Lebanon, NH (USA)

This morning, I started my telework day very early and was well into some good projects when I realized I'd made an appointment at the Lebanon Post Office for some Visa photos.  Fortunately, I made it there before 0900 and, since it wasn't busy, I was in and out with my pictures earlier than planned.  Returning home, I had more work (including several longer meetings) through the lunch hour.  At 1245, I drove to the Richmond Middle School so I could help clean up after Prouty Day.  I spent two hours (1300 to 1500) picking up trash, loading equipment in trucks and assisting with general tasks.  Before departing, the staff wished me a fond farewell (in anticipation of my move) and donated some hiker snacks for our upcoming Trail Magic Day.  It was sad to be leaving the wonderful group I've come to really know and appreciate but I hope to continue my Prouty support from afar.  Returning home, I spent the next few hours (1515 to 1745), finishing my work day.  Next, I headed back to Lebanon so I could attend my last meeting with the Sacred Heart Lebanon Knights of Columbus Council (1800).  It was sad to say goodbye to all of them after several very good years in Upper Valley but I'm glad I was there.  When the meeting finally ended (1915), I stayed for another 45 minutes before departing for home.  It was a bittersweet day but I'm very glad I had the time for all of these "last times".

Enfield, NH (USA)

After months of physical activity in support of my Prouty Fundraising Goals, I took the day off today.  It felt weird... There was no shortage of things to do, though, since my move is imminent and I've still got some packing to do.  Before tackling that project in earnest, I did some errands in West Lebanon (0800 to 0900).  Back my condo of the rest of the day was spent wrapping items in paper (or other soft objects), trying to maximize the amount of items in each box (while trying to minimize the weight) and figuring out just how many car loads it might take me to get everything to the storage unit. In the end, I managed to make three trips and even got some larger furniture out of the condo.  The last visit was completed by 1715, which gave me enough time to attend Mass at nearby St. Helena's in Enfield (1730).  It was very hot in the church but Father Charles finished the service quite rapidly (I was surprised).  I had a chance to talk to him before I departed and expressed my appreciation for all he'd done for me since I moved to the Upper Valley.  Heading home (arrived 1835), I spent the rest of the evening trying to stay cool after another warm day.  Feeling good about the things I've accomplished this month - I just have to get across the finish line for the move part...

Hanover, NH (USA)

For the first time since I moved to the Upper Valley, The Prouty Row event took place in the Connecticut River!  This morning, I drove from my condo and parked at the NH-10 entrance to the Kendal Riverfront Park.  After walking down to the rowing docks, I joined several other volunteers in working SAG support (0630).  We had donuts, bagels, lots of fruit and drinks to share with the rowers as they assembled during the next 30 minutes.  There was a formal kickoff and rousing cheer before all the boats, with dozens of teams in their sculls and 2, 4 and 8 shells, launched into the Connecticut River.  Meanwhile, we tended to tables filled with high calorie snacks.  The day was overcast but dry and the river was smooth as glass - a perfect day on the water.  All the rowers were in good spirits and their mood was infectious! At 0930, I went with the SAG manager to the Richmond Middle School (the center of all The Prouty activities for the day) and we picked up a large number of chocolate milk cartons.  I also picked up my Prouty Gear (given to fundraisers as a reward for their efforts).  Back at the rowing docks, we began to see the teams returning from their 5 to 15 mile rows (towards the north and back) and continued supplying snacks and encouragement.  At 1100, the SAG manager and I went to the NH-10 parking lot, hoping to meet up with a Dominos Pizza delivery driver (we were waiting on 35 pies).  When no one arrived, the manager went back to the Richmond Middle School to investigate.  Meanwhile, I remained behind to see if they arrived from the other direction.  During this window, I cheered on Prouty cyclers as they climbed “Heartbreak Hill” (last challenge on southbound NH-10).  All of the riders seemed very pleased to have a cheering section and I helped direct entry/exit traffic for the parking lot.  At least one of the riders recognized me from the Prouty Day video that had been showing at the Middle School - that was a funny exchange.  Once the SAG manager returned (with only six pizzas), we returned to the rowing docks.  By then (1145), there were only volunteers and a few rowing stragglers - as a result, we were able to get a head start on cleaning everything up - by the time were were finished, you’d never even know we’d been there!  Overall, I logged about six hours as a volunteer - it felt very rewarding.  I'd initially planned to join the larger festivities at the school but, since it had gotten really hot and the crowds made parking and driving difficult.  So, I headed home (arrived at 1300) and took a much needed nap.  This, like yesterday's paddle, was a huge milestone day for me - I've enjoyed integrating my life into the overall activities of the Upper Valley and am very glad that this year's Prouty went just as I'd wanted.  Hopefully, I'll be able to participate in future events...

