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!
