White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 0700, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (56 lengths) - afterwards, I did some shopping in West Lebanon before heading home (arrived at 0915) - then teleworked for the rest of the day]

Hanover, NH (USA)

It snowed off and on all day - as a result, I canceled my planned lap swim.  Still, I didn't want to stay in the condo all day.  So, at 1600, I drove into Hanover to check the skiing conditions.  I'd tried the same thing the day before but struck out when there was not enough snow on the ground - today was the opposite result: there was plenty!  At 1610, I parked at the Rugby Clubhouse and then got out on the course.  There was very little grooming and the snow started coming down very hard.  Even on the ground, however, it was quite sticky.  End result: there wasn't a lot of gliding or fun exercise.  After 30 minutes, I gave up and got in my car.  The drive home was quite difficult, with lots of tentative drivers and poorly maintained roads.  I arrived at my condo at 1700 and resumed teleworking. It wasn’t my most successful ski but I feel good to have gotten outdoors at all - and I gave my EVOs another run!  Hoping the temps drop tonight for a better set...

Dorchester, NH (USA)

With temps in the high 20s, it seemed like a good day to return to the Green Woodlands!  After working in my condo for some of the early morning, I left home at 1045.  Using Greensboro Road, Etna Road and Baker Hill Road, I made my way to Dorchester Road.  From there, the drive to the parking lot for the Green Woodlands wasn't too difficult.  I started skiing from the Lyme side again (just after 1115) and made my way into the trails complex.  I immediately encountered a lot of young people wearing Dartmouth Green and figured out it was the ski team.  After getting deeper into the forest, I decided it might be fun to ski on the the solid surface of Cummins Pond.  Fortunately, someone had already driven a four wheeler there and I felt pretty confident of the ice thickness. (I later learned that this body of water is the source of the Mascoma River!) I ended up completing a (counterclockwise) loop on the pond surface - there was some wind but the conditions were pretty good out on the frozen water.  I got some nice views of Smarts Mountain, which I previously summited while hiking the AT.  After 90 minutes outdoors, I checked out the Warming Hut and was very happy to find a roaring fire and some hot cocoa.  I would have been content with only those amenities but I soon learned - from the famous proprietor of the Green Woodlands, Bob - that the ingredients for S’Mores were available outside at the fire pit!  Along with several other patrons of the free trail system, I gorged myself on toasted marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.  We all talked about how lucky we were and I took several group photos for others.  After about 20 minutes, I headed back out on the trails and did another 90 minutes on lovely, groomed surfaces.  The sun came out, the temps might have hit 30 and I had the vast New Hampshire woods almost completely to myself.  When I did see people, I spread the word about the S’Mores. I also took more photos, mostly of young families, and watched talented youngsters practicing their skate skiing.  After a wonderful day of about three hours (6ish miles) on my EVOs, I reached my car (1445) and headed towards home (left about five minutes later and arrived at my condo just after 1515).  It was another great day in the Granite State!

Jefferson, NH (USA)

