Enfield, NH (USA)

After teleworking until about 1630, I drove over to the east side of Lebanon to participate in my first official volunteer session with White River Junction VA Medical Center Adaptive Sports / Recreational Therapy Team!  We rode nine miles of Northern Rail Trail (between Forward's Garage in Lebanon and Mascoma Lakeside Park in Enfield), some on two wheels and others on three (reclined bikes).  It was great to be out with my fellow Vets and Volunteers (Jen, Marty, Sharon, Ralph, etc.), lifting each other up through exercise and esprit de corps!  Arrived home at 1915 after a great afternoon!

Rangeley, ME (USA)

During the night, I kept dozing but got woken by animals and their many sounds: peepers, larger frogs, birds, four legged creatures (camp log indicated that coyotes frequented the area).  Still, I slept well enough to be ready to get the campsite packed up at 0500.  It was cool and clear and I was able to refill my water bottles pretty quickly.  As a result, I was hiking towards my car by 0640.  Like the day before, there was plenty of evidence that moose liked to walk the AT too - despite watching both days, though, I never encountered any.  The hike back wasn’t too hard (only about five miles) but my shoulders ached from the backpack and my legs were sore from pushing myself the day before.  I still made it to my car by 0900 - a much faster pace than the previous day.  Left AT trailhead at around 0915 (after cleaning myself up) and drove north on ME-4 to Rangeley.  In town, I finally got cell service so I called Mollie.  Thought about driving to the Connecticut Lakes but it seemed too far away.  Instead, decided to retrace my drive (ME/NH-16 to NH-110A, NH-110 to US-3.  Somehow, I avoided major traffic as I was coming into Lancaster.  Managed to stop for lunch at McDonalds close by (1130) and then figured out the traffic was due to road closures related to the town's Memorial Day Parade.  Since it came right by the restaurant, I had a front row seat!  After finishing my meal, I drove home via US-2 and backroads on the west side of Connecticut River (looking for kayak launch sites).  Eventually got on NH-135 and finally reached I-93.  After driving west for a little bit, I decided I'd made a mistake and got off the Interstate (on NH-135) again.  Backtracked to State Ledge Road, which turned into Logging Road, and cut across the mountains to US-302.  From there, continued to Woodsville and got on NH-10.  Checked out Hatchland Farm (new building still not open) and then continued to River Road in Piermont.  Took NH/VT-25 to get on I-91 - continued south to Norwich and was home at about 1415.  Even though I didn't actually hike any new AT miles today, I ended up feeling very good about my ability to get this section done, the solitude I found and that I completed another backpacking trip.  Still have a lot of miles in Maine to do and I look forward to my next visit!  

Rangeley, ME (USA)

I’d hoped to get on the road for a three day weekend but the weather didn’t cooperate on Saturday.  Things looked good the next day, though, so I packed my backpack with a plan to hike a section that was too long for a single day out/back.  I left my condo at 0615 and got gas at Irving in Hanover (0625).  Took I-91 to I-93, crossed into New Hampshire again then got off the Interstate at NH-18.  Used that road to reach US-2 and followed it east until I got to Lancaster.  Switched to US-3 and then used NH-110.  Got on NH-110A and followed it until I reached NH-16.  Took that road to NH-26 and continued northeast on NH/ME-16, all the way to Rangeley.  Near the end of the trip, used ME-4 to get to the AT Trailhead (arrived at 1000).  Talked to a young couple who were planning to climb Saddleback (opposite direction) - they ended up being the last people I saw for the next 24 hours.  Headed SOBO into the trees soon afterwards.  Temps were already in the 70s but there was plenty of overhead leaf cover.  Still, I knew I needed to carefully monitor my water intake and this was harder than normal because I couldn’t carry a lot (limited pockets for water bottles).  Fortunately, there were several places to filter/refill - this took a lot more time than I’ve stopped in the past but built in some breaks that I needed.  For the first five miles, I made good time, despite lots of rocks, roots and mud.  Where there were viewpoints, I was treated to spectacular vistas.  Soon, I was able to stop and check out the Little Swift River Pond Campsite (my intended overnight location).  In order to complete the rest of the section, I still had about four miles left (and the backtrack) before I could stop, though, and reluctantly continued south.  At this point, my energy and hydration levels were lower than where I felt comfortable so I stopped several times in the shade and ate snacks.  The bugs (mosquitos, noseeums and black flies) were relentless!  No matter how many I killed, more jumped in to join the feast… The last part of the section involved a large climb and a steep descent to the Old Houghton Fire Road (where I turned around in 2014).  In order to successfully finish my day, I had to dig deep into my psychological tool bag.  The backtrack started well and I was able to cover a few more miles before my body began to protest.   Another thing that made my hike difficult was the large number of downed trees in the area - they were annoying on the way out but depressing in the other direction… Thinking back, the hike reminded me of several “first long hike of the year” situations.  I kept plodding along as the sun started to drop behind the high peaks to the west and arrived back at the Campground at about 1830.  I’d covered over 13 miles and was quite relieved to be done.  There was plenty of water, a privy and some nice campsites - definitely a good place to stay.  Got tent set up, ate my dinner and read a little while waiting for the sun to set.  I also tried to hang my bear bag but couldn’t find a good tree branch.  Normally, I’d be hesitant to keep food in the tent with me but I didn’t really have any other option.  Went to bed (2100), crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t meet a hungry bear... AT Today = 8.9 miles / Grand Total AT = 1934.6 miles

