I'd started my weekend with limited plans (all local) but heard from some high school friends that they planned to get together in southwestern Vermont. Last night, I informed Jane, Nancy and Rick that I'd drive over to meet up with them. Once I'd decided on that activity, I also made plans with my sister (Carolyn) in the Capital Region of New York. And, since I'd only be another hour away from the General Clinton Canoe Regatta (planned for the following day), I coordinated with Eileen to attend part of the event. Packing wasn't too hard (only one night away) but I had trouble finding a hotel since everything near Cooperstown, NY was booked. Finally located a place in the town of Richfield Springs that wasn't too far away and was quite affordable. I also made a big sign to make sure that Eileen saw me cheering for her (she'd never noticed me when I was at the 2018 Adirondack Canoe Classic). By 0930, my car was packed and I drove into Hanover to get a gas fillup at Irving (0945). I then drove across the Connecticut River and got on I-91, which I used to reach VT-11. Listened to audiobooks on the way. Next, I drove west to Springfield (VT) and stopped for party supplies (and free items) at Shaws (done at 1045). I continued west on VT-11 until I was getting close to Londonderry. At that point, I switched to Thompsonburg Road and followed it to the edge of the West River. I continued into South Londonderry (got on VT-100 briefly), crossed the river and then drove (via Winhall Hollow Road) to Nancy and Rick's vacation home. Arriving at 1130, I found that no one else was there. Fortunately, Jane had told me I could enter the house and I did. Her dog, Watson, was inside and we became friends quickly. While waiting for everyone else, I rested and worked on a puzzle that was on the table. Soon, Jane arrived and we spent the next hour visiting - this was the first time we'd seen each other in more than 35 years. We also ate some snacks (chips and salsa) and worked some more on the puzzle. Jane read me some of her poetry (very good). Nancy and Rick arrived (with their dog, Daisy) at 1245 and there was much more visiting. Eventually, Jane fired up the grill and cooked ("my dad was a chef") some burgers for us. Throughout the visit (which decided to call our "Mini-High-School-Reunion"), we commented on how long it had been since we were all together. At 1430, we all drove (together with the dogs) to the trailhead for the West River Trail. For the next hour, we walked on a pretty trail system that followed an old rail bed. There was another, lower, trail that walked close to the West River and we spent time there too. The dogs loved this latter location even better. At 1545, we headed back to Nancy and Rick's place and I reluctantly said goodbye. Departing South Londonderry at 1600, I returned to VT-100 and drove south to VT-30. From there, I continued to VT-11 and got on US-7. Near Bennington, I got on the VT/NY-279 bypass and headed towards NY-7. I continued west on that road (talked to Brenna on the way) and crossed the Hudson River at Troy. After a short time on I-87, I got off at NY-7 in Latham. Before long (1730), I arrived at Carolyn's apartment complex (located near the Albany Airport). For the first time, I got to see her apartment and walk around in her neighborhood. After a short time visiting, we drove (a very short distance) to have dinner at El Charro Grill (1745). I tried something called Enchiladas El Guero (green sauce) - it was quite good! We had some nice conversation during our meal and were done eating at 1830). Next, we drove back towards Carolyn's apartment and stopped for dessert at Control Tower Ice Cream (1845). We enjoyed our tasty snack while sitting close to the runways of the airport. Afterwards, Carolyn drove me back to my car and I departed to the west (1930). I used NY-7 to reach I-890 and then (after getting off the Interstate) used back roads to reach US-20. It started to rain after I passed Rotterdam but there was very little traffic. I made good time all the way to the town of Richfield Springs and checked into my room at The Village Motel at 2045. By then, it had stopped raining so I walked into town, despite the darkness. After that, I did some reading and research on the General Clinton - I found the times for Eileen's start and locations where I could watch. I went to bed at around 2300. Whew!
