Epicures speak of 'pairings'. As in choosing a wine that complements a particular meal. I'm no epicure so what 'pairing' means to me is just finding something good to eat and drink after a day of outdoor fun. Take a recent Sunday for example...
Gwenne, myself and others have been helping our neighbor George socialize his four puppies before they moved on to new homes. You're probably thinking "How hard can that be?" Let me tell you "Plenty hard". As soon as George lets them out of their kennel enclosure they head in four different directions at about 90 mph. Our job was to keep them from the road and out of a nearby brushy woods that had a magnetic draw on the little fur balls. They were all sweethearts and it was rewarding to see them mature from day to day but we always breathed a sigh of relief when they tired and were ready for a nap. .
It was turning into another hot summer day so once 'puppy play time' was over our thoughts turned to swimming and (of course) a little something to eat. We got to Cambridge too late for the Kings donut cart so it was on to the Wayside for provisions and a bridge-side snack in West Arlington.
A few more Vermont errands and a little backroad exploring brought us to Quarry Hill in North Pownal. This is a Nature Conservancy preserve noted for its botanical diversity. The limestone/marble bedrock ensures plenty of calcium in the soil and the dry, sunny orientation also creates a niche for a variety of plants. Jerry Jenkins has studied this site for many years and you can watch as he explains the local ecology to a group of botany enthusiasts on this Youtube video. With little rare plant expertise we simply enjoyed the hike to the top of the quarry and the views of the Hoosic Valley. Note that there are only a couple of parking places, a mostly hidden sign and no trail markers. Throw in some very steep cliffs and this place might not be for everyone.
Quarry Hill is great for spring wildflowers but on a hot mid-summer afternoon it's hard to beat the Pownal Tubs. These sculpted swimming holes in a small Hoosic River tributary are scattered in a tree shaded gorge. We spent a pleasant hour here dropping our body temperature to near hypothermic levels in the refreshingly icy water. Thanks to the volunteers and visitors who keep this private property oasis pristine and open to all. You and the Tubs are a gift.
So what 'pairs' with a fun summer afternoon of hiking and swimming? How about a burger and beer at Brown's Walloomsac Brewery and Taproom. The place was hopping but we managed to score a couple spots at the bar and believe me, a cold lager and beef in a bun never tasted so good.
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