Owl’s Head

Owl’s Head

By Andrew McKeever

GNAT News Project

This started off as a commentary on last night’s vice-presidential debate before veering off into something a little more relevant for local readers.

We weren’t able to make it to the opening ceremony last Saturday, Oct. 1, when the newly refurbished trail to a lookout point atop Owl’s Head Mountain, that jutting precipice that overlooks Morse Hill Road, Route 30, Route 7 and the “Vermont Valley” that runs between the Green Mountains and the Taconics was formally opened. We did get there today for a chat with Art Gilbert, a local Dorset resident who’s been one of the spearheads involved with getting the area protected and conserved for the future. Our piece on that will be aired soon, as in next week.

Before we leave the VP debate last night, here’s my take: Tim Kaine, the former governor of Virginia, and no doubt a bright, smart intelligent guy, did himself and the Democratic ticket no help by his constant interruption and talking over of his opponent, Indiana governor Mike Pence. Presumably that was on the advice of the Dems braintrust, who thought it a winning strategy to come off as tough and aggressive. Bad idea. Not many people will remember much of what was said content-wise, but they’ll remember Kaine tried to out-do Donald Trump when it came to interruption  and rudeness, and that’s not a good place to be. Fortunately for the Democrats, the VP debate is almost a doesn’t-matter event. Republicans watching probably wished Pence was their presidential standard bearer, with Trump the vice candidate. That would have been better for everyone, and would have raised the real possibility of Clinton losing the race, since she is not a natural campaigner by any stretch of the imagination.

I had to get that out of my system first, to reach the more intriguing subject of the new Owl’s Head Trail. It may have been the result of a truly spectacular Vermont day, with clear blue skies and foliage gently turning, but a trip to the trail head and beyond, past the remnants of the historical past (like the stone foundation of a former marble quarriers home – which was maybe 30 square feet) is one of those experiences that has a soothing effect on the soul and couples a nice physical workout (wear good hiking boots and plan to sweat a little) with a wonderment at the spectacular natural beauty of the area. It’s definitely worth the trip. The trail is clear and negotiable, and you’ll walk away with an appreciation for just how taxing the physical labor must have been for the workmen who quarried the area. It’s not hard to conjure up the image of heavy blocks of marble coming down the trail you are walking on, with more horses behind the cart than in front, to serve as the brakes. Or the toll paid by the laborers asked to rip the marble out of the ground, which would eventually wind up everywhere from cemeteries to building facades.

Because that trail does get steep.

A trip into the historical past combined with a chance to appreciate nature.

Way better than watching one candidate have to explain the gross excesses of his running main as dignified a manner as possible, while his opponent sets a surprising and unnecessary baseline for rudeness.

Follow the signs from Black Rock Road off of Route 30 just past the famous Dorset Quarry and you’ll be there in a few minutes. Especially if it’s a lovely fall day.