Hanover, NH (USA)

Time to Ski!  We had a “White Thanksgiving” but I waited for the snow to set before heading outside - yesterday’s freeze-thaw-freeze did the trick of building a firm base for my fun.  Spent time this morning cleaning up in my condo before driving into Hanover (parked near the Rugby Field at 0915).  Between 0930 and 1130 this morning, I skied the Oak Hill Cross Country green and blue trails on the north edge of Hanover (most close to the Dartmouth Rugby Clubhouse).  My time in the snow began under clear skies but clouds soon arrived.  Temps were in the high 20s and this meant there was some ice in places.  Fortunately, there had also been a bit of grooming done so I made the best of the rare tracks I encountered!  Distances are hard to gauge on the course but I think I covered about four miles total.  Afterwards, I headed straight home (arrived at 1145).  Great start to the season!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[after a short work day (1445), I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I drove home (arrived at 1600)]

Ottawa Trip - Day 4

With a normal work day looming, I was up by 0500 - I immediately got ready and packed up my car before checking out of the hotel.  Once ready to drive my car, I found frost on windows (had to thaw them) but still managed to leave the hotel by 0530.  Drove south and east on ON-417 (listening to audio books on the way).  There wasn't much traffic and the weather was good.  After changing to ON-138, I continued to make good time.  I saw evidence of sunlight on the distant horizon but it was still dark when I reached the bridge to the US in Cornwall (ON).  Crossed the St. Lawrence River at 0630 and, after reaching Rooseveltown, got on NY-37.  As the morning progressed, I encountered slower cars but, fortunately, still made good time.  Used NY-122 to reach US-11.  Then got stuck behind several school buses... At Ellenburg, I got on the Military Turnpike (NY-190) and drove south (and west) until I could access NY-3.  Arrived in Plattsburgh at around 0800 - I'd thought about getting gas but decided to check on the ferry first.  I used I-87 and NY-314 to reach Cumberland Head and arrived at Ferry Landing at 0810.  My timing was excellent and was immediately able to get onboard (last car).  After that, it only took about 15 minutes to cross.  The weather was great and I could see a lot of snow covered mountains on both sides of Lake Champlain.  After getting off the ferry, I started looking for a gas station...  Meanwhile, I followed a long line of cars to US-2 and then drove all the way to I-89 without finding a good place for a fillup.  Just before I got worried about my fuel levels, I settled for a Mobil station on US-7 (just a short distance from the Interstate). Finished fueling at 0845 and immediately got back on the highway.  During this time, I started the first of my four Zoom calls for the day (0900 to 0930).  I continued making good time on I-89 because the weather was still really good.  Started getting texts from Eileen but wasn't able to respond while driving.  Started a second work call at 1000 and I was able to reach home during that meeting (1020).  Once incide my condo, I got to work at my desk and didn't unpack the car until late in the afternoon.  Ended up logging a full work day after all (I'd thought I might have to take some leave).  It was great to try the "shorter" (with tolls) route and might try the same itinerary the next time I go to Ottawa if, for no other reason, the interesting scenery.  Glad to be home!

