After some good traveling around this month, I decided to stay close to home today. This morning, I did some work in my condo. Later, I spent time with a good book. At 1630, I drove to Lebanon and filled up my gas tank. Next, I drove (via US-4) to Enfield and parked at St. Helena's. Before attending church, I walked around in town for about 30 minutes. I then went to Mass at 1730. Afterwards, I drove east on Shaker Hill Road, looking for the boat launch at Crystal Lake. This required using some back roads - I had no internet so I wasn't exactly sure if I'd find the spot. Fortunately, I arrived there by 1830 and quickly unloaded my kayak. I'd first learned about Crystal Lake a few years ago when I was hiking the Collette Trail (along Bicknell Brook). It was so pretty that I vowed to paddle it someday - today was that day! I definitely had good outing on the water and even saw a bald eagle. The conditions were pleasant and I spent a full hour (2 miles) in a counterclockwise circuit. Highlight: visiting Oliver Island. Afterwards (1930), I made my way to NH-4A and (via US-4 and I-89) headed home (arrived before 2000). Great paddle!
