Warrenton, VA (USA)

[this morning I had to drive to our customer site in Warrenton again (with our Division Director) - after meeting with staff and one customer, I attending a technical meeting - got some gas and picked up lunch at Taco Bell before driving into the city - luckily, I had a parking spot reserved at our building - I worked for several more hours before heading over to happy hour at our favorite watering hole - took care of some extra paperwork before getting in the car (had some problems with my clutch in the garage - Scott helped me out) - traffic not too bad and drive home was smooth]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[standard work day - afterwards, my co-workers met at Vie in Cap Gallery - after a few more old friends joined us, we rode in Kelly's car to Old Town - we had agreed to meet Jim R. for dinner before our big party this evening, so we got tapas at La Tasca (good food and drinks!) - around 2000, we walked a few blocks towards the river to find a Wine/Cigar/Jazz bar: The 219 Restaurant - Jim R. has been telling us about it for years and the place lived up to its reputation! - the band was great - I had one cigar and several in our group (that kept getting bigger) had more than one - Tasha, Joe, Gary, James, Kim and her fiance all showed up and we had a great time - Sabrina found out that her grandfather died around 2230, which kind of ended things - I stayed for a bit longer but then walked back to the Metro - I wasn't even at my car until after 1130 - home after that]

Paris, VA (USA)

[got up at 0530 so I could get a really early start on the Appalachian Trail today - it was misty and rather cool, but I continued west on I-66 until I reached US-17 - I drove up to US-50 (past Sky Meadows State Park) and finally located the trail near Ashby Gap - after adjusting some weight in the woods (!), I started south from there and found some pretty fields to walk in (place lived up to its name!) - met two couples (NOBO) and talked for a while to "PJs" (trail name) about his experiences on two 500 mile section hikes since 2013 - after that, though, I didn't see anyone for the rest of the day on the A.T. - the weather was great and I saw amazing scenery - I made it all the way to Manassas Gap Shelter (over 10 miles!) - felt great and rarely stopped - I had to make a choice at that point, though, since it was the most remote point I could be: backtrack or try to find a way to hitchhike back to my car - I chose the latter option and used a horse trail to the east to take my chances along US-17 - the trail was so little used that I spent about an hour walking through spiderwebs and through very tall grass (wondered if I would get any ticks...) before I found a road - when I did, it turned out to be a winery farm road - I was unable to get anyone to pick me up until I had walked almost six miles (and it was only about a one mile lift) - I started to feel pain in my feet and thighs, I ran out of water, I broke my sunglasses and was generally drenched with sweat - I finally arrived at US-17 and thought my luck would get better - surely, I thought, I won't have to walk the entire way back! - unfortunately, that is exactly what happened - and, due to my slog through the woods to the east, I probably ended up backtracking more miles than I had hiked in the morning (roughly 12) - worst part, I spent a lot of time along the road getting gravel kicked up on me as the cars sped by - I was exhausted, thirsty and very sore when I got in my car - I drove back via US-50, US-17 and I-66 - when I saw my first chance to get a drink, I bought a giant soda from McDonalds and drained it in about 15 minutes - I was thoroughly exhausted after around 22 miles and would have gone right to bed (1700) - however, Kelly and Jason invited me down to their house in Woodbridge for kabobs - I showered at my house and then drove down via US-1 (it only took about 30 minutes) - I had a nice evening with my friends and their kids - while I was very sore, it was all worth it - I didn't leave until around 2200 - one mistake, though, was that I used I-95 all the way home and got stuck in a big traffic jam - eventually made it home and crashed - 10.03 miles on A.T. / 87.04 miles total]

Reston, VA (USA)

