Day 5 – Jay Peak, good people, good beer, and good skiing:

We spent both Tuesday and Wednesday night in Montgomery Center, a small town ten minutes outside of Jay Peak ski area. Our friends Josh and Jen were kind enough to give us shelter and great company on both occasions. Our first night was spent consuming copious amounts of Vermont’s finest craft brews, various ales and porters. After an undisturbed sleep we made it out to the mountain by approximately 10am. Unfortunately Jen was tied up with work, but Josh was able to give us the local’s tour of Jay.

The skiing at Jay Peak is intense. We had the pleasure of hitting steep groomers, glades, tight turning tree runs, and under the lift bumps. Josh took us toward the boundary line, which provided some of the nicest snow we have had thus far. Towards the end of the day we made our way out of bounds and back to the highway where Josh had parked his car earlier in the day. The snow pack was a bit variable for us, but I could easily see how Jay provides some of the best skiing on the East Coast when blessed with a powder day. We had an incredibly fun day with warm air and sunshine aplenty.

Later that evening we grilled Hartman’s cheese hot dogs and turkey burgers. This event was sponsored by Yuengling Premium and Trout River Brewing Company...oh, and Ezra Brooks bourbon, a drink for “rugged individuals and adventurous souls.” Josh stated that he initially purchased this particular bourbon after reading the label, a good choice on all accounts. Later in the evening we made our way down to another one of the local watering holes. Two dollar craft beers ($3 wines for Jen and Nikki!) , live bluegrass, and a generally cool local vibe made for another great night. Jen and Josh departed about an hour before us, as they had responsibilities to attend to the next day. After a few more $2 drafts we made our way back to their house. Sleep came upon all of us in quick fashion.

On a side note, today’s picture is of our new friend Maple drinking Yueng Prem out of a Jay glass…I was kind enough to share with her. Maple is Josh and Jen’s extremely sweet, big boned, yellow lab. She loves food, beer, her many toys, and road trips.

Enjoy,
Chris