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking in the morning - then did some volunteering (mulching) at UVAC in White River Junction this morning (0800 to 1000) - also spent a little time working out on some cardio machines - drove home directly after that (teleworking by 1100)]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking in the morning - went to work out at UVAC in White River Junction - swimming, rowing, biking, Freemotion Weight System (legs) - back to teleworking by 1100]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 3

The chirping birds and the brilliant sunrise woke me up just after 0530 and I got ready for my return trip home.  Before departing, though, I my dad asked me to join him and Beth for breakfast.  Since the restaurant (Marshland) didn't open until 0700, we waited at his house until after that time.  However, when we arrived (0720), we found the place packed!  Fortunately, we got the last booth and had some more delicious food and good conversation.  Afterwards, we took Beth home and my dad drove me (and Anna, the dog) over to Shawme-Crowell to take a walk in the woods.  We checked out several nice trails (that later turned out to be tick-infested) and got a lot of good steps on a pretty Spring day.  Finishing at 0930, we went back to my dad's house.  By then, it had already gotten pretty warm (80s) - Since I wanted to beat any major traffic through Boston, I departed at 1000.  Unfortunately, as soon as I got on US-6, I found myself in a traffic jam (two miles from the Sagamore Bridge.  Eventually, I got going again but soon had more trouble with the car (cruise control).  I pulled over to fix it (I was learning tricks to get it to work) and it worked for a while.  After getting on I-93, I hit another traffic jam (as I passed Braintree).  To pass the time, I listened to audiobooks.  Continued (slowly) through Boston and then the traffic started to get more sparse.  Stopped for another cruise control fix at the NH Border.  Was planning to use NH-3A to get to I-89 but prematurely exited on US-3.  This took me the "long way" (through the Hooksett shopping area) and I encountered a lot more traffic.  Grrrrr...  Looking on the bright side, though, I think I'm starting to learn more and more about the ways I can avoid Interstate issues  between the Cape and the Upper Valley.  It was also nice to know where I could find more shopping without having to drive all the way to Manchester.  Reached I-89 by about 1215 and then made excellent time all the way home (arrived just after 1300).  As forecasted, the temps were in the 90s so I "hid" in my house for the rest of the day.  Very glad I could take such nice getaway just before the beginning of the Summer Beach Season!

