Streeter Pond

after a quick grocery errand in the nearest small town, i saw my new home for the following five days for the first time - and it was even better than i had anticipated. situated on a foresty hill just above a lake, it lay pretty much isolated from the rest of sugar hill (which is not too hard, there's like 5 houses there). for the first time in weeks, it was actually quiet. bliss.

because russ sometimes rents out parts of his place as an airbnb, i had my own ensuite bedroom and access to a huge kitchen and lounge with a big flatscreen. it really felt like i was on vacation from, what many would call, my other vacation. and i really needed it after almost two months of consistent travel.

much of my first days in new hampshire, i spent relaxing in the house (bingewatching dark because i managed to get russ hooked on it), meaning less outdoor activity, but as i said, it was much needed. even the relative luxury of a hostel just doesn't compare to a real home and russ was also super chill (and against the expectations of most i talked about it with beforehand, he never even attempted to murder me).

after two days, 22-yo flavien from paris joined us. at this point, i had enough of being inside, so we spent the days hiking, trailrunning and canoeing. just as with russ, i got along great with him and had an absolute blast.

and quicker than i could've noticed, the week was coming to an end over a whiteclaw (much less exciting drink than the preceding reputation would like to have believe) and a 20$ pizza.Read more