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 1615) and continued teleworking until 1715 - after getting ready, I went to Sacred Heart to volunteer during the fourth Friday of Lent fish dinner (Filipino Night!) - arrived home at about 2030]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 0645, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I did some quick errands in West Lebanon before returning home (arrived at 0900) - resumed teleworking until 1645 - after work, I went to dinner with Monte at Jesse's Steakhouse]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

After my whirlwind day yesterday, this morning seemed a bit lazy.  I was up early (0530) but found that all the dogs, Dad and Beth were already busy around the house.  After doing a little bit of reading, Sudoku and Duolingo, I got ready and departed for Mass at Corpus Christi Parish (nearby in Sandwich).  This was the first time I'd gone to church there but my dad had previously shown me the impressive structure.  It was even more amazing inside!  I arrived about 15 minutes before the 0730 service and had enough time to check out the architecture and some of the art.  Afterwards (0820), I returned to my dad's home and had breakfast with him and Beth.  Usually, my dad has all kinds of plans for us - a drive, some beach walking, etc.  Today, however, he seemed happy inside his cozy home with all the dogs.  They shamelessly begged for food from me but I was told that they seemed very comfortable (unusual, I guess) with me.  This made Dad and Beth happy.  Later in the morning (1000), Beth departed for a nap so my dad and I had one of our interesting political discussions for about an hour.  I'd coordinated to meet up with my sister (Katie) and husband (John) so said goodbye to Dad, Beth and the dogs at about 1145.  From Sandwich, I drove north (via US-6 and MA-3 until I reached MA-139.  I arrived at Katie's home in Hanover (MA) by 1230 and let myself in (they were running late after church).  By about 1245, though, we were all together and spent the next several hours visiting and eating a light lunch that John made.  It had been a while since I was able to speak with both of them and we got to share some happy stories about our kids, vacation plans and other family news.  Time ticked away quickly and it wasn't until almost 1700 that I asked if we could go get some dinner.  Hanover (MA) has one of the few remaining Friendly's restaurants in the area and I always try to visit when I'm in town.  Fortunately, John and Katie like it too!  We sat down at about 1730 and ate our fill of supermelts (I had the "fishimijig") and ice cream.  More great talks ensued and I felt quite satisfied with all the really high quality visiting I'd gotten in just over 36 hours.  At 1915, I said goodbye and departed from Hanover South for Hanover North.  I got on MA-3 and encountered some congestion as I made my way to I-93 and through Boston.  The closer we got to the NH-MA border, though, the lighter the traffic (and higher the speeds) became.  As I approached Hooksett, I decided to stay on I-93 so I could make up a bit of time - this meant that I used the toll both.  Overall savings in time was about 15 minutes (for $1).  Once on I-89, I was able to make great time to Lebanon (more audiobooks).  There were some ominous signs about a winter storm coming the next day but, happily, I didn't encounter any precipitation.  By 2115, I rolled into the parking lot for my condo after a nice, quick ride home from Massachusetts.  What an amazing few days!  I'll definitely sleep well tonight...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

With a new baby and puppy recently joining the family, I was enthusiastically invited to visit Massachusetts this weekend.  The weather was forecasted to be very nice so I packed last night and was on the road just after 0600 this morning.  I used I-89 to reach the outskirts of Concord and then took NH-3A (avoiding the toll).  After stopping for gas at Irving in Hooksett (0715), I got on I-93 and continued south (listened to audiobooks on the way).  The traffic was moving very nicely and I arrived in Boston well ahead of a weeknight pace.  Even better, I made it through the city very quickly too.  Changing to MA-3 in Quincy, I arrived in Hanover (MA) by 0830 and met my sister at a new restaurant (for both of us) called First Watch.  They had a great menu of breakfast food and the ambiance was nice.  After I'd been visiting for a short time with Katie, my nephew Johnny arrived.  The meal and family news was great and I enjoyed the extra time I got with them.  Finishing up by 1045, I made plans to see my sister on my way home - after that, I drove to Gerard's house in Plymouth (via MA-3 and some back roads to Federal Furnace Road).  We visited from about 1115 to 1415 - lots of good travel talk and an exchange of views on current events.  From Gerard's, I drove south into Carver and took some other back roads until I reached MA-58.  Heading north, I passed through Halifax and crossed West Lake / East Lake into Hanson.  My destination was Aria and Dan's house - it was my first visit and I got a first class tour of their beautiful home (1445).  More importantly, I got to meet their new arrival: Gianna (or, as my daughters are calling her "GiGi").  I got baby cuddles, spent time playing with Storm (Siberian Husky) and Milo (Maine Coon Cat) and caught up on the latest family news.  It was a wonderful time!  At about 1600, I reluctantly said goodbye and made my way back (mostly via MA-27) to MA-3.  From Kingston, I made excellent time all the way to the Sagamore Bridge, across on to US-6 and several miles into Sandwich.  Unfortunately, I then encountered a massive traffic jam and got delayed for nearly 30 minutes.  Altogether, though, this was not such a bad thing - the slow down had been caused by a car flipping over near my intended exit but I don't think anyone was hurt.  The local authorities also cleared the accident very quickly.  As a result, I was at my dad's house by 1730.  We visited for a little bit and I got to meet their new dogs (Daphne and Tiarah).  My dad had made some dinner for us and it was nice to sit down with him and Beth to eat it.  There was lots more conversation about life and work and news.  Afterwards, we spent some time outside with the dogs and my dad showed me several of the bird houses he'd recently made.  Some of them have apparently sold at a little stand in front of his house and he is quite proud of them (my sister later told me he'd made one for Aria and Dan's house and the photos look amazing).  A bit after that, my dad suggested we drive over to the Bally's Casino in Tiverton, RI for some fun.  After our last visit, I was interested more in the "wall of beer" that they had and, once we arrived (1945), I spent time between those taps and my dad's slot machines.  It was smoky and crowded - not the best environment - but my dad was quite happy to be winning for most of the evening.  We departed the casino by 2100 and were home about an hour later.  Beth had already gone to bed so dad and I talked for a little bit before I headed to the guest room for the night.  Before going to sleep (2300), I did some reading and Duolingo.  Quite tired after my whirlwind visit to the Bay and Ocean States!

