I’ve been nursing some Bursitis during the last few weeks so have avoided high impact activities. Today’s weather offered an excellent opportunity for working upper body muscles. This morning, I left my condo (0945) and drove to a boat launch in North Thetford - from there, I hoped to tackle another section of the Connecticut River! As I was unloading my kayak, I had to listen to the arguments of a nasty, drinking married couple during their attempts to launch and start their motorboat. I was glad to be able to get in the water and sneak away... Starting (1020) from the boat launch on Bridge Street in North Thetford, I first paddled two miles south to the Lyme-Thetford bridge. There was some wind and the current was actually working against me most of the way. Fortunately, after checking out the construction/repair work being done on the river crossing, I got the benefit of the opposite effects on the way back north... I peeked into a couple of small inlets and watched mother birds (geese, ducks) herding their young into the shadows as I passed. Close to my car, I got some amazing views and photos of a bald eagle! Overall, the roughly five miles I paddled in 90 minutes (finished at 1150) was fun, energizing and interesting. As I was packing up again, I talked to another kayaker who was also working on paddling the entire Connecticut River - he looked much more serious than me... Before departing, I decided to take some photographs with a (borrowed) camera that I've been "vetting". Nearby, a fisherman caught a huge fish but I wasn't ready. Despite missing this opportunity, practiced using a newer, long, telephoto lens and got some good shots of insects, birds, boaters, etc. Overall, I was amazed at the Nikon D7000 capabilities! Just as I was getting back in my car, I saw guy with a "Cutters 34" shirt, which I remembered was a reference to "Breaking Away" (I complimented him on his taste). I thought about doing more things outdoors (it was only noon time) but, instead, drove home (via US-5), arriving home by around 1300. Glad to live so close to such a great paddling river - next time I return to the same boat launch, I plan to continue north towards Orford!