Norwich, VT (USA)

After work today (1630), I drove across the Connecticut River to Norwich (VT) and parked at a boat launch I noticed a few weeks ago.  From there, I could look back to NH and see the Dartmouth Crew Team Facility and Ledyard Canoe Club.  There were lots of watercraft on this section of the river - most seemed to have originated from the latter spot.  However, there were also Crew Teams departing upriver - two four-man Dartmouth boats (and their coach, on a motorized launch) departed as I paddled down to the Ledyard Bridge and, when I backtracked, two eight-man boats (+female coxswains) were launching.  These last two boats were apparently filled with Hanover High School Crew Team candidates because I was treated to lots of introductory terminology and instructions blared on a PA system as I paddled north.  Soon, though, I was alone on the water and was able to truly savor peace and quiet in some outstanding Fall weather!  I kept up a steady paddling pace for about three miles upriver - I only slowed down a few times when motorboats (full of what appeared to be drunken Frat Boys) cruised past with a big wake.  Otherwise, my arms kept moving and helped me cover almost six miles in two hours.  Along the way, I saw several places where the huge trees leaned out so far over the river that I couldn’t go underneath - however, I could see lots of ducks huddling in those safe havens.  As often happens when I hike, I had several moments when I considered (à la Matthew 6:25-34) the amazing, hidden world that I’ve otherwise failed to notice in my busy travels…. At another point, I found myself surrounded by a crowd of Canadian Geese who were peacefully coasting up to the bank of the river and began exiting to their resting place for the night: an apple orchard with pretty weeping willows.  Beautiful image!  After turning around, I got a different kind of treat: the two four man boats blew by me during the tail end of their workout (the coach was still pointing out flaws).  It was great to see the young guys at the peak of their fitness.  Also, the sun went behind the mountains to the west and made a spectacular sight as I was finishing.  Can’t beat a September evening paddle like today’s!