Whitefield, NH (USA)

Today, I finally achieved a milestone with the Knights of Columbus that I've been trying to complete for nearly 20 years: Fourth Degree!  For the first time, I'd found a location where I wanted to attend the Exemplification, paid my money and it had actually not been canceled - usually, something has derailed my plans...  As if it was some kind of "insurance", I had a fellow Knight, Bert, who'd offered to sponsor me - he even offered to drive today!  I was awake early (0545) and Bert stopped at my place at 0745.  We then drove (via I-91, US-302 and NH-116) to Whitefield.  It was misty and cool but there was almost no traffic at all.  We arrived at St. Matthew's Catholic Church by 0945 and I spent the next hour checking in for the event and visiting with some of the other candidates (there were 22!).  A luncheon started at 1100 and the food was good.  At 1215, all of the candidates were taken to a different room for training.  The Exemplification Event began at 1230 and lasted until around 1430.  After that, I was a Fourth Degree "Sir Knight"!  The sun had come out while we'd been inside and, since we had to kill time (until Mass started later), Bert and I walked around in the Whitefield town square.  I also checked out a deli nearby and then explored some of the cemetery stones in the church graveyard.  There were several Revolutionary War veterans buried there but two, more interesting, stones caught my eye: two young men from the town died in Fairfax County, Virginia, within a few days in January 1862.  I wondered if finding out more about this might make an interesting research project.  At 1545, I joined a Rosary taking place in the church.  At 1600, a special Mass (for the Fourth Degree) began.  The Priest gave an excellent Homily about a Nazi who converted prior to his execution.  When the service was over, we all adjourned to the Parish Hall for a banquet and award ceremony.  Again, the food was good and the speeches were short.  By 1830, Bert and I were able to leave.  We drove home via the reverse route from the morning (NH-116, US-302 and I-91) and arrived at my condo by 2000.  Feeling good about getting this done!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[started teleworking very early - at 0730, drove to White River Junction to work out at UVAC (45 minutes of swimming, 10 minutes of sauna, 20 minutes of biking (5.0 miles), 5 minutes of rowing and weights - afterwards, drove home (arrived at 0930) - teleworked until 1530]

Enfield, NH (USA)

[started teleworking early - at 0700, left condo and drove to White River Junction (UVAC) to swim for 45 minutes - after that, returned home (arrived at 0840) and continued teleworking until 1600 - after that, I drove to Forwards Garage for another evening of volunteering with the VA Medical Center (WRJ) Adaptive Sports Team - this time, John had gotten everyone convinced that I'd go with him (on the side-by-side bike) past the big hill and road crossing at Pillsbury Street - I didn't want to disappoint him so we headed out at 1620 - we rode for about six miles (with short breaks) until we conquered the descent (and climb on the other side) - we continued to McConnell Road, where we turned around - John was impressed by the old mill and waterfall we passed on the east side of town - we arrived back at Forwards Garage by 1820 and helped Jen put the equipment away (everyone else had left) - I stayed, talking to her and another volunteer, until 1900 and then headed home]

Claremont, NH (USA)

In an attempt to get some more local experiences prior to the onset of cold weather, I added some philanthropic and volunteer activities to my calendar for today.  As usual, I was up very early and left my house at about 0645.  To reach my first event, I drove (via I-89 and I-91) to Claremont and attended the Community Fall (Fundraising Breakfast) at the the Claremont Soup Kitchen (arrived at 0730). I’ve supported them for several years but had never been inside the building.  This wonderful organization makes three meals every weekday for members of the community and serves dinners on weekends & holidays.  They also run a food pantry, self-serve (free) produce station and summer lunch program for kids in the area.  It was great to see the staff in action today - hope I can someday return as a volunteer at one of their Holiday meals!  To get to my next event, I left Claremont (0815) and drove (via I-91) back to White River Junction (arrived at 0840).  The Upper Valley Aquatic Center was holding their September Celebration Event and they had asked me to volunteer.  For four hours, I helped park cars and we used EVERY available space (including the grass).  Still, the people came!  It kind of felt like a game of Tetris at times but, somehow, we got everyone in a spot.  I think there could have been 1000 people in attendance!  During a break, I was able to get a delicious lunch at "Let's Get Loaded" Food Truck.  The staff also gave me a piece of cake that was shared with all the attendees.  At the end, I got to participate in some of the festivities and even high fived “Splash” (the UVAC Mascot).  After I was finished (1315), I drove over to West Lebanon and did some shopping at Shaw's.  While there, I saw one of my happy hour friends (Bob) and his wife.  Done at the store by 1340 I drove home instead of going to Enfield for another festival - feeling tired.  I was at my condo by 1400.  Despite the fact that I didn't get to do all of my planned activities, I still am glad that I got to be a part of my active and energetic community!

