Saturday, February 18, 2023

Burst Pipe Adventure - Day 11

I didn't sleep well (probably only got about four hours of actual rest) and woke up at 0530 (still in White River Junction).  Overnight, Eileen had texted that she would like to reschedule our get together to the next weekend and I told her that was OK.  I took my time getting ready and didn't go down the lobby to eat breakfast until around 0715.  The noises I'd heard in the hallway during the night were finally clear when I saw that someone had pulled the "do not disturb" sign from my door.  The clientele of the hotel changed tremendously for the weekend... I did some admin work in my room for a little while before deciding to go explore the junction of the Cross New Hampshire and Cross Vermont trails.  I left White River Junction at around 0930 and drove north on I-91.  I got off the Interstate at VT-25 and then used US-5 to reach the town of Wells River.  Listened to audiobooks on the way.  I had hoped to find parking for the rail trail(s) on the Vermont side but didn't.  Instead, I crossed the Connecticut River and parked at the Railroad Park in Woodsville (1015). From there, I explored the old tracks as they reached the river crossing.  The temps started in the high 20s and eventually climbed to the mid 30s.  The railroad bridge looked sturdy but had fences across the entrance.  Instead, I walked across on the US-302 bridge and then clambered up an embankment on the other side until I was walking on the tracks.  They ended up joining the active train line that parallels the Connecticut all the way to White River Junction.  I decided against continuing...  Disappointed, I walked down a side street then then continued deeper into Wells River.  At an information kiosk, I found a map that indicated how most of the Cross Vermont Trail was only a road surface bike path, at least until it reached the Blue Mountain Union School (close to I-91).  So, I walked back to my car to drive up there.  On the way, I found an iPhone on the ground (it was still charged) and dropped it off with one of the local stores - they said they would give it to the Police department.  I then got in my car for a drive to the next trailhead (1115), located in Boltonville (VT).  I used US-302 to head west and parked at Blue Mountain Union School (1125).  After that, I walked on an icy/slippery trail (it was basically an ice rink and I definitely needed micro-spikes) behind the building until I reached the Wells River Rail Trail, which was part of the Cross Vermont Trail.  From there, I walked the entire trail: first (southbound) to where it met US-302 south of the school and then (northbound) towards the I-91 bridge.  I kept going and eventually reached US-302 again (near Boltonville Landing).  I walked a short distance to the dam on the Wells River and witnessed the amazing power of the water.  Next, I backtracked to my car via US-302, stopping at a few points of interest along the way.  As I crossed I-91, I got an amazing panoramic view of several white-capped peaks to the east - it looked like you could see Moosilauke, the Kinsmans and the northern end of Franconia Ridge.  Wow!  Overall, the only people I saw on the trail all day were some dog walkers at the very beginning of this second hike.  Got back to my car at 1325 and found a $10 bill just as I was finishing - score!  Feeling refreshed, I drove a short distance to I-91 and headed back to White River Junction; the trip was about 45 miles.  Again, listened to audiobooks on the way - lunch was snacks in the car.  I arrived at the hotel at around 1415 and spent the rest of the afternoon reading and watching movies.  I got to talk to Mollie on the phone just before dinner.  Made some food in my room (1900) and then did some more reading.  Went to bed at around 2200.  Great day on the rail trails!