Today was the first of our trips away. We decided to go mountain climbing (in the truck). About 40miles away is a mountain called Sugar-Loaf Mountain which is a US State Area and also the location where part of a Mel Gibson film (Edge of Darkness) was shot.
We decided to splash out on the toll charge and took the Mass Turnpike part way. The toll charge….. .45c! The countryside around here is all wooded rolling hills, very picturesque.
As we approached the area we started looking for signs of the mountain….. nothing! We followed the directions to the State Area, still no mountain. Finally arrived there, paid our $2 to allow us to drive up the (wherever it may be hiding) mountain and up we went. To be fair there was one switchback, and we did climb. The top was at 674ft!, the campsite is over 700ft, hence the title. Anyway it was one of the taller lumps around, and we did have a great view from the top. Once we had seen the views and the mighty Connecticut River we left the dizzy height of the mountain and drove down to the old village of Historic Deerfield.
On the way we “happened” (mustn’t let Lyn navigate too often) to drive past the Yankee Candle company store. Evidently Yankee candles are well known among candle officianados . I have to admit the store was amazing, very large and full of candles of every scent you could imagine (and quite a few that you couldn’t). Not only were there candles there was also a large area given over to a Bavarian Village, all decked out with Bavarian Christmas decorations. The final part of the store featured old country style children’s toys.
Back on the road again, we reached Deerfield. The village was part preserved houses open as museums or for public viewing and part lived in houses. The village dates back to the mid 1600’s, old for the USA I guess. Below is the village Post Office
Deerfield, MA Post Office
To save the outlandish toll charges we took the cross country route home. Again it was all wooded rolling hills, there was no sign of any large communities, just houses along the road or the occasional small villages.
A good day out, with lots of good scenery.