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Best of Vermont River Sampler
Vermont
USA
Vermont is a kaleidoscope of rustic and panoramic beauty, nowhere more splendidly experienced than from the vantage point of a canoe. Our Inn-to-Inn Vermont River Sampler is a classic adventure. Canoe the best of Vermont as part of a free-spirited band of travelers, moving from river to river and inn to inn. Our days are simple and loosely structured, and evenings at the inns are relaxed and laid-back. The total experience is a tapestry: Some of the threads reveal an outdoors of swimming holes, sunny rocks, soft forests, spectacular waterfalls and exquisite picnics; other threads describe an indoors of fine table linen, antiques and handmade quilts, fine food graciously served, and surroundings rubbed soft and mellow by many seasons of hospitality.
We gather together Sunday evening at the Three Stallion Inn, a Vermont coutnry inn nesteld near the quiet village of Randolph. Originally a farmhouse on a working stock farm the inn now combines charm and friendliness to capture the distinct character of rural VermontThe village is a hidden treasure that most would never find on their own. It is pure "Vermont". Its secluded location makes it a favorite with our guests Monday after breakfast we head north to the Winooski River, with its deep gorges and fine views. Put in is at a rocky gorge, a place where the water is quiet and the surroundings hint at the magnificent scenery to come. Our paddling begins on easy water, enjoying distant mountain views that include Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump. Monday evening we arrive in Stowe, one of Vermont's most famed ski towns. Tuesday we're off to the Lamoille River, with its secluded scenery and comfortable paddling on water that varies from lazy to quick. By mid day we arrive at the spectacular Dogs Head and Sloping Falls waterfalls. The soothing noise of rushing water and the intricate arrangement of crags, gullies, cracks and holes set the scene as we lay back against our canoes, sunning, eating and enjoying.
We continue north into the Northeast Kingdom, an unspoiled area that many consider to be the rural jewel in our state's crown. We immediately begin to unwind at the Village House Inn situated in the small village of Albany. The large wrap around porch is inviting with its comfortable rocking chairs and porch swing, the perfect place to watch the world go by. The hospitality here is warm and the food simply delicious. On Wednesday we have some wonderful choices. We can spend the day on one of two stretches of the Missisquoi, a lazy river which loops into Canada, or we may travel to the upper waters of the Connecticut River. Here we find ourselves well north of civilization, with the exception of a few farms. At the end of the day we return to the Village House Inn for another relaxing evening in this enchanted corner of the state. Thursday continues as our "whatever-we-want-to-do" day in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. The isolated Clyde, if that is our choice, boasts what we think is the finest paddle in the entire state...a section that is gorgeous and magical all the way. We may choose to canoe a section of the Black river as with it's quick water and quiet water passing through quiet forests and a wildlife sanctuary. Our final evening is at the October Country Inn. Gracious common rooms filled with antiques and fresh flowers await our arrival. We relax in our comfortable surroundings and perhaps take a stroll before gathering for dinner.
Friday is saved for the White, one of the best loved canoe runs in all of New England. The White is lively and sweet, a clean, bouldery river in an unspoiled valley. Everywhere you look, the White's crystal clear water tumbles between easy ledges and deep pools. By the end of the week, we guarantee that you'll have unwound on the Vermont Sampler. Many guests describe it as a metamorphosis, widening from Sunday's narrow focus of worry and hurry...to Friday's smiles and hugs.
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Meeting:
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Randolph hotel
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Airport:
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Burlington, Montpelier
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Transfer:
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Randolph
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations with private bath, meals as indicated, 5 guided canoeing days
| A | 2010 | 6 day trip | 6d / 5n | $1575 |
| Single supplement (requested) | $225 |
| Small group supplement (4-7) pp +10% | $0 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Randolph
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$0
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2010
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Airport Transfer each way
- to be paid locally
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$85
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Rates do not include:
Meals not indicated in the itinerary, drinks
Day 1 We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting. The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm. We will gather for dinner at 7:00pm.
Day 2 We are off on our journey throughout Vermont. After breakfast we leave our cars behind and travel by canoe and our van for the next five days. The Winooski is a sampler in itself with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas. That afternoon we will load up for the trip north to Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East", and a pleasant summer town. Monday evening we will be guests at the Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!
