Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Arlington, VA (USA)

[this was the first work day complicated by our new office location (near the Navy Yard) in the District - my meetings all morning required me to be at L'Enfant Plaza (near our old office) - when I was done (1130), I headed to Pentagon City and got lunch at Popeye's - finishing up a teleconference, I took the Metro down to Braddock Road and figured out to do the rest of the workday at one of our branch offices (partially successful) - headed home after that and met up with Bob at TopGolf (first time in a long while - stayed until around 2145]

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Annapolis, MD (USA)

[Kelly told me about an extra ticket she had for a concert in Annapolis late this evening - I said goodbye to Brenna and Mollie and headed over to meet the group (Jim H., Monica and Kelly) at the Yardhouse (Springfield Mall) - around 1800, I found them and we left together (Jim drove us in Kelly's car) for Annapolis - we parked in the Gott Parking Garage - walked a short distance to the Ramshead Pub (a place I've visited near Chris' house) - we had some drinks and I joined the World Beer Club (1945) - we moved next door to the Stage and set up for a concert - I was sitting at a table with Monica while Kelly and Jim were nearby at another table - we ate a light dinner (hummus) and had some more drinks - we first watched a local Annapolis band and then the main event (Cowboy Mouth) came out - very engaging concert - we finished up around 2230 and then left the club (talking to the lead singer of the warmup band on the way out - we drove home on I-495 (four lanes dropped down to two) - got lost after we got off the Interstate near the Springfield Mall - finally got back to my car - drove home and went to bed around 0100]

Summer Vacation - Day 16

[up around 0600 - finished packing the car - roused the kids from slumber - said all our goodbyes (sad) - John made us Egg McDuffs and Katie packed a great lunch for the road - we were in the car and on MA-3 by 0700 (wow!) - we took I-93 and I-95 to get home (via New York City) - I rarely use this route because of the traffic but the weather and time of day boded well - we made good time (using I-295 around Providence) and encountering very few delays (mainly just a rain squall slowed us down) all the way to the Hudson River - as we cross the George Washington Bridge, we were treated to amazing views of Manhattan (including the new World Trade Center) and the kids seemed to like that - in New Jersey, we couldn't get on I-95 (traffic) so I continued on I-80 all the way out to I-287 and then we got on I-78 - we ate our lunch around that time and even made a gas/bathroom stop in Breinigsville (PA) - we had lots of trouble with the traffic patterns in the area, the wildly fluctuating cost of fuel and the single bathroom with big line but managed to get back on the road eventually (1210) - I was actually surprised at the light traffic all the way home (I-81, PA-581, US-15, I-270, I-495) and we arrived at my apartment (via the post office) around 1600. This was far faster than I'd expected and I wasn't sure about Nicky's whereabouts (Brenna had hinted that she was at Natural Bridge - probably three hours away) - I tried to talk to her on the phone but she was too flustered to tell me how long it would be before she came home. The kids and I finished unpacking the car and then Brenna and Mollie went into "deep cover" in their room to virtually reconnect with their friends - I fed them dinner and we waited for their mother to come home.]

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 15

[up at 0500 - wrote blog notes - John made me an Egg McDuff - we drove over to the Blue Hills Park (near Canton) and hiked up Buck Mountain (~500 feet) - the weather was overcast and cool (perfect hiking weather) - there were some great hills to climb and we saw pretty views of Boston and other areas to the north and south - we finished up with a leisurely stroll back down the hills to Houghton Lake picnic area - on the way home, we picked up munchkins (assorted) at Dunkin Donuts - watched TV with the kids - did dishes and laundry - Brenna, Mollie and I went to Mass (St. Helen in Norwell) at 1600 (!) - it was basically an "Early Bird" special for church and we found it was probably the fastest we've ever attended (30 minutes!) - the girls like the priest and the welcoming environment - we headed back towards Katie's but Brenna said she wanted to do some shopping before we left - we got a gas fillup in Hanover (1655) - and then went to the Christmas Tree Shops (1800) - we had a good time exploring and buying more items for my apartment - we drove back to Katie's and ate dinner that Katie had made before she left - we also ate Ella's brownies - Johnnie and I watched a movie ("Box Trolls") until around 2200 - I then tried to go to sleep after packing things up - I was doing OK until John, Aria and Katie returned around 2300 and everyone in the house descended on the kitchen above me - I really didn't fall asleep until well after 0100...]