Enfield, NH (USA)

After a long week of work, I was ready for a break.  Once I signed off my computer (1615), I loaded up some of my personal belongings and drove to the storage unit, where I spent time unloading and reorganizing the items I'd already stored inside.  From there, I drove east to Enfield and parked at the lot for the Mascoma Lakeside Park.  By then, it was about 1715 and I spent time walking on the Northern Rail Trail (northbound, towards Lebanon).  The temps were in the 80s so I was very glad for the tree cover.  Along the way, I encountered my first Cedar Waxwing ever - wow!  After reaching my car (1815), I felt good about the 2.5 miles of walking.  Hoping to complete my Prouty Paddling Goal (75 miles), I launched Tequila Sunrise (1830) and spent the next hour paddling around in the eastern end of Mascoma Lake (between Lakeside Park and an island about a mile away), including entering the inflow of the Mascoma River.  There were a LOT of ducks!  It was hot but the water was magnificent - before long, I'd finished 2.5 miles paddling and achieved my goal. From Enfield, I returned home (arrived at 2000).   Today was the culmination of over six months of outdoor and physical exertion (skiing, biking, hiking, paddling and swimming) in support of The Prouty fundraiser and it felt good to get everything done I'd set out to accomplish!

Norwich, VT (USA)

Even though I'd gone to bed much later than normal last night, I was away at my usual time (0600).  I immediately started teleworking but had by eye on the weather.  With five miles to go to reach 75 miles of paddling before Prouty Day, I decided I might be able to get some miles in my kayak before all of my work colleagues arrived at the office.  I tried to beat the storm this morning by launching Tequila Sunrise just after 0700.  Long story short: I spent an hour on the Connecticut River getting drenched.  Misery loves company, though, and I was happy to see that the Dartmouth Crew Team, along with some older people training for the Prouty Row, were just as dedicated to getting miles on the water as I was.  I managed to log about 2.5 miles on the water before returning to my condo (0815).  After getting cleaned up, I returned to meetings and the rest of my telework day.  At 1600, I knocked off and headed to Jesse's for my Thursday Evening Happy Hour.  I was home again by 1800 and did a little bit more teleworking before finishing work for the day.  I'm now only 2.5 from reaching my paddling goal!  

Sunapee, NH (USA)

Earlier in the week, I requested some leave for this afternoon in order to do some volunteering and to paddle in the Sunapee area with one of my Jesse's Happy Hour friends (Denis).  So, after working from 0600 to 1230, I departed my condo and headed to the Richmond Middle School (in Hanover) to put in a few hours as a volunteer for The Prouty.  Usually, I've assisted with General Support (help in setting up for the event) earlier in the week (typically on a Monday) so I was surprised to find all kinds of amazing things had already been accomplished - tents in the fields, all the SAG pallets assembled, etc.  The only real tasks left to perform related to ongoing deliveries and a few sorting/cleanup items.  During my two hours (1300 to 1500), I assisted several other volunteers with folding t-shirts, counting loaves of bread and unloading trucks.  I saw several folks I've worked with before and talked to The Prouty staff.  When I was finished with my shift, I drove (via some back roads) to my storage unit.  After getting everything unloaded from my car, I started south (via US-4 and I-89) towards Sunapee.  I ended up exiting the Interstate near Georges Mill and then took some more back roads to NH-103 (near Sunapee State Park).  From there, it was a short distance to Denis' house (I arrived there at about 1615).  We toured his home (the main level) before driving a short distance to Mountainview Lake, where Denis keeps his kayaks) and then spent the next two hours (1645 to 1845) paddling (counterclockwise) around the lake.  We saw loons, herons, ducks and other pretty birds as we navigated via the water's edge.  Along the way, we got some amazing views of Mount Sunapee before some evening clouds descended on the summit.  Finished with our evening paddle, we got to see a baby weasel near the beach before heading back to Denis' home for dinner and some drinks.  I really enjoyed touring his memorabilia room, playing Ms. Pacman (he had a game system), meeting his cat and hanging out in his enclosed porch.  Denis' wife, KC, joined us and we ate dinner (tuna and lobster sandwiches, chips and dip).  Before I knew it, my watch read 2130 - I reluctantly said goodbye and headed home (backtrack of the route I'd used to reach Sunapee).  Everything was closed and it was extremely dark - normally, I'm home and asleep by this time so it felt very unusual...  After reaching Hanover (2220), I managed to close up a few tasks in my condo before heading to bed 2345.  What a great day!