Enfield, NH (USA)

Up early, I teleworked until around 0845 and then drove over to Enfield to help out at Whaleback Mountain Volunteer Day!  Most of the other folks who joined the work crew used weed-whackers to clear brush from the ski trails.  A couple of us, though, cleared logs and other debris in the woods to build a “fairway” for one of the nine, brand new, disc-golf holes near the top of the mountain (top right corner of the map, next to Upper Ivory Run).  Bonus: I got some exercise on a pretty Fall day!  Afterwards (1200), returned home and teleworked until 1700.  Really glad to have a chance to assist my friends at "The Whale"!

Enfield, NH (USA)

[teleworked until 1600 and then drove to Forwards Garage, where I volunteered during the VAMC Adaptive Sports Team in their weekly Tuesday Night Ride on the NRT - it had rained really hard right before I arrived but it stayed dry for the next two hours - starting at 1620, I rode with John on the side-by-side bike - we made it past the Enfield Train Station, all the way to the gate (west side of road) above Pillsbury Street (10 miles of biking) - we got back to Forwards Garage at around 1820 - I then drove to Lebanon and met up with Tom P and we ate dinner at the Lebanon Village Pizza - the food was good and we stayed until 2030, when I headed home again]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[started teleworking early - at 1445, left condo and drove to White River Junction (VAMC) and got my flu shot (so I could continue volunteering with the VA) - afterwards, I went over to (UVAC) to swim for 45 minutes - also did 15 minutes of biking (3.5 miles), 10 minutes of rowing and some weights - after that, returned home (arrived 1645) and continued teleworking until 1700]

Newbury, VT (USA)

Dayhike & Dine #15: Tucker Mountain!  It was a beautiful day in the Upper Valley - fortunately, I was lucky to know 15 other interested souls (and three dogs) who wanted to go for a walk in the woods.  After getting up early, doing some light shopping in West Lebanon (and dropping things off at my condo), I departed Hanover for Bradford (0920).  I met everyone else at the Bradford Park & Ride (1000) and then carpooled to the Putnam Trailhead in Newbury.  After a quick tour through the a well-designed Storywalk, we headed uphill.  The trail was well maintained and we met lots of other local people along the way - almost every one was known by someone in our group.  In the last few years, I’ve become aware that all relationships in Vermont and New Hampshire seem to have only “three degrees of separation” - that effect was definitely on display today!  Another bonus: I enjoyed eating some of the delicious blackberries we passed.  Temps were in the low 70s and the sky was a bright blue.  At the top of Tucker Mountain (1690’), we were treated to amazing views of ALL of the White Mountains (to the east) and most of the Green Mountains (to the west) - wow!  We used a gravel road to walk back to the cars and then headed back into Bradford for a well earned lunch at a restaurant called Colatina Exit.  The food was really good and the prices were too.  After lunch (1400), I made my way back to Hanover (via I-91) and then drove to Sacred Heart (via I-89) to see if they needed help with cleanup after the Fall Festival.  They didn't, so I headed home and arrived at 1515.  Overall, a great day!

Cornish, NH (USA)

With winds blowing at 100+ mph in the White Mountains and wet weather covering the Seacoast, I wasn’t sure if I should try to do something outside today.  Several days earlier, I’d coordinated for a kayak-shuttle from a friend and, after looking out the window early this morning, I decided to carry through with my plans.  I was up early, took care of cleanup at my condo and left home at around 0915.  To reach my kayak-end-point, I used I-89, I-91, VT-12, NH-103 and NH-12A.  At 0845, I parked at Ashley Boat Access (four miles west of Claremont).  Herman arrived a short time later and he drove me (via NH-12A) back to the Cornish Boat Launch.  I was able to start kayaking by 0920 from just above the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge and covered a total of 10 miles of the Connecticut River in just under three hours.  My paddle included side tours into some small tributaries, including the Sugar River.  I saw another bald eagle, lots of pretty riverfront homes, camping families at Willis State Park (VT), speedboat fishermen and Mount Ascutney from many angles.  The current was quite strong and, even if I hadn’t been paddling, I would still have made great time to my car.  Sky was overcast and temps were in the low 60s. Only had to contend with a breeze (stiff at times) and a lot of shallow water (hidden sandbars) but never felt nervous about the conditions.  After getting done (1210), I headed towards home via NH-12A and Ferry Crossing Hill Road (detour to try to get a Maple Creamie at Mac's Maple but they were too busy).   On the way, I passed the section of river I did last month (WRJ to Cornish) - the water levers were down significantly!  Seems like my adventure that day, complete with unplanned ride over Sumner Falls, would have been *completely* different this morning: shallow, narrow, rocky...  I arrived at my condo by 1330 and spent some time relaxing and cleaning before heading to Mass (1600) at Sacred Heart.  Afterwards, I helped to set up for the Fall Festival - went home at 1800.  Tonight, I figured out that this kayaking session puts me over 40 miles of the CT for 2023!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[started teleworking early - at 1200, left condo and drove to White River Junction (UVAC) to swim for 45 minutes - after that, returned home (arrived at 1330) and continued teleworking until 1745]

