A quick fun trip up to Vermont
I have always loved the vigorous sport of cross country skiing. It's phenomenal exercise and a really great way to enjoy the outdoors. My snow-covered farm in Bedford is the perfect place for skiing, but I wanted to find out how to groom manageable trails through my fields and woods. Robin Marino, my CEO and her husband, Bobby, suggested I visit them in Vermont. Nearby, where they have a house, is the Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry, Vermont, a beautiful wooded area with 24 miles of impeccably groomed trails used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Rob MacGregor, who works at Viking Nordic provided us with a good lesson on how all the miles and miles of their trails are groomed.
Later, we got to ride in some amazing utility terrain vehicles made by Argo. What fun! And after a long day outdoors, we went to Verde, located at the Village Square at Stratton Mountain for fine Mediterranean fare. Chef Rogan Lechthaler's creations are inventive, locally grown, and delicious. My day in Vermont was really fun!
1 Here I am with Robin, Bobby, and their friends - Chuck and Linda - we are discussing the art of grooming trails with Rob MacGregor, who works at Viking Nordic.
2 Francesca and Sharkey enjoy all sorts of transportation. This was their first time out on a Ski-Doo.
3 Rob explained a lot about snow mobiles, trail grooming, and the sport of cross country skiing.
4 We even studied the engine of the Ski-Doo 500 series.
5 You'll find a large assortment of skis inside the center.
6 There's also a good assortment of boots. They look so easy to get on and off!
7 They also offer a great assortment of apparel. Interestingly, this old outfit was hanging on the wall - an ode to years gone by - it looks very much like what I wore when I first started skiing.
8 This contraption - a SNO-MASTER 48 - is hitched onto the back of a Ski-Doo or a Kawasaki - it can be weighted down with a cinder block or two on top. It compacts and corduroys trails.
9 Rob makes it look very easy to groom the trails - I am impressed with their nice corduroyed finish.
10 Away he goes - and so fast! I guess he has about 24 miles of trails to groom.
11 Ghenghis Khan was not so interested with these machines - he wanted to romp in the snow.
12 Here is a map of the Viking Nordic Center trails. Oops! - do you see the very bright yellow notice? No dogs!
13 So we left and went to Bobby's friend's house - He showed us some terrific Argo Utility Terrain Vehicles.
14 Everyone loved the dogs and played with them while we went for our ride.
15 There were two vehicles - one with six wheels and the other with eight.
16 Frannie and Sharkey loved the heavy-duty treads.
17 The dogs loved posing with the kids - Their names are Robbie, Cory, Samantha, Maggie, Nick, and Mitchel. Robbie is a really great ATV driver.
18 Ghenghis Khan loved sitting in the six wheeler.
Hi,
When did Ghengis Khan arrive?
Posted by: Ann Chamberlain | January 20th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Snow mobiles are such fun! Love the photo of your adorable doggies on it! Happy New Year to You!
Posted by: Lisa/AuthenticSuburbanGourmet | January 20th, 2010 at 1:05 am
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Oh, I can't wait for snow riding as you've illustrated it! Our logger is coming end of month to open up new trails in a beautifully hilly forest which empties onto an old railroad bed! It used to be the historic Crane Station upon the main route to Boston and Providence.
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You can imagine the high flying long distance riding I look forward to! In addition to wheeled riding, we daringly put skis behind horses and foolishly, toboggans behind trucks. We'd be glad to add an 'Antarctic' sleigh for you and the pups as well!
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Happy you made it to Vermont.
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Don't forget Massachusetts. We're popular this week!
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Posted by: andrea and the weimaraners | January 20th, 2010 at 1:09 am
I predict - some new snow grooming equipment at Bedford!
I am always impressed by how much you love learning and doing new things Martha - I know you work hard - but you also realize the importance of fun, and making time to have it!
Looking forward to seeing all the new trails you make!
Posted by: Donna Olson | January 20th, 2010 at 1:41 am
Hi Martha, they are beautiful photos,I love your dogs Martha. They're so cute. Ghenghis Khan is adorable. Does he adapt in hot weather?
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 20th, 2010 at 2:59 am
hi martha,
have you ever tried nordic walking? basically the same exercise as cross country skiing but no skis, therefore a year around activity. your grounds in bedford and skylands would be ideal for nordic walking.
learning the right technique and having the right height poles from the beginning are crucial. once you get the hang of it it's easy as, well, walking. there are many good articles on nordic walking in the internet to show and tell how it's done. try it once and you may have found a new and more effective way to exercise outdoors.
Posted by: liisamarja | January 20th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Did you get another CHOW !!!!!!!! Is this a new Ghenghis Khan??? He is beautiful!! I am so happy to see Frannie and Sharkey with a new sibling!!
