Off the Grid: Mountain Club Weekend in Jamaica, VT

After some pizza and a quick stop at Cumberland Farms, they drove the backroads and arrived at the farm. The nine boys settled into their cabin at the top of the property, near a pond. With no electricity and only an outhouse, the cabin offered a true off-the-grid experience. The boys turned in for the night in the upper loft, resting up for the next day’s adventures.

The following morning began with a chilly walk down to the main house, where the warm smells of bacon and pancakes welcomed them. After a hearty breakfast, the group loaded into the van and headed to Hamilton Falls. After a short hike and scenic views from the top of the falls, they made their way down to the frigid pools below, passing lingering piles of snow along the trail. Undeterred by the cold, several boys jumped in and swam.

Back at the farm, a game of bocce unfolded on the expansive lawn. As hunger set in, Olivia, Pip, and Tim brought out ingredients for the boys to make their own pizzas, which were cooked in a wood-fired oven.

A game of wiffle ball followed lunch, and then the group rigged fishing rods and hiked down to the “salmon hole” at the bottom of the property. Only one trout was caught in the early-season waters, but the views and company were top-notch.

A hike back to the main house was followed by a dinner of steak and chicken shish kebabs grilled by Mr. Winslow, along with a fabulous homemade cake prepared by Olivia, bringing the day to a close. The boys returned to their cabin, exhausted.

Special thanks to the Eaglebrook kitchen staff for preparing some of the food, and to the Winslow family for their generous hospitality.