I was awake at 0545 (still at Holiday Inn) and went down to breakfast at 0630. When I finished, I found I was still quite tired and decided to take a nap. In the end, I actually got a few hours of good rest before it was time to get ready for my hike. For the last several months, I’ve been hoping to hike with a group from Bradford (VT) on one of their “Dayhike & Dine” excursions. Today, my schedule aligned and I was able to participate in their climb up Mount Tom, which overlooks the town of Woodstock (arrived at the Billings Farm Trailhead at 1050). Actually, at the top (south peak) I was almost eye level with the summit of Mount Peg (located across the Ottauquechee Valley), where I skied last weekend. Temps were in the 20s at the beginning of our three hour adventure and there were light snow flurries. What made it a true Winter hike, though, was the biting wind that kicked up whenever the trails came into an open farm field. The group of nine humans and one dog (“Dozer”) ended up hiking seven miles (including our circuit of The Pogue and some gentle climbs), enjoying great exercise and camaraderie. Most of us opted for microspikes because the large trail system, located on property belonging the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center, was well groomed for skiing. We finished our walk at 1415 and then drove a short distance to the Worthy Kitchen (ordered at 1435), where we ate a delicious post-hike meal (complete with some local beer). After finishing lunch (1545), I drove back to White River Junction (I got to talk to Mollie on the way) and was back in my room by 1615. I was able to swap out linens with the cleaning staff and we exchanged stories about Latin and South America (they were about to return home to Costa Rica and Peru. Because of my late lunch, I ended up skipping dinner. Spent the rest of the evening resting and watching movies - bed at 2230. The hiking event today was very fun and I truly enjoyed meeting new folks from the Upper Valley! Hopefully, I can join again soon...