Since moving to New Hampshire, I’ve been hoping to try some mushing - today was finally the day for my Dogsled adventure!  Before I could leave for that, though, I teleworked for a partial day and logged offline at 1300.  Since I packed last night, I was able to leave my condo immediately and, after a stop at the Irving in Hanover (for a gas fillup) at 1315, I crossed the Connecticut River and headed north.  I used I-91 to reach VT/NH-25.  I'd been expecting more snow after Bradford but the ground was nowhere near white enough. I actually started wondering if there would be enough for my dogsledding adventure...  I used River Road and NH-10 to get to Haverhill and then followed advice from Google Maps, which told me I could use County Road to get to NH-116.  Fortunately that worked OK, although there were some sketchy patches of ice, snow and mud.  Heading east, I started tracing my old route to the White Mountains (NH-116 to NH-112 to NH-116 to Wells Road in Franconia).  The familiar scenery brought back a lot of memories and I realized I probably hadn't been on these roads for more than a year - wow!  Eventually got on NH-141 and used it to reach US-3.  Along the way, I stopped a couple of times for views and breaks.  When I reached Twin Mountain, I realized I was running ahead of schedule so thought about getting food at Yaya's Market and Deli.  However, I encountered too many people inside and I didn't feel like waiting.  Instead, I got on NH-115 and headed towards Jefferson.  I didn't want to arrive at the Muddy Paw Sled Dog parking lot so I killed time by exploring Valley Road, where it was located.  It was good to follow along a stretch of the Presidential Rail Trail I'd never seen and I liked the wonderful views of the snow on the peaks in the background.  Eventually (1525), I parked at the Muddy Paw and waited for someone to notice me (they'd told us not to come inside).  My appointment was scheduled for 1530 but no one came out to check on me until about 1535.  Once they did, though, we got going!  After having trouble getting a time slot for dogsledding during previous winters, I'd booked this reservation in early November - there was no way to know that I'd hit the jackpot with weather!  Bluebird skies and very little wind and, even better, there was snow “in them thar hills”...  Of course, being New England in late January, it was COLD - low teens at the start (1530) and single digits by the end (1700).  Meeting the 70(ish) Alaskan Huskies at Muddy Paws was a treat all by itself - I tried to greet them all but ran out of time.  All of them were sweet and I got a lot of dog kisses and howls. I “helped” as the staff got eight dogs harnessed on and “nerded out” on the process.  A guy named Matt was assigned to drive “my” sled and he took care of everything - all I had to do was ride and watch the dogs at work.  There was a second sled that was getting set up too - a grandma and granddaughter were riding with another driver.  Matt gave me a safety briefing before we departed and it was full of “what ifs” that seemed far fetched.  I thought it was all a formality but he later informed me that one of the sleds and dogs had “gotten away” earlier in the day.  That really put things in perspective…. Fortunately, my ride with him ended up being flawless, just like the spectacular scenery of the White Mountains as we coasted along the Presidential Rail Trail.  We traveled outbound two miles, passing snowmobiles and made a swap of lead dogs at the midpoint. We then raced back to the kennels again.  I never covered up my face but the sharp, cold air felt good.  Matt was great with the team - he spoke very calmly at times but he also got the dogs really fired up with encouraging words.  Most of the time, he was talking to each dog about what they were doing (good and bad) - I sensed a lot of love in his voice.  It was wonderful to ride at dog’s eye view and see each of their unique strides, personalities and behaviors.  As we approached the kennels, the remaining 55+ dogs started howling even before they saw us.  I felt great after my ride and played with the dogs once they’d got unhooked from the sled.  My fingertips and toes were tingly but, somehow, I’d got a bunch of good photos and videos.  Wish I could have stayed longer but the sun was setting as I departed (1715).  What an afternoon!  But I wasn't finished with my fun and decided to head to North Haverhill to join 13th Annual Moonlight Snowshoe event.  To get there, I mostly used the reversed directions from the afternoon drive except I stayed on NH-116 after passing County Road.  On the way, I passed a cemetery with lighted stones - I'd never seen anything like that.  Near the end of the drive, I used Clark Pond Road to reach the Blackmount Country Club (arrived at 1815).  It was hard to find the entrance but I managed to park in a really snowy lot (hoping I could get out again later).  With the colder temps (single digits), very few other people showed up.  This was fine with me: I made three circuits of the 3/4 trail around the golf course, which was lit by tiki torches.  The sky was clear and dark but the stars were so bright I never needed a flashlight or headlamp.  At one point, I noticed that the torches and stars were almost the same intensity.  Orion’s sword and bow were clearer than I’d ever seen - what a night!  I walked one lap with a younger lady who was cross country skiing.  I thought about going to get my EVOs but I got some hot cocoa and cookies in the clubhouse instead.  The owners were there and it was interesting to talk to them about their farm and golf course.  And the clubhouse was very warm and inviting.  Once again, the Haverhill  Parks and Recreation came through with a really fun activity - very glad I attended!  Reluctantly, I left the Country Club (2000) and drove home via NH-10, River Road, NH/VT-25 and I-91 - I was at my condo by 2045.  Unforgettable day and night - wow!