Posted by: Shjirley Hawksby | January 20th, 2010 at 7:04 am
Congratulations on your new puppy, he is adorable.
I'm surprised you don't already have an Argo and a few ski-doo's on the farm, they are so much fun.
Posted by: Ann | January 20th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Hi Martha,
It is such a treat to read your blog. The things you do simply amaze me! I mean, can anyone keep up with you?
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Ghengis is so darn cute and it looks like he loves the snow. You really have your hands full traveling with three little pooches but it has to be fun. Animals are a joy!
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I can’t wait to see how you mark out your trails. I’ll make sure to be sipping something warm while I look at your pictures, like I did today. Brrr! Snow; stay away from my door even if you are nice to look at! Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 20th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Good morning Martha,
Love your new puppy, Cross country is just so much fun you get a chance to see the beauty in winter at such a slower pace. Many good trail in New Hampshire and of course in our beloved Maine. Love to snowmobile to. You just make my day with so many things you love to learn about.
Thanks
Bernadette
Jersey girl
Posted by: Bernadette | January 20th, 2010 at 9:02 am
It looked like a perfect day to be out-of-doors (if dressed properly! [giggle] ) enjoying the snow, fresh air, and sunshine. I had to chuckle...all of you were really jam-packed into that ATV!...it just struck my funnybone - that's all...
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Look at that little Frannie-n-Sharkey, would you?!...before I EVEN mosey on over to TheDailyWag, I'd venture to say this trip might perhaps be today's feature on TDW - you know, with all their delightful poses and presentations of new equipment discoveries... They ARE quite innovative, resourceful and inquisitive little wonders - just like mommieMartha! [giggle]
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I regretfully have been out of touch a few days - for valid reasons, but it's good to be back with you, Martha, and my other Martha-blog comrades... Your shows this week, btw, have been excellent - I DO ensure that I at least get to view those - that's an absolute must!
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Have a beautiful, full, love-filled day, my Martha friend!...I sure love you, I know that!...
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=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | January 20th, 2010 at 9:53 am
The trails near our weekend house in New Hampshire are equally as well groomed. It is so nice to be able to walk or ski on those trails, as well as snowmobile.
We have 4 dogs and must keep them off the trails as well, no one likes to ski over dog poop!
Posted by: Janice Nelson | January 20th, 2010 at 10:12 am
When we lived in Northwest Michigan all the guys kept beautil cross country trails which we did on weekends. Haven't been in years. All the pictures are so beautiful especially those lovely little frenchies and that beautiful chow puppy.
Posted by: Pam from Indiana | January 20th, 2010 at 11:05 am
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Dear S Factor Student,
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Since you'll be heading off to study POLE vaulting!.....
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..... I resubmit a previous notation!
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AS A WOMAN OF CHALLENGE AND CHARITY, YOU WOULD PRESENT A MOST SEASONED SEASON PLACING YOURSELF UPON THE STAGE OF "DANCING WITH THE STARS!"
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Imagine exploring THAT adventure! Imagine killing me for suggesting it!!
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With love, as always,
The Spencer Weims
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Posted by: andrea and the weimaraners | January 20th, 2010 at 11:20 am
I was wondering if the cross country skiing is as rigorous as those kangroo shoes that you showed on yesterday's exercise program. They seemed like a good workout. I look forward to seeing you, your farm staff, and your dogs build the trails on your farm. The kids in Vermont seemed to love the dogs!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | January 20th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Greeting from Abroad!
I am newly married and a firm believer in making everything in my home "Martha-ized" (meaning beautiful, meaningful, and delicious).
I live in Israel and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your website! We have no TV, Sirius Radio, American Magazines or American books so I would be completely Martha starved without your site! I use it everyday.
My parents just sent me your Cooking School book and your Martha Rules books and they are truly changing my life for the better.
I've always been a strong supporter of you and I wish you continued success in all of your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Maya Spinner
Posted by: Maya Spinner | January 20th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
The pictures are beautiful!
Posted by: Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) | January 20th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
woaow !!! how cute is the little Gengis Khan !!!
Posted by: martine | January 20th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
When did you get a puppy?! How exciting.
