Kayaking on the Conneticut River is a central part of life for Vermont host, Bonna. For her, life is about sharing not only her home but also the beauty of the land and water that surrounds it. As a kayaking guide, she takes visitors out on the water to explore the wilderness and rugged beauty of the area. She also loves to ski of course, living near some of the best ski fields in Vermont.
The natural environment, the wonderful people, the awesome communities all over the place, from small towns creating activities for families, to non-profit organizations all working towards a creative, healthy, sustainable life-style. Unspoiled land, clean air, natural space.
Vermont is great anytime of the year. We have kayaking in warmish weather, cross country skiing and downhill skiing in winter, beautiful seasons going round and round.
When I lived in South East Alaska for 12 years, and got around by canoe, I decided to learn to kayak and go to Glacier Bay. I still haven't made it there yet but in 2000 I started kayaking more and more, collecting boats so I could take campers and folks out on the water. The Connecticut River has been my main body of water for fun and relaxation. Having moved from living over the ocean, it was and has been wonderful to have this flowing and lake-like water body. It is a central part of life in the upper valley.
I love kayaking at Green River Reservoir, basically wilderness where you paddle in to your campsites. We also have primitive campsites on the Connecticut River, and I love leading trips there.
I enjoy Isabelle's cafe for breakfast, E. Thetford, VT. Local and familiar. I also like Cafe 232 in S. Strafford, again for local foods.
Killington is one hour from my house, and I like Pico, just next door to Killington. Suicide Six is 45 minutes from here, and is great for warm ups, a quick day or partial day trip, and for families.
When I built my home 20 years ago, I realised that it was for sharing. I came from the wilderness of Alaska where we did not have to own land. I consider myself a caretaker here, and the beauty and peacefulness of this land, with field, forest, stream and trails, don't need to be coveted, but shared.
Be present, have fun with your guests, it is so enriching to have people come and stay at your home. Check to see if there are dietary delights to support people's needs.
Fancy a paddle down the Conneticut River or planning a ski holiday in Vermont? View Bonna's homestay in Vermont and check out her kayaking website.
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