Squared-up by eye, built by hand, and the setting for many an anecdote, Vermont's covered bridges occupy a special niche in our affections. Your packet will include directions, up-to-date conditions, facts and available lore on each bridge and its surroundings, as well as tips on finding refreshment and gas along the way. P.S. Don't forget your camera!

(B) bicycle (M) motorcycle (H) horseback route (A) auto route (G) guided tour available

U-Tour The Covered Bridges of the Second Branch (B) (M) (H) (A) (G) Get to know the neighborhood by visiting 3 bridges, all within a 9-mile loop beginning at Maple Cake Farm, built the same year (1904) but each with a setting and mood all its own.

U-Tour

The Tunbridge Loop (B) (M) (A) (G) This tour takes you farther afield, up the First Branch of the White River to 6 more bridges, the earliest dating to 1845. Distance: 19 mi. to tie in to U-Tour , so leave enough time,there's a lot to see!

To enhance your visits, Laughin' Otter will notify you of local events and special activities as the information becomes available.

On the Trail of Justin Morgan

Learn the bittersweet story of the hard-working little horse that became a legend in his own time and founded America?s distinctive homegrown breed, the Morgan Horse.

(B) bicycle (M) motorcycle (H) horseback route (A) auto route (G) guided tour available

U-Tour The Morgan Legend (B) (M) (H) (A) (G)

This half-day tour will lead you to spots among the hills and valleys near Maple Cake Farm where the horse ?Figure? lived and worked, including the monument erected on the farm where he spent his last days. The peaceful, scenic countryside evokes the landscapes as they must have appeared 200 years ago. Whether you're horse crazy or not, you will enjoy this expedition into Vermont's high country!

Full-day option: cross the state to the Champlain Valley, where the Morgan story continues at UVM's Morgan Horse Farm (formerly the federal Morgan horse facility) and the National Museum of the Morgan Horse. Both sites are full of history, lore, and all the gorgeous horseflesh you could wish to see!

On the way back to Maple Cake Farm, stop in Randolph for dinner at the Three Stallion Inn, named for three of Figure's illustrious sons. It is the former the Green Mountain Stock Farm where the Lippitt Morgan was developed, tracing directly back to Figure. (Tell them Laughin' Otter sent you!)

To order an Un-Tour packet, print this order form and return with check to: Julia Purdy dba Laughin' Otter 614 State Garage Rd., Rochester, VT 05767

U-Tour : $35.00 Un-Tour : $45.00 Combined and : $70.00 U-Tour : $45.00 Combined , and : $100.00

For more information, contact: Email: laughinotter06@moomail.net

Note: Allow 2 weeks for delivery. You may also request a packet upon arrival at Maple Cake Farm. Just contact us at the email address above. We'll run it right over. Who We Are

Who we are...

Laughin' Otter Tour Services came into being during rambles within the watershed of Otter Creek, Vermont's longest north-flowing river, known historically as "the Indian Road" and the setting of early settlements and Vermont's struggle for independence. Our goal is to reveal to you the visitor the rich veins of cultural heritage embedded in our hills and valleys and along our roads and streams.

To this end, we offer guided excursions on foot or by car through the woods and byways, or, if you prefer, self-guided U-Tours with complete driving directions to planned destinations tailored to your interests.

Laughin' Otter associate guides are local Vermonters, experienced and knowledgeable, who play an active part in developing our tours.

Julia Purdy is a 6th generation Vermonter with a background as an educator and free-lance writer, formerly a Park Ranger with the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock. She is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation, and a member of the Vermont Outdoor Guide Association, the Vermont Historical Society, and the Crown Point Road Association.

Klint Wigren is a professional forester of over 40 years experience, naturalist, nature photographer, and educator, formerly a Resource, Conservation & Development Forester with the State of Vermont.

What we offer

Laughin' Otter is delighted to partner with Maple Cake Farm, an authentic sidehill farm of days gone by. The geographical center of Vermont, Randolph Center and its surroundings are packed with reminders of Vermont's legendary past. We are developing new itineraries all the time; this summer, we are pleased to offer the following: Fishin' Bridges, Kissin' Bridges and On the Trail of Justin Morgan.

These tours may be purchased as self-guided packets (the U-Tour) or as guided tours.

Laughin' Otter will also develop a custom tour itinerary to suit your own interests and time frame. Just let us know.

We provide initial consultation at no charge; then we drive the route, note times, distances, and conditions you will encounter, and put together a packet that contains up-to-date information on your activity or destination.

Custom tour itineraries must be requested at least one month in advance and are payable in full prior to delivery to you your arrival at Maple Cake Farm, whichever comes first. Rates vary depending on the scope and complexity of the request.

We will refund 50% if we receive your notice of cancellation at least 15 days prior to shipment or your arrival.

For more information, contact laughin' otter at:

614 State Garage Rd. Rochester, Vermont 05767 laughinotter06@moomail.net