Miss Swan Goes to New York...State

Viola: Wow, you're not missionaries anymore! You look so---

Me: . . . normal?

Viola: Well I was going to say 'human' . . .

I guess the electric-blue pants and leopard sandals blared the "not a missionary anymore" message loud and clear. Yep, I went back to my mission last weekend to my favorite area: Westport, NY! And to make the trip even better, BCE (best companion ever) Dano came all the way out from Utah for the ride. It was so good to meet up with old friends and catch up after 3 years. 


Two non-missionary humans



Sandy, Larry, and Viola. Love them dearly.

3 years ago we helped lay the first 2 layers on this, so I can claim I built the whole thing, mm?

Best. Stop by. Ever.

They didn't used to be as tall as me. . .

BCE

This area isn't really on the tourist radar, but whoa Nelly - after you read what I'm about to throw down, you'll be itching to go.

Attractions That Should Put This Place on the Map:

The Ticonderoga Pencil Museum

The former Branch President helps run the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum. You can thank Ticonderoga for that yellow #2 pencil that you used to bomb the SAT.

I know, I know. You are already wishing you lived here.  

Champ the Sea Monster

I'll always remember opening the door one morning to see a parade full of green sea monsters: the "Champ Day" celebration. Lake Champlain makes up most of the NY/VT border and is home to the Loch Ness Monster's lesser-known-but-equally-heinous cousin, Champy. I spent 9 months on the lookout for Champy to no avail. We learned a hard truth on this trip:

But the town still believes.



The New York State Fair

The NY state fair is where demolition derbies meet quilted maple leafs with a side of Democrat Fries. As missionaries we had a booth at the fair and contacted more people within 2 days than we had in 2 months (did I mention it's rural?). This time around, we went with some friends to cheer on Malynda in the talent show. She sang like a Champ (the regular kind, not the sea monster) and advanced to the final round!

Cute Ella who can now pronounce all of her  S's. That means I'm finally "Sister Swan" rather than "Mister Thwan"

Gene's Michigan Stand                   

You haven't really lived until you have tried a Michigan - an upstate New York treat. Picture a Sloppy-Joe-esque sauce with a shot of maple syrup. Slop that ground-beef-for-gods sauce on a hotdog, top it with diced onions, and voila! You have the most delicious misnomer imaginable (I haven't the slightest idea why they are called Michigans - they have nothing to do with that state).    

Don't knock it til you try it

So are you packing your bags to head to Westport yet or what? I'll meet you there.