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!