Washington, DC (USA)

[it was a regular work day - but after it ended, I spent a little more than an hour at the Witi/TYPS happy hour at the Big Stick (Navy Yard) until 1730 - I walked back to L'Enfant, where I enjoyed several more hours at the ATCA YAP networking even - it was really fun and I stayed until it ended at 2100 - didn't get home until after 2200]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[Didn't stray too far today... Spent several hours biking on the Mount Vernon trail (20 miles, between Roslyn and Fort Hunt - fell off my bike but didn't get hurt just after getting north of Old Town again) before adding about 3.5 miles at my favorite secret hiking spot in the area. One highlight was watching the rowing teams on the Potomac. It was great to be outside and around lots of active people. Once again, it didn't rain (gotta love those forecasts)... But the temperatures are perfect now - hoping for more great hiking weather before the Fall is over!]

Sperryville, VA (USA)

Despite the threat of inclement weather, I was not going to pass up another "fee-free day" at Shenandoah National Park! I got a later start than I'd hoped (drove via I-495, I-66, US-29, US-211), but I still made it to the trailhead by 10:00. Wearing my rain poncho, I started NOBO and hiked to Mary's Rock (hadn't been there since Christmas - hard to believe). It was extremely foggy initially - and when the fog began to lift, it was only because the wind picked up... The temperature never got above 70 F on the trail. This section was well travelled - saw lots of people with their dogs and chatted with many of them. For the rest of the day, I was alone and I focused on ignoring physical pain (toe, knee) and on wiping my memory banks. My new phone reliably tracks steps and miles, so I haven't needed to worry about expended batteries or activating my running app - I can take my time and forget about tracking anything (my AT guidebook gives me the distance anyway). I took a brief break at the Byrd's Nest #3 Hut after turning around (I was in no particular hurry today...). When I reached my car again, I still had the mental urge to hike more so I just kept going SOBO. The views in this direction got better as I went and I made no plan as to the turn around point. I'd finally had enough at the Little Stony Man parking lot and walked back on Skyline Drive (completing over 12 miles by 3:00). The picnic area near my car was packed with people when I left. Best thing, though: it never rained! Headed home (drove via US-211, US-29, I-66, I-495)to avoid tomorrow's forecasted monsoon... Next SNP day will be Veteran's Day! AT Today = 6.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 528.14 miles

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[worked a normal day in the city - in the middle of the day, Elaine gathered several of us for lunch at Gordon Biersch, nearby - it turned out to be an epic fail: service was so slow and we got no updates, so after more than an hour, we left and got dinner back in our office building - after work, I rode Metro back to my car - Kelly asked me if I wanted to join her and her friends in Woodbridge, so I went to meet up with them there - we started at Firebirds (margaritas) and then moved to Travinia (beer) - by around 2000, we drove over to Kelly's apartment for wine and Prime Time TV - she ordered sushi (good) - I stayed until around 2145 and then headed home]

Rockville, MD (USA)

[due to the Papal visit to Washington, I drove to Rockville (left at 0630) so I could join my customer at the Lockheed Martin campus for meetings - since I arrived early, I decided to go walking near the and ended up down at the Rio Washingtonian Center area - it was really great and I hadn't known it was so close - I took a pleasant stroll around the lake there before heading back to my car - had meetings until noon - was planning to meet Pat for lunch but she texted to tell me she couldn't meet up with me - instead, I ate lunch at Uncle Julio's with Tri and Bill - afterwards, I drove back to Alexandria and teleworked for the rest of the day]

Burke, VA (USA)

[I cooked breakfast (eggs, sausage, fruit). Mollie didn't wake up until much later and then took a while to get ready. As a result, we went to Mass (St. Lawrence) and then walked around at Kingstowne Centre during lunch time when she wasn't hungry. We had eventually had ice cream at Kaliedescoops (1155) and then went to watch "Inside Out" at Regal Cinemas (1215). We got an extra bonus: free popcorn from our Regal Crown Club rewards. The movie was really good! Afterwards, we drove west and went walking around Burke Lake until Mollie had to go home.]

The Plains, VA (USA)

[Mollie and I had breakfast (yogurt & bagels) and set up fish tank in the morning. We then went canoeing and hiking at Lake Accotink Park (1200-1300). Back at the house, Mollie made lunch (tuna quesadillas and fruit). Mollie did homework and read a book I loaned her ("How the Irish Saved Civilization") for a school project. Then we packed up our Twilight Polo gear and picked up food (1815) at Wendy's (we used some of Mollie's gift card!). We met up with my friends and enjoyed the beautiful evening weather while eating a picnic dinner. We stayed for the entire event (several matches) and even enjoyed some of the dancing at the end of the night. We didn't leave until around 2215 - got gas in Haymarket at Sheetz (2330) and made it home after midnight.]

