I woke up at 0600 again (after a good night's sleep). Eileen and I then spent several hours talking and working the woodstove to get the house warm (temps were around -25 F). After we got warm, Eileen made us some delicious sourdough pancakes and then we played Scrabble (Eileen won). By 1100, she had to go to work and we said goodbye. After she was gone, I packed up my car and said goodbye to the dogs. I drove back into Potsdam and drove out of town on NY-11B. Stopped at the Valero on the edge of town for gas (1115) and then continued east until I reached US-11. Followed that for most of the rest of my New York journey (with a short detour on a road called "Military Turnpike", not sure why). Listened to audiobook and then switched to Moth podcasts. Back on US-11, drove into Rouses Point and followed additional back roads until I was on US-2. I passed a closed Canadian border station in that area and later crossed into Vermont. Continued on US-2 until I reached Swanton, VT. Got gas at Shell with my nice discount (1330) and then drove a short distance to reach I-89. I was surprised to find myself north of St. Albans, where the "Vermonter" begins each day... I talked to Mollie on the phone for about half an hour and then resumed listening to Moth Podcasts. After a relatively easy drive (traffic-wise), I reached my condo again (1545). Took my time unpacking and cleaning up my parking space. I then let everyone know I was safe at home and then relaxed for the rest of the evening. Right before I went to bed, I considered how almost nothing on this business trip went as planned (lots of meeting cancelations and weather impacts). Despite the constant “up in the air” nature of the journey, though, I still had a great time. Mostly, this is due to the overwhelming generosity and welcoming love I received from several amazing friends. That would be unbeatable, by itself, but there was also an unexpected common thread throughout - almost all the pictures in my phone feature dogs! And, for some reason, they all thought I was great… In honor of their efforts in making lemonade from my lemons, I’m declaring this trip “Tour du Chien”!