Friday, July 24, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 14

[awake in RV at 0600 - read until 0700 - Brenna up early (!) - Dad made pancakes - when Johnnie got up, we headed to Snake Pond to take a swim - the water was nice but the light wind made it hard to get out - we also stopped at the Fish Hatchery (to feed them!) - we went back to Dad's and got changed - I called Judy and she asked me to come by the house at 1230 - Katie also let me know thar Mollie was doing better (and that the kids went to the movies last night) - we left Johnnie to have an adventure with Dad - Brenna and I took our time on MA-6A and Setucket Road, all the way to Brewster - we stopped for a walk and took some photos at the old mill before driving down the road a short way to visit Dick and Judy - Dick took us walking around the property, talking about family and the former resident of the site - like many moments on this trip, I experienced amazing memories of a place from my youth... - it has been decades since I visited them but we talked about those times and everything came back quickly - we ate lunch on their pretty porch and talked for a while - afterwards, we took a tour of their home and then ride with them by the Thrift Shop, Joseph C Lincoln Home and Ellis Landing Beach - we met up with my cousin, Amy, and her family there - Brian told us about his oyster business - it was a nice visit - on the way back to their house, we stopped to explore the Brewster Store - I had to wrap up some business for work but could only connect via cell phone - I was done around 1615 and we raced back to Dad's - when we got there, we learned that dinner had been pushed to the right - we cleaned up the RV and sat outside under the canopy - Mollie reported that her big burn blister had popped (kind of a relief, actually) - we then followed Dad to the Old Colony Plaza (near Carver - US-44 and MA-80) - dinner was at Olive Garden at 1800, but it took more than a hour to get everyone together - it was a nice time, with everyone catching up from the previous few days - when we were done (1930), Brenna and Johnnie and I drove back to Katie's, stopping at Tedeschi Food Shops at 2000 (picking up Not Your Father's Root Beer and Yuengling) - arrived after both Katie and John - feeling stuffed, Brenna and I took a walk down to the High School for laps on the track - it has been great talking to her and spending one on one with her during the trip - she played mini golf - on the way back, Katie picked her up so she could go to the movies with Aria - I went back to the house and watched "Penguins of Madagascar" with Ella, Mollie and Johnnie - talked to Katie and John about our last day (tomorrow) - bed late (2345)]

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 13

[woke very early (0500) but managed to fall back asleep until around 0830 - had breakfast and did some dishes while waiting for everyone else to wake up - Katie tried to clean Mollie's wounds again (it was really painful!) - since she wasn't in a condition to travel, I left her behind and drove Brenna and Johnnie down to the Cape to visit Dad and Beth - when we arrived (around 1400), I helped Dad get the RV and picked up some cash at the TD Bank (1440) - we then we visited for a bit - we walked down to Sandwich Pizza for Dad & Beth to get a late lunch (1530) - later, we left for the Barnstable County Fair in Falmouth - we paid to park (close by) and then got general admission tickets (1645) - we explored the entire place before coming back to visit all the animals - some of the highlights included: visiting the 4H barn (a little girl told us all about her horse, Penny), holding the bunnies, watching the camel - we explored the prize winning exhibits (flowers, crafts, quilts, art, produce) - we ate dinner (foot long dog, chicken strips, fries and lemonade) - after that, we headed over to the midway and the kids rode on four rides: round up zero gravity, coaster, the zipper (very scary - upside down in a cage) and the bumper cars - we took some chances with the carnival games (water guns, BB guns) and Johnnie won a prize (Hello Kitty) for Brenna - we then looked for fried twinkles (we found them, but I really wanted fried cheesecake but could not find the vendor again) - Brenna had a blonde from Yummy Mummy - then we watched some lady lumberjacks (chainsaws, throwing axes, etc.) - we left to drive home after about four hours at the fair (fun!) - made good time and arrived at Dad's to find the door locked (they forgot!) - but we were able to get inside anyway (don't ask how!) - we played with the digs and watched "The Client" - went to bed in RV right after Dad and Beth returned at around 2300]

