Thetford, VT (USA)

After teleworking until 1400 today, I had just enough daylight left to check out the cross country trails in Thetford, Vermont.  With my work week completed, I got ready for the cold and then drove into Hanover to get gas at Irving (1455).  Next, I drove north (via I-91 and VT-113).  Once I arrived at the Thetford Academy, I explored a bit further down the road until I located the parking lot for the Thetford Hill State Park (1515).  Unlike my last visit (no skiing involved), this appeared to be a much better starting point and I was quickly "EVO'd up".  Since moving to the Upper Valley, my timing and the snow conditions have never been good enough in Thetford but today they were great!  Starting at, 1520, I began skiing uphill on the (closed to cars) access road.  By the time I encountered the trails groomed by the Academy’s ski team, the true range of trails I had to explore became evident.  Wow!  I made my way through almost the entire system, including climbing to the summit of the Hill (found their Yurt) and finding the camping areas.  The trails lived up to the name of the state park - if I wasn’t huffing and puffing my way up, I was sliding downhill so fast (due to steepness)!  The only living creatures I encountered were a barred owl and noisy crow.  Otherwise, my 90 minutes (3ish miles) in the woods was the epitome of solitude.  Temps were in the mid 30s and it was clear that a thaw-freeze cycle was just barely good enough to create today’s conditions.  Before departing the area (1645), I checked out another trailhead (very close by) with its own system - this is definitely a reason to return to Thetford!  To get home, I used the reverse directions from my outbound route - one difference, though, was that I encountered protesters (RE: Ukraine) on the way through Hanover.  I was home by 1715, feeling great about my ski adventure.  More snow is coming, so I hope the season isn’t over - ominously, though, I noticed on the way home that the summit of Ascutney was nearly bare...

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 0745, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) via VERY snowy and slippery roads - I barely arrived in time for my lane reservation but was able to get my full 45 minutes of swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I did some shopping in West Lebanon before heading home (more snowy and slippery roads, but improving) - I arrived at 1000 and resumed teleworking until 1600, when I went to my regular Thursday evening Happy Hour at Jesse's Steakhouse]

North Country Trip - Day 3

This morning, I was awake by about 0600 and spent time reading, doing Duolingo and checking the news.  It had snowed overnight and everything outside looked white and clean.  By the time I ventured upstairs, I found that Eileen was already awake and we had a chance to talk and have some tea together.  The fire in the woodstove was burning brightly and her living room was warm and cozy.  We spent time working on some word puzzles she likes - it was a quite relaxing morning.  We were planning to take the dogs skiing a bit later but then Eileen got an EMT call and was gone within about five minutes (0705).  During the time she was away from the house, I did some shoveling, played with the dogs and moved firewood.  I was still outside when Eileen got back (0830) and she joined me in moving wood.  We'd started a conversation that was interrupted when she had to leave and she asked to continue that while we did some cleaning around the house.  She also made breakfast (scrambled eggs) for us and we had plenty of time to finish talking.  After 1000, we started to get ready for our ski and left the house about 30 minutes later.  Usually when I visit, we go to Higley Flow State Park - today, though, we drove down to Hannawa Falls and headed to a place where we could access to the Browns Bridge Postwood Park Trails.  By 1100, we were parked along River Road at a trailhead and began our wintry adventure.  The trail system was extensive and we never went over the same ground.  Eileen told me she'd broken trail the previous week but it was impossible to see any evidence of that.  Actually, I’ve never skied in such deep snow (probably 24 inches, plus drifts, through most of it) but the weather was perfect (30ish, no wind).  We spent roughly 90 minutes (3ish miles) to the east of River Road and had a nice time skiing together - the dogs seemed happy too.  Afterwards, we drove back to Eileen's house, arriving at about 1300.  Both of us were quite hungry by then and it was great that we had yummy leftovers to eat!  We started talking some more but then Eileen mentioned that she needed to go to the Firehouse to fill out some paperwork.  I asked to go with her (to see the place she is so passionate about) but she suggested it would be faster if she went alone while I waited at the house.  Even more surprising, she took the dogs (I think she thought she was doing me a favor).  While she was away, I did some reading - actually, I almost fell asleep during this window and was surprised when she returned just after 1500... Unable to rest even for a short time, Eileen then started moving more firewood...  Eventually, she suggested that we play a game of Scrabble, something we haven't done in a while.  Of course, I agreed, and this game continued until about 1700.  At that point, she told me she needed to make dinner for a party she was going to attend with her friends.  It was fun to watch her work - she was very efficient and was ready to go by 1800.  When she left for her party, I departed for home (listened to audiobooks on the way).  Initially, I used the same route I'd used on Saturday morning (NY-72, NH-11B, Malone, US-11, NY-24 and Military Turnpike).  Unlike the beautiful weather the day before, though, it was snowing tonight.  I'll admit that I was quite nervous that I might not make it all the way...  As I continued east, I reached a point where I had a choice of traveling the shortest distance option or my usual route.  The shorter way would have taken me through the Adirondacks and that didn't seem wise with all the snow.  Instead, in Ellenberg, I chose to get on US-11 and head towards Rouses Point.  This turned out to be good because the snow was lighter for the rest of the time I was in New York.  After Champlain, I used some back roads to get to the bridge over to Vermont and, from there, I was soon on US-2.  I used VT-78 to reach I-89, where I found that he weather was OK.  Also, the traffic wasn't too bad - I thought I was home free!  However, after I got on the Interstate, I started to encounter a LOT of scary weather.  As I passed through Waterbury, I seriously thought I might have an accident due to the curvy roads in the Winooski Valley.  Not long after that, though, I passed near Montpelier and things got easier.  I thought about stopping but I was making very good time up to that point.  As a result, I arrived at my condo by 2200 - almost exactly four hours after departing Potsdam.  Overall, the drive by the fast route was about 30 miles longer than the others I've tried with shorter distance or no tolls but it seems like the quickest way.  After checking in with Eileen and doing a bit of rudimentary unpacking, I headed to bed (2300).  Very glad I got to spend some quality time in the North Country this weekend!

