In the Heart of Vermont: Rockledge Farms Woodworking

We broke camp early this morning in West Point, and we made it to our destination here in Vermont. Another great Harvest Host Location. A farm with a furniture workshop. Once we see the sign for Rockledge Farm Woodworks, we turn down a dirt road about 300 feet down is the farm on the left. We stop on the side of the road and walk up to the building. A man cutting grass on the side of the building gets off his mower and says, welcome to the farm. Scott pointed to a mowed driveway through a hayfield. He said go get set up and settled. I told him we'd be over to the shop afterward.

We drive the path to the back of the field that backs up to a mountain stream. It is an idyllic situation like being in a painting of the Vermont countryside. The RV parked in a small mowed area of a clear running stream. The one thing I've noticed about Harvest Host property owners they know the beauty that they own. They feel blessed by it and want to share it. Some actually feel an obligation to do it.

I'd like to say a little bit about this Farm which has been in Scott's family since the 1930s. His wife and Scott moved back home temporarily to take care of his mother in the last years of her life. They had every intention of picking back up their professional careers but ended up staying 30 years. I told him I can understand how this place can grab ahold of him. Today they had their grandchildren on site. Their son is part of their furniture business. Scott’s wife from Beaumont, Texas, brother-in-law went to school with Janice Joplin, which I found interesting. It is a very small world we live in.

After setting up, we make our way over to the shop. Which is in an old barn next to their Victorian house. He apologizes for the state of the shop, which only has a few pieces since most of the furniture has sold. Also, most of their work here is custom orders. Scott The furniture is crafted from trees that are cut on the farm. The Vermont north woods contain a good variety. We buy a bread knife that measures the slice of bread and a french rolling pin.

Afterward, we make the walk back to the RV. We have dinner outside next to the stream, saying to ourselves what a great experience this has been. Tomorrow walks in Killington and then off to New Hampshire. This has been a special part of the trip.