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 12

[I really didn't sleep well - when I got up at 0730, I realized I'd probably only had about 2-3 hours... - had breakfast with Katie, Aria and Ella - worked on my computer for several hours (blog posts, email catch up, school emails for Brenna) - around 1000, Katie called in a favor from a doctor friend for Mollie's sunburn (she had a HUGE blister) - John drove me to CVS at 1215 and we picked up the burn cream - we also dropped off Johnnie at a friend's house over in Hanson - when we got back, Katie applied the cream on Mollie and covered her whole back with bandages - Katie later made an order for sandwiches from Subway - we had some nice conversations - by the time we finished lunch - Mollie found the energy to play chess with John - Ella had some friends over to swim in the pool - I called Das to tell him we probably wouldn't come down to the Cape, because of Mollie's burn - exchanged texts with Erin - at 1600, we got ready for our drive to Gerard's (in Plymouth) - we drive back to Hanson to get Johnnie and used several back roads (MA-58, MA-27, MA-80) and a couple of MA-3 exits - got off on US-44W - found Gerard's pretty house (in an area of several huge cranberry bogs near Carver) - Katie and Ella and Dad and Beth (with Elsa and Ana) arrived a bit later - we had pizza, salad and ice cream - this was the first time we'd been to his place and it was nice to sit outside in his backyard (under tall pine trees) - after Katie took the girls home, the guys helped Gerard clean up - then we went over to Colony Place so Johnnie could use his gift card at Best Buy - we headed home at around 2100 - I got a call from Brenna on the way ("where are you?" - it is nice to be missed) - watched some old home movies when we reached Katie's - at around 2200, I took a walk,trying to get close to my 10,000 steps - it was a very nice evening and I enjoyed the walk near the Hanover High School -went to sleep at 2315]

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 11

[woke up around 0700 and had pancakes with Katie - she announced that it was National Junk Food Day - I took care of work emails all morning - got a few visits from the girls after they woke up at 1100 - Mollie had a BAD sunburn - I came upstairs for lunch (pizza, pasta, chips, ice cream) around 1300 and then tried to take a nap - this was difficult, since John was giving drum lessons a few feet away - got some sleep between 1600 and 1800 - came upstairs again to find John grilling outside - ate burgers and hot dogs for dinner - after we were done, the kids and I did dishes - we also watched Disney TV movies for awhile - sunset was beautiful (yellow streaks/fingers) - Brenna went walking with me around the high school track - came back to more TV but I got bored soon after - the girls started a movie at 2230 but I went down to bed - very lazy day for me but I heard the kids awake well past midnight...]