Mount Vernon, VA (USA)

[after work, I met up with my friend Randy and he drove me out of the city - we stopped to pick up dinner and beer at Balducci's in Old Town and then changed clothes at the Mount Vernon Marina - almost no one was around and we headed out into the Potomac to enjoy dinner and the sunset just across the river from Fort Belvoir - we cleaned up the boat and Randy dropped me off at Huntington]

Port Clinton, PA (USA)

Woke up early again - feeling pretty good (although my feet were feeling the wear of three straight days of hiking). It was much cooler, a bit windy and overcast. After getting gas nearby (0815), I drove a short distance back to the east (and then north of Port Clinton) to find the AT Trail-head again on Hawk Mountain Road. Started uphill around 0830 and made it to the top of the ridge in less than an hour. This was a really short section I'd saved so I could hike trails in the Sanctuary and today was a good day for that! I used the Skyline Trail (and part of the Golden Eagle Trail) to get to the East Rocks. I'd wanted to go farther, but the weather continued to degrade. I headed back down the hill, stopping only once to watch a spider weaving its web (fascinating). It was only about six miles on the trail today but I don't feel like I missed anything - after all, I still had the drive home. It was a good weekend overall and I look forward to completing the AT in PA the next time I'm up this way! Home via I-78, I-81, I-83, PA-581, US-15, I-270, I-495. AT Today = 1.69 miles / Grand Total = 522.04 miles

Bath, PA (USA)

It took all night and part of this morning to feel like myself again - I really overdid it yesterday... Got breakfast at McDonalds next door (0755). I followed PA-512 from Wind Gap until I located Smith Gap Road - it turned into a gravel road on the way up Blue Mountain. I did find the trail-head (recognized it from my trip to this location - on foot - back in June). I hiked SOBO again, towards Little Gap. The trail was much flatter than yesterday (except for the rocks at the end - but I'll take it). Found a memorial for a plane crash along the trail - hadn't expected that. Saw almost no one in the morning (just white tailed deer running into the woods) but met a family on a nature hike up to the Ski Lodge as I was resting near my turnaround (at Little Gap Road). I also encountered a German man who didn't speak to me on the way outbound but was more chatty when I saw him on the way back. Saw many more solo SOBOs and couples out for a weekend overnight trip. I'm sometimes a little jealous of the one-way section hikers (no backtracking required)... Then again, it started to rain about half way back to my car and then I considered how nice it was going be to get out of the elements! I was much dryer and prepared than I was on Thursday - but it still wasn't funny to get drenched. Wanted to get through the nearly 15 miles quickly but the slippery rocks and mud made that difficult. I was entertained a bit when I saw a man sitting in the middle of the trail, trying to use a tarp to collect rainwater to replenish his reservoir. Fortunately, I never had his problem. Cleaned up at my car and then scouted my last AT big section in Pennsylvania (about 10 miles near Palmerton) - will have to visit that on another weekend (weather too unpredictable for Lehigh Gap right now, I think). It continued to pour... Got lunch in Schnecksville at China Wok (1530). Drove back to Shartlesville to reposition for the morning - stayed at Dutch Inn (1710) - watched TV and kept working on my phone. AT Today = 7.30 miles / Grand Total = 520.35 miles

Delaware Water Gap, PA (USA)

As I posted before, I found out I had a problem with my cell phone last night. My fears were confirmed this morning, so I drove to Stroudsburg (north on PA-33) and found an AT&T store west of town (Bartonsville). Had to wait for it to open (at 0900), so I ate "breakfast" at Giant (0800). It took several hours for me to get my new phone working this morning (finished at 1200). It had gotten much warmer by that point but the sun was shining and there were hardly any clouds. Used I-80 to get to PA-611 and located the trail-head near the town of Delaware Water Gap. Got started (SOBO) at around 1230. The start of the hike required a climb of about 1000 feet (tiring!). The trail was poorly marked (had to backtrack a few times). I also fell down on the slippery rocks (ouch!). Had great views on the way up, though: the river, I-80 and several pretty peaks in both directions. Had my new phone camera to capture it all! Saw many more people today (a family with babies, a solo Texas section hiker, a trio of SOBO through hikers, day hikers with their dogs) and heard many voices at the shelter (but I didn't stop). When I reached the top of Mount Minsi, the rest of the trail was mostly flat. I turned around at PA-191 and headed back immediately. Yesterdays slog and the climb today nearly did me in, despite hiking fewer miles than yesterday. I got really exhausted and hungry on the way back. By the time I reached my car, I decided to change into regular shoes and ditch my hiking gear. I then walked through town and finished the last mile across the Delaware River (to New Jersey). On the way back, I talked to locals about their jazz festival, which was starting in the morning. Got finished around 1830 after about 15 miles and was sore, tired, and faint... Drove back to Wind Gap - got gas at Turkey Hill (1910), got cash (1915) and dinner at Arby's (1925) - collapsed in bed at the Travel Inn again. Watched Law & Order CI for a few hours (restless - couldn't get to sleep). Will try to hike again tomorrow but not sure I've got a lot more in me... AT Today = 7.50 miles / G.T. AT = 513.05 miles

Wind Gap, PA (USA)

