Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

[up around 0700 (took care of some work on the computer) - girls took a while to get ready and eat breakfast - left Katie's house around 0930 (carrying leftovers - her fridge was packed!) - got gas in Hingham (0945 - full serve) and got on MA-3, heading towards Boston - changed to I-93 and I-95 to get to the Mass Pike (I-90) - snow everywhere! - traffic was OK for awhile but ended up having to get off west of Auburn (used US-20) - once we were on I-84, things were easier for a bit - slowed down a lot due to traffic trying to exit onto NY Thruway (I-87) - then we were making good time again until we ended up in some kind of moving blockade game (Texas plated-truck was preventing everyone from passing him - he nearly caused several major accidents) - after we finally got by this mess, we were fine for quite a long time - made it on I-81 with no issues and later got gas (and ate a late lunch / early dinner at Burger King) in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania (1605) - hit major traffic backup north of Harrisburg (I-78 issues, I guess) but then got off on US-15 south - it was dark by the time we made it back into Maryland - stopped for icecream and a bathroom break at Wendy's in Thurmont, Maryland (1845) - back on US-15, all the way to I-270 - more traffic started there and it was slow all the way to Montgomery County - when speed picked up again, we didn't have any more traffic all the way home (even on I-495!) - dropped kids off around 2000 (it took just a tiny bit less time to drive via ththe "western" route) - overall: what a great trip!]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

[got up pretty early (tough to roust the kids) - left Katie's around 0900 (got gas) and then drove down MA-3 to Cape Cod - took them exploring to see all the places related to my childhood (first school, job, friend's house, our old house, etc.) - ended up stopping in Brewster, Dennis and Yarmouth - also visited my Mom's grave site - drove back to Sandwich to Dad's house (a little "where are you?" and "why are you taking so long?" from Carolyn and Katie) - after everyone was back together, we drove to Subway for lunch (1345) - took a nice walk on a beach nearby with everyone (cold but fun) - around 1600, I took Carolyon and the kids to do some shopping at the Christmas Tree Shops (1550) near the Sagamore Bridge - on the way back, we stopped for a view of the Canal with Carolyn - we were going to do some more shopping but I got a call from John that he wanted to drop Ella and Johnnie off with me - met them at Dad's and John & Aria went home - Beth took Erin and Brenna to shop some more at her favorite places - meanwhile, Carolyn entertained Mollie and Katie's kids with some elaborate card/board games - fun was had by all! - spent several more hours with Dad, capping it off with a huge Chinese Restaurant (more leftovers!) - around 2000, got everyone in the car and took MA-3 back to Hanover - arrived early enough to do some packing and still have time to watch one of the Ironman movies - will need to get an early start in the morning, so went to bed before everyone else...]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

[up early - took care of some work related stuff while waiting for everyone to get up - Carolyn arrived around 10 and Katie took all the girls to the Mall (etc.) - John and I stayed at the house and watched TV, movies - eventually, everyone returned and we had great leftovers for lunch - later in the day, we drove (two cars) into Boston (hated that drive...) - parking tough to locate - after getting together again, we walked around at the Fanuel Hall (AKA Quincy) Marketplace - when we walked inside, it brought back a lot of memories from the past - everyone got separated really quickly (curiosity caused the kids to split up and look in lots of little shops - eventually, we assembled the group again (whew) - we took a bunch of pictures - it was pretty cold outside but everyone was in good spirits - we later walked into the North End (past lots of historic buildings and cemeteries) until we arrived at Macy's - they had a Christmas Tree Lighting event going on (with good musical entertainment - Mayor was even there) - it was FREEZING but I saw the kids were paying close attention to everything (almost forgetting the temperature) - afterwards, the girls all wanted autographs from "Before You Exit" (boy band) and Katie & Carolyn decided to wait - it was tough to find bathrooms when needed... - after a long delay, John and I decided to walk back to Quincy Market to look for a place to eat dinner - while waiting, we had tall beers at Bertucci's while (1900) - later, everyone else made it to where we were and we had a pizza feast (LOTS of leftovers!) - we were finished at 2045 and went back to our cars - ended up with Aria in our car (Mollie with Katie) and, after we all got separated, she navigated us to her house - Carolyn went down to the Cape - it was still "early", so more movies and other festivities began at Katie's house, ending very late - stayed up this time (tired, though) - what a fun time we are having!]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