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

I was up by 0600 but Katie and John slept until almost 0830.  Meanwhile, I got breakfast and played around with my new Duolingo app.  Ella and Johnnie came back from their friends' homes to say goodbye to me and I was on the road by 0900.  It was misty and cool so I decided to try to cross the Cape Cod Canal before any possible mad rush of tourists.  The drive to the Cape (in MA-3) was OK and I got across the Sagamore Bridge quickly.  I used US-6 to reach South Yarmouth, where I hoped to try to finish the Cape Cod Rail Trail Extension.  Parked at a lot on Flax Pond (just after 1000) and walked all the way to the western end at Higgins-Crowell Road.  It felt good to escaping the heat had arrived up north...  One highlight of the walk was crossing the Bayberry Hills golf course.  Mollie called to tell me about her Israel trip - that was a nice surprise. It got much warmer (70s) while I was walking so I was glad to make it back to my car (1215).  Looking forward to coming back whenever they tack on some new miles to the CCRT!  After I was finished, I got back on US-6 and drove back to Sandwich.  I arrived at my dad's house by 1245 and we went to get lunch at the Sandwich Pizza House (1305).  After that, we went back to the house to get some metal trash that my dad wanted to take to the Town Dump.  This was one of my first visits to any public landfill in a long time.  Before returning to his home, my dad drove me around for a while to show me some new things in town.  We first visited the renovated library and then crossed over the Sagamore Bridge to visit Sagamore Beach.  It was very foggy and cool there (pleasant) and we walked on the beach (zero visibility) to look for seals (no luck).  During this time, I played phone tag with Brenna.  My dad then took me down Phillips Road (southeast) and, for the first time, I learned that there was an isolated part of Sandwich on the west side of the Canal!  We drove until a dead end (100 yards from the parking area for Scusset Beach) and then backtracked towards my dad's house.  My dad was going to show me more things but Beth texted to say that she needed to car.  So, we went to the house and spent some time talking and enjoying the company of the dogs.  By about 1630, my dad started cooking - he ultimately had to redo the meal because one of the dogs ate some of the food!  We sat down to eat (Beth had returned) by 1730 and had a nice meal with great conversation.  Afterwards, we got in the car and drove across the Bourne Bridge to get ice cream at Betty Ann's Dairy Freeze.  I enjoyed a delicious (soft serve) twirl of coconut and lemon.  We then drove over to visit Onset Beach and took our time going back (via US-6 on the west side of the Canal) to the Sagamore Bridge.  My dad wanted to do some more driving but Beth wanted to go home.  At the house, my dad insisted that we watch the first VCR tape of his collection of the 1970s TV Miniseries of "Centennial" so we sat down to watch that until about 2200.  It was 147 minutes long and I didn't wait see the end.  Instead, I went to bed (2230).  Nice day!

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

In the morning, I teleworked for a few hours before driving to White River Junction for two hours of volunteering at UVAC (using the woodchipper).  Afterwards, I returned to my condo to telework for another four hours.  I later packed up my car and left (1345) Hanover North, bound for Hanover South.  I talked to Eileen on the way (I-89 to NH-3A).  Also listened to audiobooks.  I had problems with my recently "repaired" car as I lost my cruise control and all associated features.  Stopped for gas at Irving in Hooksett at 1510.  After that, got on I-93 and drove south.  Encountered more cruise control problems with car (grrr...) as I reached Boston (1600) and then had to sit in a traffic jam for almost 90 minutes (while only 30 miles from Katie's) on the way to Hanover.  By the end of the drive, I found myself on MA-3A for a few miles.  After reaching my sister's house, I got to visit with Dan, Ella and John before they all left for previous engagements.  Meanwhile, Katie and I drove over to eat dinner at the Ocho Cafe in Weymouth.  Since my sister was driving, I had no idea where we were when we arrived!  We had a delicious dinner and then Katie drove me through Hingham and, eventually, out to Hull.  We stopped for a bit at Fort Revere Park (amazing views) and then headed back towards Katie's.  When we arrived, I got to visit with Johnnie and John again.  Went to bed at around 2300.

Berlin, NH (USA)

This morning, I was was awake by 0530.  I read in my room, cleaned up and packed before going to breakfast in the lobby (0700).  Had hoped to look around in the gym/pool area but the hotel never opened it up for people to use.  Instead, departed Gorham (NH-16) at 0800.  A brother Knight recommended I visit St. Anne’s in Berlin so I attended Mass there this morning.  The architecture and art within the building were quite impressive!  The church was celebrating the canonization of Saint Marie Rivier (it happened in real time) and there was a large group of people in something called the "Marie Rivier Association" that had supported the overall effort.  After Mass, I drove south into the center of town.  I saw what looked like a really good gas price and stopped for a fill up - however, the whole thing turned out to be a "bait and switch."  With prices so high lately, I was a bit disappointed... I then drove out of town on NH-110 until I found Jericho Mountain State Park.  Couldn’t hike because of Mud Season but was still able to enjoy some pretty views on the lake.  Will have to come back with my kayak!  I drove back to Berlin, got a gas fillup at Irving (1000) and did some window shopping at the Walmart.  Turned onto US-2 when I reached Gorham and then stopped to check out Moose Brook State Park.  The rangers there told me they are able to divert the brook water into swimming holes so people can get a break from the Summer heat.  I’m definitely going to try to get a swim there (after it’s set up for the year) on a  future hot hiking day!  Continued west on US-2 until I reached NH-116 (listened to audiobooks on the way).  Stopped at another Walmart (the one in Littleton) and bought some biking/hiking supplies.  Also went next door to get a free bag of cashews from Shaws (1205).  It started raining as I continued south on US-302 (more audiobooks).  Switched to NH-10 in Woodsville and planned to stop for some milk at Hatchland Farm. Unfortunately, they hadn't yet opened the new place and the (old) little shop was really crowded.  Instead, continued south to Piermont and crossed the river (River Road and NH/VT-25).  Stopped for another free item (yogurt) at Hannaford's in Bradford (US-5).  Then got on I-91 and headed south towards home, arriving just before 1600.  Not a lot of hiking miles this weekend but it was nice to get some time in the North Country!

