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!