With temps starting in the single digits (high was 15) and a High School X-C Ski Race at Eastman, it was tough to feel motivated for outdoor activities. Still, it was sunny and dry - seemed like a bad idea to waste a Saturday... At 1130, I drove (using US-4) to the northeastern side of Enfield and found a parking lot for the NRT on Hardy Street (right near the Canaan town line). For the next 2.5 hours (1200 to 1430), I walked east on the rail trail, braving the freezing conditions. I wasn’t the only idiot out for a stroll but the three walkers I encountered were within the first 100 yards of what turned out to be a seven mile walk (3.5 in each direction). Otherwise, the only other humans I saw were on skimobiles - at least 30 passed me! Most of them slowed down when they passed but sped up soon afterwards, blowing snow in the air so thick they disappeared. The trail was mostly packed snow and, though I brought spikes, I was able to walk just fine in my old hiking boots. My phone didn’t like the cold and, despite being fully charged when I left my car, gave me a low battery warning after 15 minutes outside. I was able to wrap it up in an extra pair of gloves I had and the minimal charge lasted until the end of the walk. The NRT paralleled a meandering stream that I later learned was called Indian River (it flows into the Mascoma) and I saw lots of places where animals had walked across the snow-covered ice to get a drink of water where the water still flowed. I glimpsed (tough with trees and flat land) a few views of snow-capped mountain(s) to the northeast - at least one of the peaks was Cardigan but I’m not sure about the other. They looked pretty cold but I still wished I could see the view from up there... My backtrack started at Potato Road, on the edge of Canaan Village, and I realized on the way back that I felt quite warm, despite the conditions. Was really glad to get in such a nice walk (probably the longest distance since November - it was also nice to remind myself that I can hike in almost any weather. Maybe now I should try something a bit steeper...