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 returned home (arrived at 1615) - resumed teleworking until 1630]

Woodstock, VT (USA)

One more time on skis before the rain!  Last night, social media notified me of an “End of Winter” party at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center.  I thought: wait, that means they’re still open!  This morning, I woke up early and skipped chores for the day - instead, I left Hanover at 0800 and drove to Woodstock (via I-89 and US-4).  After early Mass (0830) at Our Lady of the Snows, I was one of the first people on the groomed Golf Course trails (started at 0920).  The daily pass was kind of pricey but I would probably have paid almost anything to get to ski. It was overcast and windy, with temps in the low 40s, and the snow must have set near freezing overnight because I was practically flying on the tracks!  After I’d been having a ball for an hour, a grooming machine came by and converted the nice icy ruts into mush.  During my last visit here (2023), I’d been able to climb nearby Mount Peg so I thought I’d try my luck up there.  Actually, that climb inspired me to buy my EVOs, to replace the shorter Salomons I had then. Boy did I need the newer skis today!  Most of the trail uphill was a combination of ice, snow, mush, mud and grass - it was quite slow going… About half way up, though, I started getting some good stretches of only ice-snow and raced through those areas.  The higher I went, the more I wondered if I’d be able to ski back down without hitting anything.  So, after I admired the view at the summit, I did a combo ski/walk back down the mountain.  Reaching the “good stuff” again, I did some more circuits of the trails with tracks.  By then, many more people had arrived and started to really trash the tracks.  Fortunately, I’d already gotten three hours of skiing (7ish miles) and felt ready to join the party in the Clubhouse.  By 1225, I was seated at the bar, where I enjoyed a “Grilled Vermonter” sandwich and Upper Pass First Drop while listening to the soothing sounds of Ali T (local artist I’ve met at other events through the years).  Wrapping up my day in Woodstock at 1315, I headed towards home (via US-4 and I-89) and arrived at my condo by 1345.  While going through my ski stats for the 2024-2025 season, I discovered that I’ve hit 100 miles on skis (27 days on the trails).  It’s been a good run - I’ll try to graciously bear the end of the Winter if I don’t have a choice.  But I’m definitely going to be crossing fingers for more snow if I do!  

Londonderry, VT (USA)

