Burlington's Earth Clock

Traveling north from the southern end of Burlington's waterfront bike path the trails curves away from the shore, past park benches and swings around this curious stone structure that looks like a miniature Stonehenge. At sunset during certain times of the year there might be a group holding candles, or singing or talking. Curious, I stopped by for a look at the signage. It's an earth time clock.

According to Circles for Peace "The Earth Clock is a 43-foot diameter stone circle consisting of 14 five-to-ten-foot-high stones in a ring. The stones are aligned like a compass. When you stand in the center and look west to the Adirondack Mountains, the five stones on that side are positioned to mark the horizon where the sun sets at the Solstices, Equinoxes and the mid-points between these times of the year.

The center of the circle is a sundial made of flat granite, so when you stand in the exact center of the circle, your shadow tells the time of day."
 
It's a peaceful spot. Get off your bike and explore the timetable. Hang out on the benches. Watch the ducks paddle by, even in winter. Listen for the crack and boom of winter ice on the lake. Contemplate our own little slice of chocolate pie—Burlington—a diverse corner of earth.