Shawn and Helen in front of their home located in Montpelier, VT.
After a long cold day in the rain, Erica and I received a warm welcome from a loving couple, three dogs, five cats, and two ponies. Shawn and Helen live in a beautiful home that was converted from a 180 year old farm house. They both enjoy taking weeks at a time touring on their individual BMW R1200GS's (see the Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman photo from my first post) and taking care of fellow adventurers as ourselves. They opened both their door and refrigerator to Erica and me that night.
The next morning with Maine in our sights and french toast in our stomachs, Erica and I say our goodbyes and think about the road ahead. Until, we noticed that Erica's BMW was leaking engine coolant and our plans changed instantly. Shawn and Erica pulled the bike into the barn to diagnose the problem. After a few phones calls, spilled coolant, and a futile attempt at leaving again we ended spending the day in Montpelier and the second night with Shawn and Helen, which I was excited about.
Montpelier, we have a problem.
Vermont is definitely a state that takes care of their own and produces some of the finest maple syrups, cheeses, and ice cream around. Shawn took us around the Capital of Vermont as sort of an impromptu tour. It ended with Maple Creamy ice cream cones from Morse Sugar Farm, so good.
A Vermonter staple
Helen's two ponies
Kittens are ridiculously cute
With a bit more confidence in the condition of Erica's bike we will set out towards Portland, ME where she can get her bike looked at while we spend a couple days exploring Maine. Thanks again Shawn and Helen for taking care of Erica and me as if we were your own.
Late night blogging. Photo by Erica.
