Does everything take a village?

I’ve decided to paint more of my landscapes directly from nature (“en plein air” for you liberal arts types).  This conjures an image of the solitary artist in a unwavering quest for just the right vista.

I was recently in Vermont and decided to paint the mountain known as Camel’s Hump.  My solitary quest began. 

It turned out that the stunning views of the peak I knew 45 years ago are now obscured by  once smaller pine trees.  Undaunted, I set out in the direction of the mountain.  A half-hour search turned up some fleeting glimpses, but nothing that worked.  So I started asking people if they could recommend a spectacular view of Camel’s Hump. 

The counter crew at a general store in Moretown cheerfully suggested the best view was on Blush Hill in Waterbury.  It was unobstructed, but not spectacular.  Discouraged, heading back down the hill, I flagged down a passing mail truck.  When I told the mail carrier of my quest, she smiled:  “It’s my favorite stop on this route.”  Her directions led me right to the spot you see in the photo.  (Click on it to enlarge.)

So much for the myth of the solitary artist.  This was a group effort.  Maybe everything takes a village.  And that might be a good thing indeed.