Trip 15 - Berkshire

It was just a smidge over a year ago that Kayla got to enjoy her first 251 Club trip.  As it turns out, that was the last trip I'd been able to manage until today--I decided it was a lovely day and we needed to go explore the state for just a little bit.

Looking back at that trip last July, I'm amazed by just how scrawny Kayla, having been with us for not even two weeks, really was compared to Mex:

And now she dwarfs Mex in all dimensions!

Anyway, once again we hit Rt 105, then took a promising little road toward Berkshire (history, demographics):

Berkshire was one of six towns (the others being Enosburgh, Montgomery, Richford, Wyllis [now Jay] and Westfield) authorized by the legislature in the spring of 1780. Vermont was desperately looking for ways to raise money to supply her troops (the Continental Congress was disinclined to help) and the grant fees paid by those seeking land was a simple source of funds.

The petition requesting the charter flowed with admiration: "Whereas we have long been Spectators of the Struggles you have had in establishing and defending a New State on our Frontiers and being convinced of the Justice of your Cause as well as captivated with your Magnanimity and Heroism..."

How could the legislature refuse? The first man named in both the petition and the subsequent charter was William Goodrich of Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Massachussetts, a Captain in the militia which had marched to Lexington in 1775. Commissioned as a Major in 1777, his brigade was part of the Berkshire Company which helped win the Battle of Bennington. Many of the other grantees were his neighbors and most fought under him at Bennington. It is for their Massachusetts home that Berkshire is named.

Mex loves to do the Dog-in-a-Car-Window thing.  Kayla just makes herself comfy and stays out of the wind.

Katano farm, just south of Berkshire on Water Tower Road.

It's not easy controlling 2 dogz and a camera--this shot took three takes.

The church in the center of town, across the road from the clerk's office.

And this little shop rounds out "downtown."

We'll try to fit a few more trips in this summer.  Certainly won't let it go on hiatus for another year...

ntodd

Comments

[Chris Tucker]

You need to take them to the Dog Chapel. It's in St. Johnsbury, if I recall correctly.

[NTodd]

Cairo's been there a couple times, back in the day. Mex and Kayla need to make the pilgrimage next time we get to the Fortress!

[Lesley]

Ah, there's nothing like a summer excursion in a picturesque place like Vermont.

[Nancy]

Wonderful! Thank you for a delightful trip.

[ellroon]

Just so long as you don't strap them on to the roof....

Looks like it was a beautiful day, NTodd. Everything looks so crisp.

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