I was 14 when I first visited Hapgood Pond in Peru on a hot summer day in June 1985. My friend Katie invited me to spend the afternoon at this beautiful spot in the Green Mountain National Forest.Like typical young teenagers, we spent hours gossiping, swimming and sunbathing. Back then, using an SPF sunblock wasn't anywhere on our radar -- it was baby oil all the way. Even though I fell asleep in the sun and ended up with a blazing sunburn on my back, that day at Hapgood Pond turned out to be one of my fondest memories.
Hapgood Pond was the first area in Vermont to become part of the Green Mountain National Forest in the 1930s. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, the seven-acre pond is open for swimming, fishing and limited boating. The land surrounding Hapgood Pond includes a picnic area, 28 campsites and a nature trail.
After all these years, I still love spending time at this scenic, peaceful place.
Oh I want to visit...and sit on that bench.... and see that beautiful sight! What a FABULOUS image you've captured!! LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever have the wood-oven pizza at Hapgood's general store? It's owned and run by a guy originally from the Jersey shore.
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri -- It's such a great spot. Thank you so much for your kind words about the bench photo! I'm so glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteHi Baydog -- I have been to the JJ Hapgood general store many times, but I don't think I've ever tried the pizza. It's on the list! Have you been to the Peru Fair? It's one of my favorite fall festivals.
Erica: No, but I've been to the one in Winhall, right across from the bottom of the access road. Don't get to VT too much in the summer. Go figure. They had a tractor pull!
ReplyDeleteBaydog -- Ah yes, the Bondville Fair. Another good one. Love the tractor pull.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on any of the trails there. In the few times I have visited, I usually just hung around the pond.
ReplyDeleteMAGNIFICIENT photography of this little lake...the clear water and the clouds reflecteing in it.....wonderful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous woodland!
(ohhh, the baby-oil story must be a teeny experience all over the globe...I remember something like this too!)
Have a beautiful week, Erica!!
ciao ciao elvira
That looks so serene! You've got me excited for summer and the beauty and relaxation that comes with it! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place and memories to go with it all... precious stuff!
ReplyDeleteHi Matt, Elvira, Alyson -- Sorry for my late response. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. The pond is such a peaceful place and one that I hold near and dear to my heart.
ReplyDeleteHi Mark -- Thanks so much! Our memories are really what make these places so special, don't you think? Of course it helps that these places are so beautiful too!
i grew up going camping with my parents. Hapgood pond was my favorite.I used to hit crabapples with my wiffleball bat , then take a walk on ther trail.I remember smoket the bear made a apperance.. i was scared shitless.But in all honesty , ive been to all campgounds ind new england, prob 30, hapgood pond is my favorite.July step in the water up to your neck , you can see your toes... salamanders everywhere... i LOVE THAT PLACE
ReplyDeletethrow 5 bucks in the holder.. man i used to ride my bike all around the perimter, grocires in londenderry, great times in my childhood..
ReplyDeletewow....ca me rapelle des beaux souvenirs...
ReplyDeleteYour blog brought back many fond memories of swimming and picnicing at Hapgood Pond as a child in the 60s and 70s.
ReplyDelete