Andover, ME (USA)

With all the warm weather recently, almost all the snow in the Whites has melted!  Unfortunately, the temps were forecast to reach almost 90 F today (yikes!)... I waffled a bit about departing from Hanover and, as a result, didn't leave my home until around 0730 (late packing).  Used I-91, VT/NH-25, River Road, NH-10, US-302, NH-116 and US-2 to reach Gorham and then got a late breakfast at McDonalds (0930).  All the delays meant that I wasn’t in the hiking zone until after 1000.  And, because rain was supposed to hit Gorham in the early afternoon, I decided to hike from an AT trailhead northeast of Grafton Notch (in Maine).  I finally departed my car (SOBO) just after 1100...  At first, this hike seemed like good idea because there was tree cover in the area near Dunn Falls (the AT skirted the local attraction).  However, I soon learned that the trees above 2000 feet had not gotten their leaves yet.  This, along with an accurate forecast (88 F), created an unpleasant combination of heat, climbing and sun glare.  No doubt at all: I was feeling completely unprepared for the conditions.  Despite this fact, I kept going, trying to avoid isolating/marooning a section that would be hard to complete.  Ultimately, I made it about 2.1 miles from the trailhead before I gave up and started my backtrack.  Instead of retracing my steps completely, I followed the blue blazed waterfall trail and was treated to several great views of cascading water.  During this time, I encountered the only people (with no gear) that I saw all day.  Made it to my car again just after 1500 - I'd hiked nearly six miles because of the longer return route. After I was back in my car, I spent some time exploring East B Hill Road, all the way to Andover.  Then used ME-5 to reach US-2 again.  Talked to Mollie and ate a late lunch (leftovers) on the way.  It was rainy in a few places and definitely nasty on the high peaks - yikes!  I checked into the Rodeway Inn in Gorham at 1535.  Was planning to go to Mass at St. Anne's in Berlin but, after getting cleaned up, didn't feel well.  Instead, stayed in my room and read for the entire evening.  Went to bed at around 2200.  While today’s hiking attempt seems like a failure, I’m going to keep it in the positive category because I avoided a dehydration or heat stroke scenario.  Hoping that I’ll get some cooler days to hike before it’s really Summer!  AT Today = 2.1 miles / Grand Total AT = 1925.7 miles

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked in the morning - after getting blood drawn at VAMC in White River Junction, did some volunteering at UVAC in the morning (0815 to 0945) - then worked out on some cardio machines until around 1030 - drove home directly after that (teleworking again by 1100)]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[after work, I drove over to White River Junction (UVAC) to attend a Be-Fit class (1800) about exercising to prevent cycling injuries - it was very good but went over by about 15 minutes - as a result, I was not able to do any cycling or rowing in the Fitness Room (they closed at 1930) - instead, I went home]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked in the morning - later, I went to work out at UVAC in WRJ - did some swimming, rowing, biking, Freemotion Weight System (legs and some shoulders) - back home by 1015 and resumed teleworking]

Montreal, QC (USA)

