For the fifth year running, NGP held a three day weekend on a retreat in rural Vermont. We again went to my family’s land outside of Bradford, VT. Attendance was up again this year, and we made improvements to accommodate our growing numbers: a few hotel rooms (badly reviewed) for the less outdoors-friendly, a large tent for activities, catered food, badminton.

This year’s NGP branded item seemed to be a hit: a red or white LED based head-mounted flashlight. It proved useful for night-time navigation and games.

We continued some of our traditions: anonymous questions for me and Stuart, a very impressive bonfire with toasts and Lefty awards, volleyball. Shamefully, we did not make it to Mr. Puttz.

The backhoe was employed to great effect this year, with Dara the intern triumphantly delivering a massive stone from the back of the back-field to a placement in the front yard. A small crew got in some practice stumping (picture included).

From my perspective, the rest of the time was great as well: useful company exercises, card games, sports, swimming in the pond, eating good food, hanging out.

We also had visits from two NGP honorary alumni, which was great.

I even enjoyed most of the time we spent during the long weather induced flight delay on our return. I took a small group to Concord, NH, where took Lefty photos at the state capitol, ate Thai food, got home-made ice-cream, and laughed a lot.