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!