Ottawa Trip - Day 3

Despite my late bedtime last night, I still woke up at 0630.  Before getting ready, I read, did Duolingo exercises and did some travel planning for later in the day.  I left my hotel by 1000 and drove into downtown Ottawa.  After a bit of searching, I found a parking spot on the far western side of Wellington (1030).  Hearing loud church bells coming from a church that was located immediately across the street, my curiosity encourarged me to try to attend Mass (I'd thought "perfect timing").  Once inside the warm building, though, I discovered it was actually an Anglican Church.  Oh well...  Returning to the biting cold (brrrrr), I started walking east on the street where most of the buildings related to the Canadian government were located, the so-called Parliament Hill (see JUL 1990).  At one point, I considered taking a tour of the Parliament but (after talking over the process with the Docents there), decided against it.  Continuing my walk, I got lots of wonderful views of the Ottawa River, historic buildings and Rideau Canal.  I eventually looped all the way around to Confederation Park.  During this part of my day, I was enmeshed in history, crossed locks on foot bridge and found the Whalesbone restaurant on Elgin Street - Eileen has told me many stories about that place...  I thought about going in for lunch but decided instead to have some poutine at Harvey's, located across the street (1130).  The food was very good!  Once I was done eating (1200), I walked back towards my car, exploring Sparks Street (shopping district) on the way. After rejoining "Nessie" (1215), I drove across the Ottawa River on the Portage Bridge and returned to the Province of Quebec.  Hoping I'd be able to walk along the northern edge of the river, I stopped at the Kruger "factory", where the guard let me park in the lot for a short time, and took a path town to the water.  I got some great photos of Parliament Hill from the north side!  Back in my car, I received a call from Eileen and Emma about their ETA in Ottawa - we'd initially talked about meeting for lunch and a walk but time had gotten away from them.  After hearing she wouldn't arrive until "after 1400", I agreed to meet them at National Gallery of Canada when I was done with a hike in Gatineau Park.  With that decision made, I drove (via surface streets) to A5 and headed north to the exit at Boulevard des Hautes-Plaines.  Next, I followed the road on the eastern perimeter of Gatineau Park (Boulevard de la Cite-des-Jeunes and, later, Chemin de la Mine).  During this phase, I located some bike trails and, eventually, a road (Chemin Notch) that crossed the ridge.  After exploring parking options, .  Several of the access roads were closed but I still managed to get a nice hike in Gatineau Park, a sprawling green area on the north (Quebec) side of the Ottawa River.  There were only a few parking spots available (near Trail #15) when I arrived at the Chemin Notch trailhead (1315) so felt lucky to have a shot at a walk to Lac Pink. This little mountain pond had a great circuit trail with lots of stairs and graded surfaces - much easier than many of the places I usually hike.  Spent 75 minutes in nature and later explored some other trailheads nearby.  This place would be great for cross country skiing - it won’t be long...  After getting done (1425), I changed clothes and drove north (still Chemin Notch) towards Chelsea.  I made a brief stop (got maps) at the Gatineau Park visitors center before driving east to A5.  Continuing south to Ottawa, I arrived at the National Gallery of Canada just after I crossed the Ottawa River again.  I paid for a ticket (1505) and then wandered around inside until I located Eileen and Emma.  Once together, we walked around, through the Native and Indigenous displays, before adjourning to the courtyard for further talks (1600isg).  At some point, I became aware that Eileen had promised Emma that I'd be gone before dinner started.  This realization was very uncomfortable and I did my best to extricate myself from the situation - I don't think I was very successful...  Feeling VERY finished with the museum, I left the parking garage (1655).  During my drive back to the hotel (backtrack from the morning, using surface streets and ON-417), I felt quite dazed and blew off any ideas I'd had about dinner or other night life adventures.  Once inside my room (1730), I even started thinking about leaving for home but decided against it.  Instead, I tried to kill time reading and trying to get sleepy.  In the end, I skipped dinner and just turned out the light.  I managed to doze, starting at 2030, and fell asleep for good by 2130.  Definitely a roller coaster day of emotions...