[got some paperwork done early and then decided to take advice from the Washington Post (Express): carry my bike on the new Silver Line out to Reston and catch the O&D Trail - I headed over to Huntington Station and had no trouble getting into the city via the Yellow Line - I switched to the lower platform at L'Enfant Plaza and found that the first Silver Line train (from Largo) was just about to arrive - the driver scolded everyone at every stop about getting too close, but he was generally friendly to those on the train - many of them (especially the kids) seemed very excited to be on one of the first trains that was heading out to Wiehle-Reston East - just after we passed the East Falls Church Station, we got on the new tracks - everyone cheered and clapped - at the first stop (McLean), lots more people (many with Silver Line swag, like pennants) got on the train - the track followed the Dulles Toll Road, mainly, and there was a huge distance between stops - it was pretty crowded by the time we reached the end of the line - overall, it was cool to be part of the first hours of service for this long-expected new addition to the Metro system - when I exited the station, I realized it had probably taken me about an hour and a half to get there (1430) - I walked out across the gantry over VA-267 and came to a plaza in front of the parking garage - I ran a gauntlet through lots of booths run by local business and government folks - the W&OD Trail (near mile marker 17) was almost across the street (to the north) - I got started right away, heading east on the new section - it was downhill most of the way - I had originally intended to get back on the Metro when I reached East Falls Church station - however, since it took so long to get around this afternoon, I decided to just keep riding - I went all the way to Shirlington and then took the Four Mile Trail for about three more miles to the Mount Vernon Trail - I toyed with heading North towards the city, but I decided instead to head down towards Old Town - I took a detour at Slaters Road and got some ice cream at a little shop that sold organic products - I continued west a bit into Del Rey and then paralleled the west side of the Metro and VRE tracks all the way back to the King Street stop - got on the first Yellow Line train and made it back to my car - whew! - rode roughly 25 miles today and felt really good - weather was awesome - will have no problem getting to sleep tonight!]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[worked another long day... - Sabrina and I got Kelly out of a long meeting and she drove us to Pentagon City - we met up with a big group of former co-workers at Chevys and ate dinner, enjoying margarita specials for several hours - afterwards, I headed over the nearby "Frat House" where by friends Joe R., Joe B., James and Gary live - Gary's family was househunting during a visit from Texas, so it was interesting to talk to them about their inpending move to DC - left around 2200 for the Metro - home late]

Linden, VA (USA)

[drove out to Linden - arrived at a parking area at the corner of VA-55 and VA-710 (1000) and headed north on the Appalachian Trail - in the morning, I met Donny, a local farmer who volunteers (cleans up the trail) with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - we hiked together for about an hour before I turned around (at Manassas Gap Shelter) and he continued on towards US-50 - on the way back, I encountered several day hikers and, surprisingly, the same Ridge Runner I'd met on July 6 - when I reached the car, I drove west to VA-638 and found another trail crossing - leaving my car behind, I used my bike to ride back to VA-55/VA-710 - spent some time visiting with another PATC volunteer who was passing out Gatorade - walked up a pretty big hill south of Linden and passed my car, continuing until I reached the Denton Shelter (much more fancy) - just saw one person south of VA-55, otherwise alone - found a Gatorade at when I got back to my bike (nice) - drove home via VA-55 for several miles (farms, rolling hills, wineries) before getting on I-66 and heading home - what a good day! - 6.17 miles on A.T. / 77.01 miles total]

Great Falls, VA (USA)

[working on paperwork until around 1600 - drove to St. Ann's in Arlington to hear Kim play Mass at her new parish - it was a relatively new church and I liked the service - afterwards, we drove to dinner in Great Falls (Kim's favorite Chinese place) - afterwards, we went to her house to look at old pictures - after about an hour of visiting and reminicing, we headed back to St. Ann's (where I left my car) - after that, I headed home]

Warrenton, VA (USA)

