Double Up Day

The Sunday after school has let out for the summer, plus 90 degree temps and 20 knot south wind, really gave us a challenge as to what to do for the day. We persevered and were pleasantly surprised once again to find the perfect day for the conditions. This time we went to Lake Champlain on the Vermont side and found few people at the Kingsland Bay local beach. This bay, that is next to the state park, is protected from southerly breezes and we had a nice kayak trip to the mouth of the harbor and back. The geology in the area is amazing and we paddled underneath this rock overhang. The lake level is already quite low for this early in the season.

The turtles like the rocks too, and I think they thought there was safety in numbers. They gave us the ole 'stink eye' as they plopped in the water when we passed by on our way back to the beach.

While we were in the area, we decided to visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. We hadn't been there in several years and were also surprised to find that there are no admission fees this year. Last year they were closed due to the pandemic and this year they still have their inside building exhibits closed, but want to give everyone a chance to visit the outside displays. 

The Philadelphia 2 is now hauled out of the water and on display. This is a replica gunboat of the original Philadelphia, and was built at the Maritime Museum beginning in 1989.

The Lois McClure, which we saw built and launched in Burlington back in 2004, is now at the museum's docks. This is a replica canal schooner, although right now it is not rigged. 

Longboats lined the docks also, with cute names like Beluga and Blue Heron. 

This boat was used in the 1993 film "Where the Rivers Flow North".

Donated yellow submarine that was previously used on the lake...

There was no information on this gigantic four cylinder Clark engine. Dave thought maybe it came out of one of the ferries that crossed the lake. I thought it looked like something we would have found in the Bahamas. 😉

This long handled winch must be a hit with the kids as they participate and experience how it works.

We only saw two other visitors during the time we were on the property, so I hope more people take advantage of this museum and its wealth of  history. We'll be back and perhaps someday take part in one of their programs, of which there are many during a normal summer. It was another fine day and once again when everyone zigged, we zagged!