Please click here to read Part 1:

Glenn greeted us with his rendition of “Moon River” that many of us will have etched into our memories for a very long time.
Afterwards, Charlie the train operator gave us a ride on an antique carousel. Built in 1939, the magnificent machinery moved ever so cautiously with its raddled appearance and eerie creeks and squeals.  You could almost hear groans coming from the wooden horses that labored to lift its patrons up and down as the carousel spun around.  We enjoyed the few moments of nostalgia and could only imagine the happy faces of the small children who once rode this colorful Merry-Go-Round years ago.

We lunched at Fire Stones, which was just down the road from the Ouechee mall.  Lunch was wonderful and although we were assigned waitresses, Don gave a helping hand and served many of us our lunch.  After finishing our death by chocolate dessert, we wandered outside where the conversation seemed focused on comparing our various food stains on our clothing and muttering how we ate too much.  Kiersten found the perfect place to rest, lying across the laps of Glenn, Chuck, and Darren who were seated on a bench outside the restaurant.  As we headed back down the road, we decided to take in the spectacular views of the Quechee Gorge, which we learned was formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago!  The Ottauquechee River flowed 165 feet below us where we stood on the Route 4 bridge….the perfect place for bungee jumping!

Our next stop was Harpoons, but due to a miscommunication, the staff did not know we were coming and so we only stayed briefly to experience some of their beers.  We decided to head to McGrath’s, an Irish pub located near Pico where we spent some much needed relaxing time around the toasty fireplace and reflect on the day’s activities.  Some watched the ballgame in the room next door.  Others enjoyed a few beers or a game of chess.

The night was still young as we headed back to the lodge.  Lee and Abbie got the dance party started with some music while dinner was prepared.  It seemed like this not-too hungry crowd had just ate, but we were happy to enjoy the wonderful cuisine Phil had cooked for us.  Some stayed up late to enjoy the music and more dancing or just hang out, while others retired early.  We all scurried Sunday morning to eat, pack up, and head home or on to other travels.

Great job, Don Taggart! All appreciated the time and effort you took to organize this event and all agreed that this was another successful tour.  We look forward to the next one!

Written by Sue Ticotin

Photos by John Generoso, Larry Ticotin, Lee Desantis, Rob McDonald, Roy Spierer, Tracy Jelonnek

Posted by Larry Ticotin, Webmaster on Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 at 1:00 am.