Natural Bridge, VA (USA)

Would have seen the sunrise this morning, if it were visible (too much fog)... On the drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway, I narrowly avoided several herds of deer - standing, unafraid, in the road. Arrived at the trailhead at Petites Gap (m/m 71) by 0700 but continued about five miles south to set up a 20 mile day. I had replaced the chain on Ol' Reliable last weekend and was itching to test out her new portage abilities. So I rode north, back to the Gap, and then hiked SOBO, up (4225 foot) Apple Orchard Mountain (0730). I soon encountered "Jabba" (south bound through hiker - started in December - yikes!). He said he was doing 30 miles today and quickly left me behind. But I could hear him for most of the morning (especially when he encountered other hikers - and there were plenty). It was so foggy, though, and I could barely see the poorly marked trail as I climbed higher into the clouds. I was drenched, too, by the time I crossed the BRP for the second time and headed deep into the woods. I quickly learned that Jabba liked to stop for various reasons, so I passed him a few times and he passed me right after - until the last encounter. I kept thinking of Brenna's matter-of-fact mantra (when we used to go biking): "slow and steady wins the race". And she was right - I beat Jabba to my turn around point (Cornelius Creek Shelter). There was plenty of climbing today - felt very sore after I started heading back. I was dragging by the time I reached Parker's Gap but was able to use a spur trail to get back to the BRP, which I used to get back to my car. I finished 15 miles of hiking by 1330 - not a bad day on the trail. Bonus: it never ended up raining on me. On the drive back, I was treated to views of many beautiful redbud bushes and trees, blooming everywhere. Retrieved my bike and backtracked towards home (via I-81). Got gas and Burger King (late lunch) in Mount Jackson (1530) and called my Dad. After switching to I-66, I made good time to my apartment (arriving at 1715). Got changed and drove over to Sabrina's for the tail end of her Easter Party. Overall, it was a great weekend! AT Today = 10.00 miles / Grand Total AT = 678.20 miles

Buena Vista, VA (USA)

Other plans fell through for this weekend, so I headed out into the woods for some "me time"... I left home at 0730 and used I-66 and I-81 to drive towards the AT. Got gas in Woodstock, VA (0850) and made great time to the trailhead at US-60, east of Buena Vista. I started NOBO, up Bald Knob, at 1045, encountering descending day hikers at the beginning of my hike on the cool, sunny morning. There were many signs of Spring: it was green everywhere and there were other amazing colors visible in the blossoming flowers on the ground and in the trees. I climbed over 2000 feet in the first three miles, followed by a quick descent and another climb. I had no cell signal and didn't see evidence of people for several hours. But when I did, just before the crest of Cole (AKA Cold in the AT Guide) Mountain, the series of sorority girl group encounters was actually pretty stunning! When I reached the grassy ridge-line (with spectacular views), there were LOTS of people... I finished my outbound leg at Hog Camp Gap around 1330 and encountered a dad with his kids ("we are first time hikers - what trail do you recommend?"). Decided to avoid the crowds and hiked back on USFS Route 48. I saw even fewer people on the gravel road and it was easier on my feet. About two thirds of the way down, a young couple driving in the same direction offered me a ride, which I happily accepted. It turned out that these trail angels, Charles and Ella, had begun their thru hike at Springer Mountain several weeks earlier and made it to Bland (VA) before deciding that there were just far too many other people headed NOBO this season (now I know where the bubble is...). So they got off the trail, rented a car and planned to use the next few months for a cross country road trip (VA to NY to US-66 and home to CA). They had been checking on trail supplies that were shipped to the Three Springs Hostel (where I stayed last year) - lucky break for me! It was great to hear about the wide open freedom of their lives right now and I wished them well as they dropped me off at my car (1445). End result: only hiked about 10 miles today but I used the rest of the afternoon to map out tomorrow's trek. Found a hotel (Budget Inn) in Natural Bridge at 1530 (after trying other ones - too expensive). Watched TV and rested for several hours. I wanted ice cream from Pink Cadillac but it closed at 2000. Looking forward to another day on the trail! AT Today = 6.30 miles / G.T. AT = 668.20 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[had to leave work in the city early (for legal matters) - stopped at USAA (Pentagon Row, Arlington) on way home and then walked from King Street Metro Station to drop off documents near Eisenhower Avenue - then walked to Metro for last stop - when I got to my apartment, I found out that Bob was home - we picked Mollie up and dropped her off at her mom’s house (to check on cat) and we got the rest of the legal stuff finished by 1630 and picked Mollie up again - we had ice cream shakes at Johnny Rockets (because Kaleidescoops closed?) - back at home, Mollie and I relaxed for a bit until she heard from her mother that it was time to go home - we cooked dinner (spaghetti, salad/peas) and then she packed up to leave - before her mom arrived, Mollie and I watched movies before her mother picked her up at 2000]

Mclean, VA (USA)

