A good day today. I woke up and immediately started calling the B&B that was close by. Still no answer, I called the other B&B, The Tipperrary. One of the owners answered, the phone kept breaking up and the call was dropped twice. When I finally managed to ask if there was room at the inn she said, “I’m sorry I am sick and have a Doctors appointment today.” I may have started pleading a bit at this point…. “I’ll come and take care of you, just let me use your shower, laundry facilities and hose.” At this point she asked me where I was from; (maybe my Jersey accent becomes more apparent when I whine), turns out they lived for many years in the same NJ County I grew up in and still had family in the area. Their children went to the same high school I did, and I have a good Irish name, Cathleen Mary. Yes!, I have convinced her to let me come. I don’t think she understood that I was already in town and would be wheeling up with a kayak as my only vehicle, the connection was so bad but I was on my way.
I packed and set Sparky up on the wheels, as I looked her over I thought she is so dirty, it is going to be a little embarrassing to be seen in public. I at least had the benefit of camp soap and clean clothes. Sparky was a mess, the wheels had more serious issues. But off we went, I stopped and asked the postman where I would find Duffy Hill Rd., I didn’t like the sound of that Road, the whole hill thing …The postman confirmed that The Tipperary was indeed on top of one long, large hill. So be it, I was on a mission. I hadn’t gone very far beyond the Bridge of Flowers and Light, (love that name), when a young man in a pick-up truck offered to give me a lift.
Mary Jo and Bob Gearty of The Tipperary in Enosburg Falls, VT
The Tipperary was beautiful, nestled into the wooded hills with lush lawns and pretty landscaping. No one was home, at the Doctors I suspect. I sat on the comfortable wrap around porch and made a few phone calls with limited success. I did get through to Beth. I spotted a hose and gave Sparky the shower she so richly deserved. A couple of hours later, the owners arrived, Bob and Mary Jo Gearty. They are very nice and I thanked them profusely for letting me stay. I showered and filled up the tub for my compression bags, they have to be hand washed. A little later Mary Jo comments, “Mumford , that name is so familiar, you aren’t related to Quincy Mumford are you?” Quincy is my nephew; I’ve watched him grow up. It turns out that their grandson, Brian, is Quincy’s best friend since they were both very young, they are 18 years old now. I know Brian, he was always over when Quincy was around. What are the chances, here I am two states away from home, in the middle of nowhere and this connection emerges. I immediately call Quincy’s mom, Debbie, to share with her where I am. The Geartys tell me that Quincy has slept in the very room where I am staying.
Bob had a mechanic friend in the town of St. Albany, so my wheels and I took a drive with my hosts while they ran some errands and I re-supplied. We drove in about 1/2 hour, the area it had just taken me two days to traverse. I didn’t want to go back, even though I knew that was silly. Bob’s mechanic straightened out the wheels, put air in the tires, lubed the bearings and properly banged the problem bearing back into place. That was a huge relief the wheels had become really become inefficient, now they were almost good as new!
Went back did laundry and continued to clean and air out gear. Tonight I had an awesome steak dinner, good wine and pleasant conversation, compliments of Bob and Mary Jo. Now I am snuggled into a clean, comfy bed. The Geartys will take me to the put-in tomorrow morning. This has been amazing, what a small world. Thank you! Thank you!
Birds on the Missisquoi River
My nephew Quincy is an accomplished singer/ songwriter and performer. He has achieved quite a bit of local notoriety, for good reason. Brian Gearty is the band’s talented bass player. Check out thier music, one of his songs, “ Grateful”, was going through my head a lot during this trip. www.quincymumford.com