Bolton, VT (USA)

Rain was forecasted all over New England today so I almost stayed home.  I started the stay with Mass (0800) at Sacred Heart in Lebanon.  I ended up helping Father Charles afterwards (moving items between buildings near the church.  While doing this, I determined that the weather was not going to develop as expected.  Fortunately, I'd packed up my car for this situation and was able to leave Lebanon at 0900.  I drove north on I-89 (there were some sprinkles but nothing major) and stopped in Randolph to try to try use my McDonald's gift card.  The lobby was closed, though, and the drive through line was very long.  Deciding I could use my time more productively, I continued north on I-89 and got off at VT-66.  From there, I drove east to VT-14 continued into Barre.  I tried getting food at Hannaford's but found it too busy - they also had no sushi for some reason...  The McDonalds line next door was too long and there appeared to be major delays in getting food (people were yelling at the staff).  Once again, I continued north.  I switched to US-302 and found another McDonalds.  This time, I was easily able to get food (1050).  After eating, I drove north towards Montpelier.  I thought I'd have to drive through the middle of the State Capital but the road I was on avoided the east side of the river.  After that, I got back on I-89 and drove to the Waterbury exit.  I got off the Interstate and onto US-2 there and then continued west .  At 1155, I arrived at the Long Trail parking lot (located where it crosses US-2) but skipped it because I'd already hiked the section nearby.  Instead, I drove up Bolton Notch Road, looking for another parking spot.  Despite passing lots of "no parking" signs on the road, I eventually found another hiker's car parked near where the Duck Brook Trail crossed the gravel.  It still wasn’t raining so I decided to do a loop hike.  I later learned that this "spur trail" was apparently the old Long Trail route.  It ended up being just under a mile and required me to slog (uphill) through lots of mud to reach the ridgeline above both the Duck Brook and Bolton Valleys.  The whole area showed signs of flood damage from July.  Once I was on the Long Trail, I headed SOBO.  It was misty, foggy and humid and I didn’t get any views.  The general grade was downhill but I still had to endure the typical AT/LT PUDs.  I could never figure out the name of the big hill I was on but the terrain map showed that I was passing around the western side of Stimson Mountain (2K’).  About a mile into my section, I met a lady (Heather) who was close to tears.  She explained that she’d started her Thru Hike of the 273 Long Trail from the Massachusetts border on August 31 and had made good time as she hiked north towards Canada.  Unfortunately, she had also experienced nearly continuous rain, muddy conditions and (most recently) loneliness.  The last challenge had the added component of a growing fear that something bad would happen to her and no one would know.  Just before I’d arrived, she’d made the difficult decision to turn around and exit the Thru hike - she missed her husband and children and wanted some peace of mind.  I told her I definitely understood how the drive to keep going often conflicts with the desire to leave the trail and tried to reassure her that it was OK to stop hiking if she felt like it wasn’t fun.  This seemed to cheer her up and she accompanied me as I continued south towards I-89/US-2.  For the rest of the downhill portion of my own hike, Heather told me about her work as a Doctor in a hospital ER, her parents’ vacation home in South America, her wonderful children and spouse, and some hiking adventures she’d had in the US Southwest (where she lives).  She also mentioned her deep desire to celebrate Rosh Hoshanna with her family - this last item would require her to rearrange her itinerary quickly but she seemed confident that she could make it happen.  Before we reached Bolton Notch Road again, we passed a rock-wall (climbing area) where young people were practicing their ascents.  After that, we abruptly found pavement - the only other indication that the section was over was increasing traffic noise in the Winooski River Valley below.  I said goodbye to Heather and proceeded to hike via the Bolton Notch Road (paved, then gravel).  It was quite steep at times and my bursitis started acting up on the way.  Fortunately, the road walk was only about three miles.  I passed lots of pretty vacation homes and marveled at the fact it still wasn’t raining.  Making good time, I reached Nessie just after 1615 - I’d hiked about 8.5 miles in just over four hours.  It felt great to squeeze in this section, despite the “weather guessers” trying to dissuade me... After getting done, I changed and caught up on texts and social media.  I left the trailhead by 1645 and drove back to I-89 via US-2.  Once on Interstate, able to make great time towards New Hampshire.  Passing Randolph in the southbound lanes, I noticed some Whale Tail artwork that looked like something I'd seen near Burlington (when I researched later, I found it it was done by the same artist).  Right about that time, it started to rain pretty hard - by the time I crossed the Connecticut River, it was raining continuously.  I had to slow way down.  After carefully navigating the wet roads, I arrived home (1800) and unloaded car in the rain.  Warm and dry inside, I felt quite glad I was able to log some miles on the Long Trail (for the 9th Summer out of the last 10) before the hiking season ended.  No hurry and no need to finish the whole thing but there are plenty of good sections and people to meet out there! LT Today = 4.6 miles / Grand Total LT = 125.9 miles