[I was out of the house by 0600 this morning, bound for Warrenton and our customer site - traffic was easy and I arrived just as Tracy did - I took care of lots of Admin for our employees there - this included an All Hands meeting and several one on ones to align expectations (since I am temporarily acting as the manager for the whole remote site team) - met with some of our customers and had a great lunch (at nearby Wegman's) with several of the junior staff - the weather was so nice, we ate outside - worked the rest of the day at the site before departing (1600) - I had brought my bike with me and I took the advice of one of the locals about where to ride it: James S. Long Regional Park - I used US-29 and US-15 to get there - pumped up my tires and then rode about five miles on the bike trail that follows US-15 between I-66 and Sudley Road - it was mostly flat and I got some good exercise - afterwards, I shot some hoops at the court (alone at first, then joined by a large group of kids who are playing in a summer league) - headed for home around 1800 (through Manassas Battlefield) - traffic not too horrendous - Bob had asked me to join him and his friends in playing a game called "Redshirts" (Star Trek inspired strategy card game) - it was tough to learn, but very entertaining - we finished very late and I was definitely ready for bed!]

Annapolis, MD (USA)

[my old boss, Chris, has been asking when I could come out to take a ride on his boat - the weather was great for that today, so I got up around 0700 and drove to Maryland - he lives near Crownsville, so I used the Beltway and US-50, almost all the way to Annapolis - I had made good time (thankfully) because then it got interesting: I could not find the entrance to his neighborhood (iPhone map troubles...) - I also didn't have a cell signal - ultimately, I located his home (0900) and (after accidentally waking up his daughters) his boat - we sat out on the water for about an hour, waiting on any family that might want to join us (one daughter, Bridget, did) - around 1030, we cast off and Chris drove us down the Severn River into Annapolis - it was another beautiful day and many other people were out on the water - we drove into little inlets all over town, checking out restaurants and million dollar homes as we went - our meal plans changed several times (Chris' daughter works at the Chart House but food there fell through) - eventually, we headed back north and tied up near the Severn Inn - when we went inside, it turned out they only offered a pricy brunch - but we were hungry and stayed anyway - food was awesome and the mimosas and bloody marys were "bottomless" - we had a great conversation before heading back to the boat - unfortunately, our lengthy delay led to some damage to the side of the boat (caused by large wakes in the area and the tide, I guess) - it was still driveable, so we headed back to the marina - I got to run a lot of lines out and tie off several times today (it has been a long time since I did that!) - afterwards, Chris and I hung out at the pier, enjoying the quiet - ultimately, though, the heat got to me and we took refuge in his house - I met the rest of his family before heading out of town - the drive home went well (not much traffic) - stopped at the high school track for some exercise again before calling it a day - fun!]

Falls Church, VA (USA)

[the forecast indicated an unseasonable (cool) day for July, so I made sure not to waste it indoors - leaving around 0900, I drove north from Alexandria on Van Dorn Street and used Little River Turnpike and Columbia Pike to get closer to the W&OD trail (see JUN 2013) - after some map checking on my cell phone, I found a good parking spot near mile marker 4 (North Four Mile Run Drive) - I biked back to mile marker 1.5 mile (to meet up with where Mollie and I turned around) and then backtracked to the 7.5 mile marker (basically, following I-66 and VA-7 - Arlington, Fairfax County and East Falls Church) - it was a little hot (and a bit hilly in spots) but it felt great to be on the move - lots of other people were enjoying the Regional Park: roller blading, jogging, walking, cross country "skiing" (on skates) - the whole setup is great - I only turned around, actually, because I was supposed to go home before going to Mass to hear Kim play - on the way back, I used the Custis Trail for a bit - overall, I biked around 12 miles (Ol' Reliable is holding up!) - car acting up (transmission trouble - rescheduled with Kim (not convenient for her anyway) - stopped for lunch at Chick-fil-a (sat outside to eat - nice) - found my way to I-66 and drove home via I-495 and got off at the Fairfax County Parkway - since it wasn't too far out of the way, I headed over to Mason Neck and spent the rest of the afternoon hiking in the Wildlife Refuge - pleasant temperatures throughout - didn't even run out of water all day today - a little sad to have to wrap it all up... - headed home around 1830]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[after work, I went to meet up with everyone at Vie (we aren't boycotting anymore, apparently) - as usual, I was the last one there and it has (apparently) become the "alarm" to leave for a better place - Kelly drove us to the Del Rey neighborhood - and Sabrina took us a Mexican restaurant she frequents on Mount Vernon Avenue - we had some great margaritas and munchies and it got pretty late... - oh well: it is Friday! - took an Uber (first time) back to Braddock Road Metro and (after retrieving my car) made it home around midnight]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work was interrupted today by an invitation by my old customer to have lunch with him at Fogo de Chao - we were joined by a group of other former colleagues - as usual, the food was awesome (although I restrained myself and didn't overindulge) - the whole place was abuzz with the inpending Brazil-Germany World Cup - on the way home, we saw a bike-car collision that scared all of us (lately, there is some kind of "war" going on between bikers and cars) - tough to work after the "meat coma"...]

