We went for a walk this afternoon and sort of bumped into some sleet and freezing rain, so we had to beat it back to the house. It's always interesting when the forecasters hit it right on the button!

I'm back at my computer now and have several things to share with you. First, my friend, Mary, who now lives in Randolph, sent these pictures of the whales that are just off the interstate at the exit for Randolph. It's good to see them back there. If you have been further north on the interstate you'll see them just outside of Burlington, as well. There's a story here. The original sculptures were "Reverence", done by sculptor Jim Sardonis in black granite and were at the Randolph site for about a decade until developers  bought the land where they stood. They were moved to the South Burlington location. The town of Randolph, didn't want that land developed, and with the help from the Preservation Trust of Vermont, raised $1 million and bought the land, putting it into conservation. The next step was to replace the sculptures. Jim Sardonis made a new, almost identical pair. cast in bronze. The new tails are a bit taller than the originals and are called "Whale Dance."

I have often admired the whales' tails, and knew that the people who live in the Randolph area must have missed them when the originals were moved. I just didn't know how much. I always thought the Randolph location was a perfect setting for them, and Mary got a great shot of them! Thank you, Mary, I  love that they are "home."

We came upon a very interesting piece on Bolton Valley yesterday and I thought if you haven't seen it already, many of you would be interested. As some of you will remember, Ned and Carolyn Hamilton (West Shore Road) were once part owners of the resort area. Ned appears near the end of the segment. Click Bolton Valley to see it.

Those of you who know Andy Rudin already know that he is a huge fan of Joe's Pond in particular and Vermont in general. Andy spends as much time as possible at the family cottage here at Joe's Pond and recently sent a letter to the Smithsonian Magazine in response to their plea for suggestions of small towns to feature in their magazine. We will keep you posted.

We've had positive feedback about the possibility the rail/trail may receive state and federal funding to actually be finished. It has been a long haul, but it seems the sections that are completed do get a lot of use. The section that is unfinished, from West Danville north through Walden and Hardwick north to Morrisville, is probably some of the most scenic and interesting of the whole 92 miles, and it will be a huge asset to have that available. As it is now, only about 1/3 of the trail is open, the section between West Danville and St. Johnsbury, and another section between Morrisville and Cambridge. If Gov. Scott is successful in getting funding passed, my hope is that the funds are spent wisely so the job can actually be completed. Projects like this one tend to run over budget if there isn't careful oversight. It would be a shame to have this one fail to reach completion. We'll see what happens.