Monday, July 20, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 10

[up at 0630 - getting ready - light breakfast before departure for the Cape - left Katie's at around 0745 - got gas in Hanover (0800) - ended up chasing John down to Woods Hole (via MA-3, US-6 and MA-28) - Brenna was using her Google app to try to keep up but then we encountered a major traffic jam - Katie and John eventually got us to the ferry landing - dropped kids off at 0915 but didn't get parked until almost 1000 (tried lots of places until discovering a parking lot in West Falmouth) - kids made it over to the island with Katie, though - rode shuttle bus from parking lot to the ferry with John - barely made it to our ferry (1045) - rode over to Vineyard Haven aboard "Island Dream" (and drank Bad Martha beer on the way) - met locals - we arrived at around 1130 and walked to Oak Bluffs (three miles) - stopped for a couple of beers and light lunch at (Sand Dune Bar & Grille) - Katie wanted us to hurry to meet them, so we finished up and arrived at their location in time to catch the bus to the Jaws Bridge - almost all the kids jumped off (!), following in my footsteps (from almost 30 years ago) - the kids were probably out in the blazing sun (hottest day of the summer so far) for about six hours - meanwhile, I was hiding under and umbrella on a bench (writing a short story) - we eventually caught the bus back to Oak Bluffs and everyone changed out of their wet swimsuits - everyone was hungry by this point, so we explored the area near Nancy's again - prices were very high everywhere - we ultimately settled on the Sand Bar & Grille again - started inside but Katie wanted to move outside - I had sushi, Brenna had clam chowder, and Mollie had the "wicked good grill cheese" (with bacon) - everyone was miserably hot by this point... - afterwards (1800), we walked around in town, window shopping at various stores (including the Black Dog and Vineyard Vines) - we then walked into the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association neighborhood (gingerbread houses) - Brenna told me she wanted to live in one if the pink houses - we walked over to the Flying Horses (old fashioned carousel) - it was so hot and I didn't want to ride anyway, so Brenna and I took refuge across the street at an ice cream shop (Vineyard's Best Ice Cream) - we got a strawberry, mint and butterscotch sundae - Brenna told me she wanted Jeeves to come pick her up in his helicopter - eventually, everyone else joined us - we then walked over to the Steamship Authority landing - I bought tickets (1945) and waited for the ferry to arrive - Mollie and I went walking on the pier for awhile, watching the fishermen - we also checked out the "fast boat" from NYC - we boarded the ship (2030 - last one of the night) and sat on the fantail as the sun disappeared for the day - evening was very pleasant and the kids explored the ship - lots of lights on the coast and ride was short - caught the shuttle back to the Thomas Landers lot - obnoxious drunk girl on bus (almost confronted her) - we got out of the bus right near our car (2150) and headed back to Hanover (via 28N and a wrong turn back to the south - damn - finally on track via MA-28 to US-6 and MA-3 - arrived about 15 minutes after John and Katie - it was very late and everyone was ready for bed - Mollie soaked her sunburn in the tub - I fell asleep after midnight]

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 9

[up at 0530 (felt good) - packed up and cleaned up my bunk area - weather was much improved - could see Cannon peak and the peaks across the Notch - after another entertaining breakfast production (oatmeal, eggs, sausage), we had some more fellowship time - with the approaching inclement weather, I convinced John, Brian and Eric to go early (0820) - we hiked up Lonesome Lake Trail up to Kinsman Ridge Trail (tough - rocky and slippery) - the fog let off a little, so we could see terrain to the west - then we continued up to the summit of Cannon Mountain (~4200') - weather was OK when Brian and I arrived (1000) but the clouds rolled in, the temperature dropped and the rain started right after that - still had time for a group photo - started down right afterwards - saw the rest of our group and the rain started in earnest - tough going all the way back - I helped Eric make it across some tricky rocks - saw families with kids (including babies and one barefoot boy) during the descent - we tried to warn them not to continue up the mountain, but they wouldn't listen - smh - made it back to hut by 1130 - got the rest of my gear and headed down the mountain alone (after watching several guys jump in the lake - rain stopped and sun came out as I descended - it actually got really warm (after 50-60 degree weather, I was spoiled) - dried off and changed clothes after I reached the bottom (1205) and waited for everyone else - John brought up the rear at around 1245 and we headed south - stopped for late lunch in Ashland (Common Man) - group assigned new trail names (mine was "Straight Line") - John bought me a New Hampshire hat - we drove home via I-93 and then NH-132 when we hit traffic near Loudon NASCAR raceway (it was actually race weekend!) - we had no problems south of Concord - made good time all the way back to Hanover (1805) - got laundry going - shower for first time in three days - helped cleanup kitchen while John cooked dinner (spaghetti) - Katie and kids returned from Maine (Kittery) and we all ate dinner together on the deck - it was broiling hot... - it was fun to catch up on the kids' adventures while I was gone (R5 concert, trip to Boston and the North End, Coogan's Pub, outlet shopping in Maine) - after cleaning up the kitchen, we all watched "Monsters University" afterwards while Brenna and Aria entertained guests in the pool - it started to rain, so the party came inside - I finally was able to reclaim the pullout couch bed around 2300 - fell asleep soon afterwards] [NH 4000 Footer #4 of 48]

