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Why QMSB?

What does QMSB Trip mean? Our summer vacation is a little different this year. It is a bit like four separate segments put together. The segments…

  • Quebec: We are going to explore Quebec and take in a number of fun things.
  • Montreal: We will meet up with Tammy’s side of the family and have our very first Olson Family Vacation far away!
  • Stowe: Olson Family Vacation travels from Montreal to Stowe, VT to trade a city experience for the idyllic country.
  • Bismarck: Back on our own and after flying back to Minnesota — we’ll be heading to North Dakota for my cousins wedding!

So QMSB! We have a lot of add-ons and experiences along the way! If I included every place that we spend the night it would be:

Burlington — Quebec — Montreal — Stowe — Fergus Falls — Fargo — Bismarck

But BQMSFFFB is a bit much. 😁

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QMSB Trip - Day 1

  • Up early for final trip prep.
  • Ride to the airport with Burhan at 7:05 am.
  • Check in for flight. Baggage weights: Tammy 45 lbs, Jamie 38 lbs, Mazie 34 lbs, and Tyler 30 lbs.
  • Delta offering $1,200 a person to take a different flight. 😬 Boarding stopped due to oversold flight.
  • Flight delayed and delayed waiting for three people willing to give up their seat.
  • Finally got three volunteers. Went up to $1,400 and took an hour. We considered it but passed.
  • Depart DL 4901. 🛫
  • Arrive Burlington, VT.
  • Tyler gets a crêpe from Skinny Pancake.
  • Pickup Ford Escape from Enterprise.
  • Check in at Hotel Vermont.
  • Late lunch at Rogue Rabbit.
  • Changed afternoon plans to do bike ride tomorrow morning and take in Block Party on Church Street celebrating Outdoor Gear Exchanges 30th anniversary. OGE is very much like Midwest Mountaineering was in Minneapolis.
  • Explore Church Street Marketplace: Phoenix Books, BCA Center, FP Movement, Garcias Tobacco Shop, Harbour Thread, Helly Hansen, Lake Champlain Chocolate, Vermont Eclectic Company, Outdoor Gear Exchange, Crow Books.
  • Dinner at Veritá Pizzeria.
  • Walk along Lake Champlain at sunset.
  • Return to Hotel Vermont.

Go to day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or see index.

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Sunset on Lake Champlain from the Burlington lakefront.

Sailboats and motorboats docked at a marina under a pink and purple sunset sky reflected in calm water.
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The Unitarian Universalist Meeting House at the top of Church Street in Burlington.

Brick Unitarian Universalist Meeting House with white steeple and clock tower, framed by tall trees, Burlington Vermont
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These installations by Jacob Hashimoto at Burlington City Arts were so unique and interesting. The depth of the art pulled you in. Very unique and interesting!

Large-scale installation of hundreds of white oval paper discs on bamboo frames suspended from a gallery ceiling, with colorful patterned elements visible beneath.Large wall installation of hundreds of small circular hoops strung on wire forming a grid, with bold black lines radiating from the center and black-and-white patterned discs clustered in one sectionWall installation of hundreds of bamboo embroidery hoops with white fabric panels hung on vertical strings, casting layered shadowsFour people look up in wonder inside a large installation of hundreds of white circular panels suspended from the ceiling on wire grids

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Hello from Church Street Marketplace on the 30th Anniversary Block Party in Burlington, VT.

Four people posing for a selfie on a brick pedestrian street lined with colorful bunting flags, trees, and outdoor dining
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Departing soon to start our QMSB (Quebec, Montreal, Stowe, Bismarck) summer trip! 🛫

Family of four smiling at airport gate A13 for Delta flight DL 4901 departing to Burlington Vermont at 9:05 am
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First time trying this Dashfire Old Fashioned. I was a tad dismissive of an Old Fashioned in a can. But it is delicious. Nicely done! 🥃

Dashfire Bourbon Old Fashioned canned cocktail beside a rocks glass with ice and a cocktail pick, on a white marble surface.
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Tyler and I got four cards we liked out of this new White Flair Binder Pack.

Pokemon White Flare trading cards spread on a white table including Hydreigon ex and Whimsicott ex alongside booster packs and a binder collection box.Four holographic Pokemon cards from the White Flair set laid out in a 2x2 grid: Hydreigon ex, Roggenrola, Whimsicott ex, and Vanillite.