Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State and is the 19th state that I have visited in the US. When I pictured myself visiting Jamaica for the first time, it was not in the state of Vermont. But this summer, instead of beautiful beaches on the Caribbean island of Jamaica I was surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Jamaica, Vermont.
This was my first stop in my campervan road trip and my arrival was in the middle of a huge storm. I couldn’t see anything, barely had any service, and just ate a sad meal and went to sleep. I was really bummed because I wanted to explore the farm and meet my host family. It was a sad first night of the trip and as I was going to sleep I just told myself that “tomorrow will be better.”
I woke up the next day to the sound of machinery and a text from my host saying the road had washed out from the storm. The machinery I heard was my host and their neighbor trying to repave the road, but I was more stunned by the beautiful, green, secluded haven that I found myself in. When I looked at my surroundings, I didn’t even care that I was essentially stranded for the morning.
In front of me was open pastures with mountains as their backdrop and behind me were multiple beautiful gardens. Because I wasn’t going anywhere for a while, I was able to explore and take everything in (which I didn’t get to do when I arrived). I wish I could describe how beautiful and peaceful everything was. I was surrounded by flowers, butterflies, roaming chickens, and a very friendly cat.
My hosts were so friendly. They allowed me pick fruit from their garden and to eat my breakfast on their patio furniture. Best view along with the freshest blueberries that I have ever had.
Once the roads were cleared, it was time to head to Jamaica State Park to hike to the Hamilton Falls. The falls were amazing! Because of the crazy rain the day before the falls were roaring and powerful. The hike was very soggy, but the falls made the hike worth it! Even my soggy sneakers understood their sacrifice.
I don’t really hear many discussions about Vermont as a go to summer vacation spot, but I am adding it to my list. I daydream about living in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by my little gardens and nearby mountains. This trip to Vermont gave me a taste of what that life would be like. I feel like I may end up visiting Vermont again when I want to feel peaceful, connected to nature, and reminded how simple and beautiful this world could be.