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 8

[almost no sleep (exhausted) - cold and foggy morning - croo woke us at 0630 with guitar music from the croo - we packed up - breakfast was an even bigger production from last night: skits, more songs, rowdy start to morning - menu was oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon - we all got ready and the men's group said a prayer before our departure (0830) - slow start (following same trailblazer as yesterday) - single file up Fishin' Jimmy Trail (aka AT in this section) - most of the early climb, I was listening to conversations between church friends who obviously were very engrossed in the mentor/mentee idea (felt uncomfortable) - finally got by the crowd and then continued a steady climb of about 1500 feet in just over two miles - misty and wet (but no rain, thankfully) - got to Kinsman Ridge Trail pretty easily and then the group of 31 guys began to splinter - by the time we reached the North Peak of the mountain (about 4300 feet elevation), I was hiking only with Brian - we decided to forgo the photo opportunity (no views anyway) and continued to the South Peak (almost 4400 feet) - we had seen very few people all the way up but ran into a Through Hiker that we saw a few more times in the day - Brian and I reached the turnaround point (still no views) - he got a cell signal and texted his wife - we started down and ran into the serious hikers in our group - they seemed genuinely disappointed that they weren't first to the top (ha!) - we backtracked to the fork in the trail and followed the original trail itinerary (emailed to us a few weeks ago): Kinsman Pond Trail and Cascade Brook Trail (aka AT) - Tim joined us a bit later - when we got back, we learned that no one else bothered to go that way (tired, wet, etc.) and we were the only ones to complete the circuit - we encountered a nice shelter (and some through hikers who had left on March 1 - I learned that all AMC properties cost money (seems pretty silly after all the free ones to the south...) - we continued downhill - it was tough going (creek bed, mossy rocks, overgrown) - fortunately, neither of us fell or got hurt - saw some nice waterfalls - almost no wildlife today, unfortunately... - the last mile or so was a steady climb back up to Lonesome Lake - passed lots of day hikers - it was good to get back to the hut (1430) after almost 10 miles - we were definitely some of the earliest finishers (most turned back and some of them weren't even back yet) - tried to get dry (tough) - also tried to take a nap (to make up for the lack of sleep) but I was unsuccessful (loud singing, etc.) - read the winter camping book again (and finished all 200 pages) - then walked down to the lake to get some peace and quiet - it was foggy until around 1745, when the clouds cleared and we got a beautiful view again (it was very short lived) - dinner finally arrived and it was just as rowdy - menu was bread, salad, pea soup, pork, mashed potatoes and chocolate cake - after we were done, I got ready for bed (0830) - the head start was good: despite heavy snoring by roommate again, I slept much better - loud rain storm in the night helped even more! - AT Today = 4.81 miles / G.T. Total = 462.02 miles / NH 4000 Footer #2 and #3 of 48]