Day 3 We usually choose the Lamoille River for our second day. Wide open views of valleys and interesting geological rock formations depict the character of this river. We will put-in at a secluded spot just below Cady's Falls. Lunch is often near the portage around Dogs Head and Sloping Falls. If the water and our mood is right, we will run Sit-A-While rapid and Ithiel Falls, and canoe through the wonderful granite islands in the afternoon. A point of interest in the Lamoille is the only river we know that changed its headwaters. It originally rose in Long Pond, until June 6, 1810, when folks from Barton opened a channel to drain some more water into the Barton River for the mills downstream. However, the barrier turned out to be quicksand under a clay encrustment, and Long Pond (about 1 2 miles long) drained itself in about 15 minutes. The resulting wall of water swept cows and 100 tons of rocks down stream destroying houses, but killing no one. Now it is known as Runaway Pond - the headwaters of the Barton River. Tuesday night will be the first of two evenings spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by.
Day 4 Today we begin some wonderful choices. The Missisquoi is a wide meandering river that flows westward across the top of Vermont, with a loop into Canada, on it's way to Lake Champlain. Hills and mountains are the backdrop of this beautiful valley as the river cuts through quiet meadows and farmland almost entirely away from the road. Or we could head to the Black River where there are several sections we can choose from. We easily settle into the Black's gentle pace as we head north toward Lake Memphremagog. The Connecticut river is also a choice with its fast water, seclusion and scenery. The day ends as it began at the Village House Inn. The peace and quiet of the Northeast Kingdom surround us as we enjoy one more evening with Kate. Her warm hospitality and excellent cooking make it hard to leave. We enjoy sharing stories of the day on the porch or taking a quiet walk along one of the many backroads that meander through the village.
Day 5 We continue our Choice of Rivers day. The Clyde - a stretch that is gorgeous and magical all the way. Hemlock and cedar trees line the banks while blue herons and kingfishers hunt for fish in the clear water of the river. Another choice could be the Green River Reservoir. We could spend days upon days exploring this hidden out-of-the-way lake, with its many coves, inlets and bays. There are no motor boats to disturb the nesting loons, so the canoe is the only way to explore. Indeed a wonderful day if we want to be in a canoe, off the roads and with nature. We end our journey at the October Country Inn near Woodstock Vermont. We will have time to relax on the lawn, or go for a walk before we gather for our final dinner together. The october Coutnry Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and a welcome haven after our journey into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.
Day 6 The best is saved for last. The White River! One of the best loved canoe runs in the state. We will run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, Class I and II rapids over the White's ledges. A lot depends on water level, but we guarantee it will be a fitting finale to our Tour de Vermont. We plan to arrive back at the Green Trails Inn in the late afternoon to pick up our cars and say our good byes and begin our journey back to reality.
Meeting:
Randolph hotel
Airport:
Burlington, Montpelier
Transfer:
Randolph
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film. Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly. Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
*Polypro or capilene undershirt and pants for Fall trips
*Lightweight nylon pants (the type where the legs zip off into a pair of shorts are very handy)
*Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
*Wool sweater or fleece top for Fall trips
*Rain jacket and pants
*Wide brimmed hat.
*Sunglasses with security strap.
*Sunscreen, insect repellent
*Lip balm, chapstick
*Water bottle
*Personal toiletries
*Personal medications
*Bandana
*Camera and film
Additional Clothes for Paddling
*Shorts
*T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
*Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.
Optional Gear
*Binoculars
*Pocketknife
*Swimsuit
*Field guides, bird books, and travel books
*Journal notebook, pen, good book
*Extra eye glasses, sunglasses, security straps
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Sunday: Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting.
The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm.
Monday: Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!
Tuesday and Wednesday: Two evenings are spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by. Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher
Thursday: We end our journey at the October Country Inn near Woodstock Vermont. We will have time to relax on the lawn, or go for a walk before we gather for our final dinner together. The october Coutnry Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and a welcome haven after our journey into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort. Innkeepers--Edie and Chuck Janise
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Best of Vermont River Sampler
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