North Country Trip - Day 2

After a restful sleep, I was awake by 0545 and was planning to quickly get breakfast before departing for Potsdam.  However, Eileen texted at around that time, requesting that I give her some time to take her dog out for a tiring walk.  Of course I agreed and this gave me more time for breakfast in the hotel lobby. I took full advantage of this and didn't leave the Quality Inn (and Plattsburgh) until 0820.  To reach Potsdam, I first drove west on NY-3 until I reached the Military Turnpike.  From there, I headed north to Ellenburg.  The Turnpike later changed to NY-24 and I used that road to reach US-11 just before Malone.  After passing through town, I used local streets to reach NY-11B.  As I made my way towards NY-72, the drive was punctuated by slow cars, road construction and Amish buggies.  One nice thing was that I was able to avoid traffic through Potsdam itself and I arrived at Eileen's at almost exactly 1000 (when she'd asked me to get there).  She was getting ready and, with making breakfast, finding skates and setting up Mika for the long day at home, we didn't depart for Ottawa until almost 1130.  Eileen asked that I drive (we used her car) and we took US-11 to Canton.  Switching to NY-812, we made our way to the Ogdensburg crossing of the St. Lawrence River (paid toll in Johnstown, ON at 1215).  The weather stayed good during our drive and we passed the time with a nice talk.  Once in Canada, we took ON-416 to reach the outskirts of Ottawa and ON-417 (along with Bronson Avenue) to get close to the southern end of the Rideau Canal.  Eileen had set the destination in Google Maps for Dows Lake, a place she'd never gotten to skate before (despite numerous trips to the Canal since living in Potsdam).  It was about 1330 by that point and Eileen then suggested we eat before skating.  From the campus of Carleton University, we drove to a restaurant nearby called the Paper Tiger (noodles).  It took a bit for me to parallel park Eileen's car in the smallest spot I've ever had to use but then we only had to walk a short distance.  Once at our table, we enjoyed three dishes (recommended by the staff): creamy fried brussel sprouts, Chicken Karaage and Vietnamese Garlic Noodles.  We washed down our food with some local beer (Tooth and Nail for me) and cocktail (Lychee Lemonade for Eileen).  While seated, we had some more good conversation and also located a place nearby (Capital Skates) where we could rent skates for me (Eileen had brought her own).  Just before we departed, we struck up a conversation with a nice Canadian family at the table next to us.  The father had a "MAGA-looking" hat that said something like "Canada is Not for Sale" and we all ended up talking about how much Canadians and Americans get along below the government level.  After we'd finished our meal (1440), Eileen drove us to Lansdowne Park.  Once parked in their garage, we had to walk through a maze of buildings to reach the Rideau Canal.  Fortunately, we easily found Capital Skates (5th Avenue location)  by 1510 and I made an online reservation while we were standing in line.  At 1515, I was skated up and we headed in a southwest direction on the frozen surface of the wide canal.  During the skate, both Emma and Heidi called Eileen and we all talked on FaceTime.  The weather was great and there were lots of people having a good time together on the ice.  We'd made our way about 1.1 KM from the skate rental place before Eileen said we needed to head home as soon as possible.  Skating back again, my lower legs hurt a good bit (I actually got cut by something in my skate!).  Even though our time was short, I enjoyed myself on our 3.2K(ish) wintry excursion.  After returning the skates, it took a while for us to reach the car (lots of walking, hard to locate again in the garage, etc.).  Eileen's stress level rose exponentially, with each passing moment, because she had agreed to watch her friends' dog (that had to be retrieved) AND hoped to walk that dog (and her own) before dark.  It seemed that she thought I'd been driving like a Granny or something because she got in the driver seat and, after we made it out of the parking garage (1610) was a speed demon on the way home.  I was actually a bit nervous...  