All Downhill From Here Mar 2, 2015
Welcome to March in Vermont.
So far it’s not much different than February but we know it’ll start warming up soon.
We can almost see it… just a little way down the road.
Bear Claw to Jeremiah Johnson: “Winter’s a long time going, eh? Stays long this high. March is a green, muddy month down below. Some folks like it. Farmers mostly.”
Order a Print
Speaking of March, I’ll be drawing our monthly free print winner this week.
If you are receiving A Day in Vermont email every Monday morning you are subscribed and your name is in the hat. Good luck!
If not, you can SUBSCRIBE now.
251 Club Update
Maybe you have heard of the 251 Club of Vermont?
Vermont has 251 towns. As a member of the 251 Club you…
“Travel at your own pace, in a season or in a lifetime, by car, on foot, or whatever conveyance suits your style. There are no rules, no records to keep, no requirements. The expectation is that you will be inventive and adventurous in following the road less traveled to Vermont’s little known corners, as well as its more popular destinations.”
No rules, no records to keep, and no requirements. My kind of club!
It will of course take us a few years to explore and paint every corner of Vermont.
I couldn’t be more thankful to have you along on this adventure.
The 251 Club website provides an interactive map that allows members to keep track of progress.
Here is our updated Day in Vermont map. Only 195 paintings to go!
I can so picture that road.
Thanks David!
Great stuff Peter, …Fantastic….Still one of my all time favorite movies…J.J. “watch your top notch…”.thank you ol friend Rick.
Yes, apparently in the old west the “Watch your top knot/Watch yourn” parting between friends referred to one’s hair, and protecting it from winding up as a scalp. As Del Gue explained to Jeremiah as to why Del shaved his head…”Mad Wolf figures like every other Injun I know. Says this scalp isn’t fit for no decent man’s lodgepole. Ain’t the first time I’ve protected my head in such a way.”
I’m so looking forward to warm weather, I’ll happily endure Mud Season! (So I say NOW.) Have always loved the concept of the 251 Club. Though I’ve visited most VT towns, the Northeast Kingdom remains pretty-much unexplored and I’ll make that a goal this summer to do that area. Thanks for reminding me to get out there and savor! Charlotte
Thanks Charlotte, yes as you can see be my map, the NEK is ripe for exploring. My “problem” is that I often set out for a distant location and then stumble onto a great subject right down the road. I’ll have to practice some restraint I think.
Great painting. Great movie. Great quote.
Thanks Joe, hope you guys are doing OK.
You make my Mondays. THANK YOU !!!
Thanks Nancy!
Sixty-plus years ago my Dad used to hang sap buckets on the maples along a road so much like the one you’ve depicted. I can almost feel the warmth of early spring sunshine on my neck as I remember walking down the road listening to the dripping of sap and the soft “phee-be-be” calls of chick-a-dees as they serenaded their mates. Thank you for sharing another beautiful painting.
I love to hear those wonderful soft sounds of spring. It won’t be long before we see some sap buckets. Thanks Brian!
Love that movie! Have you ever driven on Goat Farm road in Pittsford Vt? There is some beautiful scenic views.
JJ is a classic movie for sure. It’s the main reason I decided to go to Colorado to school for a couple of years in the early eighties. Had to see those Rocky Mountains. I’ll check out Goat Farm Rd my next opportunity. Thanks Anita!
Another GORGEOUS piece, Peter….and if I may be so bold….I “sense” some “seasonal hope” in “them thar hills!” Just that feeling of “something’s changing!” And after THIS winter….wouldn’t that be a BLESSING!
Agreed on all counts Victoria. The light is different now than in the dead of winter. Subtle changes, yet profound. Thank you!
You did it again and reminded us Spring is just at the bottom of the hill. We love our 251 membership. Since joining last August we have visited 75 of the most endearing places in the world. You have the beginning of another book. It will be a treasure just like your ” Day in Vermont” book. You make our Mondays!
You guys are way ahead, I have to catch up! The 251 book will be a thick one…at least 251 pages. Thanks again for your amazing support!
Ah yes 251 club, I worked for the Vermont Agency of transportation for 30 years. The 251 club was always a fun thing for me as I have probably been to each town in the state at least 4 times. What fun to go and see all of our beautiful state. As i see your beautiful paintings, it is fun for me to recognize where they are ! Love your work 🙂
Thanks very much Dan. Sounds like you will recognize virtually anything I paint. I’ve got a long way to go but what a fun objective and adventure.
Jeremiah Johnson is a favorite movie of mine. And Bear Claw was a fantastic character. Thanks so much for bringing a hint of spring color into that painting. Cheers Peter!
I learned through this post that there are many woman out there who enjoyed that movie too. Who knew? Gotta love a movie with rich character development and a pack-horse-load of quotable quotes. Thanks Kate!