A bit of description of your route profile.

I go from about 14 feet above sea level to about 110 feet. It is a wonderful ride, people come through here (Rochester and Middleborough) for the flattest century in the east ride and for the Buzzards Bay watershed ride. I see plenty of recreational riders in the afternoon (no so much in the am as I get started at 5:30). Wooded, small hay fields, bogs, ponds are all along the route.

What kind of bike you ride. (photos would be cool)
1984 bianchi steel, I've added fenders and lights and thanks to this forum just added clipless pedals (made a big difference)

How you carry your gear and what or how much (volume) stuff you bring on the ride.
I have a cheap pannier/ box bag combination on the rear rack. The box on top holds rain gear and wallet, etc., the two sides (about 12 by 12 inch) hold my papers to be graded, teaching clothes, lunch (or empty plastic containers), and occasional odd supplies like five pounds of potatoes for a lab.

Distance & time (average speed if you care to share)

Going in its just below or around 15 mph, coming home its usually faster 16-17 mph. Distances in is 16.2 miles, coming home is usually 18 (my favorite route). I avoid one curve that in the morning traffic is not an issue.

How long you've been doing this and any thoughts you have toward the future of your commuting.
I have tried to do this about 2x a week since school started in Sept. though it was much less since I don't have a good winter tire and slid a bit in Dec. and Jan. and some of Feb. (maybe a total of 5 times each month). I hope to save up and get a "new" bike (new to me anyway) that could take wider tires, maybe even studded tires.