[up pretty early (0600) - found John, Katie and her kids were already awake (Turkey Trot - and they actually missed the start) - ate breakfast and managed to get Brenna to go with me and John to watch Aria and her marching band play at halftime of the Norwell-Hanover football game - they were good! (Earth, Wind & Fire songs) - headed back to the house and spent a few hours helping with Thanksgiving meal components (peeling potatoes, setting up table, general cleanup, etc.) - the larger family started to arrive around noon and everyone was there by 1400 - we had a great meal (28 years since I was with all of them and first time ever for the kids) - afterwards, Katie had set up some games (beyond the "I'm Thankful For...") - we had some great laughs answering "deep thought" type questions (e.g., "If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?") - afterwards, the kids spread out and watched movies and played video games - everyone was cozy in the house (nice fire in the woodstove) and enjoyed each other's company... - stayed up later, but still beat the kids to bed (they are sharing rooms with their cousins)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[Thanksgiving with Katie - up around 0500 - finished packing - drove to ATM, got gas for Explorer (0605 - right when pumps opened, slow) - went to Giant (0625) to pick up snack foods - already raining... - drove to Nicky's and swapped out cars (cleaned up Chrysler before we left) - packed the girls, on the road by 0700 - left and drove on I-495 to I-95 - traffic good (just some slow downs due to weather) - took I-695 around Baltimore (avoiding most tolls) - back on I-95 through Maryland (toll at 0910), Delaware (toll at 0930) - used I-295 to cross Delaware River and stayed on it through the first half of New Jersey until met up with I-95 again (Jersey Turnpike) - made pretty good time (snow falling) and crossed into New York around 1145 - crossed George Washington Bridge (NYC) at noon and continued on I-95 into Connecticut - then the traffic slowed down to crawl - snow falling, but main reason was NYC commuters and construction all the way to I-91 - actually, traffic looked much worse going south on I-95 all the way... - when we finally got moving again, we had to stop for bathroom break and gas (Branford, CT - 1430) - back on I-95, traffic thinned out and we made good time all the way until reaching Rhode Island - then, the snow began to affect us: I-295 around Providence did not appear to have been plowed and there were some dicey ice/slush moments - plus, it got dark - we finally made it into Massachusetts, where the plows were driving along either side of us as we drove north of Attleboro - decided to get off the Interstate early and drove through Stoughton and Brockton on backroads (weather degrading by the minute) until reaching Katie's house in Hanover - check engine light came on right when we stopped for the night (whew) - it took about 10 hours, all told... - it was great to see Katie and her family! - we raced to get all of the bags in from the car as the snow kept falling - had a great dinner and then got settled for the night - I was tired, so I went to bed before the kids...]

Fayetteville, PA (USA)

Being so near the trail this morning, I got a really early start - enough to see the remnants of the sunrise during my drive up South Mountain on a gravel road. My first few hours took me (and my bad knee) down a big hill to Caledonia State Park (where I left off yesterday). When I turned around, my knee felt much better - good thing, since the climb required it... When I reached the car again, I repositioned about three miles north and biked back to where I started. Hike...d all the way to Birch Run Shelter (and back) for a total of 16 miles. Felt really good - even with some challenging hill work. Just like yesterday, I rarely stopped and averaged 3 miles an hour - great stamina after this year of hiking! Saw lots of Boy Scouts today - not a surprise with the great weather (temps at 7:30 same as high all day yesterday...). [Ol' Reliable was almost stolen!] Finished at around 2:30, so took advantage of the remaining sunlight to ride 6 miles (and back) of the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Biked a total of 15 miles today. Saw the sun set over the Potomac before heading home. Bring on Turkey Day! Total AT today = 9.4 miles / G.T. = 257.03 (!!!!!)

Fayetteville, PA (USA)

Another great day on the trail in PA! Cold again (30s) with snow and ice, but 18 miles of hiking and 5 miles of biking can warm up anyone... I hiked south from PA-233 to Old Forge Picnic Area (where I turned around last weekend) and then back to my car. All of the hiking in the morning was in Michaux State Forest. Highlight was the spectacular view (east) from Chimney Rocks. Next, I rode my bike north to Caledonia State Park and then hiked back to my car again - around 7 ...hours outside - felt great! Only saw a few other people all day. One deer crossed my path but didn't see much other wildlife. After finishing, I had a good dinner at the Flamingo Family Restaurant (Fayetteville). Felt good enough that I decided to spend the night here so I can do some more tomorrow. Stayed in the Rite Spot Motel (recommended in my AT Hiker Guide). Can't believe I'm still able to hike this late in November! Total today = 11.3 miles / Grand Total AT = 247.63 miles.

