We’re in the air, complements of Southwest (love those reward tickets), somewhere over the eastern part of the country.

We’ll be in Baltimore soon, then on to Manchester, NH. I’ve never been to this part of the country before.

To say I’m excited is an understatement.

We’ll spend the night in Concord (the capitol of NH), and then drive (150 miles) to Burlington, VT Saturday. We have all day to get there - so plenty of time to stop along the way. Not much time in Burlington, but that could be for a future trip, if we want. Our B & B there is near the water, looks pretty and peaceful.

The serious excitement starts Sunday, when we meet our fellow tour participants and two Sojourn guides in downtown Burlington. We’ll get our bikes, get fitted and hopefully be on the road before too long.

Sunday’s mileage is easy – 32 miles for the day.

Sunday’s Tour Itinerary:

Lake Champlain & Valley Farmland – Meet your tour leaders at the airport in Burlington at 10:00 or in downtown Burlington where the first ride will begin. Cycle north out of Burlington on the splendid Island Line. This rail trail parallels the shores of Lake Champlain and leads to a bike ferry used to cross “the cut” to the Champlain Islands. The cut was left so that boats could pass in and out of a large protected bay after the old railroad ceased to operate. Visit Vermont’s first vineyard and winery for a tour and tasting, followed by a picnic lunch. Cycle through patchwork farmland. Much of the region retains its agricultural heritage firmly rooted in apples and dairy. After settling into your room at the North Hero House, take a dip in the lake, soak in the hot tub or visit the local general store for a taste of Americana. Grab a local microbrew in the inn’s tavern before dinner in the inn’s dining room.