Strafford, VT (USA)

The weather was wonderful when I woke up - seemed like a day for exploring, exercise and cultural experiences!  I spent some of the morning cleaning up in my condo.  At 0730, I drove to Sacred Heart and attended the monthly Men of St. Joseph meeting (0800 to 0930).  After it was over, I drove (via I-89) into Vermont.  I made one stop at a rest area on Interstate (trying to check on some map information).  A short time after that, I used VT-132 and Justin Morrill Memorial Highway to reach Strafford Village (arrived at 1030).  There was no cell signal at all so I was pleased that I'd already found what I needed.  I first visited the local (historic) library and found shelves and shelves of Archer Mayor books.  I then walked around in the village.  It probably goes without saying that recovery from the July 2023 flooding in rural Vermont will likely take many years. In many small towns, creeks overflowed their banks and the water table rose above the level of basement ceilings. In addition to private residences, historic landmarks in the Green Mountain State were also damaged significantly.  While waiting for flood relief funding, some of the latter venues had to get creative in order to recover some of the revenue lost during the summer season.  Today, the Justin Morrill Historic Site offered a special “architecture tour” of Strafford Village and I decided to go support their fundraising effort (1100).  For about 90 minutes, some of the Friends of the Morrill Homestead showed me and five other visitors around the area.  We first stopped at the former home of Congressman (later Senator) Morrill, known for sponsoring several “Land Grant” acts that helped higher education develop across the US.  Next, we visited the two libraries in town that were endowed by the Morrill family, a general store that served the village in the early 19th Century, the 1799 Town House and a blacksmith shop run by Morrill’s father.  Before leaving, we paid our respects at the Morrill Family mausoleum.  Overall, this was a really good trip through Old Vermont and an opportunity to learn how this little state has positively affected the entire country through the years.  Hoping the fundraising today, along with the generosity of others, will help to reopen the damaged buildings at the Homestead...  We finished our pleasant walk by 1230.  I then drove (via Justin Morrill Memorial Highway) to South Strafford, where I stopped to pick up sandwiches at Coburn's General Store (1240).  When Mollie called me, I was surprised to find that I had cell service.  I ate in my car and watched the many motorcycles passing through the scenic town.  After getting done eating, I used drove east towards Thetford - to get through the washed out section of VT-132, I had to use a detour (Mine Road, New Boston Road and Gove Hill Road).  I was able to rejoin the pavement near Rice's Mills and then continued southeast on VT-132.  When I reached Academy Road, I used it to reach the Union Village Dam (1330).  I’ve paddled the Ompompanoosuc a few times but never traveled so far upriver as this location.  While visiting (for a scenic walk) today, I was struck by the views - the structure seems to be overlooking a dry valley.  I’m told, however, that the flooding this July raised the water up to 92 feet!  That must have been something… I couldn’t see it in the distance but the river passes through Strafford Village.  The fertile, flat valley looks to be wonderful for farming - most of the time.  But a home/barn could easily be submerged during some years.  Maybe that’s why the population in the early Nineteenth Century was nearly double today’s Census tally.  Thank goodness for the Army Corps and their dams…  At 1430, I left the Dam area and continued northeast on Academy Road until I reached Thetford Academy. I parked there for a while so I could do some social media and talk to Brenna on the phone.  At about 1530, I was ready to head to my next stop.  I used Academy Road to reach VT-113 and then drove east to I-91.  Next, I got off the Interstate at VT-25 and proceeded west (paralleling the Waits River) into Corinth.  I then followed Brook Road to Richardson Road (gravel) until I reached the Montview Vineyard (1600).  The place was quiet and pretty!  I'd first met the owner (Olivia) when she let me sample wines at the Farmway in Bradford.  This time, I came to her place and she said I was the only customer of the day.  I sampled Vermont Sangria and then had a glass of the delicious, maple-syrup-infused wine.  The "house dogs" (Jack Russells) were characters and spiced up the venue.  I ended up talking with Olivia and her friend (Babbette) until closing time (1730).  I felt like a VIP!  Before departing, I bought three bottles of wine for Eileen's welcome home party (tentatively planned for the following month).  Saying goodbye, I drove back to VT-25 and then checked out East Corinth (where Betelgeuse" was filmed).  Next, I passed through Bradford on VT-25 and crossed the River to Piermont.  I took NH-10 to Orford, where I stopped at the Boat Launch (1820) in an attempt to squeeze in yet one more activity.  After eating some food I had in the car, I got my boat in the water quickly and started south (with the current) on the Connecticut River (1835).  My target was a spot where I had last been on Wednesday (a private dock near Birch Meadow Campsite).  On the way to the turnaround point, I realized I’d miscalculated on the distance (two miles) and remaining daylight (30 minutes).  This meant I was in “hurry up” mode the whole time… Fortunately, I’ve picked up more stamina than I used to have and this helped me to paddle nearly continuously for almost 45 minutes.  The current going north was noticeable but I benefited from a water surface that was glassy calm.  As it got darker, there were very little noise except insects, frogs and beavers slapping their tails from time to time.  Along the way, I noticed a “kayak camper” at one of the designated spots on the section between Lyme and Orford - it looked like a good spot!  I also believe I saw a raccoon who scurried away from the water's edge when I paddled past him.  Arrived back at the Orford Boat Launch at 1950 (completely dark) - I could only see where I was going because of subtle differences in the shades of gray.  Felt great after finishing!  I quickly loaded up my car in the dark and got on the road (NH-10, River Road and NH-10 again).  Arrived home by 2030 - whew...  Bet you can’t beat the awesome day I had in the Upper Valley!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[started teleworking very early - at 0815, drove to Sacred Heart and worked for an hour on the Paint Project - at 0930, drove to White River Junction to work out at UVAC - 45 minutes of swimming, 10 minutes of sauna, 21 minutes of biking (5.1 miles), 5 minutes of rowing and weights - afterwards, drove to West Lebanon to do some shopping - home again at 1230 - teleworked until 1600]