Washington, DC (USA)

[After a full day of work (plus some extra time...), I took the Metro over to watch the Nats-Orioles Game - tonight was supposed to be a Notre Dame scholarship fundraiser (ticket purchases included a donation) and Bob said he wanted to come into DC for the event - by gametime (1905), incoming inclement weather threatened the game (there was a mandatory "take shelter" call) - I hung out with my friend, Phil during the delay - we also saw other co-workers (some rooting for Baltimore!) - Bob had trouble getting to the ball park and, even when he did, the ushers would not let him walk around - bottom line: I waited with Phil for about two hours before even seeing Bob and he arrived just before the game was postponed... - while waiting for the crowds to thin out, we walked around on the upper deck (an area I had only seen from below) - the rain stopped by then, so Bob and I continued walking: all the way back to L'Enfant - we took the Metro to my car and I drove Bob to get his at the Springfield station - when I got in bed (around 2345), it seemed like a lot of work for nothing - we will try again on August 4th!]

Washington, DC (USA)

[I had a doctor's appointment this morning - first, though, I took advantage of the free breakfast at La Madeleine (ticket from owner last Friday) - it was a nice bistro - despite the fact it was a training day, the service was good (everyone speaks Frech) and the food was even better - "payment" consisted of a charitable donation and I was very happy to pay - I drove to the doctor's office and didn't have to wait long to finish everything up - it was about 1100 by the time I could go to work, so I drove into the city (very little traffic) - managed to get in a few hours before quitting this afternoon - our happy hour group is still working out the kinks with a new bartender at Vie de France, so we don't spend as much time there anymore - by the time I arrived (1730), only Tasha and Kelly remained - they said we should move over to Pentagon City for drinks and dinner at Chevy's, so I tagged along - I really like that restaurant (especially their margaritas!) - afterwards, I took the Metro back into the city and got my car - drive home was actually surprisingly easy...]

Harpers Ferry, WV (USA)

[inspired by my slackpacking adventure in May, I decided to hike another section of the Appalachian Trail - this time, I wanted to check out the Maryland section, so I got up early and drove (I-495, I-270 and US-340) to the Maryland Heights area along the Potomac - I wasn't exactly sure where the trail crossed (I suspected that it was at Harpers Ferry) and I explored both sides of the river (MD, WV, VA) - eventually (1000), I located a nice parking lot on the Maryland side where I could access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail - realized at this point that I didn't have a wallet (!) and hoped I wouldn't get hungry today... - before heading south, I checked out an area on the north side (all the way up to Weverton Road, and a bit further) - when I got back down to the river again, I found the hiking was very easy, since the C&O trail (which also serves as the A.T. in this area) is almost entirely flat - also nice, it was shaded by very tall trees - I saw amazing views of the river (and lots of rafters and kayakers) - when I got to the bridge to West Virginia, I realized that our family had hiked it before (see JUL 2006) - so I turned around and returned to my car - I crossed into Virginia (Loudon County) and drove south towards WV/VA-9 - backtracked to the parking lot at Keys Gap - Mollie and I had hiked on the north side of the gap (see MAY 2013), so I went the other direction - it was an awesome day for a hike (not too hot, shady, not very buggy), even with steeper terrain - early on, I met a NOBO hiker (Ridge Runner) who told me that I could find the David Lesser Shelter three miles up, so I made that my goal - made good time on this section and saw lots of pretty scenery, small wildlife and birds - headed back to my car around 1600, after a great day of exercise and solitude - made it back to VA-7 and then took US-15, trying to get to I-66 - however, there were so many cars by this point, I got off at US-50 and made it home that way - on the way back, Brenna called to see if I could meet the kids for dinner - after a quick shower at home, I took them over to Eisenhower Avenue and we had a great dinner at Ted's Montana Grill - I don't get to see them as much as I would like, but I was glad to see them this evening (especially since they will be on a trip for several weeks) - after today, I feel recharged and ready for another week of work! (A.T. total today = 6.12 miles, Grand Total = 70.84 miles)]

