8-29-12 Kayaking into a Sailing Race in Shelburne Bay

So I decided to go out after work to kayak and fish because it was such a nice evening.  Instead I found this:

 30 plus racing sailboat running a race in Shelburne Bay.  I kayaked within 100 yards of them and watched them run all their sails as the sun set.  What a great way to spend a day.

8-28-12 Racing the Sun on Snake Mountain

I have done Snake Mountain multiple times, but starting at 6 was a new challenge, with my trail running shoes on we set out up the short incline.

 I know a trail that I like that is fairly empty on busy days but this day no one was around pretty much at all.

 At the top is a concrete pad that used to be a foundation with some of the better views of New York.  And this is a wildlife management area and it is almost hunting season so bright colors required just to be safe.

 Sal got a makeshift bandanna.

 I found a secondary trail that ran on the edge of the cliffs with some cool cedar trees.  I was timing it to be back at the pad at sunset so I went as far as I could and ran it back to the best view point.

Not colorful like some but still epic to watch.  I didn't wait for the dark to head down, running downhill in a tight rocky trail as dusk removes all the contrast that prevents death while running was interesting and honestly a lot of fun.  There were a couple of genuine zen moments.

8-26-12 Sailing on Lake Champlain

I spent the entire day from 9am to almost 9pm on Lake Champlain sailing on a 22 foot sailboat with two French-Canadian family friends.  They have know my family from before my birth.  It was a great day for such an adventure.

Beautiful skies, southern winds from 10-20 knots, and a multitude of sails on the horizon.  At one point I started counting and stopped when I got over 50 boats and had not finished.

And of course my companions

Francine, regally manning the helm.

Bernard, calm and carrying on.

The site to warm any sailors hearts, full sails.

After sailing back to the mooring we indulged in lox with onions, capers and olive oil, fresh veggies, champagne, dark chocolate and wine.  When we finally got to shore it was almost 9 and the light had faded. By the time I got home I was tired and glad to be done driving.  A great day.

What can you do in an afternoon?