Orford, NH (USA)

Kayaked another few miles of the Connecticut tonight!  After finishing my work day (1745), I left home and drove (via I-91) to Fairlee.  I crossed over to Orford and drove south on NH-10 until I reached River Road. After a short drive, I found the Edgell Covered Bridge at 1815 and parked at street level.  During some of my other visits in 2023, I'd noticed a path down to the water - after making my way down, I launched "Tequila Sunrise" from amid a small crowd of fishermen (they must have wondered what I was doing...).  The small creek under the bridge (which I later learned was called Clay Brook) allowed me to get into the Connecticut River after a short paddle.  From the junction, I paddled south for about one mile (to the landing where I'd turned around last time).  Next, I backtracked north to a bend in the river about one mile north of Clay Brook.  The water was mostly quiet but I was entertained by an egret and several beaver splashes.  Running downriver one more time, I watched the sun set over the mountains in Vermont - very pretty!  I was finished at 1930 after about four miles of paddling (2 new CT River miles).  As I stowed the kayak, it finally got dark...  I drove home via River Road and had to watch out for animals and bikers (!).  I'm not certain but I may have seen a Bobcat!  After getting on NH-10 again, I made it home by 1830.  Another great paddle in the Upper Valley!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking very early - at 1500, finished my work day and drove to White River Junction to help out with the LISTEN Community Dinner (began at 1530) - working with other Parishioners from Sacred Heart, we prepped food and then served over 100 meals - finished by 1745 and then headed home]

Enfield, NH (USA)

[started teleworking early - at 0800, left condo and drove to White River Junction (UVAC) to swim for 45 minutes - after that, returned home (arrived at 0945) and continued teleworking until 1600 - in the evening, I drove to Enfield to attend an event at Whaleback Mountain - I arrived just as they opened at 1700 and I was one of the first customers at the brand new "Beluga Beer Garden" - enjoyed some food and fun with great people (saw Jon, Alex, Becca, etc.) at the "Whale" - finished my evening there at 1900 and drove home (arrived by 1930)]