Colebrook Reservior - Ice Fishing

Colebrook, CT - I was driving by the Colebrook Reservoir yesterday and saw the ice fishermen out on the ice.



This part of the reservoir was iced over but farther down the water was open. We have had a rather cold spell the last few weeks, along with the rest of the country, and the ice was safe to walk on.

I guess these are the "high tech" guys, I see they have their fish finder. I wonder if they caught more fish than the others?

Swift River Candle Co and Gate 8 Bait Shop

Pelham, MA - The "boys" and I took another ride today and ended up going through Pelham MA. I saw a sign that said Swift River Candle company and decided to check it out.


I walked in and was met by Bill Martell the owner who runs this business with his wife Kathy. He explained that he started with just the bait shop but fishing started to slow down so he started making candles. He told me he enjoyed making the candles which he does in an adjacent building. He told me most of his business was before Christmas and slacks off after the holidays. During the fishing season he is open seven days a week so you can pick up your bait; in the winter he stops selling bait. He told me that if you continue down Packardville Road, you go through a gate and come to a boat launch in Quabbin Reservoir, hence Gate 8.



Some of his stock of candles.



Even more candles.

If you are driving to Pelham, the shop is just past the Belchertown, MA line. This time of year it is open on weekends only. So, for all your candle or bait needs, stop in. If it is not summer you might want to call ahead.

The location is: 200 Packardville Road, Pelham, MA
Telephone: 413-323-7117 or 413-323-9183

The Grange House

Colebrook, CT - I have started a new blog called, "The Grange House" it is to document the transformation of an old Grange building into our new home.




So check in frequently and see how our house is progressing. We close in a few days and work will start in a few weeks (fingers crossed).

Click here: The Grange House

Shelburne Farms Sleigh Rides

Shelburne, VT - Every weekend(with snow on the ground) Shelburne Farms gives sleigh rides from 11:00am - 2:00 pm for a fee at the Welcome Center of the farm. The rides are for 15 minutes and go every half hour. Note: you can only get a reservation for these rides by going to the Welcome Center, we got there at 11 am and they were already sold out so get there early. Click link below for ride info and reservations for private rides.

Info:CLICK HERE

King Arthur Flour Baker's Store

Norwich, VT - On the way back from Vermont today my wife and I stopped at the King Arthur Flour Baker's Store. At this store you can buy flours, baking mixes, have a cup of coffee and freshly baked pastries, take a cooking class, watch a cooking demo, or even check your e-mail with the free Wi-fi. Of course anything for baking that you could want.

This is the outside of the store.



I got this girl to stop what she was doing for a photo.


A photo of some of the pastries. We took home a loaf of artisan breads they make there for dinner...delicious. Excellent crust!



I asked this woman to stop for a photo in the demo kitchen. Another woman came over and said that was her station and this woman would make the Internet...again. All in good fun.


A photo of King William taken by my wife.


Information about the store CLICK HERE