Last Days at Home

My last week in the US was a frantic and busy week.  I balanced packing, cleaning, training, and running the last minute errands necessary before leaving the country for over four months with also wanting to spend as much time as possible with friends and family who I wouldn't see over the winter. It felt surprisingly relaxing to sink into my airplane seat for a 28 hour travel day from northern VT to northern Finland after all the craziness of getting ready to leave.  Leaving was bittersweet with a mix of saying goodbyes and enjoying the last few nights in my own bed played against the excitement to be back on the road at the start of the season.  Here are some pictures from my last week or so at home.

A frosty early morning in Craftsbury on Little Hosmer Pond

Sunrise at home! The shorter days have provided some wonderful sunrises and sunsets!

A little snow before I left was the perfect transition to winter.  The Craftsbury Outdoor Center turned on the snow guns as well to stockpiling even more than the natural dustings.

It's always fun to wake up to a white blanket outside! 

The breakfast nook in my cottage.  Coffee, yogurt, and views of snow are the perfect way to start the day!

GRP girls dinner before we head our separate ways to Finland, Norway, West Yellowstone, and Canmore.  We missed Clare but it was a great chance to get the rest of the team together.

Snow on the side of the road (and a little in the road too) for our last rollerski of the year

Eben came home for hunting season and luckily our paths crossed for one day!  It was fun to share stories of recent adventures and travels.

That's a lot of stuff!  Two ski bags, a duffel bag, and a big backpack for the winter travels.

It took about 28 hours from to get from Barton, Vermont to our little cabins in Muonio, Finland which is about 250km north of the Arctic Circle.  It was surprisingly sunny for our ski this morning and fun to ski under the lights this afternoon.

Winter!