Hanover, NH (USA)

After my last day on skis, my heel bursitis came back with a vengeance - I had to take a break from a lot of the activities I love.  Ten days in this RICE posture made me feel a bit stir crazy!  Taking a break from work late this afternoon (1545), I tentatively ventured outside to see how my EVOs might feel on my feet.  With limited daylight left, I decided to visit the Fullington Farm Field Trails (Hanover).  After parking at Wilson's Landing (1600), I was the first skier to break tracks in the deep snow.  The Connecticut River, which was just a few yards away, was frozen nearly solid and I enjoyed hearing the ice “groaning” in protest.  I encountered one person who looked at me like I was from Mars but I was undeterred in my pursuit of some outdoor Nirvana...  I finished skiing just after 1700 - by then, it was mostly dark).  I arrived at my condo by 1720 and resumed teleworking.  It’s still early, but my foot is doing alright - today it was only my extremities that protested the low double digit (turning to single!) temperatures!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I went shopping in West Lebanon before heading home (arrived at 1730)]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1245, I left my condo and drove to Lebanon so I could volunteer (filling orders; I did one for a family of 13!) for 1.5 hours at the LISTEN Food Pantry (1300 to 1430) - afterwards, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (52 lengths) - once I was finished (1545), I joined the UVAC Blood Drive (coordinated by the Red Cross) - I donated Power Red between 1600 and 1715 - had been planning to go to the Torchlight Snowshoe event at the Billings Farm but the Red Cross Nurses told me I should go home and take it easy - heeding their advice, I returned to New Hampshire, stopping to recycle items at Staples and Home Depot - after that, I headed home (arrived at 1755)]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I headed home (arrived at 1605)]

Ripton, VT (USA)

My suspicions about improved skiing conditions proved correct!  After learning that there was some good snow in the Green Mountains, I decided to depart Hanover for the Rikert Nordic Center.  I used I-89, VT-107, Bethel Mountain Road, VT-100 and VT-125.  All the roads were wet with a lot of slush so I took my time.  I arrived in Ripton at about 1015 and immediately went inside to buy a pass and some snacks.  By 1030, I was ready to ski!  The trails at Rikert (the Middlebury College outdoor center) were well groomed in most places but I made my own adventure by skiing the (backwoods) segment of the Catamount Trail that passes through their system. This decision required lots of bushwhacking and a few “I wonder if this is a good idea” moments.  Still, it was great to be able to ski every scenario I encountered.  Temps were good (mid 20s) and the sky was nearly clear.  Got great views of the powder covered peaks along the Long Trail - it was marvelous!  Spent three hours (6ish miles) in the woods, mostly alone, and got awesome downhills  below the top of Breadloaf.  Coming to Rikert was well worth the drive and I hope to return again soon!  Afterwards (1330), I got cleaned up and then headed home, using the reverse route from the morning - I didn't even use my Google Maps because there were so many people going the same way.  This time, the roads were much better (dry).  After a relatively uneventful drive, I made it to my condo by 1450.  Wonderful, snowy day in the Greens!  