Enfield, NH (USA)

When work was finished today (1600), I drove my car (half full of personal possessions) to the storage unit and, after I'd unloaded everything, headed to Forward's Garage to meet up with other members of the VA Medical Center Adaptive Sports Team (arrived at 1630).  My normal biking buddy, John B., had told me he wanted to take the side-by-side to the western end of the Mascoma Greenway (something we'd never done before) and, despite some threatening clouds, we headed west on the Northern Rail Trail as soon as possible (1645).  The first part was muddy and had a road crossing but, when we hit the paved section of the bike path just east of Lebanon, we started to make good time.  It was hot (mid 80s) but we had a lot of shade until we reached the tunnel (start of the Greenway) and had to cross a much more treacherous intersection to the side between Sacred Heart and the Miracle Mile.  From there, we raced along, stopping from time to time to enjoy views of the mountains, Mascoma River and pretty greenery - and to hydrate!  John waved at everyone (he was in very good spirits) and we enjoyed our ride to the extreme western terminus of the trail.  Backtracking from there, it was a bit slower going (slightly uphill) but we managed to stay on task all the way back to where we'd parked (arrived at 1805).  Overall, we peddled about 9 miles in 1.4 hours and felt good when we were finished.  I stayed at the Rail Trail parking lot until 1830 and then, since it hadn't started raining, I drove a short distance to the westernmost boat launch at Mascoma Lake.  This was the first time I'd parked there (near the dam) and it turned out to be a great place for a short paddle.  During the next hour (1840 to 1940), I kayaked along the southern edge of the lake, enjoying views of the homes I'd passed on July 4th.  This time, though, there were no festivities and many of the buildings seemed empty.  A few hardy souls were enjoying their decks and yards, though, and two or three motorboats raced around the lake.  I probably logged about 2.5 miles (a good, steady pace) before I was finished.  After loading up my kayak, I headed home (arrived at 2005).  Despite the forecast for afternoon rain, I never got wet - very glad I was able to squeeze in a bit more comradery and exercise after a busy day of work!

Grafton, NH (USA)

After work today (1500), I took another car-load of personal items to my storage unit (I also checked in at the main office for the facility) and then drove (via Riverside Road, US-4, NH-4A and some back roads) to Grafton Pond so I could join the VA Adaptive Sports Team and New England Healing Sports Association events in an evening paddle.  I arrived early (1545) and helped Carly and other volunteers to unload all the kayaks.  Later, I assisted John B. in getting into his boat before I was assigned my own.  Between 1630 and 1800, we made an almost complete circumnavigation of the water's edge.  There were 23 kayaks floating in our group (a record?) and we had a nice time chatting, watching diving loons, getting glimpses of Mount Cardigan and getting exercise in the pleasant air (80s with a breeze).  On the way back to the landing, we had to deal with a good deal of wind but everyone made it to the shore OK.  Overall, we spent 1.5 hours (4 miles) on Grafton Pond - afterwards, I helped veterans get out of their boats and to load them into the NEHSA van.  At about 1830, I was on my way home (I arrived at my condo by 1900).  Another few miles of paddling towards my Prouty Goal!

Jefferson, NH (USA)

