Dorchester, NH (USA)

Several people in town have told me about a free Nordic ski area close to Dartmouth Skiway but couldn’t give specific directions.  With today being a holiday for me, I set off towards Lyme to try to find it!  I had a general idea of where to look because I’d used the Dorchester Road (one landmark provided) to hike the AT.  But I drove several miles on gravel, ice, mud and snow without finding it.  Young skiers at the Skiway were no help so I had to drive back to Lyme to ask for more clues at the General Store.  This time, I got lucky and was told to “drive five miles up the mountain, past some lakes, until you come to a gate.”  Resuming my search, I returned to Dorchester Road and followed it deeper into the remote woods.  I crossed the Dorchester town line, passed Reservoir Pond and came to a big sign that said the road was only accessible during the summer (“Use at own risk”).  I paused to think about what I should do and, just then, noticed signs to my right (down a side road) that said “Trail Parking.”  I took the bait and, after maneuvering carefully in the mostly unplowed track, found a gate.  I saw ski tracks so decided I must have located “the place.”  Headed into the silent woods on a nicely packed track (not groomed, just well used by others).  This was much different skiing from when I go to Eastman - lots of downed trees, no signage, deep (> 8”) snow all around.  But I loved it!  About 30 minutes in, I found a trail junction with directional signage.  It didn’t tell me exactly where I was but was a breadcrumb for finding my way back!  I continued down the trail towards Clark Pond.  This part of the trail followed a lively creek, the kind of thing I’d normally spend a lot of time enjoying.  But I was struggling a bit with the tracks by then (slushy) and occasionally found my entire ski buried under snow and couldn’t get out again without backing up.  I never found the pond and decided I should turn around.  Feeling warmed up, I made better time on the backtrack - reached my car after around 75 minutes and 1.5 miles of “backcountry” skiing.  Felt good about the results of my Recce trip and headed back to town.  Only then, while looking at the area where I’d been on Google Maps, did I figure out I’d spent my time on a skimobile trail system, rather than the groomed Nordic one.  I’d been on something called Mascoma River *Road* the whole time... If I’d ignored the “go no further” sign on Dorchester Road, I’d have found the well organized and maintained Green Woodlands Ski Trails.  Now, at least, I know the name of the place, found other trailheads and have access to real trail maps.  It’s good to have something new to try the next time I have a free day!

Enfield, NH (USA)

I visited the La Sallette Shrine today (for the first time in a while) and saw my friend, Father John.  Spent about an hour there and then headed back to work.  Always a good experience to rejuvenate my heart and soul...

Canaan, NH (USA)

Was up very early and did some teleworking before the sun rose.  I then drove over to West Lebanon to do some grocery shopping in West Lebanon; after that, I headed to Eastman for some outdoor fun.  I had to finish a short work call at 0830 but then hiked (from the Bogey Road trailhead) for about 30 minutes on the Heath Forest Trails, looking for the fifth card punch for the Snowshoe Challenge (I found it).  I then drove over to the Center to do some cross country skiing (0915 to 1015).  The trails were pretty icy but I  still got a good hour of exercise on the Lazy Loop.  Before leaving Grantham, I dropped of my completed Snowshoe Challenge card and learned that I was the first person to complete the card this season!  Headed home to resume my work day.  At 1630, I drove over to Canaan to have dinner with Michael and Camille, friends from Sacred Heart who'd invited me to visit their home.  It was a larger dinner party: Camille's brother, Jerry, and Father Charles brought his brother, Michael, and Michael's girlfriend, Pam.  Stayed from 1700 to 2145.  I drove home via La Salette in Enfield, hoping to catch the lights, but they were closed.  It started to snow as I was traveling on NH-4A to US-4 - glad I made it home before the roads got too bad...  What a great day! 

Woodstock, VT (USA)

Today I volunteered at the Billings Farm in Woodstock, VT and spent a few hours outside in the newly fallen snow - I enjoyed every minute!  My job was to greet guests (most with very young children), check tickets, give a short safety brief and then send them merrily on a genuine sleigh ride (pulled by “Luke” and “Lonnie”).  My whole shift (from 1030 to 1300) was filled with nothing but joy, excitement and wonder - a perfect combination for this time of year!  There were other volunteers checking on me throughout my day and most were wearing special gear and name-tags - I guess they have graduated to Docent level and that was a bit inspiring.  When I finished “working”, I learned that I was the 100th person to volunteer at the Farm.  This milestone was apparently so important to them that some of the leadership came to talk to me and later gave me a tour of the grounds and outbuildings (I learned a lot about Jersey cows…).  I toured the old buildings and got to sample some homemade mincemeat.  Capping off my day: they paid me (for my time) in cheese!  Reluctantly, I left the farm and drove home so I could finish my day of teleworking.  This was one of those experiences that gives you ideas about what you want to do when you “grow up” and the staff told me there were openings if I wanted a job.  Nice to have another thought on how to spend my days when I finally retire!

