You are here ----->

I finally arrived at Smirkus.

I left nearly 4 hours later than I wanted to - partly because it seemed to take forever to finish all the little bits of packing (still realizing stuff I forgot), I wanted to leave my house in a way that I wouldn't be embarrassed at the thought of people coming into it to live and take care of my cats, and partly because I wanted to spend just a little quality time enjoying the company of my new boyfriend (a rarity as I always seem to be on the road since we met) and the energy of my town that I won't see all summer. And it just seems to be one of those days - I went to get the Febreeze out of my bag, and discovered it had come open (while laying on its side) in the bag - at least 1/3 of it is now in the bottom of my bag... Oh well, at least it smells fresh!

The day as I was driving was overcast, with occasional rain. I stopped in White River Junction, roughly the halfway point, to have a quick dinner with my grandparents, which was a nice treat.

As I got back on the the highway to head to the great North, I realized that I had never been past White River Junction on I-91 Northbound - I was literally in new territory. At the moment I had that realization, the skies literally cleared - and the sun came out to the extent that I had to wear my sunglasses for most of the journey ("my life is so bright I gotta wear shades!"). It was like my trip was being blessed by the Gods - I had a Louise Hay lecture in the cd player, and life is good.

Northern Vermont is beautiful. It looks like it does in the postcards - rolling hills covered in trees of varying shades of green. Small lakes and ponds dot the countryside, as do red barns, farmhouses, and "oreo" cows (saw twin babies ~ so cute!).

I managed to find my way to "Circus Lane", and drove the half mile down the dirt road - until I turned a corner, and there it was - the Big Top in all its white and blue striped glory. Slightly smaller than I envisioned, but exciting, and surrounded by other, smaller, tents. I pulled up to the building with a handful of young folks practicing juggling with a diablo (like an hourglass on a string) and asked where to find the person who could point me to my bunk. After about a half hour, I got sorted out, and even met my new best friend, the Concessions Manager.

It seems trivial, but I'm excited that my roommate isn't here yet - she won't arrive for another day or two, so I'll have a chance to get settled and not have to trip over another person while I unpack and get sorted out.

The space is tiny - about the size of my bathroom, with 2 bunk beds slightly thinner than a twin-size bed, a small closet, a nightstand with 2 shelves, 2 small storage spaces under the bed, and 2 small drawers under the closet. I am glad to have time to figure out where to put everything - and I'm happy that I get the bottom bunk! I just hope she doesn't snore....

I am here...! :)