Friday, July 17, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 7

[up at 0730 and got ready for the Epic Hike - John had wanted to leave at 0800 (I wondered why) but we didn't leave the house until around 0845 - after getting gas, I drove John, his brother, Brian, and a friend, Eric up to Woodstock, NH (via I-93) - it took us about 2.5 hours (some traffic but not bad) - toll near Concord - we were about two hours early (1130) so we ate lunch at Landmark II (Greek) in town and walked down to the Pemigewasset River - then we drove back to the Interstate - I got a hiking map of the area at the National Forest Visitors Center (1245) and we took a quick look at the Hobo (Mountain) Railroad - we parked at the McDonalds (North Woodstock) and met most of the 31 guys going on the GuyWire men's group hike (5th year) - after everyone was together, we convoyed to Franconia Notch (Lafayette Place Campground) and (luckily) found a place to park - we started up the Lonesome Lake Trail at around 1420 (after a prayer) - I was using my new boots, backpack, reservoir, etc.) and felt very prepared - it was about a one and a half mile hike with 1000 feet of elevation - no problem with the climb (endurance, etc.) but I lost my footing and broke a hiking pole... - still got to the top of the hill around 1520, near the front of the group - the last 0.3 was AT (seemed anticlimactic)... - checked into the AMC Hut (~ 2800 feet) that overlooked a beautiful lake -the views across the Notch were tremendous - we got settled and hung out with the guys as they swam - saw a big family if ducks - walked around to take photos - snooped around in hut kitchen (intel on cookies, etc.) - journaling - talked to lots of the guys - turned out that a women's group that had been with the men last year was here - dinner was at 1800 - big production (family style, "rules", croo intros, singing, jokes, other rituals) - the menu was black pea soup, bread, couscous, lemon chicken, broccoli, rice, chocolate chocolate chip cookies - lots of conversation - convinced John, Brian and Eric to hike around lake (a little over one mile) - found books in hut (AMC hut volunteer day schedule, White Mountain hiking, "Winter Camping") and then read in my bunk until after lights out (2130) - light rain almost all night - warm with three blankets, though - lots of snoring by one of the guys: probably no sleep / around three miles of trail hiking today]

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 6

[woke at 0530, expecting road workers but they didn't show up! - pastry breakfast (Dad got them at Market Basket) - worked on puzzles while kids woke up - got in touch with Judy and made plans for next Friday - also learned about plans with Gerard for Wednesday and made plans with Dad for the Barnstable County Fair next week - then started packing to leave - left Dad's around 0900 - drove east on Route 6A to Dennis - Old Bass River Road and Hokum Rock Road, looking for Scargo Tower - then found it - climbed up with kids for beautiful view - back on 6A and went to Brewster to visit Mom's grave - then 6A all the way to Orleans (lots of traffic) - drove down to Rock Harbor - back into town and out to Nauset - 6A to Rotary and US-6 to Eastham and National Seashore Visitor's Center - walked on trails nearby in the pleasant (breezy) weather - inside, we learned about endangered terns and about Cape Cod topography - watched kayakers - asked about seals but they were only around at low tide (missed by six hours) - drove across the street to eat lunch at The Lobster Shanty (me = lobster roll, Brenna = clam chowder, Mollie = crab cake) - everyone enjoyed their food - we actually saw a Cape League player (Dallas Baptist) and his family eating there - when we were done with the great meal (1230), we headed back to the Canal on US-6 and up to Katie's on MA-3 (got off at wrong exit) - took a nap for a few hours (1600-1800) - John made dinner for everyone (tacos) and we had a nice meal with the family - the kids watched a movie (Mall Cop 2) while I caught up on work emails (uughhh) and tried the company's new IT service (meh) - did laundry before bed - said goodbye to the kids after they learned we were leaving early - fell asleep around 2330]

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 5

[up around 0600 (birds, more construction) - breakfast (cereal) - Dad took Mollie to Fish Hatchery, I worked on puzzle - Carolyn was pushing for lots of activities early but I tried to hold everyone back while Brenna was waking up - eventually, everyone went in different directions (shopping) - I went to Eastern Mountain Sports in Buzzards Bay and used my gift certificates and coupons to get a new inflatable pillow (1115) - also stopped at Walmart for boots, socks and poly-blend shirts (1145) - arrived back at the house around 1200 - we ate leftover Chinese food for lunch - at about 1245, we left for Onset Beach - I paid the meter to park in town - Dad got tickets for the Canal Cruise (departed at 1330) - it was great! - we saw a harbor seal, some amazing homes, big ships and views of the bridges from below - the your guide, Steve, was awesome - the kids liked the ride (we didn't quite make it to the northern end of the Canal) - got a soda on the boat ("Viking") - we spent a little time on the beach (where my grandparents first met) - Dad drove us back (1545) and Carolyn was pushing for a swim - we compromised for a trip to the Sandwich Boardwalk Beach - the girls hiked on some mini jetties - Carolyn walked back to soak her feet - I walked a good bit with them but when we found Carolyn again, she was worried we'd be late for the Cape Cod League game that Dad wanted us to go to (we weren't) - we drove down (6A) to the Tech School for the game between Bourne and Hyannis - it was a nice evening (storms threatening) - Dad and Beth had the dogs and they were a big hit with the kids - we left around 1945 and drove back to Sagamore to have dinner at Friendly's - Dad and Beth didn't want to eat, so we went in with Carolyn - service was slow but the food was good - after about an hour, Carolyn and I had a bit of a tiff - as a result, I had trouble getting Brenna back to Dad's (2030) - I spent some time talking to her before and we (apparently) solved the problem - later, we watched PBS (Pluto special) - got to bed very late (after midnight)]