Woke up (0530) this morning in Montreal!  Before leaving my room, I did some more reading, got packed and cleaned up the room.  I then took all of my things down to the Parking Garage.  I checked out with the Front Desk (to beat the Cheerleading Group) at 0700 and immediately went to eat breakfast in the hotel dining area.  It was a spectacular feast!  I haven't seen so much food in many years and it was clear that this hotel was on the high end for travelers.  While I ate, I spent some time planning out my morning.  Departed (with assistance from the lady at the front desk) and drove a short distance to Mount Royal Park - basically, I was backtracking from the evening before.  For the first time, however, I noticed some signs in French that seemed to warning drivers about something.  If it isn't one thing, it's another... After a bit of "exploring", I found the main parking lot at about 0800.  The meters weren't working and I was bit concerned about getting towed - finally decided to just stop worrying and left my car.  From that point, I spent the rest of the morning walking the rim of Mount Royal.  Using the complex trail system (Chemin Olmsted, including part of the Grand Staircase), I found several places where I got some amazing views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence!  The park, I learned, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park in NYC).  It was very pedestrian-friendly and lots of Montrealers were enjoying hikes, bike-rides, etc. in the area.  When I finally reached my car again, I realized that I hadn't heard anyone speaking English all day.  Before proceeding, I looked up words from a road sign that I'd seen earlier and discovered that it meant that there was a speed camera (yikes!).  From the parking area, I drove a short distance over the mountain top to where I got a different view (of the northern part) of Montreal.  I then backtracked to the entrance to Cimiterie Notre-Dame-Cote-des-Neiges.  My last visit (2006) was with my whole family, and we were able to pay our respects to my ancestor, Owen Coogan (the first member of our family to live in North America).  I had hoped to come back for the 200th anniversary of his birth in Ireland (Dec 1820 or Jan 1821) but couldn’t have chosen better weather when I returned today.  Without a map, it took me a long time to find the cemetery stones again.  When I did, I was shocked at how difficult they had become to read - I guess the "acid-rain" (or something else) is having very negative effects...  Explored some other locations (higher elevations) in the Cemetery before departing.  I exited back to Avenue Attwater and took this road all the way through the Downtown.  I actually went through a tunnel under the Lachine Canal!  Eventually, I reached the A15 and then headed east until I was able to cross the Pont Samuel-de-Champlain.  There were no traffic delays this time but there was some construction.  Continued on A10 until I was able to get on A35 - encountered more traffic at the interchange.  Didn't stay on the main highway for long because I wanted to explore the area south of St John-sur-Richelieu.  Used QC-233 initially and then detoured on Rue St Jacques so I could get closer to the Richelieu River.  After that, took Rue Jacques-Cartier until I was able to merge with QC-233 again.  Then continued south, along the river) to Isle-aux-Noix.  After finishing “Rabble in Arms” earlier this year, the place had special meaning...  The park was closed so I didn't stay long - instead, I followed QC-233 to the intersection with QC-202 (Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel).  Because I missed the sign for the Blockhouse, I ended up driving west into the town of Lacolle.  Once I realized my mistake, I backtracked to the park to learn more about Canadian Frontier history.  I then used QC-202 to cross the Richelieu into Noyan.  Took Chemin du Bord-de-l'Eau and then QC-225 to the north (still following the river).  Eventually got on Rue St Jean-Baptiste and merged with QC-133 in Henryville.  Continued south to the US border (1400), where I found a larger crowd of cars (probably six in each of the two open lanes).  I believe I was lucky because everyone in front of me moved pretty quickly - the whole process probably didn't take longer than 20 minutes.  This time, I had no issues with CBP and was soon driving south (with almost no traffic) on I-89 in Vermont.  Stopped for a break at the first rest area (named "Georgia") that I found and checked on the Lake Champlain Ferry.  Continued south again and then took a short detour on US-2 so I could visit Grand Isle.  I used VT-314 to find the ferry landing and then backtracked to the Interstate.  From there, I drove (without stopping) all the way to the Connecticut River.  The weather was great and there still wasn't much traffic.  I talked to Mollie for a little bit and then stopped at Shaws in West Lebanon (done at 1610).  From there, I continued on I-89 and arrived home at 1630.  While unpacking, I considered how fortunate I am to live so close to an "International" city like Montreal - hope I can return again soon!

