The Big Tour of Death and Art

As predicted, much of our trip to Vermont was dedicated to cemeteries and artists' facilities. On Saturday, we drove to Barre, VT, home of the Rock of Ages quarry (they have enough granite to quarry for another 4,500 years!). Because of all that granite, many Italian and Scottish stone carvers emigrated to Barre in the 19th century to practice their artistry on grave markers. It has become a tradition in Barre for stone carvers to make their own grave markers, resulting in some pretty funky stones. You can check out the ones I didn't photograph because I was smoking at Kelly's friend Joe's Flickr page. Don't miss the pix of Kelly and Joe bowling on the outdoor granite bowling alley at Rock of Ages. There is also a pretty spectacular photo of the quarry itself. Every time I think, hear, say or write quarry, I think of Fred Flintstone.

The second day, we drove to Salem, NY (near Bennington, VT) to visit BI'75's friend Anthony Cafritz's new venture, Salem Art Works. Located on a 174-acre (former) dairy farm, Salem Art Works is "an independent artists' community where experienced artists and newcomers alike can work, exhibit, nurture new ideas, and learn from each other." We went off-roading to the top of this hill, and, later, Anthony said "BI'75, grab your beer. I'm going to teach you to drive stick," and BI'75 drove his manual Chevy pickup. It was all very exciting.

The food we ate is another entry. Mmmmm...organic Vermont.