We used a reverse course from our morning drive and she made good time to the border.  Fortunately, we didn't have any delay at the crossing and reached Potsdam by 1750.  After stopping for some gas, we drove to get her friends' dog and then went to Eileen's house to get Mika (1800).  Continuing the whirlwind pace, we fed the dogs and then drove back to Lehman Park for a walk in the dark.  We made our way around the normal circuit with limited light but the going became very difficult because the snow was VERY deep - fortunately, I'd changed into my snow boots for the walk. Since I knew we'd take a long time to reach the car, I suggested Eileen call in an order for dinner at Mama Lucia's.  She agreed, despite talking all day about cooking a meal together, and this freed up some time for us to continue enjoying the company of the dogs.  After the snowy slog, we picked up the dinner at 1910.  Back at Eileen's house, we enjoyed a nice dinner (lemon chicken, penne pasta with veggies, bread) together.  The meal was improved by two bottles of wine I'd brought.  As usually happens when we are together, we talked a good bit and resolved all the logistical frustrations of the day we'd just completed.  Afterwards, we sat by her woodstove, which was very warm, and continued our conversation.  I was surprised that Eileen was still awake because she'd told me she had an overnight EMT call before I arrived but we both made it almost to 2230 before she said she felt ready to go to sleep.  Before I retired for the evening, I did a little reading - I eventually settled down to sleep (2315).  Fun day on the Rideau Canal!

North Country Trip - Day 1

After a full week of work, I was ready to get away from the Upper Valley and visit Eileen in the North Country of New York.  Today, I teleworked a half day and then departed my condo.  Fortunately, I had packed the night before so was able to get on the road immediately.  First, I drove through Hanover, stopping to get gas at Irving (1405), and then used I-91 to reach I-89; from there, I headed towards Burlington.  On my way through the Winooski Valley, I thought I’d try to do some skiing. After getting off the Interstate just before reaching Waterbury, my first attempt (started at about 1530) was intended to add to my mileage on the Catamount Trail (with a short section just off US-2).  However, I only managed to last 30 minutes in the high winds & drifting (up to my knees) snow… Repositioning a bit further west (to the Long Trail parking lot on US-2), I had a better time.  It was kind of fun to ski a short section of LT that I’ve only previously seen on warmer days.  Again, lasted about 30 minutes (finished at 1645).  It wasn’t a pretty day on my EVOs but it built some confidence! I’ll continue to push the envelope with more backcountry and non-groomed surfaces...  After getting back in my car, I drove west on US-2 to reach I-89 and then drove to Williston, where I stopped at the Shaw's there to recycle cans and bottles I'd saved.  Before departing, I bought a snack in the supermarket (1710).  Instead of going back to the Interstate via the route I'd earlier followed, I drove west on US-2, all the way to the north side of Burlington.  Got back on I-89 there and continued north to Grand Isle ferry terminal (used US-2 to reach it).  Paid for my ticket for the Lake Champlain crossing at 1800 and was aboard the ferry within about 15 minutes.  On the way through the icy waters, I tried to make a hotel reservation - this turned out to be quite difficult so, after getting off the boat at Cumberland Head, I drove to Gus' Red Hots in Plattsburgh and parked to try the internet there.  Actually, I'd thought about eating inside the restaurant but I think they closed while I was sitting in the car (1830) - too bad...  After finally getting a hotel that was located to the south (still in Plattsburgh), I drove (via I-87) to NY-3.  Arriving at the Quality Inn, I was able to check into my room by 1900.  Before settling in for the night, I walked around a bit more (inside the building) until I hit my 10K steps.  After that, I spent the rest of the evening reading and doing Duolingo exercises.  Just as I was about to go to bed (2145), Brenna called - we didn't hang up until nearly 2330.  Finally, I went to sleep (close to midnight).  Bring on the winter fun tomorrow!