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - happy hour at Vie in the city - rode Metro to King Street - met up with Joe R. and his wife - Winesday at Whole Foods: "Casablanca Nights" (Food / Wine - Cooked Carrot Salad with Toasted Cumin Dressing / Riebeek Sauvignon Blanc; Morroccan Lentil Soup / Belgrano Malbec; Lamb Tagine / Les Dauphin Cotes du Rhone; Butternut Harissa Hummus / Erbach Riesling; Pumpkin Cheesecake / Villa Jolanda Moscato d'Asti)]

Pen-Mar, PA (USA)

It was quite cold but clear - I decided (early) it was another good opportunity for an AT hike! Drove up via I-495, I-270 and US-15 until I reached PA-16 (northwest of Emmitsburg). Spent the day between Pen-Mar Park and Old Forge Picnic Area (southern PA) and fit in more than 15 miles. There was actually snow on the ground in several places - glad I dressed warmly... Traveled some of the way with other hikers (Don and Jeff, father & son) and had some good conversations. Very little wildlife or vegetation of note - what a difference a month makes! Felt pretty good until the very end (knee) but glad I didn't waste this chance (possibly last for the year?). On the way home (US-15, I-270, I-495), stopped at Fort Detrick to get some Saranac beer and Bacardi. Even with some traffic, made it home in pretty good time. Total on AT today = 7.2 miles / G.T. = 236.33 miles.

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[worked all day and then met up with happy hour group at Vie de France - later, Sabrina, Stephanie, Zach and I got a ride with Kelly to Old Town - Winesday at Whole Foods: "Cheese Lover's Delight" (Food / Wine - Smoked Gouda and Apple Salad / Quail Creek Chardonnay; Broccoli, Cheese and Kale Soup / Globeratti Sauvignon Blanc; Spinach, Mushroom & Chicken Quiche / Nicolas Pinot Noir; Balsamic Baked Tomatoes / Gran Conti Montepulciano; Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting / Voulet Casoorzo) - Jim R. met us and we hung out for several hours at the bar in the wine section - it was another great night! - got home really late...]

Front Royal, VA (USA)

Knee rested, unseasonably warm weather, fee-free day and an Uncle-Sam-mandated day-off = time for a hike! Got an early start - enjoying Shenandoah NP before almost anyone else arrived. Biked from Skyline Drive mile marker 17.7 to Elkwallow Wayside (mm 24) and then headed back NOBO. Not in a hurry - took my time enjoying clear skies, talking to other hikers and marveling at several stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley below. At the end of the day, I got a great view (from South Marshall Mt.) of my entire hike - ridge after ridge in the distance. Nearly 15 miles in the books today - awesome way to spend Veterans Day! After I drove back to Alexandria, I picked up Mollie for dinner. We ate at Red, Hot & Blue (one of our favorites). I had a nice time before I took her home. Total on AT today = 6.7 miles / Grand Total = 229.13 miles.

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[I was sick all day (actually, all weekend) - by the time I'd slept away most of the last 48 hours, I finally began to feel better - so the entire weekend was not a complete waste, I checked with Mollie to see if she would want to try to see "Book of Life" again - she was up for the challenge, so I picked her up and we drove to Hoffman Plaza and got in without any difficult (third time is a charm) - it was a pretty good movie - afterwards, we had a nice dinner at the nearby California Tortilla - I took her home after that and I got organized for my one day week (due to the holiday on November 11...]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[after work today, I started out happy hour at Vie de France (as usual) and was planning to head over to Old Town - soon learned that the rest of the crowd was not up for the trip - so I bailed on them to go by myself - rode the Metro down to King Street - Winesday at Whole Foods: "Comida Latina" (Food / Wine - Caesar Salad / Orlana Vinho Verde; Sancocho / Natura Chardonnay; Flank Steak with Chimichurri / Alta Corte Tinto; Coconut Rice & Pinto Beans; Mocha Buttercream / Flare Sparkling Moscatel) - enjoyed the evening again but it wasn't exactly the same by myself (finished early)... - even though it looked like rain, I decided to look for my lawyer's office (since I have an appointment in a few weeks) - walked through the area south of Old Town and near Eisenhower Avenue - it was a pleasant walk and I figured out I would only need to take the Metro one additional stop to get to my car]

Washington, DC (USA)

