Started teleworking at 0600 this morning and took a short break at 0800 so I could eat breakfast in the hotel lobby. Eileen called me at around this time and said she'd be busy all day. After all the fun I've had with her this week, that was fine - also, I had other entertainment alternatives. I resumed teleworking after that, skipped the lunch break and finished my day early (1400). I'd heard about a nice trail system close to Massena so I departed Potsdam and started driving north on NY-56. Stopped at Arby's on the way to get some lunch (1410). After that, I continued until I reached NY-37. Encountered lots of slow cars, school buses stopping and trains crossing the road - the drive took longer than I'd hoped. Still I arrived at the Nicandri Nature Center (at Robert Moses State Park) by 1450 and quickly got geared up. It was MUCH colder than it had been earlier in the week - temps were already in single digits (3 F). Fortunately, the sun was shining and I thought I’d be just fine. The trails were groomed but they were rather icy. I typically use gloves to ski but that was not a smart plan this afternoon... Within 30 minutes, my fingertips were as cold as I can remember. I retreated into the warmth of the nature center and regrouped. With some hand warmers, hot chocolate and mittens I’d fortunately brought, I ventured back out onto the trails again. This time, I was able to stay out for 90 minutes, until it got dark. As I made my way along the St. Lawrence River (very scenic) and enjoyed the wintry solitude, I didn’t see any other skiers at all. I did meet some of the staff members of the nature center; they were friendly and encouraging. Plus, I saw some deer along the way. Overall, I skied about four miles during two hours outdoors. It was great to get some more exercise - this has been a good week for that! Afterwards (1700), I backtracked (via NY-37 and NY-56) towards Potsdam. Had hoped to stop for a beer at a local watering hole but didn't pass any until I was almost to my hotel. Since I still needed to do some more walking to complete my daily goal, I stopped at the Walmart on the western side of town. While there, I recycled some cans and bottles (at the automated receptacles they had) and then walked around inside for a little while. After I reached 10,000 steps, I bought some local beer and snacks (1825). Returned to the hotel and ate some "dinner". I was already thinking about going to bed but Eileen texted to make plans for the morning. This gave me a second wind and I ended up watching some episodes of "Northern Exposure" (finally on streaming services!) until bed (2300). What a week of skiing!