Hartland, VT (USA)

My day started normally, with teleworking from very early.  My mind was on my EVOs, though - after three VERY blustery days, I decided that it might be time to venture out on the cross country trails again.  Before that, though, I kept working.  In the afternoon, I departed my condo (1430) to try to squeeze in a swim at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center.  Once in White River Junction, I completed 54 lengths of the pool in 45 minutes - I was quick to change afterwards and was ready to depart the UVAC by 1545.  Since the Hartland Winter Trails were the closest place for skiing, I decided to drive south (via I-91 and US-5) to check out the conditions there.  Things looked good!  Starting at 1600, I got another hour on skis (2ish miles because of all the fallen debris) under clear skies (breezy with temps in high teens).  One thing that was fun was that I followed some trails (west of the parking lot) I've never skied before.  The only people I saw were a family (skiing) and an older guy (snowshoeing).  Overall, the experience was brisk but not too cold on my extremities.  Afterwards (1700), I drove (via US-5, I-91 and I-89) back to West Lebanon to pick up dinner at Panera.  I also did some shopping (Shaws and Hannaford) before heading back to my condo.  Arrived there at 1830 and resumed teleworking for another hour.  It’s been a great Winter so far!

Meriden, NH (USA)

During the last few months, I've been very productive during the weekends when I haven't traveled.  With weather for skiing seeming a bit questionable, I worked around all morning.  Still, I wanted to get some outdoor time before more winter weather arrived in the evening.  With this in mind, I made a deliberate effort to leave the house before 1400 so I could get some outdoor time.  By 1425, I had reached the Plainfield School and, for the fifth Winter in a row, I was able to have adventure on the French’s Ledges trails!  Starting at 1430, I logged 5 miles on my EVOs in 90 minutes.  I initially spent time exploring the circuit on the field behind the school (rolled but no tracks) but then headed into the woods to complete the Smokehouse & Townsend Loops.  Only saw a few other hardy souls and most had fur and four legs (near the end of the day, I did see the groomer heading out on the trails).  Temps were in the mid 20s and it was overcast.  In fact, I had to cut my workout short because the snow of another Winter Storm started its assault on the Upper Valley.  Wanted to stay longer but didn't want to risk it - I actually thought I might have trouble getting home...  Fortunately, I arrived at my cozy condo before the roads got too bad (1630). Spent the evening watching the flakes fall - hoping we get some more good skiing conditions overnight!

Woodstock, VT (USA)

After a busy telework day (1445), I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths).  Next, I drove to Woodstock so I could participate in the Torchlight Snowshoe event at Billings Farm.  I arrived at 1625 and, for the third evening this Winter, I joined other local outdoor enthusiasts who were snowshoeing, hiking and skiing by tiki torch.  The venue this time was the farm fields behind the Billings Farm & Museum - the trails were rolled by horse drawn "plow"!  I got on the trail just as they opened and skied six loops on the trail in the next 90 minutes (1630 to 1800).  Temps were in the mid 20s throughout and the skies were clear - there were LOTS of stars visible!  Afterwards, I got some hot cocoa and s’mores. Once I had my fill of fun and food, I drove home (via US-4 and I-89) and was at my condo by 1900.  A perfect evening on "The Farm"!

