12. Travelling day

I am not one for spending time in a car but sometimes it has to be done and today was one of those days. We had our first frost but that was short lived as the day rapidly warmed as the sun shone down. Leaving Stowe - we could have done with a few more days here easily - we followed the crazily named Mad River south through the Vermont forests and valleys, keeping to minor roads. There were numerous danger signs warning of bear and moose crossings but still no sightings for us.
Sitting driving did give us time to reflect on our travels and experiences thus far and get our thoughts down.  The people we have met in the US to date have all been absolutely lovely and so friendly, especially when out hiking, and drivers are very courteous and stop and give way to pedestrians. We are enjoying the craft brewery trade and sampling local products and of course the weather so far has most been brilliant. Our only issue is the price of everything following the struggling pound after our Brexit and the poor exchange rate, the tax added on to all purchases and the obligatory 20% tips expected.
We wound down through Ludlow and Chester (it's almost like being back home) where Steve spotted a special tourist train (shucks, no time for that today) although I am not so sure about rail/road crossing safety with just a few flashing lights and no gates or barriers. Our route was scenic, the roads quiet and with Steve's American rock compilation playing we had a good singalong too. When we re-entered Massachusetts on the Interstate 95 the foliage was still all very red and glowing, southern New England being somewhat behind in the 'fall' progress.
Sturbridge is a one night stop for us but we had time for a walk round the historic centre, with some lovely houses, which was hosting a Halloween festival; they really do go to town with it all over here. It seemed only right for us to buy some pumpkin beer!