With continued progress towards my Prouty Day goals in mind, I departed Hanover again this morning (0815) with plans to walk a new section of the Presidential Rail Trail (part of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail) and paddle some more of the Connecticut River.  I had a great drive (via I-91, VT/NH-25, US-5, Newberry Crossing Road, NH-10, US-302, some backroads south & east of Littleton and NH-116).  My target was the town of Whitefield and the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge - I hit that area by following a paved section of the XNHAT (Hazen Road and Airport Road).  I was surprised to find such a nice airfield (Mount Washington Regional Airport) - this was the first time I'd explored the area, despite driving past it for many years.  After parking at the trailhead (0945), I geared up and started walking on a pleasant, flat, gravel surface that constituted the farthest western end of the Presidential Rail Trail.  Like the last two days, the weather was excellent again (clear, sunny, 70s initially) but, different than Friday and Saturday, the bugs were relentless.  I normally don't get too much attention from insects but the flies buzzed around my head constantly throughout my entire walk.  First, I walked north to Cherry Pond - there was a nice viewing area that provided glimpses of Mount Cabot, Mount Starr-King and Mount Waumbeck.  As I turned east after that stop, the tree cover practically disappeared and I was in the strong glare of the sun as the temperatures soared towards 90 F.  I kept hydrating and made the best progress I could.  Almost everyone else I encountered was riding a bike but I did meet up with a volunteer firefighter from Jefferson who was getting some exercise and looking for "wild" strawberries.  My map of XNHAT had some differences from reality (possible improvements since I first started the challenge?) and I was surprised that there was a completed rail trail section beyond NH-115A - I'd already walked four miles at that point (with 1.5 miles still remaining to the next trailhead) so turned around.  By this point (now in the town of Jefferson), I was sweating profusely and had started to wonder if I'd made a big mistake to eschew elevation today...  I explored the trail system near Cherry Pond before I completed the backtrack but was at my car by 1230 (after 8 miles).  Wow - so hot!  The weekend has been wonderful but today really felt like Summer.  After getting a bit cooler in my car, I headed back to Whitefield (backtracked via Airport Road, Colby Road, US-3 and NH-116).  Needing a recharge, I stopped at Burger King (1320) and ate in the restaurant, continuing my cooldown.  Next, I got in I-93 and headed north/west to the Moore Reservoir.  My initial thought was to park at the dam and try to log some more miles there.  However, I also noticed that there was another place (Waterford Road Boat Launch) that would put me in the river below the dam and into the Comerford Reservoir - that seemed like a better option.  I showed up at 1415 just as another boater was vacating a prime parking spot near the ramp.  Hoping to do some serious paddling before my body called "uncle", I quickly got Tequila Sunrise ready and was just getting in the water (1425) when someone nearby warned me that the dam had unexpectedly (in the last 30 minutes) released a huge amount of water from Moore Reservoir.  Looking at the current and debris, this suddenly seemed quite obvious and had the potential to destroy all of my plans for big paddling miles.  Tentatively, I nosed my kayak out into the Connecticut River and turned upstream, figuring that I should try paddling that way first and determine how much effort would be needed for the day.  Fortunately, I was easily able to manage the flow and reached the Moore Dam within the first 30 minutes.  There was a bit of scary, turbulent water there but I avoided it and stayed on the New Hampshire shoreline.  The current did get me back to the Waterford Bridge and I-93 Bridge very quickly, though.  Taking a gamble that the effects of all this waterflow were limited to a small area near the dam, I started aggressively paddling west, with a hope that I could take a big bite out of the seven mile long section of the river.  During this time, I was fighting fatigue and heat but, as I rounded a bend about a mile from the boat ramp, the sun went behind some high clouds and a light breeze began.  For the next two hours, I had prime conditions for kayaking and, with the exception of a few motorboats that created large swells as they passed, I had good, calm water.  There were lots of pretty homes and boat docks along the way and I talked to a few people who were enjoying the final day of a wonderful New England Summer Weekend.  As I approached Chandler Brook (4.5 miles from my launch point), I began to wonder if I'd have enough stamina to paddle all the way back upstream and decided to turn around.  Just then, a steady breeze - coming from the west! - began pushing me backwards.  Perfect timing!  For the next 30 minutes, I was assisted by wind as I returned to the eastern end of the Comerford Reservoir.  The sun came back out just as I had the bridges (and my car) in sight so the timing worked perfectly.  The last 10 minutes of my nearly three hours on the water (9 miles) were the hardest of the day, with dam flow current really making me work.  But I was at my car by about 1715 and felt quite good about making a further dent in my 75 mile paddling goal (before July 12).  I'll admit that I've probably overexerted myself this weekend and it showed - stowing the kayak on the roof of my car took more effort than normal.  Once I was ready to depart (1725), I got on NH-135 and drove south along the Connecticut River - in only about 10 minutes, I passed my turnaround point on the water...  Crossing into Vermont again at the Barnet-Monroe Bridge, I was soon on I-91 and headed south towards home.  I rolled into Hanover at about 1830 and was home shortly afterwards (1840).  Wanting to take care of some more moving tasks, I quickly loaded up my car with personal items and made a trip to the storage unit.  Back at my condo (1930), I was quite exhausted and ready for a relaxing evening of doing nothing.  This has been one of the best Independence Day holiday weekends I can remember!  Connecticut River Today = 4.5 miles / CT River Total = 108.5 miles