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 did some shopping in West Lebanon before heading home (arrived at 1645) - resumed teleworking until 1730]

Lebanon, NH (USA)

We got LOTS (8+ inches) of snow overnight so I worked in my condo for most of the day.  Part of my time at home was spent working on the NH Audubon Backyard Winter Bird Survey (for two hours worth of time, spaced out through the day) - I saw two chickadees and one house sparrow.  At 1545, I left my condo and drove a short distance to the Dartmouth Hospital, parking at the bike/hike trailhead located on the southern end of the complex.  Between 1555 and 1655, I skied almost the entire trail system just west of Mount Support Road.  The new snow was so heavy that the evergreen trees were sagging under the weight.  Fortunately, someone else had already broken the trail for me (snowshoes?) on most of the system.  Had a great time on my EVOs: one hour, 2+ miles.  Afterwards, drove home and did some shoveling and packing (for my trip that got canceled later in the evening.  Also watched part of the Super Bowl before bed.  Not a bad day in the Upper Valley!

Hartland, VT (USA)

Like last weekend, I had a full day of productivity, volunteering, exercise and fun planned for this Saturday!  Activity number one was to attend the Men of St. Joseph event at Sacred Heart Parish (0800-1000).  This led to a bonus visit at the home of my friend (Jim F.) in Lebanon.  Activity number two was to drive to Grantham (via US-4 and I-89) to do some bird watching for the NH Audubon Backyard Winter Bird Survey at the home of another friend, Ed B.  We visited a good bit while I was there (1045 to 1200) but we didn't see one bird, even though he had a bird feeder.  Dang...  Afterwards, I drove back to my condo (arrived at 1230), ate lunch and did some chores.  Also, I did another hour of BYWBS - this time, I saw two chickadees (while using my binoculars.  At 1435, I departed for activity number three in White River Junction - swimming at the UVAC.  While there, I spent 45 minutes in the competition pool (52 lengths) and talked to Joe M. about his new job at the Vermont State Legislature.  Next (1600), I went to activity number five, Mass at nearby St. Anthony's, and saw a brother from the Knights of Columbus, Jean-Louis (and his wife).  By 1655, I was headed south towards activity number six:  the Tiki Torch Trek: 50th Anniversary Edition!  To get there, I headed south (via US-5, I-91 and US-5 again) to Hartland.  Between 1715 and 1815, I then had an awesome evening on my skis. Along with several other hearty outdoor souls, I started my circuits of the Hartland Winter Trails just after the sun set.  During the next hour, I skied the loop on the field four times (2+ miles), enjoying the ambient light provided by torches and the moon.  Along the way, I saw friends from the Bradford Dayhike & Dine group, including Amanda D. (from Thetford).  Eventually, it got dark enough that the people with headlamps and snowshoes (trampling the groomed tracks) made it less fun.  So I then joined the young people for s’mores and floating lantern launches.  What a great night in Hartland!  Somehow, I wasn't yet tired from all the things in my day.  So, next, I drove back to New Hampshire (via US-5, I-91 and I-89) for activity number seven - some shopping in West Lebanon.  Once I was done with that (1915), I headed home (arrived at 1930).  Whew!  Today was another example of how great it has been to live in the Upper Valley.  Food, Fun and Friends!

Norwich, VT (USA)

My week at work was pretty busy so I had to pass on a few afternoon ski opportunities.  Fortunately, I managed to get my projects done early enough this afternoon and decided to drive across the Connecticut River to Norwich so I could check out the conditions in the Milton Frye Nature Area (arrived 1615).  I’d seen the detailed trail system on Google Maps and hoped for some skiable routes - I was not disappointed.  After starting my ski, I logged about two miles with temps in the mid 20s and clear, early evening skies.  Never saw another living thing… One bonus: there was a sledding hill in the middle of one trail and I took several speedy runs down the shallow slopes.  After finishing (1715), I drove across Main Street and enjoyed Friday Night Wine Tasting at Half-Step Beer & Wine.  This was a great venue for Après-ski.  Afterwards (1800), I drove back across the River and arrived at my condo by 1815).  Glad I had a chance to use my EVOs again today!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[started my teleworking day very early - it was extremely cold (-2 F) and it took a lot of determination to leave my house at 0700 - I had to drive to White River Junction for two VA Medical Center appointments between 0730 and 1000 - afterwards, I came out of the hospital to find my car covered in snow - from there, I took my time, carefully driving home as slowly as I could (the roads weren't plowed very well) - I made it to my condo by 1030 and resumed my teleworking]

