There is no denying it – Vermont is unremittingly pretty! We spent a slightly shorter day heading back southwards, exploring the rural backwaters, pretty wooden farms and villages, and more forests and lakes. And all of it close against the wooded ridgelines of the Green Mountains. Lovely Sunday cycling. 

It was misty this morning after yesterday evening’s rain. Yet the sun soon began to burn it off, with spectacular results as banks of cloud hung low over wooded ridges.

  
We had our customary second breakfast in Bristol. Most of the town was in the rather nice diner, having a late breakfast. Last Sunday morning’s second breakfast in a similar diner in Port Dover, on Lake Erie in Canada, already seems a long away away! 

  
  
Perhaps the highlight of the day was a loop, first up to and then round, Lake Dunmore and Branbury State Park. The peaceful lake was nestled right under the Green Mountains, with beaches and holiday homes all around. We lingered long enough for ice creams, but I could happily have a holiday based there. 

  
The final few miles continued in the same vein. On the approach to Rutland by a back road we were stopped by a washed away bridge (no advanced warning!) and had to go back and round. But that’s the first time in the entire ride that we have been forced to back track. 

As the day wore on it became harder and harder to ignore the fact that our ride has nearly finished. After scenery and cycling like today it’s hard not to wish for more. But there is still one more strenuous day tomorrow. We are still the wrong side of the Green Mountains and have a final pass to look forward to, before the final roll in to Boston on Tuesday.