Warren, VT (USA)

With the weather forecast looking great again, I left my condo this morning (0830) without a concrete plan.  I knew one thing, though, I wanted some Long Trail miles and some paddling!  Theorizing that one of the ski resorts south of Waterbury might have lifts running up to the LT ridge, I fueled up (and made a quick stop at Shaw's) at Irving in West Lebanon (0845) and headed towards Sugarbush Resort.  My route was essentially the same as the one I use to reach Middlebury (I-89 to VT-107, VT 12, Camp Brook Road and Bethel Mountain Road) but I never got on VT-125.  Instead, I stayed on VT-100 and weaved my way (winding roads) to the town of Warren.  After I arrived at the Lincoln Peak Village (1030), I was relieved to find that the resort was, indeed, running one of their lifts - whew.  After wandering around near the Clay Brook Hotel, I finally found guest services and bought a ticket.  I got geared up and (after more walking) headed to the Super Bravo Express Quad, which was waiting to take me up to Allyn's Lodge (three quarters of the way up the mountain).  It was a wonderful day (clear skies and temps in the low 70s) and I really enjoyed my ride (1100 to 1110).  After getting off the lift, I followed a gravel road ("Jester" Trail) towards the summit.  The sun was bright and the trail was steep enough to make it slow going.  Also, I made one wrong turn so wasted a bunch of mileage and stamina - dang...  Still, I passed a few other folks who were likely trying to visit the platform on Lincoln Peak.  Since I'd already been up there, I made a beeline for the Long Trail and headed NOBO.  By that point, I'd already logged about two miles of walking just since I'd arrived!  Hoping the extra steps wouldn't be costly, I decided to try to hike all the way to Mount Ellen, one of Vermont's 4K Peaks (4083 feet) - this meant that I was looking at almost six miles round trip before I'd be back at Lincoln Peak.  Fortunately, there was a nice breeze and some shade on the ridge and the only frustration I had to contend with was the PUDs.  Even though my FarOut app was showing "level", there were a series of false summits and LOTS of rocks (grrrr).  I made steady progress and avoided lots of mud - bonus: sometimes, there were some beautiful views of (in order from West to East) the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, the Greens to the north, the Connecticut River and the Whites (I think I even saw Moosilauke) - wow!  Unlike many, many of my hikes over the years, today was not a day for seeking solitude - I probably encountered 30 people who were transiting south.  Thankfully, most were in good spirits and geared up for a long hike so we were all on the same page, vibe wise.  Highlights of the section included: watching gliders being towed and released in the skies above, summiting Nancy Hanks Peak (the third "Lincoln-related" summit I've crossed on the Long Trail), passing over Castlerock (3812 feet) and finally (after several PUDs that made me think I was there) reaching the top of Mount Ellen.  There wasn't any view at the summit of the latter peak (just a cairn) but I found the top of one of Sugarbush's lifts in a big clearing a bit farther to the north.  I ate a snack there and chatted with some folks who had climbed up from the Mad River Valley (about five miles to the north).  The views in this area were a bit subdued, either because of incoming overcast or because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires - I was glad I'd already seen my awesome vistas...  Backtracking seemed like it took less time, possibly because the general trend was downhill, but I still tried to take it easy in an attempt to avoid knee or heel pain.  I saw fewer people on the way back (10) but I never really felt like I was by myself on the trail...  Just before I reached Lincoln Peak again, I noticed a "short cut" that would allow me to walk up one of the ski runs ("Paradise"?) and I decided to say goodbye to the rocks, roots and mud I'd been "enjoying" all day.  Once I reached the access road I'd used to climb up from Allyn's Lodge, I retraced my steps back to the area near the chairlift.  By that point, I'd already walked about 9.5 miles and was ready for a break.  I'd been told there would be live music and beer when I returned and the rumor proved correct.  The staff ended up charging me for two beers (1530) but I never realized this until I got home (they used a digital receipt - (I did wonder why the beer cost so much but figured that was because of the venue).  Oh well, I only needed one anyway...  Taking advantage of the lift again, I rode in style to the base lodge and explored a bit before I headed back to my car and left the Resort (1615).  One of the staff members at Sugarbush had told me about a place to kayak called Blueberry Lake - it was located near the town of Warren (a short drive) and I took advantage of my route through there to get some snacks at the Warren Store (1630).  Without cell signal, I still managed to find the boat launch area because there were SO MANY CARS.  At that point, though, I was committed and (grudgingly) carried Tequila Sunrise for about 100 yards to the water's edge.  Starting at 1645, I paddled for 90 minutes (two complete circuits, counterclockwise, and exploring adjacent creeks and islands) in the pleasant little lake.  There were a lot of birds, a beaver, beautiful views and LOTS of people.  The best way to sum up my experience with other humans on the water today was that they seemed to be heavily fueled up with alcohol - it was not a quiet day of kayaking...  Wrapping up my day on the water at 1815 (after 4.5 miles), it took me a bit of time to load my kayak and then try to find my way back to VT-100 (no cell signal).  Eventually, though, I was on my way (backtrack route from the morning).  I reached home - exhausted - at 1945 but then loaded up my car with boxes and took them to the storage unit.  Finally back at home (2100), I finally felt like I could relax.  It was a wonderful day in the Green Mountain State!  Long Trail Today = 2.9 miles / LT Total = 141.9 miles

