I reached some high points during 2018, which is pleasing.  I didn't attain all the goals I had set, but looking back on my list I was being very optimistic.  

I did not meet my hoped for 1200-miles of running, but I did manage to get over 1000-miles for the year (second consecutive season doing so).  To be completely honest, health-wise, things were a bit on the difficult side for us.  Looking at things reasonably, or rationalizing, I am pretty fortunate to have completed what I did.

I did complete a couple of "organized" challenges, as follows:

• The New England Scenic Trail "Hike 50" Challenge.
• The Trustees of Reservations "Hike 125" Challenge.
• Trinity Health "The New England 61 Day Challenge".

I managed to gain an additional Information Technology Certificate, this time Microsoft MTA Networking Fundamentals.  I've been managing one per year over the past three years, and I feel pretty good about continuing my education.

• Microsoft MTA Networking Fundamentals (98-366).  2018.
• Comptia IT Fundamentals Certification (FCO-U51).  2017.
• CWNP CWTS Wi Fi Fundamentals Certification (PWO-071).  2016.

I am currently continuing my Information Technologies path, with the Microsoft Security and Comptia 901 & 902 Certifications on my horizon.

I am also currently enrolled in a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) course, which is usually completed in 36-weeks on average.

I branched out and took three lengthy trips this past year, with the following highlights:

• Cahokia.
• Cruise aboard the Disney Magic to New Brunswick.
• Chicago to various Museums.

I have been working on understanding Ancient America; this pastime and study is just beginning, but I am encouraged by my results so far.  I have begun planning for my 2019 adventure, and have the Newark Earthworks as a planned visit in April.

I assisted and supported the Woodswalker during his power point presentations on rocks and dolmens during his local events:

• Bloomfield Public Library - January
• Granby Public Library - February
• Suffield Senior Center - February
• Farmington Public Library - May
• South Windsor Public Library - October

I actually entered a running "race" for the first time in 5 or so years, at Goodwin State Forest, and felt as though I competed well.  It felt good to be there, and the Goodwin Trails are beautiful.

I'll add my 2019 Goals in at some point, as I am still organizing them.  I got way to carried away last season with "ideas" for exploring and running adventures.  The one "list" that I did well with was visiting Williamsburg Woodland Trails - I did manage to visit each of their locations, but I added a few surrounding spots to move the number from nine to twelve, and I came up one short (Lily Pond, Goshen).  The Williamsburg Woodland & Nearby sites are:

• Bradley  (visited February 19th, 2018)   
• Breckenridge (visited February 24th, 2018)
• Tilton Farm, North & South, Goshen Open Space (visited May 12th, 2018)
• Devils Den, locale point of interest (visited May 12th, 2018)
• Henhawk (visited June 2nd, 2018)
• Historic Dam (visited July 4th, 2018)
• Graves Farm (visited July 19th, 2018)
• Hall / O'Neil (visited July 19th, 2018)
• Petticoat Hill & Locke's Loop (visited August 11th, 2018)
• Big View (visited August 25th, 2018)
• Briar Hill (visited December 30th, 2018)
• Lily Pond, Goshen Open Space

Similarly, I did manage to find the 1926 Memorial Plaque in Conway State Forest / Williamsburg area, on June 2nd, 2018.  The plaque is set in a stone commemorating the High Street Walking Club and Edward C. Gere.

All in all, a pretty good year!  Bring on 2019!