Prouty Day 2024! I got up early, did my normal reading and Duolingo. At 0730, I left my condo and drove to Sacred Heart in Lebanon, where I'd thought there was going to be a regular meeting of the Men of St. Joseph - instead, it ended up being canceled. With the extra time, I made my way to the Richmond Middle School in Hanover (arrived at around 0830) and parked in the preferred area (CRREL). After I registered, I got my Prouty Gear and returned it to the car. As I was headed back to the main area, I ended up in a long conversation with a Vietnam veteran who had some fantastical stories about his life as an Army Ranger, Navy F-4 pilot and POW (not sure how much of this was true)... After that, I decided to try to do one of the Prouty Day Activities. Even though I participate virtually in the fundraising, I’ve been able to attend a few of the actual Prouty Days in person as a volunteer. This year, however, I took in the full experience as a participant. For my active event, I chose the Wooded Walk, a 5K “hike” through the Storrs Pond area (I recognized a lot of the trails because I’d skied them earlier in the year). The route had good tree cover but the air was quite warm and muggy. The trail was also pretty hilly. The Prouty organizers had left little stuffed bears for the kids to find and I encountered a lot of youngsters doing related activities. Almost all the adults were walking or biking in honor of (or in memory of) a friend or family member whose life had been affected by cancer and I heard a lot of moving stories. Finishing up after about an hour, I enjoyed some delicious food that had been prepared by local vendors and veterans groups. While sitting at a table under a huge tent, I ended up in several more conversations about why people “Prouty”. So many tributes and harrowing tales of survival! It started to rain after I’d been there for 3.5 hours so I made my way back to the car (1230). Driving north on NH-10, I found myself on the bike routes. Despite the inclement weather, there were still hundreds of brave souls peddling their hearts out. Passing through Lyme (lots of cones and police cars), I made my way towards Piermont. Turned on to NH-25C there and drove east. Fortunately, I stayed ahead of the weather most of the way and arrived at Lake Tarleton State Park by 1325. The lot was full but I got a parking spot when someone else left. Spent a short time talking to Park Host (he surveyed me about my kayak's travels). At 1335, I launched “Tequila Sunrise” from the boat ramp and spent 75 minutes (2.5 miles) paddling (clockwise circuit). Actually, I’ve been wanting to kayak here since I hiked the nearby AT section in 2020 - glad I finally made it! I got some good views of Mount Moosilauke, saw kids enjoying a summer afternoon at Kingswood Camp for Boys and had fun watching at least 10 different loons that dove and surfaced within five feet of my kayak. I’m guess I’m pretty lucky because I have animal encounters almost every time I get on the water. I also had an interesting conversation with a guy who was building an addition on his grandfather’s 1949 fishing cabin (all tools and supplies needed to be brought in by boat). He’s living the life, I think… Passed lots of stand up paddleboarders and water skiers - everyone had smiles on their faces. Before I was finished, though, we all got soaked with a steady, cool rain that crept over the mountains to the west. After dealing with the heat earlier in the day, I wasn’t upset to be wet. Didn’t dare try to take photos, though… Very pleased to have visited the lake today - would definitely return to see the loons again. After getting done (1450), I decided I should try to go to Mass somewhere nearby. My choices at that point were Lebanon, Wells River (VT) or Woodsville. Since I'd never been to the latter two names and wanted to try something new, I went to Mass at St. Joseph & St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Woodsville (1600). The service (as usual for my experience in New Hampshire) was totally different than I was used to seeing. Still, the congregation was very engaged and I was glad to be there. On the way home, I tried to get some ice cream at Hatchland Farm (1655) but they were too busy. Instead, drove back to Hanover via NH-10 and River Road through Lyme. Erin called on the way and we talked until I arrived at my condo (1750). Today was a great day of immersion in Upper Valley culture and I had a great time. Needless to say, Prouty Day is HUGE for our town, hospital and Dartmouth College - very glad I could be a part of it!