Posted by: Sean Milton | January 20th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Hi Martha, What an absolutely fun trip you, Carlos, F&S and little Ghengis Khan had to Vermont!!! It looked pretty cold, but all of you sure look like you had fun. Is little GK with you permanently now?! Sure hope so! He really reminds me of wonderful Paw Paw! I like the idea of cross country skiing much better than down hill. It seems a lot safer and more relaxing. Loved listening to you on Sirius radio today and watching that fabulous TV show, also!! Cousin Darcy is so talented and her kids are so darling!!!! Emeril's kids were absolutely great, also!!! His son is really something and so much fun to watch and listen to!! Can't wait to see his new show on ION on March 28th! I know it will be great! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 20th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Hi Martha,
I have cross skiied in Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Northeastern Ohio and never fortunate enough to do it on good groomed trails, so the going was tough and more work than I wanted. I decided snowshoeing was more my speed on ungroomed trails. There is nothing quite like moving quietly through the woods and stopping to bird watch or sight a deer in ground-flight through the trees. Takes your breath away!
Ghenghis Kahn is a precious pie as well as Francesca and Sharkey. Loven the dogs !!
The terrain vehicles are really wonderful looking. I'm sure your Bedford trails will be marvelous for skiing with your learned knowledge for grooming.
I am wondering if you have noticed any changes in your skiing abilities since your hip replacement or if you notice any soreness which interferes with distance?
Have fun on your next outing and ski safely
Posted by: Becky HK | January 21st, 2010 at 12:14 am
Grooming your own trails is not only great for exercise and getting fresh air, but also for sharing with friends and neighbors!
Be sure to check out this Vermont source for the finest grooming equipment made: trailgroom DOT com
Good luck and have fun!
Posted by: Doug Hardy | January 21st, 2010 at 9:12 am
Martha, Apparently the crew of Viking Nordic Center, which includes my sister and brother in-law, enjoyed your visit. Did you have a chance to sample the maple syrup that they local kids did as a fund raising project? Truly yummy.
Posted by: B. Foster | January 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am
So glad you tried Verde - we love it and it's good to know that you think so, too. Rogan and his chefs make wonderfully creative and complex food while using local, usually simple ingredients.
Posted by: Joanne Prouty | January 21st, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Martha,
Love your new puppy as well as Francesca and Sharkey. I was watching the promos for the upcoming Valentines day show! Ok, HELP Martha for those of us with Wheat and Gluten Allergies ( celiac disease). I have a recipe for a Chocolate Polenta Pudding cake that I have adapted, but a lot of wheat free products are often tasteless.
Thanks
Nick In SF
Posted by: Nick in San Francisco | January 21st, 2010 at 3:26 pm
From the last posts, I hadn't understood that Gengis Khan was moving in with you! How cute he is and I'm sure more than a delight. With the kittens and all, there seems to be a burst of youth in your house! Enjoy and have a great winter....
Posted by: Marie-Hélène Bourget | January 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 am
I came to your June 12th show in New York City As a physician from Texas I wanted to ask you what big Martha did for exercise or was she just blessed with great genes? The table tennis idea was great!
Posted by: Helen Maidment MD | January 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 am
Hi Martha,
I love XC skiing too. It's a great break from working in the the studio. Our latest adventure has us "skijoring" behind our retriever. What a blast! I can send you pics if you're interested.
-Lisa in Weathersfield, VT
Posted by: Lisa Curry Mair | January 22nd, 2010 at 8:52 am
That picture was about as cute and as adorable as the driver and the passenger, lol everyone else looks ready to go skiing ...Im Blushing with green envy
safe and Happy skiing Martha
Posted by: Cleanna | January 23rd, 2010 at 12:47 pm
When did Ghangis Kahn join the family?
Posted by: eileen burgess | January 23rd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Martha the pic of Francesca and Sharkey gave me a chuckle. I wish I could send you a pic my husband captured with me and my 2 beagles on my snow-machine in Bennington County VT on Saturday. We had just returned from a ride and my dogs had missed me, they jumped up on my sled with me. Yes, they will ride with us like that if we need them to. In true Martha adventure style,most every winter weekend we pack up the dogs, groceries, and needed clothing on to a tag along sled and snowmobile 3 miles into the mountains to the very rustic. shared family hunting camp. Winter is so beautiful here, glad you came, glad you all had fun.
Posted by: Melody Eccher | January 25th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Can someone please explain what is going on with the puppy-----Ghenghis Khan? It was hard for me to understand how the picture is posted now and it is supposed to be this year but Ghenghis died in an explosion in March. Is this a new puppy with the same name?????/
Posted by: Valerie | January 25th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Our entire family is a HUGE fan of Verde. On any given winter weekend night you will find us there, sipping Jack's "Bigelow's Revenge", delighting in Rogan's sublime creativity complemented by a very comprehensive wine list and sharing stories with the restaurant's outstanding crew.....whom we consider close friends! So glad you were able to experience this delicious slice of heaven!
Posted by: Betsy Whidden | February 4th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
The pictures are wonderful especially of the frenchies on the snow cat they should be in your magazine
Posted by: WYNNIE | February 7th, 2010 at 3:51 pm