January Continues

 Jan 8 to Jan 15, 2022

Due to sub-zero conditions, a hike with the Hiking Mates was cancelled. So of course Susan, Lyne, and I decided to hike up Hadley Mountain in sub-zero conditions. The trail was aptly described as a stream bed, so this was a hike up a frozen stream bed. We needed spikes the entire way, and even then we were slipping in spots. Fifteen hundred feet of elevation kicked my butt, but I did get to the top with lots of stops along the way. Note to self - eat more carbs pre-hike! Susan introduced us to the Hadley Tree at the top and took a few photos. I thought she was joking about the tree, but the next day we appeared on its Insta!






The hike down was much easier on me and we finished the day with dinner at The Davidson's Brothers Brewpub. The fish and chips was great; the coleslaw outstanding. 

The next day's forecast was to have an ice storm, and it was spot on. The house was encased in ice so I did not leave except to make my slippery way down to the mailbox to retrieve my new down jacket. 



      I did take a few walks around the neighborhood as the temperatures plummeted into the negative numbers and hiking didn't seem like fun. I noticed a bubbler installed on a dock on the lake, which kept one small area of ice from freezing over. The mallard clan seemed happy with the arrangement.

The salad greens are doing well thanks to the grow lights. I planted them on 1/3 and the arugula sprouted on 1/6, now on 1/10 the beets have appeared. No spinach or lettuce yet!

I explored Sanders Preserve, Glenville NY with the Hiking Mates on Thursday. It was only scheduled to be a barely 3 miles and 1.5 hrs, so I chatted up the concept of doing another trail. About 10 folks joined for part 2 which turned it into a respectable 5 miler, making the 40 minute drive worth the effort. Also a flock of bluebirds entertained on the second section.






The week was rounded out with a dinner at Nic's Trattoria with Dale, Dan, Janice, and George on Friday, then game night at my place with Geri, Susan, Ginny, AJ, and Lyne,  lasagna, and a rousing game of dominoes. 

Just maybe winter won't be so desolate and drab.

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