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 did some shopping in West Lebanon before heading home (arrived at 1645) - resumed teleworking until 1900]

Enfield, NH (USA)

Woke to find that it was VERY cold (-5F) this in the morning.  Fortunately, I was able to make the best of the chilly conditions and spent the day teleworking.  At 1500, I wrapped up the last tasks for my job and decided to go skiing.  With limited daylight, I didn't have a lot of choices when I left my condo (1540) so hoped for the best as I drove to the Northern Rail Trail parking lot at Forward's Garage (arrived at 1555).  For the next hour, I logged 2.5 miles (temps in the low 20s) on my EVOs. The snow conditions were great everywhere except under the highway overpasses (I-89 & US-4).  Only saw one other person under human power but got passed by some snowmobiles.  Turned around at the Lebanon-Enfield town line.  Afterwards (1700), drove to St. Helena's for Mass.  I got to see several of my Knights of Columbus brothers there and stayed late, talking with Jim F..  At 1845, I left Enfield and headed home (arrived at 1910).  More snow is apparently coming tonight but temps may be rising above 32F in the morning - crossing fingers there will still be some white stuff left by Tuesday…

Hanover, NH (USA)

Prouty Snow Day!  As I have for the last few years, I planned to join my fellow supporters of the huge fundraiser for the Dartmouth Cancer Center at the Dartmouth Outing Clubhouse on Occom Pond.  First, though, I continued my condo organization and worked on my taxes.  By 1145, I was ready to leave and arrived at the event just as they were starting (1200).  Before all the other guests/participants got there, I was able to enjoy a nice meal.  Next, I helped the Fundraising Team kick off the year with food, medical research testimonials and music by the Dartmouth Aires.  Afterwards, I got to ski the entire trail system at Pine Park (3 miles in 90 minutes).  Along the way, I got great views of the frozen Connecticut River and enjoyed the solitude in a Hemlock grove.  With a big snowfall last night, clear blue skies and temps in the teens, the sledding hill was very busy.  So was Occam Pond - lots of skaters!  After putting away my skis, I had a s'more and was allowed to take some of the leftover sandwiches for the road.  It was such a nice day!  Departed for home (arrived at my condo by 1515) and spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning, organizing and talking with my neighbor (Monte) about my summer plans.  Following my dinner, I started watching movie - I’d already settled for the evening.  Suddenly, I noticed a social media post that announced that Dartmouth College was having an Astronomy Night!  It was already in progress so I raced over to campus. Normally, it's easy to get there but today there was a hockey game traffic and I got held up by lots of pedestrians.  Still, I was there by 1915 and started looking around for signs.  Since I arrived in town, one place I’ve really wanted to get inside was the Shattuck Observatory and it was open tonight!  I toured the inside of the building and marveled at the telescope - there was a Physics professor there who helped me “get my geek on”. Unfortunately, the roof if this historic building isn’t opened during the winter because it might not easily close again, allowing the next snow storm to fill the building with powder.  Instead, I went outside to the nearby Public Observatory Shed.  The roof in that building was retracted and several grad students (in the fields of physics, plasma research, dark matter and astronomy) were running the telescope.  Venus, Jupiter and Mars were all visible to the naked eye - it was a glorious night for stargazing!  We first got to view the craters of the moon but they then moved the scope towards Jupiter.  I really enjoyed seeing the striated bands of color and pin-point moons.  The students also showed us M37 (cluster) and Castor (bluish star in Gemini Constellation).  Wow!  Did I mention it was 5 degrees? Feeling a bit chilly, I made my way to the Fairchild Tower, where I was treated to a star show in an inflatable dome and some hot chocolate.  I also got to watch spectrometry demonstrations of Hydrogen, Helium and Neon gases - each one looked like a bar code of selected color bands.  Grad students managed these stations too and they were quite knowledgeable and talented.  There was a crafts station for the kids - the whole event was well planned and executed.  With the Big Green hockey game going on down the street, there weren’t many other people in attendance but that’s the way I like it. I stayed on campus until 2030 and then headed home (arrived within 15 minutes).  Overall, this pop up science night was awesome and I’m glad I noticed the post in time to attend.  Actually, today was a quintessential day in Hanover, NH - I sure am lucky to live here!