Dennis, MA (USA)

I got up a bit later than normal (after a lot of celebrating last night!).  Packed up my car and left for Cape Cod at around 0800.  I took my time driving east and eventually made it to Brewster, where I paid my respects to my mother.  I was supposed to meet up with my cousin, David, at 1230 (for lunch) so I decided to backtrack to Dennis and take a stroll.  During my travels, no matter how many trails I walk, the place that always comes into my mind the most is the Cape Cod Rail Trail.  I watched it evolve from rails and ties to overgrown cinder road to paved bikepath.  To me, CCRT has always been an inspiration for fitness, exploration and greenway recapture.  It was awesome, therefore, to discover that Dennis and Yarmouth expanded the trail west from MA-134.  Starting at around 0930, I was able to walk a portion (out to Flax Pond Recreation Area) of that extension, which took me through many of my old stomping grounds and some happy memories.  The experience of traveling through my past was a great way to cap off the holiday weekend!  I was finished walking by 1115 and noticed that David had asked for a rain check.  So I drove a short distance to Patriot Plaza and ate lunch at Burger King (1130-1200).  After that, I drove to Sandy Neck on the Barnstable-Sandwich line and enjoyed watching the big waves.  I also talked to Mollie for a while.  At around 1330, I texted my dad to see if I might be able to come over to his place early.  He agreed and I drove west until I reached his house.  I then spent a while with Dad and Beth, watching the Patriots game (Katie and John were actually there!) and playing with the new puppy.  At around 1445, we sat down for a nice "dinner" (Christmas leftovers).  Dad wanted to show me his new boat so we drove over to where he stores it and then explored some of the nice neighborhoods nearby.  Finished visiting by about 1600 and then got started with my drive back to my condo (via US-6, MA-3 and I-93).  When I left, I had about an hour of usable light and, after that, it got really tough to see.  By the time I hit the New Hampshire border, there was visible snow and the roads got a bit more slippery.  I took I-93 all the way to NH-3A and got gas at Irving in Hooksett (1800).  I then drove north to the southern terminus of I-89.  Weather conditions were pretty different (it had clearly slowed in the previous 24 hours) and I was very careful.  After a pretty adventurous drive, I ended up getting home just after 1900.  I sent my "Smurfey" (home safe) photo to the girls and spent the rest of the evening decompressing from all the family time.  Went to bed at around 2200, glad to have ventured south for a family visit!

Hanover, MA (USA)

I woke up at around 0600 and, because rain was forecast (100% chance) later in the day, I got dressed and took a walk in the neighborhood (including the Hanover High School track) near Katie's house (started at around 0715).  I was gone for about 1.5 hours so, when I got back to Katie's, I found that my umbrella was coated with a solid layer of rime ice (!).  Still, I was glad that I'd gone outside early because it rained for the rest of the day.  Had enough time to get cleaned up and dressed before any of Katie's kids were awake.  When they finally came downstairs (0915), we spent a few hours opening gifts and having a nice, relaxing morning.  Christmas Dinner guests started arriving at around 1130 and it started to get very crowded.  At that point, I retired to the kitchen to help John with preparing the Christmas meal (I made mashed potatoes and John made a delicious ham).  We also set up the table and everything was ready at 1300.  The whole (extended) family ate together (mmm) and then played a game called "Awkward Family Photos."  From that point, there were games, TV, visiting, music for many hours...  At around 1700, Mollie and Erin and I got on a FaceTime call (Brenna never made it) and talked about our holidays (I also took Erin on a virtual tour of Katie's house).  After most of the guests were gone (2000), Katie, John, Carolyn and I went out to the hot tub and relaxed for over an hour.  Even after we were done, I talked with John until after 2200.  By the time I went to bed (2300), I realized I'd been drinking, on and off, for almost 12 hours - very, very out of character for me!  Still, this was one of those days that is just one long happy memory - I'm so glad I could be with my family for Christmas.