I’m holding on to Winter!  All week, I checked the ski trail reports for Nordic Centers in the Upper Valley, NEK, Whites & Greens - nearly every one had some snow but was fighting the 50+ F temps to preserve it.  So, I was taking a Vegas-style gamble when I decided to venture away from home this afternoon.  After completing chores around the house until 1115, I was ready to depart for a winter adventure.  First, I drove into Hanover to get gas - unfortunately, I found the normal station to be too expensive.  I ended up finding a better price at Irving in West Lebanon.  Once my tank was filled (1140), I used used VT-14 and US-5 to reach I-91; from there, I headed south.  After getting off the Interstate at the Ascutney exit, I took VT-131, VT-106, some back roads to get around Springfield and then got on VT-11.  Took that road to Chester - along the way, I got stuck behind some slow drivers but mostly had the roads to myself.  Mud Season was in full swing in nearly every town I passed but, in the shadow of Magic and Stratton Mountains, I found a slice of February had survived!  And, even better, it seemed that very few other people had any idea that cross country skiing was possible in this area.  Score!  I arrived at the Viking Nordic Center just before 1300 and, for the next three hours (1300 to 1600), I practically raced around the trail system (about nine miles).  I didn’t wear a coat, hat or gloves - some people I met were wearing short sleeved shirts in the balmy weather.  There were big hills to climb/descend, farmhouses to admire, muddy roads to cross, a Bigfoot sighting and tough conditions (slush & ice, bare ground, fallen trees) to navigate.  Through it all, though, I felt great!  I met some nice people but also had the woods to myself at times.  Was thinking a lot about if this might be my last ski of the year...  It would be a good note to end on but I’ll keep hoping for another storm! Afterwards, visited with some of my new friends and the caretakers - by 1620, though, I was on my way towards home.  Before leaving Londonderry, I'd done a quick search on Google Maps and found a place to sample beers (Twisted Horn Brewery) just about a mile away.  When I arrived, I found the proprietor and one of his friends were alone inside.  This was good for me because I had their full attention as I tried two of their offerings.  I discovered that the brewery had just opened recently and was using another brewery's equipment to set up a production line.  In the end, I spent about 30 minutes with them, sampling beers and having good conversation - I also ended up buying one of their four packs (Ground Breaker Pale Ale) just as they closed (1700).  From Londonderry, I used VT-11 to drive all the way to I-91 - the traffic flow was pretty good.  To the west, I got to see a pleasant sunset developing...  Once I was on the Interstate, I made even better time and was back at my condo by 1815.  Great day!]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[started teleworking very early in the morning - at 0800, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I did some errands West Lebanon - headed home, arriving at 1000, and resumed teleworking - everyone at work had lots of worries about potential Government Shut Down - finished teleworking at 1745 and then headed to Sacred Heart Parish in Lebanon to volunteer with the Knights of Columbus during the second fish dinner of Lent (American Night!) - afterwards, helped set up for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Celebration (1800 to 2000) - arrived home at 2015]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 0745, 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 09345) - continued teleworking until late afternoon]

Danville, VT (USA)

With 50s/60s headed towards the Upper Valley, I was highly motivated to make today’s cooler weather count.  Once again, though, I did as many chores around the condo as I could during the morning hours.  After lunch (1230), I left Hanover and drove north on I-91, hoping to find good skiing conditions.  Got off the Interstate at the first exit beyond I-93 junction and then started searching for parking areas for Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in St. Johnsbury.  No luck in town due to uncleared parking areas and/or private property uncertainties.  Undeterred, I continued west on US-2 and eventually found some back roads (VT-2B, Pumpkin Hill Road, Trestle Road, Parker Road) that, ultimately, led me to a place (snow mobile staging area and pull out) to park at 1400.  So, in the end, it took driving more than 50 miles north to find cross country skiing conditions but it was definitely worth the effort!  I had a hunch that the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail would be groomed (or, at least rolled) and I was right.  After parking at the trailhead next to the Mile 6 marker (Danville, VT), I logged 9 miles (in three hours, 1410 to 1710) on my EVOs under cloudy skies and a steady falling snow.  The grade was rather steep for a railroad bed because the railroad was built high above the river (a wise decision, I think, after all the flooding I’ve seen around here).  Saw several deer (who'd crowded around on the closed section) and some interesting feather patterns (raptor swooping on to "dinner"?) in the snow.  Despite having to dodge some snowmobiles (including one who nearly hit me when he lost control), I was able to connect to the place where Mollie and I had turned around last time (VT-2B on the western edge of St. Johnsbury).  As I was wrapping up, a local guy with his dog came by to ask if the trail was worth walking on - I replied that it might be with snow shoes.  His dog didn't look too thrilled...  Afterwards (1715), I headed home (using US-2 to I-91 and then south).  It was snowing almost all the way but not in Hanover, where I'd really hoped it would.  I was at my condo by 1830, feeling good about my great day in the snow.  From now on, I’ll try to keep walking west on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail! 

Dorchester, NH (USA)

After several days of warmer temperatures and rain this week, I didn’t even bother planning to ski this weekend. Last night, though, I experienced the true impact of Facebook on mental health - for worse or better.  First, I saw a post about how the Eastman Cross Country trails were closed until further notice (“the ski season might be over”).  As my hopes sank, I scrolled a bit further and found a post about the Green Woodlands (“we have a great base and are grooming - tomorrow should be wonderful”).  Armed with this wildly disparate view on snow and Winter conditions from locations I’ve regularly used, I made plans this morning to head towards the latter trails complex this afternoon.  After working around the house all morning, I departed my condo at 1430 and drove (via Etna) towards the parking area for the Green Woodlands in Dorchester.  On the way, it seemed like it was a bad sign that the dirt roads on the way showed signs of mud season, full of ruts and slick in places.  Believe me, I crossed my fingers all the way to the west side of Dorchester...  Upon arrival (1500), I was rewarded with a packed parking lot (I got the last spot)!  I guess others heard the same news… For the next two hours (1510 to 1710), though, I skied to my heart’s content (4ish miles), rarely encountering anyone.  It was very windy and icy (temps in low 20s) but I was bundled up well. I stayed mostly on the southeast side of Cummins Pond and enjoyed groomed tracks, along with fast downhills - in some places, I only needed my arms to keep the momentum going for hundreds of yards.  By the end of my ski, I’d almost forgotten about the bare ground, mud and dirty snow piles back at my condo.  Afterwards (1715), I reversed my early afternoon driving route to reach my condo (arrived at 1745).  VERY glad I ventured outside today - thanks, Facebook!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 0800, 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 0930) - continued teleworking until dinner time, when I went to Sacred Heart Parish in Lebanon to volunteer with the Knights of Columbus during the first fish dinner of Lent (Mediterranean Night!) - stayed at the church from 1745 to 2025]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

