Maple Syrup, Basin Harbor, and Lake Champlain HOP

Before we left the Champlain Valley Exposition grounds where the Escapade RV Rally was held we attended the Maple Syrup, Basin Harbor, and Lake Champlain HOP.  We boarded the bus at 8:45am along with 52 others plus our tour guide.

 We headed south on US-7 along the Vermont Countryside.

 And we stopped at Dankin Farm

 The owner explained the Maple Syrup refining process and how the smoke bacon.

 Afterward most people went into the retail store.

Next we headed to Basin Harbor for our boat ride on Lake Champlain

 Their Cruise boat only held 48 passengers, so the last 6 of us plus our tour guide got a special ride with the Harbor Master in a beautiful new boat.

 He explained the geography, geology, and hisrory of the area.

 After our boat ride we had lunch in the Ranger Room at the Lodge Restaurant.

 Then we visited the Hoehl Family Education & Visitor Center at the Maritime Museum,

On the way back we stopped at a small Ice Cream Shop.

 Passing through the Village of Shelbourne on the way back to the Expo Center