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 4

[up around 0700 (birds, road construction) - read news about "New Horizons" (Pluto mission) - Dad made pancakes - girls finally ready around 1000 - we drove the kayaks down to Shawme Lake - we took turns riding, with Carolyn and Mollie going first while Brenna and I walked back to Dad's house to get flip flops - when it was Brenna and my turn, we paddled across to see swans (female swan with babies, male swan with red winged blackbirds) - we also saw Canadian Geese (babies) - it started raining then - Mollie took another turn and we paddled down to the mill before parking the kayaks - Dad took us to Shawme-Crowell State Park - still very rainy - we stopped at the Canal for a visit to the fish market - later, we went back to Dad's for lunch (leftover pizza) - Dad took me to Mashee Commons (to drop off books) - then we went to Otis (shopping at 1400) - back to house (Carolyn had been dog walking with Mollie and Brenna was napping - Dad took Mollie to Marine life rescue center in Buzzards Bay - I stayed with Brenna and took a short nap - around 1700, Dad and Beth went to get Chinese food - Gerard came over - nice meal - worked on puzzles - Carolyn told stories about her cat, Rocky - afterwards, we got ice cream at Shipwrecks near the Canal - then we walked out on the jetty (Brenna's request) - got back to the cars just before dark - watched "Big Hero 6" - bed around 2300]

Monday, July 13, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 3

[up around 0730 - woke kids - breakfast and packing - left for Cape at 0900 - gas in Kingston (0945) - some traffic but made it to Dad's by 1015 - he and Beth went all out on decorating and making things feel like home - we all changed into swim suits and then drove to Wareham to visit Water Wizz (water park) - stayed from around 1100 until 1600 - Katie brought Ella, Aria and Aidan - everyone had fun - drove back to Dad's (beat Katie) and then headed to Dennis on MA-6A - got a HUGE pizza at RC's (line issue, funny stories) - went to Cold Storage Beach - dinner - walking (jetty, high tide, sand) - around 1945, went to Jacob Sears Library for Dad's book signing - afterwards, headed back to Sandwich, playing "Fortunately - Unfortunately" with Ella on the way (we arrived first) - birthday party for Mollie (cake) before Katie & Co. left - parked across the road (dark) - some visiting with Dad & Beth - went to sleep in the RV (2230)]

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 2

[up early (0630) to prep for Mollie's BDay - Johnnie cat crisis, Ella and Mollie did dishes, then we cleaned up kitchen - I worked on moving website - lunch at Katie's with just kids - tiff with Brenna - reading for afternoon - then, suddenly, we got ready for dinner and drove to Outback Steakhouse at Hanover Mall for dinner (finished at 1815) - call from Dad - walked to movie theatre across the street and watched "Jurasic World" - back at Katie's around 2130 - ice cream (Mollie BDay song) and reading - bed at 2230]

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Summer Vacation - Day 1

[left at 0800 - rain - talking with Nicky about maybe handing off Erin - I-495, I-95, I-695, I-83 - breakfast in Shrewsbury (PA) at Chick-fil-A (0945) - back-roading to interstate - switched to I-81 - some traffic and lots of construction - weather very nice - gas in Hazleton (PA) at 1155 - lunch in car - I-84 - toll at Hudson - sw of Hartfotd, changed to I-691 and then took CT-66 (?) all the way to CT-16 and then CT-2 to I-395 to US-6 to I-295 to I-95 - then Brenna's phone directions (I-93, MA-3) - arrived at 1800 - went with Katie and her family to their friend Derek's house for cookout and birthday party - stayed until around 2100 - phone call with Carolyn - DVD movie ("You Again") with kids - bed around 2300]

