South Londonderry, VT (USA)

My High School friends (Nancy & Rick G, Jane W) told me they'd be visiting Vermont over the long weekend and asked if I could visit with them.  I'd met up with them in the same place (during the same timeframe) in 2024 and found the drive to be pretty easy.  So, after getting some work done at my condo in the morning, I departed Hanover (0915) and headed (via I-89, I-91, VT-131, VT-106, VT-10, VT-103 and VT-11) towards South Londonderry.  Since the weather was relatively good, I'd hoped to do some paddling on the way - unfortunately, there weren't any good ponds of lakes.  As a result, I made it all the way to Nancy & Rick's vacation home without stopping (arrived at 1045).  This ended up being OK because I had more time to visit with my friends.  We talked about old times, current events, news of family and friends and talked about our future plans.  It was, essentially, a mini class reunion.  At lunch time, Jane made us all something to eat - I ended up with a delicious grilled Cabot cheese sandwich (on sourdough bread), potato chips and Nancy's homemade cookies.  The food recharged us and we soon got geared up for a walk on some local trails to visit one of the Thomas Dambo trolls (#117) that was located on a hill nearby.  Actually, the troll was on private land that required permission from the owner (Nancy and Rick had coordinated that) and we took some paved roads to locate the access (dirt) trail on his property.  The resulting climb and slog (through mud, which the dogs loved) was about 1.5 miles and led us to "Lost Finn".  The troll was made of building supplies and creative use of twigs and sticks.  Since a giant hoopla a few years ago (tour busses were parking on the narrow roads so many more Thomas Dambo fanatics could visit), the trails are apparently quiet - more bears than people.  It was quiet and thought-provoking near the troll - I enjoyed this special hike (3 miles total in just under two hours).  We made our way back down to the main road and passed lazy cows (and calves) in the fields along the West River.  We did some more visiting (and dog baths) at Nancy and Rick's until about 1645.  We then drove north on VT-100 into Londonderry so we could have dinner at the New American Grill.  This restaurant was probably the only place to eat for miles around so got quite crowded during our visit.  After some really good food (and yet more reminiscing and good times), we got some group photos before I departed for home (1830).  Instead of retracing my route from the morning, I continued north on VT-100 to Ludlow and then followed VT-103 and VT-131 back to I-91.  After reaching I-89 and crossing the Connecticut River, I arrived at my condo by 1945.  Overall, a nice day away from home - it was great to get together with the friend's I've known the longest on this planet!