Day 4 South Burlington to North Hero Island

Miles: 47.6 miles
Actual ride time in saddle: 4 hr 2 min
Average speed: 11.7 mph
Max speed: 29.5 mph

The morning started out with a leisurely ride through the bike paths of Burlington. The path wound through neighborhoods and parks and eventually took us down to the waterfront where we followed the lake for quite a while. The lakefront view was spectacular and the bike path and bridges are in great shape. The biggest hazard of the morning was dealing with the walkers, bikers, families and joggers who also shared the bike path. We rarely got to 10 mph. Once we got to Colchester the path was a maze of turns through more neighborhoods that fortunately were well marked, but unfortunately added about 10 miles and what seemed like a couple of hours to the trip. It was a beautiful ride though and we would definitely do it again.

After leaving the bike path however, we traveled on routes 2 and 7 and found it to have the most and fastest moving traffic that we encountered so far. For the most part, there was at least a narrow bike path, but the traffic was constant and fast. The good news was that we were also able to crank up the pace. Route 2 brought us directly to the islands with a relatively good shoulder but there were numerous gradual long inclines that tired us out in the highest heat of the day.

We were starving by the time we got to South Hero, and stopped for lunch at one of the first places we could find, Seb’s, which was a real disappointment. The food was greasy and the bees were a nuisance. Traveling again, we had to stop to hydrate and cool down after many of the slow climbs because of the heat. The last few miles were the most challenging -- only because of the heat. We found ourselves stopping just three miles from our destination to cool our sweaty and tired bodies on the shaded grass under a lonely pear tree we saw along the way.

It was worth the trip though, because once we got to our lakeside room at the North Hero House we changed and went for a refreshing swim in Lake Champlain. The water was cool and clean and the day seemed almost perfect. We hung out for a couple of hours and sat on lounge chairs taking in the incredible view of the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Dinner reservations were for 7:15 and we enjoyed Atlantic Salmon, a delicious field green salad, gazpacho, chocolate lava cake and a flourless chocolate torte for dessert along with a bottle of Fess Parker Pinot Noir.

After dinner we viewed the stars from the hot tub on the beach. Now I am finishing the blog on our private screened in porch while Tom enjoys the hammock. It has been a wonderful and challenging week.

We soon begin our last trek back to where we started. Thanks to all of our followers who have given us encouragement. We really appreciate each of your comments.