I woke up in my hotel in Potsdam at 0530 and started teleworking immediately. The front desk lobby door was locked so I had to wait until 0800 to get breakfast - in the end, though, I enjoyed the continental fare they had. A plow arrived during this time and I had to move my car at around so that the parking lot could be fully cleared. At 0830, Eileen called to set up some lunch plans. With those all set, I continued teleworking until about 1115 and then got in the car (I had to clean it off again because it had not stopped snowing). I drove west on US-11 until I reached Canton (1130) and then located a place to park. By then, it was snowing a lot! I met Eileen at the Park Brother's Bagel shop and we got some lunch: bagel sandwiches (mine was Reuben inspired), chips and Hot Peppermint Bark Mocha (what a jolt!). We spent time talking in the restaurant and weren't finished until around 1245. After I dropped Eileen off at her office at at University, I drove (via NY-27, back roads, NY-68, more back roads and US-11) back to Potsdam. Arrived at my hotel by 1315 and spent the next hour teleworking. Meanwhile, outside, there was lots more snow falling. At 1415, I departed the hotel so that I could go cross country skiing before it got dark. I drove (via NY-138) to Hannawa Falls and then (via NY-56) to Colton. Taking more back roads, I made my way to the entrance of Higley Flow State Park. I was parked by 1450 and found that he trail conditions were perfect! My new Rossingnol EVOs proved, yet again, that they were worth every penny they cost. Comparing today to my visit a year ago shows how far I’ve come since I moved back to New England - I skied every trail (including some black diamonds) I wanted and never fell. The skis worked great on backcountry and the tracks that I found in my second hour there. Even though the temps were in the teens (with a steady wind), I felt great throughout the afternoon. Only saw a few other people on the trails (I talked to some people from Iowa). By the time I was done (1650), it was nearly dark and my car was the last one in the parking lot. I made my way back to NY-56 (South Colton) and headed north. Stopping (for the first time) at Jake's on the Water, I ordered a Raquette River Mango Wheat and watched some of the Bills-Steelers game. After getting done (1740), I drove back (via NY-138) to my hotel. It was still snowing in Potsdam. For the rest of the evening, I did some more teleworking (until 1830). Not feeling hungry, I skipped dinner and watched more NFL playoff games. Later in the evening, I read and relaxed. Tried to go to bed at 2245 but didn't fall asleep until after midnight. More snow is supposed to hit the area tomorrow so I’m hopeful I’ve got some more winter experiences left before I have to go home!