Ottawa Trip - Day 2

I slept OK but was wide awake at 0515 - figuring that would help me in the long run, I got ready to depart.  Since the hotel restaurant didn't open until 0700, I did some reading.  Once seated, I got some good food and felt quite satisfied when I departed the Quality Inn at 0730.  Ottawa, here I come!  Actually, though, I had all day to reach the concert venue...  I drove north on I-89.  It was raining lightly and I entertained myself with audiobooks.  With almost no traffic and no cars waiting at the checkpoint, I crossed the US/Canada border just after 0800.  From there, I continued north on QC-133 until I reached Pike River.  Wanting some Canadian currency, I went inside a little store there (Magasin General Pike River).  Next, I steered northeast via Chemin des Rivieres, Chemin de la Grande Ligne, QC-227, Rang Kempt and QC-104.  During the drive, I spent a lot of time listening to my Glass Tiger CDs - getting revved up for the concert!  Perhaps you are wondering why I would be taking this rather rural route on my way to a concert in Ottawa.  During my recent visits to Montreal, I noticed several “pimple” shaped hills to the east of the highway and thought they might be fun to climb.  The terrain in southern Quebec is so flat (think Indiana) that anything above the grade is intriguing… This morning, I had a chance to hike to the summit of one of them, Mont Saint Gregoire!  Since I’d stayed overnight in Burlington, I didn’t have a long drive and was on the trail by 0900.  It has been raining during my drive but the “mountain” (it’s only 250 meters tall) weather was only misty with 40 F temps.  I completed a full circuit in about an hour and enjoyed the good viewpoints - on a clear day, the Green Mountains, Adirondacks and other “pimple peaks” nearby would be visible.  About the only terrain I was able to see clearly, though, was the Montreal skyline with Mont Royal behind it.  That was still pretty nice, as were the images of scattered farmhouses and church steeples in the area.  I saw only a few other hikers during my visit and everyone (all all the signs) were Québécois - fortunately, my Duolingo practicing helped me understand some of it.  I was finished at 1000 (roughly two miles of hiking).  Overall, this activity turned out to be a nice break from my drive - I’m glad the weather was good!  After getting cleaned up and changed (1010), I left the parking area and used some back roads to drive towards the eastern side of the mountain.  The views were actually better on that side because there were fewer trees.  Next, I got on QC-227 and used it to drive north to Autoroute 10.  From there, I drove west to the east side of the Saint Lawrence River.  With Google Maps, I had picked a parking area that appeared to have access to a trail - the app put me on A15 but I had trouble figuring out how to get off the highway at the correct location.  Also, I was stymied at times by local drivers getting in my way at exactly the "wrong" moment.  Eventually, though, I was able to get parked in a spot near Cap sur Mer (1115).  I haven’t had a chance to do a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago yet but I’ve been working on the Canadian “extension” for a few years.  While visiting the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal last year, I found one of the Camino shells (and the official start) for the Chemin des Sanctuaries.  Adding some optional distance from the gravesite of Owen Coogan (in Cote des Neiges), my previous walking efforts had gotten me almost all the way across the St. Lawrence River.  However, the route I’d chosen for my last walk (across Ils Ste. Helene) seemed to dead end in the middle of the channel. From the map, it appeared that there was only one way to cross the river from Ils Notre Dame and it required me to walk either the Pont Jacques Cartier or Victoria Bridge.  This afternoon, I first attacked the problem by walking on the bike trail in Longueil that paralleled the canal used by shipping traffic - there were actually some large tanker ships coming through during my visit (wow!).  From that location, I discovered that the Pont Jacques Cartier was too high to access from the pathway and that the Victoria Bridge was too far away.  I figured out, though, that I might be able to kayak the route if I could get to the water’s edge from both sides.  Working north and south from the boat launch site, I also located a sign for the Chemin next to the Ferry Landing at Port de Plaisance, which means I’ve got a return spot for continuing north on the Chemin in the future.  Once I was done with this Recce (1245), I got back in my car, crossed on Pont Jacques Cartier and successfully exited onto surface streets on Ils Ste. Helene.  Reaching the Biodome (a place I'd visited before), I crossed a smaller bridge to the site of the 1976 Olympic Games and took a gamble (1300) that I'd be able to park there without getting towed or a ticket (it ended up working out). I spent the next 45 minutes trying to connect my earlier walk to the western edge of the shipping canal.  Eventually, I found myself almost opposite the boat launch in Longueil.  There was a bit of “will someone try to stop me?” in a few places but I accomplished my goal.  Also saw lots of interesting landmarks for the Olympics and Grand Prix.  Altogether, I walked about six miles and can now continue the Chemin towards Ste. Anne de Beaupre.  Best part of today: the weather was nice and I didn’t see many other people - I’d call that a good afternoon outdoors!  Finished with my Montreal activities (1400), I drove back up to the Pont Jacques Cartier and headed west.  Once off the bridge on the west side, I used surface streets (Avenue De Lorimer, Notre Dame Street East) to get on QC-136.  Later, I got on A20, where I encountered lots of traffic, speed cameras, etc. - After using A13 to reach the Trans Canada Highway, the speed gradually picked up and the weather improved.  I had beautiful clear skies overhead!  For part of the journey, I thought back to my last time in this part of Canada (see JUL 1991) and imagined all the things that have changed for the terrain and in my life...  During the drive, I encountered some construction, especially when I was crossing the Lake of the Two Mountains.  At some point, the highway became ON-417 to continue west to Ottawa.  Out the window, I saw lots of Canada Geese (multiple flocks) who were busily flying south.  It was nice to find that many fewer people were using the same highway and I just had to be careful with speed.  I arrived at the Travelodge Ottawa East at 1600.  After quickly changing clothes, I left the hotel (1700) and drove west on ON-417 - time for my concert!  Unfortunately, I got in a big traffic jam and it took a while to get near the National Arts Centre.  It also took a bit of time for me to find the entrance to the parking garage for the NAC (Elgin Street in Ottawa) - during this time, I got very close to a public demonstration (against the Gaza Conflict).  Once parked, I scouted out the venue before walking to the nearby Nando's Peri-Peri for dinner and a beer (sat down at 1745).  The place had some good food and atmosphere.  Once I was finished (1815), I walked around near the Rideau Canal (next to the NAC).  There were lots of nice views of Canada's Capital City by night.  Once back inside the NAC, I explored some more before finding a seat to wait for the concert to begin (I was ready at 1900).  We were cleared for entry into the Babs Asper Theatre at 1915 and I soon found my seat at Balcony Centre.  The opening act (started at 1945) was a lady named Erica Ehm.  I didn't recognize her but I think she was the Canadian equivalent of an MTV VJ (for a TV channel called “MuchMusic”).  In any case, she was some kind of teen idol for the ladies in attendance.  I’ll admit that a lot of that Canadian ‘80s fandom nostalgia stuff was lost on me and I kept thinking of Robin Sherbatsky and “Let’s Go to the Mall”.  After a 15 minute "intermission" (2030 to 2045), Glass Tiger came out on stage!  It took 38 years for me to make it to one of their live performances but they did not disappoint tonight!  The band played many, many of the songs I’ve known and loved since the ‘80s and almost everyone was singing loudly with Alan Frew.  There were actually only a few acoustic differences between the live and the albums I’ve got - I thought that was great because sometimes the signature sounds are lost with age… I didn’t know some of their newer music but those tunes were just as catchy as the rest.  Watching the band in the sold venue an even bigger treat than I’d expected - those Canadians love their hometown bands!  Overall, the local flavor of seeing a "hometown"(ish) musical group was definitely entertaining.  I didn't really want the show to end but, eventually, it did (2230).  It took a lot of effort and patience to depart the parking garage (after a delay due to so many cars having the same idea) - I eventually got on the road (surface streets along the Rideau Canal) and made it back to my hotel by 2330.  Still feeling jazzed up from my busy day, I spent time reading and blogging until going to sleep at 0015.  Glad to have made the (long) trip for this concert!  