[was glad to get the hour of sleep back (time change) with my late arrival last night - woke up around 0730 - drove to Franconia-Springfield Metro Station - took the train into DC to attend Mass at St. Stephen Martyr in Washington - after visiting the choir loft when I arrived, I ended up sitting with David and his dad - heard Kim play and enjoyed an amazing performance by her choir as they sang the Requiem Mass in D Minor, Gabriel Faure - there was a crazy protestor lady outside that was hard to avoid - afterwards, we all walked down to Cafe Duluxe at M Street and 22nd Street (NW) - enjoyed a nice brunch with Kim, David and her friends - since I had promised Mollie another chance to see "Book of Life", I left the restaurant round 1345, walking back to Foggy Bottom Metro - first took the train to L'Enfant plaza but quickly learned that very few Yellow Line trains were running - so I backtracked on the Blue Line back out of the city - unfortunately, I got stuck with a single tracking scenario at that point - Nicky was trying to meet me at the Hoffman Center (Eisenower Station) but it didn't work out (missed the one showing time) - took train back to my car and then headed home - ended up on the phone with Nicky for awhile - relaxed at the apartment for the rest of the night]

Morgantown, WV (USA)

[since the beginning of the year, I had been planning to attend the Notre Dame - Navy football game at FedEx Field this weekend - I had won the ticket lottery and purchased four (good) seats, thinking this would be the chance of a lifetime for the kids to see the Fighting Irish play - however, lots of events conspired to ensure none of the plans took place - first, Brenna and Erin were asked to present at a Writing Center in Orlando, Florida - that was an outstanding opportunity that could not be missed, so I understood - second, Nicky wanted to use the tickets with Mollie and some friends - at that point, I was the odd man out - by September, I was convinced this weekend would involve a hike - however, I didn't count on the outstanding memory of my friend, Mary, who worked at our company until May - she had remembered (back in 2012) that Mollie liked the TCU Horned Frogs and that we would want to see them play the West Virginia Mountaineers in Morgantown - I received a call that she had tickets ("did I want to come?" - "of course!") - so, by the time I left Alexandria this morning, I felt really good about my prospects for a great college football experience - I departed around 0700, using I-495, I-270, I-70 and I-68 - I made it (even with a fuel stop near Cumberland, Maryland) by around 1200 - no problem finding the place (near WVU campus) - Mary and her fiance, Jimmy, and lots of her college friends were there, prepping for the big tailgate: drinks, pepperoni rolls, sandwiches, etc. - around 1330, we walked about four blocks down the street to the parking lot outside Milan Puskar Stadium - the area was awash in blue and gold (not the kind I was used to, but it looked familiar) - people were very friendly - at one point, Jimmy nearly took Mary out with a falling cooler but she was rescued by a passer-by, who was happy to take a can of beer for being helpful - we arrived at the tailgate (run by Mary's brother-in-law, a Fraternity President at WVU several years back) - there was lots of alumni and frat-house business while we all drank and stayed out of the drizzle and wind (brrrrrr) - at one point, just before kickoff, the sun actually came out and we all hoped it would last (but it didn't) - we went inside the stadium and parted ways (tickets spread out) - Mary and Jimmy were in the endzone (up high) but I was about eight rows up near the Goal Line - I had some amazing views of several scoring plays and the band ("Pride of West Virginia") - it was FREEZING by half time - I had on about three layers of coats, a hoodie, gloves, winter had and a rain poncho but it didn't really help - I guess I've become a wuss since I attended four years' worth of home games in South Bend... - I marveled at the band as they played in the cold and we watched a series of West Virginia turnovers keep TCU in the game until a last second field goal destroyed the crowd's mood (loss) - we went back to the tailgater and spent another 45 minutes there before the cold drove us back to the house - the traffic was so nightmarish by this point that I waited it out with Mary, Jimmy and all her friends - helped to clean up and polish off some food that otherwise would have spoiled :-) - around 2100, I got on the road again - the traffic had died down a lot and I had no problem getting back to I-68 - on the big hill east of town, I saw a runaway truck grinding brakes off (hot sparks) all the way down and encountered my first taste of the snowy weather that could derail my plans to return home - I almost hit a deer after I got back into Maryland and started to worry about getting stuck in snow every time I went uphill into the clouds - one of my friends texted me around 2330 and scolded me when I answered (weather, late, texting while driving - I deserved it) - by the time I reached Cumberland, the weather improved and I just had to worry about whether I might fall asleep - did OK, though, and was home by 0100 on November 2nd (getting an hour of sleep back)... - what a great trip - thanks Mary!]