first hand, some the effects of global warming, was justification for pulling them out of school for a few days. We look forward to more travels ahead.