Ottawa Trip - Day 1

I'd made plans to attend a concert in Ottawa so was very excited to complete my work day early today (1430).  Since I had packed already, I was able to leave immediately.  Drove (via I-89) to Williston (VT), encountering light rain for most of the drive (listening to audio books to pass the time).  Saw a pretty rainbow to the north!  Erin called on the way and we had a nice chat.  I saw snow on Camel's Hump - brrr...  Stopped at Taft Corners to redeem cans & bottles at Shaw's (1600).  Afterwards, I used the resulting vouchers to buy some snacks for my trip (1620).  Since not all the bottles/cans had been redeemable at Shaws, I checked out the nearby Walmart and Hannaford (no luck).  Instead, I used the surface streets to make it to VT-2A and, when I reached VT-15 drove west towards the Colchester area.  After briefly using I-89 again, I arrived at Quality Inn there at 1645.  Once I'd put my stuff in my room, I went outside to get in some steps towards my 10K for the day.  I took a break for dinner at Burger King (1710) - my order was messed up somehow and I ended up with pickle fries instead of chicken fries (and got to keep both in the end).  Afterwards, I spent time doing some more walking in the office park behind the hotel.  Back in my room, I read and relaxed before going to bed at 2200.  Excited for an adventure in Canada tomorrow!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked from early in the morning - at 1440, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (50 lengths because of swimming lessons) - afterwards, I drove to West Lebanon (via US-5, US-4, NH-12A due to I-89 construction) and sent shopping (Hannaford, Shaw's, Staples, Best Buy, Liquor Store) - arrived home by 1730 and continued teleworking]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked from early in the morning - at 0845, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I drove home (arrived at 1015) and continued teleworking]

West Lebanon, NH (USA)