As usual, I started my telework day very early.  One bonus today, though, was that it was Fat Tuesday and I'd signed up for a cooking class at the Lebanon Co-Op Kitchen to make Beignets!  At 1115, I made the five minute drive to our local Co-Op so I could participate in a “Lunch & Learn” Cooking Class (1130-1230).  Like the Gumbo experience I had there a few years ago, I got some “hands on” time in the kitchen, working the dough (made by the chef last night), deep frying small slices and then liberally dousing them in powdered sugar.  The other members of the class were upbeat and interesting.  Sitting down afterwards to enjoy the treats I’d made, I reveled in some good memories from my times in NOLA at Cafe du Monde.  Added a shot of Caffe O Le to wash it all down.  Awesome!  Back at home again (1245), I teleworked until 1530.  Afterwards, I drove to White River Junction to volunteer at the LISTEN Community Dining Hall, where I assisted with meal prep (enchilada casserole), got the counter ready for serving and then helped serve meals (1600 to 1800).  We prepared about 100 meals for the guests but there were also plenty of leftovers.  The food was so good that I made a point of asking for some to take home (they let me!).  On the way back to Hanover, I did some errands in West Lebanon; arrived back at my condo by 1845.  Bon Mardi Gras!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1230, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I did some errands in West Lebanon before heading home (arrived at 1400) - resumed teleworking until 1800]

Grantham, NH (USA)

The day started with temps below 0 F but ended with a crystal clear blue sky - even through it never got warmer than 20, I couldn’t miss a chance for more time on my EVOs!  One of my Thursday Happy Hour buddies (Ed) had told me about a field across the street from his house that looked skiable so made plans to meet him there in the afternoon.  I did chores in my condo all morning and, at 1430, drove down to Grantham (via I-89).  After I arrived (1500), Ed B. and I went cross country skiing on the Howe Hill area.  We had to cross the street and make our way through a deep snow-plow-drift along the pavement - getting our skis on after this (in knee deep snow!) was comical and tricky.  Once on our skates, we made our way carefully though a nice mix of powder and newly frozen “crust” - conditions were good!  In the end, I did about 3.5 circuits of the property, for a total of two miles in one hour (1510 to 1610).  We topped off our afternoon of outdoor fun with some “Chipmunk Love Story” (oatmeal stout from Flying Goose).  At 1700, I said goodbye to Ed and his wife and made my way (via I-89 and US-4) to Enfield so I could got to the Vigil Mass at St. Helena's (1730).  Arrived in time and enjoyed (as always) Father Sammy's Homily.  Once church was over, I headed back to my condo (arrived at 1830).  Winter life in the Granite State is good!

Lebanon, NH (USA)

Today was probably the most Jekyll & Hyde day, weather wise, that I’ve experienced in New Hampshire.  Snow was melting for most of the morning but temps started dropping in the afternoon.  And then it started snowing and getting really windy (initially, swirling flurries, but it later started sticking!)… While doing chores around the condo throughout the day, I kept thinking things would calm down - I'd really wanted to leave town for an afternoon of skiing!  Delayed, delayed, procrastinated - finally decided to drive down to Dartmouth Hospital, where I knew there could be a chance for some skiing or snowshoeing.  In other words, with daylight nearly gone, I “settled” for the Boston Lot trail system near my home.  I arrived at 1625 and decided to follow the access road and wooded trails that lead to the Boston Lot Lake.  Fortunately, the conditions were pretty good and I was able to log about an hour (2ish miles) around the north and east side of the lake.  These trails are really for mountain bikes so, as a precaution, I walked in a few of the more treacherous places.  There was also a bit of danger from slushy and thin spots on the access road to the town’s water tower - I made it, though!  Afterwards, I headed home (arrived at my condo by 1745).  I’m glad I had someplace to go when all looked hopeless until the sun had nearly set.  If I’m lucky, the big drop in temps tonight should make skiing easier tomorrow...