Hello Canada!

Sometimes on road trips you spot things you just have to turn around and go back to take a closer look. Such was the case when we spotted these sculptures outside Steve Myott’s studio in northern Vermont. Everything is created from “found” materials that can be recycled. 

All the sculptures have feet with rollers to move them easily.

After that excitement it was on to Canada. For my fellow Louise Penny novel fans who have seen the map she provided in her latest newsletter, we are attempting to visit all those sites.

Believe it or not this is Hovey Manor located near North Hatley, itself a beautiful village on a lake. Unfortunately we picked a day when the Manor was closed to visitors because a company had booked the entire facility. Also unfortunately, it’s being renovated and an adjacent spa is being built so this shot was the closest we could get. Normally one can not only stay there but also come for lunch or dinner. Maybe another time.

Next on the list was St. George’s Church in Georgeville. The inside had just the look and feel I’d imagined when Gamache went to church. If you go, don’t be afraid to try the front door as they leave it unlocked to welcome visitors. I noted the last folks (all women) to visit were from the Albany area. I’m betting they all belong to the same book group.

The last Penny stop of the day was the Old Manor House. I was told by one of the guests staying there it’s owned by a women who rents it out in the summer. There is no sign so am not quite sure how one would do that. If you go it’s just up the hill on the road in back of the church. It’s easy to miss so go slow.

When I was asking some locals (everyone here is very friendly!) directions to the Manor they suggested we also take the first road to the left after the manor. (Dirt but well maintained.) They said to start looking near the end of the road for life size sculptures in the fields and woods. This was one of them in front of one of the buildings. We probably missed some but we did see sculptures of turkeys, pigs, a herd of bison, a moose, a flock of geese suspended over a pond, Native Americans. Pretty incredible. The people who told me about them didn’t know who the sculptor was or who owned the property.

Then it was on to the Auberge Lakeview Inn in Knowlton where we’re staying for a couple of nights. The rooms are old, charming and comfortable and the Innkeepers are lovely. It was easy to see why Hillary and her Secret Service might have enjoyed staying here when she worked with Penny on their joint novel. The Inn is totally unpretentious which was probably a pleasant change from many other places Hillary has stayed. Gee, I’m now wondering if John & I are sleeping in the bed she slept in and imagining a little brass plaque… 

       Hillary Slept Here

John & Patty also Slept Here