The upper portion of Lake Champlain is divided by a string of north-south islands with memorable names: Grand Isle, North Hero, South Hero, Isle La Motte. To the east of these islands is a separate body of water called The Inland Sea. It is a world unto itself. Yes, you can see the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, but these are the northern extensions and are not as grand. Everything seems flatter.
The agricultural activities at the northern end of Vermont's Champlain Valley are legendary. Huge dairy farms, hay operations, maple sugaring. Expansive flat fields where economies of scale (and scope) can be practiced by the farmers here.
We passed by many smaller islands, such as Butler and Savage and Knight. But we decided to stay at Burton Island State Park. Here's a picture at the southwest corner of the Island.
On the northeast corner of the Island, there is a sheltered area that has docks, anchorages, a ranger's office, deli, firewood, and other camper supplies. For people with boats or with no boats, this is a welcoming place to visit. Kids flourish here.
Here are some of the facilities.
The ferry provides transportation from the mainland. Here's the ferry arriving at 8 am.
And Brio tied up to the outer docks. This was Monday morning and the weekend "trippers" had gone back to work.
Now we head south to Burlington, leaving the Inland Sea.
We make a quick tour of Mallets Bay, which is a sailing "capital" on the Lake.
Then to Burlington where we meet our friend for dinner.
Cheers,
Brio
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