College Park, MD (USA)

[Bob told me earlier in the week that he had purchased a round of golf at University of Maryland for today and that his buddy had cancelled - he asked me if I would like to go - I considered the fact I hadn't played 18 since around 2003 and was a little concerned I would lose every ball I brought (and make everyone behind us wait all day) - he reassured me we could play scramble/bestball, so I agreed - this morning, I met up with Bob and he had all the golf equipment - since there were two of us, he asked me to drive (bigger car) - we had no trouble getting to the campus, and we drove through to the northwest corner (Stadium Drive) until we arrived at the Club - we picked up sandwiches before our tee time (1350) - we got an extra bonus (driving range balls) while we waited - we met up with the rest of our foursome a little before 1400 - this turned out to be related to a regular league (with some serious players) - it ended up being a little intimidating, I'll admit - but I played off Bob's ball most of the day, had some beer at regular intervals, found some of my golf swings again and enjoyed the tremendous weather - since we were using golf carts, it didn't get too tiring - whenever one of the group would par a hole, we shared a round of Fireball - I was in a pretty good mood by the end (I really have no idea what my score should have been, but didn't care) - bonus: I somehow ended up with two extra balls in my bag after 18! - our whole group ended up in the clubhouse for drinks and dinner (good) afterwards and some prizes (closest to the pin) were handed out to the good players - I'm really glad I played (thanks, Bob!) - it was dark by the time we left for Alexandria - however, this meant there was no traffic and it was a quick ride - bed by 2330]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[I some of the day taking care of bills and other important paperwork - around 1600, I drove over to the high school track (where I often walk laps for exercise) - basically, I waited there for it to get dark (planning for fireworks) - on the way to the Metro station, I stopped for dinner at Kingstowne Center - first, I checked a new restaurant (La Madeleine) but the owner met me at the door and told me they didn't open until the following week - he did, however, give me a free meal pass to come back during the staff training days (not bad!) - walked across the parking lot to Taco Bell for dinner - when I finished, I drove to Eisenhower Avenue and parked at the Metro - my friend, Sabrina, had told me that I would be able to see the fireworks in DC from Gravelly Point, near Reagan National Airport - I got off at that Metro stop and walked about a half mile north (along with many other people) - when I arrived, I was glad I hadn't tried to drive (parking lot full) - - boats were lined up for miles along the Potomac (some big ones!) - the George Washington Parkway was also clobbered with lookie-loos by the time the fireworks began - the weather was great for the event and the views were awesome (monuments as a backdrop) - before it ended, I made my way back to the Metro station (crowds were lining the street all the way there) - I got on a less-crowded train than I had expected (I'm sure it got worse) and made it back to my car well before the crowds - the night was great and I'm glad I took advantage of another perk of living near the Nation's Capital]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[a friend at work, Eric, has been raving about Harris Teeter subs, so today he drove me over to Pentagon City to pick up one for lunch - I rarely venture across the river for food during the day (time consuming) and like to drive around the city during the work even less - today was a slow day before the holiday and, fortunately, Eric knew the way - it didn't take too long to pick up the food and it turned out to be pretty tasty - not a bad lunch choice]