Hull, MA (USA)

Had an unexpected holiday from work and nasty winter weather was forecast for the Upper Valley.  Since I was hoping to spend Christmas with Katie and her family, I decided to leave condo early this morning and try to get to the Boston area before I was unable.  I drove south on I-89 (listening to books on tape).  Just before the I-93 merge, I got off the highway and took NH-13 to the south.  Passed through the town of Dunbarton (home of Molly Stark) and, after some exploring, found a parking lot for the Goffstown Rail Trail (arrived at around 0915).  The temps had been so low lately (teens) that there were "ice rink” conditions on the trail - I used my micro-spikes in an attempt to improve my footing.  Despite these conditions (and some construction), I was able to finish the western end of the trail (I'd done the eastern end, from the Manchester side) earlier in the year.  Walked over 8 miles (in under three hours), warmed up my core (exercising skiing muscles) and made room for Christmas feasting.  After finishing my walk (1215), I then drove (via NH-114) to I-293 and made good time - on that road and I-93 - to Massachusetts.  I made some phone calls on the way and also listened to Moth Radio Hour podcasts.  Thought I'd encounter more of a slowdown in Boston but the only real traffic I hit was near Hanover.  There was NO snow anywhere south of Boston.  Arrived at Katie's house at around 1430 and handed out all the presents I'd brought.  The family was leaving for church but I decided to use their hot tub...  Everyone else got back at around 1630 and we then left for Brian's Christmas Eve Party in Hull (at their new house).  We had a nice conversation while we were driving and then had an even better time with all the guests.  One of the party gifts was a scratch off game in which the prize was "we're having a baby" (a baby announcement for Carrie).  I actually won some money in another scratch off game!  We stayed until after 2230 and then had to drive back to Hanover.  Was quite tired but didn't get to bed until almost midnight.  Glad I made it to town early for some fun!

Grantham, NH (USA)

After work (1415), I drove to Eastman so I could try out the cross country skiing conditions.  I'd learned that they got about 8 inches (not enough to make tracks) but there seemed to be enough to have fun.  Starting at 1445, I spent an hour on the beginner loops.  The weather was great (sunny and cold but no wind).  Afterwards, I drove over to Heath Forest and walked around from 1615 to 1700 (until it got dark).  I used Yellow, Orange, Red and Blue trails but still didn't find the elusive fifth card punch...  I drove home after having a great time in the woods (arrived by 1730).

Enfield, NH (USA)

The forecast said I might have five hours of nice weather before a big winter storm hit the Upper Valley so I left my condo just after sunrise.  I’d noticed parking for a trail in the Smith Pond Shaker Forest that was located just off Exit 15 on I-89 (near Montcalm Golf Club) - started my hike there (0715).  From that moment until I was done, I never saw any people at all - perfect solitude.  Temps were in the low 30s and there were occasional snow flurries but I felt comfortable in only two layers.  The signage, blazes and trail conditions (including bridges) within the Upper Valley Land Trust boundaries were very good - it was clear that someone makes a lot of effort to maintain them.  I walked all the way to Smith Pond and then took a circuit along the water’s edge that included the dam.  The trail circled back to a junction spot where I could choose to walk to NH-4A or return to my car.  I chose a compromise and detoured towards Little Dog Falls - that was a good decision!  After enjoying the pretty cascades, I started walking back to the Interstate.  On the way, I noticed that I could walk on another trail to Half Mile Pond, which was located in Henry Laramie WMA.  This 1.6 mile spur took me to the top of a big rise (Smith Pond Mountain?) with great views of all the southern Whites from Moose Mountain to Moosilauke.  A rocky point on the other side of the hill offered a spectacular vista of Mount Cardigan in the distance and Smith Pond below - wow!  I continued to the end of the trail and enjoyed another pond view (note to self: there were canoes, with paddles, there).  Backtracked to my car via the gravel road (since the weather continued to deteriorate), reaching the parking lot just after 1015.  I talked to Mollie on my way back to town and then did some grocery shopping in West Lebanon (got home by 1100).  Logging six miles (with several good climbs included) in “Fall” weather was a great way to start my weekend.  Truthfully, though, I’m hoping the that rest of 2021 is full of snow sports!

Grantham, NH (USA)

This morning, I drove over to Eastman so I could pick up my new Cross Country Skiing Pass.  I got to South Cove too early (0830) and had to kill time before the office opened.  After getting the pass, I drove over to the Cross Country Center and then walked to the southern end of the Heath Forest trail system for my first hike of the season.  All the snow melted but it was still a nice bit of exercise.  Worked on the Snowshoe Challenge card but could only find four out of five punches, despite walking all of the trails.  Maybe the coordinators only want the challenge to be done with snowshoes...  After I was done, I got a gas fillup at Irving in Grantham (1015) and listened in on a work phone call.  I was home by 1045 and got back to work.  Looking forward to many days on the ski trails this Winter!

