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!
