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!