I was awake at 0600 (still at Holiday Inn) and started teleworking immediately. I ate breakfast in the hotel lobby at 0645 and then went back to teleworking. Since the snow seemed like it was still good for outdoor activities, I decided to try out the cross country skiing trails in Hartland (a short drive from my hotel). I departed the hotel at 0815. From what I understand, the Hartland Winter Trail system was created by a local resident for his family but he gradually welcomed the local public to use them. I’d visited this (free) ski area once before but never left the parking lot because there was not enough snow that time. Today, however, there was definitely enough snowy surface (and tracks!) to make the trip worthwhile. For about two hours, I followed the trails into the woods on hills above town (in the area near the red trapezoid in the lower right corner of the map). I had to do some climbing to make it into the main system but that was good exercise. Temps were in the low 30s and the sun appeared from time to time. There was a good bit of ice, making it hard to go fast, but I eventually reached a huge “racetrack” shaped loop that gave me a chance to really practice my diagonal stride. I was finished by 1030 and back at the hotel by 1045. I then did some more teleworking and ate a light lunch in the room (1200). I talked to Mollie on the phone after she landed in Houston. After that, I did some more teleworking, finishing my work day at 1530. As I usually do on Thursdays, I drove to Jesse's in Hanover for Happy Hour. This time, I ate dinner at the restaurant (finished at 1800). On the way home, I stopped at my condo to pick up some of my backpacking gear and mail. After that, I drove back to White River Junction (arrived at 1845) and did a little more teleworking (only to make sure I didn't miss anything from earlier). For the rest of the night, I practiced Portuguese on Duolingo, read and watched movies. Went to bed at 2200. Glad I got to explore part of HWT this season and hope to return soon!