Johnson, VT (USA)

A major rain event yesterday washed away almost all the snow we had in the Upper Valley.  On the bright side, though, the storm brought clear skies and warmer temps this morning.  Since it’s rare to see such nice weather in mid December, I seized the opportunity to get some more Long Trail miles!  I left the condo at around 0745 and drove west on I-89 until I reached VT-100 and took it until I reached the intersection with VT-15.  It took almost two hours of driving (and dodging shoppers in Stowe) to get to the trailhead (at Hog Back Road in Johnson) and I was raring to go as I headed (NOBO) into the woods (0945).  I was wearing three layers and it made me feel pretty comfortable as I climbed up to Prospect Rock - this was despite the 30 degree temps and brisk wind.  There were lots of trees down on the trail but I was able to scramble around them.  I got some good views of the Lamoille River Valley as I went higher and really enjoyed the viewpoint spot at the top.  I then continued north, descending into a dark valley full of ice and frozen snow, until I reached the parking lot for Prospect Rock Road.  The trail followed the dirt/gravel track for a few hundred yards and then went back into the woods.  At that point, I started my backtrack.  Somehow, I made it back down to the road without slipping on the rocks and roots.  Thought about putting on my micro-spikes but never did.  I only saw two other people - a young couple who were trail running (their loud footfalls behind me made me think, for just a moment, that I’d encountered some moose).  I crossed Hog Back Road, intending to walk to the parking lot at VT-15.  This required crossing a rickety, vibrating suspension bridge over the Lamoille (yikes).  I didn’t realize it initially but I was actually on an island when I reached solid ground again.  After walking a little further, I found another (deep and fast) river arm beyond the bridge - unfortunately, there was no way to safely ford it.  So, I backtracked to my car and drove around the obstacle, feeling glad that I wasn’t forced to walk the full “high water route” that was advertised… I parked at the lot on VT-15 and walked back to the same river crossing from the south side.  Met a few people in this area (pair of women backpackers who had to turn around and a local man with three friendly dogs).  I also got some pretty views of Whiteface Mountain (located to the south).  After backtracking to my car, I decided to continue and check out the trail (and possible parking spots) on the other side of VT-15.  This required a bit of “Frogger” maneuvering because there were LOTS of fast cars! The trail passed through a little cemetery and big farm field before reaching the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  Mollie and I had previously walked on the eastern end in Saint Johnsbury - I had no idea it reached so far into Vermont!  Walked on the rail trail until I got to West Settlement Road - since the Long Trail headed uphill there, I called it a day and backtracked to my car (arrived at around 1200).  All told, I walked about five miles on one more hiking day that I never expected to get in 2021.  On the way home, I got (free) hot chocolate at Dunkin Donuts in Morrisville (1250) and then stopped to check out the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center in Waterbury (closed).  I backtracked on I-89 and arrived home at 1430.  After such a nice day of hiking, I'm looking forward to returning to the area again soon!  Long Trail Today = 2.3 miles / Grand Total LT = 119.2 miles

Enfield, NH (USA)

After Mass (0800) in Lebanon this morning, I spent almost two hours exploring the (unmarked) trails on Shaker Mountain in Enfield.  I parked at the lot on NH-4A at about 0945 and put on some micro-spikes before leaving my car.  The mostly icy (with some muddy spots) trail wasn’t too challenging and the steady climb on an old forest road was pleasant.  Temps ranged between mid 20s and mid 30s but felt warm in three layers (no wind). Very quiet except when I reached the northern boundary of Montcalm Golf Course - then could hear the traffic on I-89.  Saw lots of turkey tracks.  Only a few other folks were using the trails during the time I was there but I still managed to get information from a few of them about additional trails nearby.  At the end of my hike (1130), I walked through the old Shaker Village on the shore of Lake Mascoma - encountered lots of history there about the mostly defunct religious sect.  Meanwhile, just across the road, the Mass at La Salette Shrine was well attended.  Since the Shakers gave the Catholics land to build the Shrine, it could be argued that the words of the Great Commission that were chiseled (in Latin) on the cornice of one of the main buildings are still being practiced.  I’ll need to come back in the evening to enjoy the Shrine’s Christmas lights.  Glad I was able to enjoy another brisk NH day in the woods!

Grantham, NH (USA)

Today was the Open House for the 2021-2022 season at the Eastman Cross Country Center!  When I arrived (1100), I figured out that I must have I visited enough last year that the staff and some Eastman residents remembered me.  Enjoyed the ski waxing demos, ate some good fondue (cheese & chocolate) and took an informative tour of the trail system (3+ miles).  There wasn’t enough snow for grooming yet but it was great to be able to get into the winter spirit for a few hours (done at 1300).  Really glad I got another chance to learn more about the Eastman Community and can't wait to do some skiing this season!