Montreal, QC (Canada)

It was definitely warmer this week but it’s also still Mud Season.  Because I didn’t feel like driving into the Whites without knowing I’d definitely get to hike, I decided to drive west into the Greens. I was up early because I hadn't packed yet for my trip...  I finally left the hours at 0815 and got gas at Irving in Hanover (0830).  From there, I drove south on NH-10 until I could get on US-4.  Crossed into Vermont and then used I-89 all the way to Waterbury.  Things at high elevations looked good all the way to the Camel’s Hump but I decided to try to hike the Long Trail further north.  Followed VT-100 until reaching Stowe and then got on VT-108.  I felt even more hopeful when I saw a sign about how the route through Smugglers’ Notch had just opened.  By the time I reached the Stowe Mountain Resort, however, I could see lots of snow on Mount Mansfield.  Hoping I could still make the best of the drive, I looked closely at my Long Trail maps and noticed that there were a few miles at lower elevations that I could probably hike.  With beautiful blue skies, I left my car in the ski resort lot and headed SOBO from where the LT passed the Barnes Camp Historic Site (1000).  Temps were in the mid 40s and there was a steady breeze so I layered up a bit.  The initial section was a nice boardwalk but then the trail headed into the woods.  Signs said “closed for mud season” but I kept going…  A little later, I crossed VT-108 again and started up Mount Mansfield.  Was feeling really good during this climb and got the idea I might be able to make it to the Taft Lodge. Making this goal doubtful, though, was that there appeared to be snow near that destination and I had left my micro-spikes in the car.  I passed a middle aged couple (VT grads) who told me they had the same idea.  However, we were only able to walk another half mile before snow and ice made the going more difficult.  My hiking friends turned around but I kept climbing until the snow got too deep and was melted enough that I sank in up to my knees on every step (about 3K’ elevation).  At that point, I was 1.5 miles from the car with no discernible landmark - not the turnaround spot I usually use... Oh well.  Backtracked to a trail junction I’d passed near VT-108.  This blue-blazed trail was called the Barnes Camp Loop and gave me access to the Long Trail on the side of Spruce Peak (other side of the Notch).  I’m not sorry I used this route but I had to work very hard to make the circuit: had to ford a six inch stream and clamber up a steep ledge with lots of downed trees!  From there, though, the 0.6 on the LT (back to my car) was easy.  On the way, got lots of good views of the ski resorts, The Chin and Adam’s Apple.  Finished hiking at 1315 after around 6 miles, feeling very glad that I hiked on such a nice day.  Departed the area by using the extremely narrow road through the Notch - not a drive for the faint of heart!  After crossing the ridge, I made the decision to cross the US/Canada border for the first time since 2011.  I'd brought my passport, researched online and queried my neighbors (they regularly cross) but still had some questions about the process.  The saying goes that all plans change when the battle begins so I figured I'd need to actually try to visit Canada to know how to actually do it correctly...  Resolutely, I continued north...  Stayed on VT-108 until I reached Cambridge and then switched to VT-104.  Used the latter road to reach I-89 on the south side of St. Albans.  When I passed through the town of Fairfax, I texted the girls to show them yet another place-name that has been used many times...  Continued north on the Interstate and stopped for lunch (inside restaurant) at McDonalds in Swanton, VT (1415).  Later drove north again and arrived at the border crossing station at about 1515.  It wasn't too busy and I was soon talking to a Canadian border guard.  After I was done answering all the questions he'd asked, I thought I was good to go but then he asked me why I hadn't used the ArriveCAN app.  D'oh!  I had to park and go inside the Border Checkpoint Office get a lecture on using the pre-clearance process.  Eventually, however, they they let me re-enter the US (fortunately, no line there).  In order to get internet access, I drove about 10 miles south but was able to complete the required process by 1535.  Turned around again and headed back to the border.  This time, everything worked OK and I was driving on QC-133 by 1555.  I didn't immediately try out my International Calling Plan so I used one of my old paper maps (from c.1990!).  Even though I could tell where I was going, the signs were strange (almost nothing was in English).  I spent some time getting used to the flow and driving in kph.  The scenery was also totally different from where I'd been - everything was perfectly flat (like Indiana)!  In the distance (south), though, I could see the Adirondacks.  I followed QC-133 until I reached A35, followed it until I was on A10.  I hardly saw anyone with US license plates...  Before long, I saw the prominent Mont St. Gregoire in the distance (northeast).  As I approached the eastern end of the Pont Samuel-de-Champlain, I encountered a nasty traffic jam.  At that point, I turned on my phone and enabled data roaming so I could learn more about the delay - it turned out to be more than 30 minutes.  From that point, it was stop and go traffic for a LONG time (at least an hour) and I wasn't completely across the bridge until close to 1800.  On the west side of the St. Lawrence River, I followed A15 until I could get off the highway in the Cote-des-Neiges neighborhood.  I drove around on a lot of surface streets and started wondering if they actually allow right on red in Canada...  Eventually, I found the entrance (closed) for the Cimiterie Notre-Dame-Cote-des-Neiges.  Because I wasn't sure I was actually going to get into Canada today, I didn't make a hotel reservation.  At this point, I was really exhausted from all the traveling and logistics so I looked online for the closest hotel to where I wanted to be in the morning (Mount Royal).  Fortunately, I figured out that I only had to drive a few short miles to the Residence Inn Montreal Westmount (Avenue Lincoln).  When I arrived, I learned that they still had a COVID-19 Mask Mandate in effect (through the following week)...  I asked if they had rooms and, after a bit of a delay while they manually got me checked in, I was able to park in their garage and find my room (1830).  The place they gave me, on the 18th floor, had a bit of obstructed view of Montreal and the St. Lawrence but I was very happy to have it!  After getting a shower, I went downstairs and asked the Front Desk about a place where I could have a drink.  They directed me about two blocks east, where I found the Rue Ste. Catherine.  This was a major discovery that I hadn't expected.  Research later told me that it was the busiest shopping and food district in Montreal and I agree with that assessment. I walked for about five blocks (towards the north) and saw lots of stores and restaurants that looked interesting.  Everyone was speaking French...  Since I wanted to try a local beer, I eventually chose La Chambre Brasserie Sportive (a sports bar).  They weren't very busy yet but had a massive TV on the wall and the bartender (Pierre) mentioned that there was a big MMA fight coming up at 2200.  I didn't plan to stay that long but did watch a WNBA game and an exciting undercard MMA match.  It was nice to relax at a quiet pub, with a Hoegaarden and unbelievably cheesy dinner (mac and cheese plate).  I finished up at the bar at around 2100 and then walked back to my hotel.  It was harder to navigate, going back, but I eventually recognized Avenue Attwater and then Avenue Lincoln.  I told the Front Desk manager that he'd made a great suggestion and then headed to my room.  Mollie had called while I was at the Pub and I tried to call her back (no luck).  Read for about an hour in my room and then went to sleep (2230).  When I renewed my passport last year, it reminded me that I hadn’t actually left the US for 10 years; the dry spell ended today!  LT Today = 2.1 miles / Grand Total LT = 121.3 miles

