Getting By With A Little Help From Our Friend

Day 35  |  Burlington

It has been the Barry and Robin show for close to two weeks now since saying goodbye to fellow Loopers in Waterford. They headed into the Erie Canal and we through Lake Champlain. To say we were looking forward to catching up with a friend from Richmond was an understatement. We have known Jack for 15 years, dating back to when we both had sailboats at Regent Point Marina. He is a Burlington native and now spends his summers here, away from the Virginia heat and humidity.

Jack graciously accepted some packages for us -- one containing our mail (thank you, Todd) and another containing a spare water pump. He also drove us around to pick up a list of items from West Marine, Home Depot, and Walmart. When we were done, we had enough to fill the dock cart. We quickly put away the refrigerated items and headed off for lunch at a cafe right up the hill from the marina. Jack shared some local knowledge and experiences of growing up on Lake Champlain. A few photos later, we said goodbyes and returned to Crossroads to put away the rest of our purchases.

The late afternoon turned chilly and rainy, but we ventured out anyway for a good walk. Burlington's commercial district is up a pretty good incline from the waterfront. We got in our hill workout once again, knowing it was all downhill on the way back to the marina. We examined some of the local monuments and overlooks. When we came upon the Lone Sailor statute, we both quickly noted that it is the same one as on Whiskey Pier in Norfolk overlooking the USS Wisconsin. Google confirmed that there are 15 such statues around the country. The original is located in Washington, DC.

We headed back to Crossroads and happened upon the most interesting sight of the day. As we walked down the ramp to our slip there was a couple looking into the water. We joined them and spotted a lone beaver out for a swim. He came up onto the rocky shore and was oblivious to the growing crowd gathering to observe him. We all stood by for 10-15 minutes, just watching in silence as he ate then glided back into the water. In the end, nature always provides the best show.

We will stay here tomorrow to do a few boat projects and a load or two of laundry. We will also head back into town, hopefully making it to the top of the hill and the University of Vermont campus.