This morning I got up as early as I could and headed north at 0545 (needed to get away)... Got gas in Rockville (0615) and talked to Eileen on the phone. Made really good time on the road (I-495, I-270, US-15, PA-581, I-83, I-81, I-78, US-22, PA-33) - very little traffic - all the way to Wind Gap (intersection of AT and PA-33). I'd been here in June but only hiked south the last time. Headed NOBO (1000) and had a good walk outbound. It was overcast and a bit cool - great hiking weather! Only saw a few people all day (solo SOBO and one couple). Crossed Wolf Rocks (fun rock climbing!) in the middle of the day but it was mostly flat otherwise. I turned around at Fox Gap (PA-191). Just then, it started to pour. It rained all the way back (hard!). I had my poncho but it wasn't enough to stay dry. Skipped the Wolf Rocks on the way back (flatter bypass made walk a bit easier). I did get to see several deer on the way but the views were all obscured by fog and rain. My waterproof boots were only good on the outside: water got in though my socks and I felt like I was walking in the river by the end. Drenched when done (1630) and I think my phone may be in trouble. All told, hiked 17 miles today (and passed 500 miles on the AT!). Ate dinner at Burger King (1700) and checked into Travel Inn (1800). Working on computer and tried to get my phone charging. Hoping for improved weather tomorrow... AT Today = 8.44 miles / Grand Total = 505.55 miles

Charlottesville, VA (USA)

Had an unexpected special day with Mollie on the trail today! We left the apartment at 0600 and headed down to Charlottesville (via I-66 and US-29). We got gas in Gainesville around 0700 ($2.09 per gallon!). It was actually even cheaper a few miles down the road (we saw $1.95 per gallon). The roads were swarming with State Troopers... We stopped at a rest area after we got on I-64 (west) and then we got off the highway just east of Waynesboro. We drove to around mile marker 10 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Dripping Rock Parking) and found the AT trailhead. Got started by 0830. Mollie and I had taken some earlier (short) nature walks on AT (2006, 2012, 2013) but this was probably her first true hike (backpack, poles) following the white blazes. Our target was the south face of Humpback Mountain - we climbed up to an overlook I visited in the spring. What great conditions: 70s, sunny but partly cloudy, good trail! I was quite pleased at how Mollie did - even after she was stung by a yellow jacket. It was almost all uphill on the outbound (NOBO) leg but we made pretty good time. We ate a picnic lunch on the ridge. Downhill was much easier and I had to work hard to contain Mollie's daredevil streak on some big rocks before we were done. Only saw a few day hikers and one section (out for two weeks) hiker. Totaled over 4 miles today and felt great. We finished (Mollie's choice) around noon. Would have stayed longer in the area but our adventure weekend (IHRT biking, Animal Park, hike to the Falls, etc.) had to come to a close eventually... After hiking, we stopped for lunch (1230) at a busy Chick-fil-A in Charlottesville (wow!). We had a good drive home (backtrack all the way except used Fairfax County Parkway to finish the trip). Arrived at my apartment at 1500. Spent the rest of the day with cleanup & movies (before Mollie's mom came to get her). Look forward to hiking with Mollie again soon! AT Today = 2.0 miles / Grand Total AT = 497.11 miles

Thurmont, MD (USA)

[I made pancakes for breakfast around 0800 and then Mollie and I packed up gear for a trip to Catoctin – we left the house around 1000 and (using I-495, I-270, US-15) arrived in Thurmont at around 1100 – we first visited the Wild Animal Park, located just off US-15 - it was great to be back (see SEP 2013) - we ate a picnic snack in the middle of the visit - it was pleasant weather and we didn't leave until around 1330 - afterwards, we ate lunch at McDonalds (tried a new chicken sandwich) - we then drove a short distance (MD-77) to Catoctin Mountain National Park, where we hiked to Cunningham Falls (around three miles) - Mollie did really well and it was much easier than our last visit (see SEP 2013) - on the way home, we stopped again to pick up peaches and corn at Pryors Orchards (see SEP 2013) and then visited the Shrine at Mount Saint Mary's for the first time in a while (see JUL 2006) - the whole day was a blast from the past! - we backtracked via US-15, I-270 and I-495, arriving home at around 1800 - I cooked dinner (rice, soup with meat, corn on the cob, peaches) - we cleaned up apartment (did laundry, trash and recycle, cleaned bathrooms, etc.) - watched movies until around 2200, then bed]

Indian Head, MD (USA)

[ate breakfast around 0830 with Mollie (cereal) - did some bike maintenance (mine and hers) - we then drove to Indian Head (MD), arriving at 1000 - Mollie and I rode bikes (about 10 miles) on the Indian Head Rail Trail (IHRT) - we even ate a picnic lunch (trail snacks) before heading back to the car - it was a beautiful day and we saw lots of people smiling as they rode their bikes - we drove back to Alexandria - stopped at Jones Point and walked on trails (finished around 1400) - I then took Mollie to get ice cream at Slaters Market (see JUL 2014) - the nice owner lady gave her extra! - we drove home and got cleaned up - we went to Mass (St. Lawrence) at 1700 - Mollie wanted to put her own money in the collection plate (very proud) - after we got home, we cooked dinner (pizza, veggies and grapes) - we finished the day by watching movies - bed around 2200]