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[after teleworking early, I went over to UVAC in WRJ for more volunteering - worked from 0815 to 1145 (continued mulching) - it was a beautiful day! - I was teleworking again by 1200]

Norwich, VT (USA)

I took another break from my work day to plant some more trees with the teams from Connecticut River Conservancy and NorthWoods Stewardship Center this afternoon.  We weren’t near the Connecticut River this time.  Instead (from 1200 to 1500), we worked along a creek (Bragg Brook) at an old farm that was located about 100 yards from where the AT enters the town of Norwich.  It was muddy planting but we were serenaded by many red-winged blackbirds who watched work.  Glad to put some more trees in the ground!

Norwich, VT (USA)

Woke to another beautiful day and decided to hike another one of the many good trails in the town of Norwich (VT).  I’d already walked the main system from the Parcel 5 parking lot but I’d seen additional trails on the other side of Beaver Meadow Road.  So, at around 0900, I headed into the woods west of town and explored the Ballard Trails.  I first hiked north from Brown School Road (dirt) and enjoyed the nice kiosks, maps, boardwalks, bridges and trail markings that the town used to build a good outdoor experience.  Along the way, I enjoyed the pleasant sounds of Charles Brown Brook.  About half way, I encountered the satirically named “Grand Canyon” (meh) but quickly left it behind.  A better experience awaited me on the Converse Loop, where I passed along the edge of a quintessentially Vermont farm.  It was warm and sunny and I had the whole scene to myself… Back on the main trail, I arrived at the north end of the system and decided to walk back to the parking lot on pavement.  This gave me an opportunity to encounter another trail (much longer) that could be used to reach the summit of Gile Mountain. I also passed more pretty farms.  After backtracking all the way back to the Parcel 5 Lot, I decided to re-cross them road and resume the Ballard Trail to the south.  This section appeared to be much more popular and I passed several families and dogs.  There was some history and remnants of early engineering (dam was removed in the last few years) to see I eventually made it to the site of the old town pool.  Walked back to my car on the road, completing a figure-8 in the process.  Wrapped up my hike (7 miles) by 1115.  Another great local trail!