I read in the Caledonian Record today that there may be something done soon to improve safety at the pedestrian crossing on Route 2 in West Danville. We all know that traffic zooms through there, most only slowing down slightly to turn across the bridge or turn onto Route 15.  That is an awkward configuration where Routes 2 and 15 join, and perhaps that will be changed and improved, as well. With the park and ride area across from the stores, foot traffic is heavy in the summer time when the population increases with cottage owners and people using the rail trail.

I went to St. Johnsbury today to get my car inspected and there was a survey crew working by the parking area, so apparently things are moving ahead - although they may have been doing the surveying because of the extensive resurfacing and possible re-configuring planned for Route 2 between Danville and Marshfield, and not expressly to improve traffic/crossing problems. The repaving of this stretch of road was interesting to me - in researching for the West Danville history, I learned that in 1927 when the road between Danville and Marshfield was widened and the first paving done, it cost a total of $175,000. It was considered one of the "widest and smoothest roads in the state."  However, Douglas Blackadar, who at that time  owned the farm at the intersection of Route 2 and West Shore Road, took a walk along the road as it was being worked on and pronounced it "crooked as a ram's horn." Over the years, it has been straightened (and widened) some, but I'm betting Mr. Blackadar would not be much more complimentary today than he was then. There is quite a lot about this road (Route 2) in our history. The project planned for 2022-23 will cost in the vicinity of $15 million. Whether that will include some solution for speeding through West Danville remains to be seen.

Some of you arriving back at the pond will be surprised when you take your first boat ride around the pond. Youngest son, Jamie and I went around the first two ponds one windy day last week and I was surprised at how much is going on. The former Prevost home on the Route 15 side of the lower narrows (top) has been leveled and preparations moving ahead for Marian Beatty Cairnes and her husband, Gary to build their new home; the former Reihmer cottage between the Gruggel/Cobb cottage and Terry Power's is gone to make room for a new building for the new owners,Bruce and Marilyn Heinrich (see 2nd photo). Also on the middle pond, several cottages on the Point Comfort peninsula are being renovated, (see below).

When we went to the first pond, I noticed the shore north of the beach (see photo on the right) has been changed - it looks much neater. I hadn't noticed that before, but it is possible it just looked more open because the RVs that are normally parked there are not in place. It also looked as if the kayak launch site has been improved. We will finish our tour of pond, on another day where it is warmer and less windy. 

By the way, don't forget to mark your calendars for the JPA Spring Meeting a week from this Saturday - on the 29th. The new JPA Directories will be available, and also Ice-Out tickets for 2022!