Enfield, NH (USA)

Today, I started the long awaited process of moving out of my condo in Hanover.  This activity was originally supposed to happen when I finished the AT; however, I didn't execute the plan in 2023 because I'd already signed a least through 2024.  After one more year "just because", I decided it was time to move on from my time in the Granite State.  Earlier in the week, I'd rented a storage unit in Lebanon and, after taking care of some chores around the condo, I took my first car load of personal property to the location.  For most of the morning and early afternoon, I loaded and unloaded my Subaru and made five trips in all - I definitely made a big dent in the move process!  After getting done with my last trip, I drove to Mascoma Lakeside Park so I could get some exercise and continue trying to reach my Prouty Goals (100 hiking miles and 75 paddling miles).  Between 1630 and 1730, I walked about three miles on the Northern Rail Trail (walking north from the park and back).  After that, I unloaded Tequila Sunrise and spent the next 90 minutes (1740 to 2010) paddling on the northwestern end of the lake (one counterclockwise loop).  There was a lot of boat traffic, swells and rough water but I did find some pleasant areas with pretty views of homes along the water.  The sky was bright and clear and the temps were in the low 70s - a perfect day to be out on the water.  Several people talked to me from their yards and I got to see a tremendous number of parties and patriotic decorations.  The smells of the backyard barbeques was intoxicating - I'll admit I was a bit envious of their setups...  After I finished, I got the kayak loaded and headed home, arriving at around 2040.  It seems like a big milestone day (because of the move) but I also enjoyed having such a good time outdoors on Independence Day.  I wonder where I'll be next year at this time...

Canaan, NH (USA)

I started out my day with the knowledge that I was going to be triple scheduled in the afternoon.  The trouble was that I actually wanted to do at least two of the things - as a result, I spent most of the day trying to figure out how to possibly make all the activities happen.  After starting telework very early, I spent the morning in meetings and then (between meetings) had to quickly return my rental car to the Enterprise office in White River Junction.  That effort was successful but I was then in meetings for most of the afternoon.  Once work was done, I drove to the LISTEN Community Dining Hall (White River Junction) and joined several other parishioners from Sacred Heart Lebanon in preparing dinner; we assembled and cooked all of the ingredients for tacos (there were a lot of items!).  Usually, I have stayed to help pass out the food but today I departed just as they were beginning the service (1630).  Next, I made my way to the eastern end of Lebanon (Forwards Garage) so I could join the VA Medical Center Adaptive Sports Team for their Tuesday Evening Cycling event.  I arrived just in time (1645) and spent the next two hours riding (on the side-by-side bike) the Northern Rail Trail (southeast bound) with John B.  For the last few years, we've talked about reaching the town line for Enfield and Canaan (approximately 7.5 miles) and we were able to reach that goal today!  The temps were definitely a factor (mid to high 80s) but we hydrated throughout and kept on taking breaks.  John was very excited by our accomplishment and gave me a high five when we were finished.  Afterwards, there were some sprinkles so I said goodbye to Jenn S. and Jeremy and headed home (arrived at 1930).  What an amazing mix of work, service and outdoor activity!