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Bethel, PA (USA)

Woke up before the sun and was on the trail by 0730. This was my last section west of the Schuylkill River and I was determined to finish it before heading home. I started SOBO from PA-183 and made good time, despite the rocks and mud. Instead of using my day pack today, I carried my larger backpack (~25 #), preparing for the upcoming Epic Hike in NH. I enjoyed the loud bird songs and cool, misty conditions and originally hoped to finish in under three hours. However, I had to go down into a valley near my turnaround point - basically, a major descent right where I didn't want it... Ran into a large group of through-hikers at the major campsite down there before climbing up to the vista where I had turned around on the day I was at the Showers Stairs. This was the second day in a row where I had to locate an unmarked turn and it was tough, due to the change in foliage (glad I have a good memory). With some sidetracks and a little extra exploring, I hiked about 9 miles in about 3.5 hours). Took very few breaks and never took off the backpack. Reservoir worked in both pack configurations and kept me hydrated (tough with the serious tempo). Was on the highway back home (after gas fill up) by about 1130 and got home before 1500. Great weekend (about 47 miles)! Sore joints and muscles, raw feet (blisters) - but lost some more weight and feel completely healed after my surgery two months ago. Ready for more! AT Today = 4.00 miles / Grand Total = 457.21 miles.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Port Clinton, PA (USA)

It was raining pretty hard so I stayed at the hotel until around noon - still needed the rest anyway... Then I drove about 20 miles east to the AT trailhead on PA-61. Got started up a varsity hill by 1245 (wow - glad I didn't see this yesterday!). Stopped several times to talk to the NOBO through hikers - had a great chat with Osha and Hot Wheels. The trail was rocky, muddy and narrow (surrounded by briars). Overall, very frustrating! Glad I didn't plan a lot of miles... From time to time, I saw more of the beautiful mountain azaleas I've been encountering each time I've hiked on Blue Mountain since May. I also saw small rodents, who's seemed startled at my presence on the overcast and misty day. When I turned around at the Shartlesville-Cross Mountain Road, I decided to walk on a gravel road that I'd crossed several times (my feet needed a break from the uneven steps). This added a bit to the distance but got me back more quickly. Back on the AT, the downhill hike to my car was harrowing - glad I didn't fall! On the way back to my hotel in Pine Grove, I pre-paid some trail magic by shuttling a through hiker to his lodgings in Hamburg. Logged about 15 miles in six hours. Very sore - but I think I've got some more in the tank yet! One more day until I've got to go back to the old grind... AT Today = 6.91 miles / G.T. = 453.21 miles.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Pine Grove, PA (USA)

Got a very early start from Alexandria (I-495, I-270, US-15, I-81, US-322, PA-325) and made it to the trailhead on PA-325 (east of Duncannon) before 10 AM. I'd saved this part because it was such a long section without road access and had hoped to camp overnight at Rausch Gap Shelter. The weather was so nice today that I decided to just hike out and back in one day - a total of 23 miles (in about eight hours). I used my new 3.0L hydro reservoir (it worked well!) in my small day-pack. It worked much better than the plastic bottles I've been carrying... My phone went dead halfway through the day, so I didn't get many photos. No matter - I also didn't see much in the way of scenery but talked to lots of hikers (all part of the "middle bubble"). Near the turn around point, met Garnet Turtle, Trial and Error. Legs tired after my backtrack, but still felt pretty good after the longest hike of my life! Drove east via PA-325 and [US-209] to I-81 and headed south. Found a friendly hiker hotel in Pine Grove. Planned to try some more hiking again tomorrow! AT Today = 11.14 miles / Grand Total AT = 446.3 miles.