Grantham, NH (USA)

Woke up to an unexpected snowstorm!  Despite my excitement, I waited for things to settle before choosing a ski venue.  I spent the morning working around my condo and, might have continued, but a fellow Knight texted that some shoveling was needed at the Church.  We were asked to arrive at around 1300 so I wrapped up my projects in time to arrive with everyone else.  However, when I got to Sacred Heart, I only found Bert - he had started the job and it only took about 30 minutes to do the rest of the shoveling.  After that, I helped him salt the walkways and stairs (except for the granite surfaces, which we weren't supposed to salt).  John and Wyktor arrived during this time and we finished with everything by 1400.  Next, I drove to West Lebanon and got free items at Shaws and Hannaford - it's always nice to get free things!  From there, I drove south on I-89 and stopped at Exit 14 (North Grantham), where I was able to park at the entrance to the road that leads to the Old Route 10 Bikeway (1430).  I'd hoped this old standby would work and, sure enough, there was about 4-5 inches of new accumulation!  This allowed me to get a full hour (2 miles) on the trail that paralleled I-89.  It kept snowing throughout (temps in the mid 20s).  When I was done (1530), I was going to leave but ended up in a conversation with another guy who had just arrived at the trailhead.  He had the same idea as I did except he was going to use snowshoes.  We had a great talk about good ski spots nearby (including Eastman Pond).  After saying goodbye to him, I made my way home (arrived at 1610) and spent some time shoveling near my parking spot.  I’m looking forward to even better ski conditions tomorrow!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked until 1545 and then drove to White River Junction to volunteer at the LISTEN Community Dining Hall - after arriving (1600), I assisted with meal prep (eggplant parmesan), got the counter ready for serving and then helped assemble meals (I served the bread) - we served close to 100 meals - afterwards (1800), I headed home (arrived by 1830)] 

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (52 lengths) - afterwards, I went shopping in West Lebanon before heading home (arrived at 1715)]

Dorchester, NH (USA)

After tons of rain in the last week, I was almost certain there was no snow anywhere in the Upper Valley.  Imagine my surprise, then, when I noticed a photo this morning (posted on social media) of some groomed trails within 20 miles!  Up until that point, I'd spent some time in my condo, cleaning and wondering if skiing was in the cards.  With this new information, I quickly hopped in my car and left my condo (1400), starting the drive towards the nearby town of Dorchester.  On the way (via Etna), I saw absolutely no snow at all - it started to seem like a fools errand.  I didn’t end up seeing any until I was parked at the Green Woodlands.  But, by then (1445), there were signs that others had already started skiing on the trails.  Sadly, though, I encountered ice and exposed rocks just after I headed into the woods so I had to take off my skis. At that point, I was stubbornly determined to get SOME skiing and continued walking.  The trail was still marred by truck tracks and mud.  Suddenly, about a quarter mile later, I found some amazingly nice snow!  The end result was that I was able to get more than 90 minutes in wonderful conditions!  It was cold (17 F) but the exercise kept me warm - as did meeting other hardy souls and their dogs.  I finished a complete loop (Black Bog Trail and Norris Road), returning to the warming hut and its welcoming fire.  The sun was going down by then so I pushed my luck with a quick downhill race to the car.  That’s when I ended up in a pebble-strewn-ice field - my skis stopped short and I kept going.  The face plant only wounded my pride… I was able to walk the rest of the way, arriving at my car after two hours of in the woods.  A pretty moon high in the crisp winter sky capped off the evening.  Afterwards (1645), headed home via the same route (in reverse) as earlier.  I arrived at my condo by 1715 - it felt great to get an unexpected adventure outdoors!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[after a half day of work, I dropped off skis at Omer and Bob's (1245) - drove to White River Junction (VAMC) for a medical appointment - afterwards, got lunch at VAMC Canteen (1330) - had to get labs done and then had another doctors appointment (1430) - afterwards, I headed to West Lebanon for a gas fillup at Irving (1540), some shopping at Hannaford (1555), dropping off old tech (my 3G iPhone) at Staples (1610), picked up an online order at Walmart (1615) and then drove to Lebanon to pick up skis at Omer and Bob's after waxing and sharpening (1630) - home by 1645 - a bit more teleworking after that]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[chores and "Spring Cleaning" in my apartment all morning - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (52 lengths) - afterwards, I headed home (arrived at 1615)]