Smithsburg, MD (USA)

[got up early and drove up to Smithsburg, Maryland, to support an all-volunteer AT Work Crew near the Raven Rocks - used I-495, I-270, I-70 (with a stop at a rest area near the AT), MD-66 and MD-491 - the opportunity presented itself when I got a ride from this same location (a little more than a month ago) - my new friend (driver), Mike, told me I could pay back the Trail Magic when the crew got started this month - I was glad to help - the trail improvment project involved building a rock staircase to the top of the hill on the north side of route 491 - it was a beautiful day to be outside (short sleeve weather, sunny and pleasant breeze) - I learned how to shop for rocks, place the risers, crush the rocks (pack stones that hold larger stones in place) and set gargoyles along the edges - there was lots of heavy lifting, sledgehammering and strategizing of how to best take the trail up the hill - overall, it was a great experience and I met a lot of good people (they support this work often) - I would definitely like to do this again... - as I returned to the car to leave, I encountered a swarm of ladybugs that joined me in the car while I was driving home (Note - they spent the next few weeks leaving...) - I called Mollie and found out that she was up for dinner and movie tonight - backtracked on the roads to get to the house (not a bad drive, actually - early) - got a shower at at Nicky's before we left (had been covered with dirt, dust, sweat after my busy day!) - we drove towards Springfield and had a nice dinner at Magic Wok, a place we had wanted to try for awhile - later, we walked around in the revamped mall (under renovation since we've lived in the area) - we wanted to see the movie "Book of Life" but learned it was sold out - we will have to try again... - drove Mollie home and headed back to my place - fell right to sleep (tired)...]