Woodstock in Spring

Memorial Day weekend we returned to Woodstock to check out the Farmhouse Inn, this time sans snow. Despite feeling certain that it's the spot for our wedding, we wanted to check out the scene in its full spring glory. Debbie and Lindsay joined us this time. Since they, as two of my bridesmaids, will be an integral part of the moral support, ceremony, and celebration after, we thought it best to get their opinions about our site selection and to have a nice weekend away. For those wondering, Vanessa will be my married-maid-of-honor (I can't stand the word matron, thumbs down) and Michael will be my bridesman, so I will have four attendings.

On our drive in we stopped in Queechee and hiked down into the gorge. The bridge you see behind us is the road most people will drive to get to the wedding.

I'll share a few more shots of the farm this time. This is the 'new' barn, which has never housed animals. It's a great spot to take in the scenery, watch the chickens, and chat either in the Adirondack chairs or perched in the attic doorway.

The girls stayed in the inn, but Eben and I wanted to try out our new tent that my parents got us for Christmas. The hens were very curious about this strange structure in the middle of their feeding ground.

Another look at the big barn without all the snow covering it. This barn used to function as a working dairy barn. You can see Eben and Lindsay in the shot for perspective. The four of us were on our way up the mountain behind the farm.

Once at the top, we could see the whole valley. There's also a gazebo at the top, which feels slightly out of place, but it's nice to find and confirm you made it all the way up. Can you see me walking on treetops?

We also hiked Mt. Tom which overlooks the village of Woodstock. Although the farm is not in the downtown area, it is definitely worth visiting and taking a walk around the quaint quintessentially New England village.

We even saw some critters while out in the woods! This red eft was on the trail along the Queechee Gorge. It won't be bright orange for long since it's a juvenile it will soon be brown and will blend into its surroundings.

Yet another young 'un, this garter snake was just chillin' in the sun and seemed to be just as curious about me as I was about him/her.

This damselfly landed on Debbie's back with its lunch. It just wanted to chow down on the fly it had caught, but Debbie didn't feel like posing as the picnic table. We shook them off and the damselfly flew away with its snack in hand, or rather mouth.

The farm got the seal of approval from both Debbie and Lindsay. They are very excited to see how things unfold!