Vt. Maple Products

HI everyone! Boy have I been busy. There is always something to do when you make pure Vermont maple syrup, even at this time of year. Well summer is in full swing, and the weather is getting hot. Vermont for most of the year is cool to downright cold! But we do have month or two where is really warms up. At that time the locals seek out their favorite Vermont swimming holes and beaches.

Now Vermont has many streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. So different people have different preferences when it comes to soaking in the water. Some people who live up more in the mountains love to swim and cool off in the beautiful trout streams we have. Since those streams wind their way down all mountains there is always one close by.

The Vermont mountain streams flow over rocks and cliffs, sometimes making big cold pools below the falls. These are popular with the local young people. Many have their own secret place they go to, but there are some popular spots that everyone knows about too.

The problem with this type of swimming is you have to really be careful. It’s all rocks, and a slip or fall can be very dangerous. In fact there is several popular water falls that have claimed a few lives over the years. Don’t dive in the pool, as it’s hard to see hidden rocks below.

If you just be careful and choose a pool that is not close to big falls downstream you’ll be fine. This type of swimming is very relaxing and most of the time you have the pool all to yourself. However mountain streams can be damn cold, even in the summer. So if you can’t take the cold, pond or lake swimming is more what your looking for.

There are many small to large ponds all over Vermont. Some have rocky shores, while others have a more sandy shore, even a small beach. There are lots of state run beaches on Vermont ponds, as well as ones that are just used by everyone. Lots of younger people have campfires and parties along private pond beaches.

The water in small ponds is the warmest you will find anywhere, except for a swimming pool! So if you like it warm and not cold then small ponds are a good choice. If your not sure what the bottom is like, test it out first by wearing sneakers. Most pond bottoms are sand, but some may have rocks, logs or bottles.

Then we have Lake Champlain, the 7th largest freshwater lake in the USA. There are lots of state parks along the lake, and most have a small beach. The water tends to be colder than ponds but warmer than streams. Sand is what most of the bottom is, or very small rocks.

There are even state campgrounds along Lake Champlain and other ponds. So check out the many places to swim in Vermont, it’s a great way to cool down. Of course, when you head home, remember to pick up some of that pure Vermont maple syrup for some good eating!!