It was Veteran's Day so, like many recent years, I made big plans to capitalize on all the freebies!  Early in the week, I'd considered driving to Manchester because there were more businesses there that we don't have in the Upper Valley.  After thinking about it, though, I decided to stay closer to home so I could log a few more hours for my job (and save vacation time).  The decision to stay nearby required even more than normal planning to maximize the haul.  Starting my telework day at 0600, I logged about 45 minutes of work before leaving my condo.  I first drove to West Lebanon, where I visited Denny’s for a free Grand Slam breakfast.  While there, I met a few other Vets there and talked to them.  Afterwards, I drove to Walmart and checked their shelves for the elusive Ozark Trail Hiking Boots that I haven't been able to find online: success!  Even better, there was a discount for Vet's Day!  Afterwards, I drove across the street to pick up a free breakfast combo at Wendy’s.  Full of food by that time, I saved the food for later and drove to Target to pickup an online order (10% off for Vet's Day) I'd made the night before.  With that complete, I drove to the Shaw's (across NH-12A) - before going inside the grocery store, I walked to the nearby Dunkin’ Donuts for a free donut.  Next, I went grocery shopping, where I got 10% off my groceries.  Crossing NH-12A again, I shopped at Hannaford (another 10% deal).  Thinking there might be some more Vet's Day "pop up" opportunities, I crossed the Connecticut River to check out some rumors I'd heard about on social media.  First, I visited Cumberland Farms in Wilder (two free drinks) and stopped at Subway in White River Junction (free 6-inch sub and Gatorade).  With a large break until the next free stuff would be available, I decided to drive to Hartland (via US-5) because I'd heard about a Vet's Day breakfast deal at the Three Corners Market.  More success!  After picking up a free burrito bowl and some hot chocolate (both to go), I drove back (via I-91 and I-89) to Lebanon.  Once there, I stopped at the Marsh Brothers' Deli for a free breakfast sandwich (to go).  This was my first time visiting the little restaurant (lots of good "word of mouth" since I've lived in the Upper Valley).  The place reminded me of the Corned Beef Row restaurants in Baltimore... Returning to West Lebanon (I-89), I set up in the Target parking lot and got some steps (walking).  I'd planned to do some more things but Eileen called during this window and we had a serious talk for about 30 minutes.  In the end, I entered Chili's just after they opened (1105) and ordered a light entrée from their special menu.  I enjoyed about half of it and took the leftovers with me.  After a successful Vet's Day haul (finished with this last location at 1145), I drove home and resumed teleworking until almost 1630.  One of my Happy Hour friends, Ed, had earlier suggested that we meet at Jesse’s Steakhouse for their annual Veteran's Day Steak Dinner.  When I arrived (1645), the place was packed and I felt lucky to get a seat.  Before eating even more food than I'd had in the morning, I spent some time drinking happy hour beer and talking to other patrons.  One recognized me from the Billings Farm (he saw me when I last volunteered).  Ed's arrival seemed to be delayed and I had a Knights of Columbus Council Meeting planned for a bit later.  Reluctantly, since Ed hadn't arrived, I ordered the 12oz prime rib and potatoes and ate all of it before departing at 1755.  After driving home, I joined the KofC meeting (via Zoom) and, when it was over (1830), resumed teleworking.  By 1900, I knocked off work for the day and spent the evening watching movies and texting with the kids.  Even locally, I really cleaned up on this Veteran's Day!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked from early in the morning - at 0800, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (52 lengths) - afterwards, I drove home (arrived at 0915) and continued teleworking]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

Election Day! After starting my work day quite early, I went to vote at the Hanover High School - I was the first person who got a ballot from the C-D table! Home again by 0715, I then teleworked until 1500.  At that point, I drove to White River Junction to volunteer at the LISTEN Community Dining Hall.  Other parishioners from Sacred Heart Parish were but the parking lot was nearly empty (because of election day?).  After integrating into our team (1515), I assisted with meal prep, got the counter ready for serving and then gave away corn bread.  Once some other volunteers arrived, I backed up to the "support role" and kept the serving trays filled.  We served only about 80 meals - the vibe was very strange...  Afterwards (1745), I headed to West Lebanon for some shopping and found deserted stores.  I made it home by 1830 and did some more teleworking.  By 1900, I began watching the election returns.  Crossing fingers for good results!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked from early in the morning - at 0800, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (50 lengths) - afterwards, I drove to Saint Anthony's for All Saints Day Mass - next, I went shopping in West Lebanon - after that, I drove home (arrived at 1000) and continued teleworking]