[Brenna texted in the morning, asking if we could have dinner in the evening (I said yes) - I arrived at her house at 1635 and we practiced driving (went as far as St. Bernadette - decided to go to a different parish for an earlier service) - went to Mass at St. Lawrence - later drove to Tyson's Corner (on Interstate - Brenna's second time ever) - it started to snow on the way - we figured out there were two completely different malls there - we had thought the Corner Center was the Galleria - after two incorrect guesses (parking and then figuring out we were wrong), we finally located the correct mall - Brenna was stunned at all the amazing stores at the Galleria (I let her walk around to explore while we waited for a table at the restaurant) - we ate dinner at Cheesecake Factory (1915) - we had a great conversation, talking about college choices - we finished at 2045 and drove (Brenna building confidence on the road – even in the snow flurries) - we talked in the car for almost another hour, finishing several conversations - I drove home close to 2230 PM]

Warwick, NY (USA)

[Another rainy day... Left my hotel near Hamburg, NJ, early and got gas in Vernon (0715). Also ate breakfast (Burger King - 0730) before I used route 94 to head into New York. I made it to the trailhead near Warwick, NY (on NY-17A) and started NOBO from the parking lot (used approach trail) at 0800. It was miserable and muddy - but it was also flat, for once. About halfway through, though, the hike required rock climbing - scary, disconcerting climbing... I did NOT enjoy this, especially with no view to make the effort worthwhile! But I made it to Wildcat Shelter and turned around - it was a much shorter hike than I'd seen in days. I used spur trails on the way back - avoiding the large rocks. Encountered a through hiker (flip flipper whose finishing point was North Adams), two section hikers is seen a few days before and a fella with a Rottweiler nearly spoiled my day... Made it through to my car unscathed, though - with roughly 4.3 miles under my belt (finished by 1000). Hit the road immediately - took NY-17A back to NY-94 and intercepted I-84 to the north. Used I-81, I-83, PA-581 and US-15 to get back to my home-zone. Got gas in Frederick at 1445 and then took I-270 and I-495 to Alexandria (beating the rush hour traffic). What a "weekend": over 75 miles and some great wildlife experiences! Oh, BTW, I got the extra added benefit of a tick that burrowed into my leg. Here's hoping that I'm immune to any tick-borne diseases! Even so, wish I didn't have to go back, but I guess it is time... AT Today = 2.10 miles / G.T. AT = 661.90 miles]

Sussex, NJ (USA)

[The weather took a turn for the worst this morning... I did get a pretty early start on this rainy day but encountered a school bus, was thwarted in getting breakfast because Friendly's opened late and finally ended up changing destination (from NJ-284 to NJ-94). Breakfast at Dunkin Donuts on NJ-94 (0800) and then continued my drive to the trailhead. I was hiking by 0845 (SOBO), wearing my rain poncho. The first third of this section took me across cattle grazing land and a long boardwalk across a swamp. The red-winged blackbirds were out in force, singing merrily. In the next section, I saw the only other hiking human of the day (a lady with her dog) and the terrain started upwards... The rain stopped, but it got markedly colder - my hands were not prepared. In the final segment, I had to climb up nearly 1000 feet to see the view across the Wallkill River valley - it was amazing: I could even see High Point, nearly 15 miles away, despite the overcast. I had to climb all the way back down again to reach Liberty Corners Road (turnaround point). I made good time but the trek (across green rocks all day) got harder all day. I met up with an unleashed pit bull on the way back - was concerned for a few minutes but I talked to her and she wandered on by without a second look. Arrived back at my car (3:00) after completing the first 14 miles of my day, just as it started raining again. I wasn't done, though, and drove on backroads over the hills so I could close one more gap at the Wallkill River NWR. Used Ol' Reliable to ride down Oil City (State Line) Road toward NJ-284 - until the chain broke (oh well - it was a good 20+ year run for the old gal...). Had to walk the rest of the way but I got to see a bald eagle strike an unsuspecting smaller bird - wow! After that, I hiked 1.4 (muddy) miles back to my car, capping off a nearly 16 mile day by 1645. Stopped at the nearby Heaven Hill Farm to get ice cream ("the sign said you had some!") but it wasn't in season. Settled for a tasty donut and some yogurt pretzels (1700). Checked into the Rolling Hills Hotel one more time (1830) - the price was right! Dinner at nearby Eastern Garden (1900). All that is left of the AT in NJ is the ~30 mile section inside Dell Water Gap NRA. More hiking (probably in NY) tomorrow! AT Today = 8.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 659.80 miles]

Hamburg, NJ (USA)

[The "Spring Forward" delayed my departure this morning... The weather was warm again but the sky was overcast all day. After breakfast at Burger King in Vernon (0900), I arrived at the trailhead on NJ-94 at 0920. Mollie and I had been here in early January but we didn't hike. The initial climb (NOBO) up Wawayanda Mountain was rocky and steep - and nearly stole all of my resolve. Right after the top, I went right down again and trudged through swamps and muddy traces. One wildlife highlight: I encountered what might have been a (short-billed) dowitcher (maybe) - he was not afraid of me at all as he stalked through the wetlands. The rocks on the hike changed from blue to purple as I climbed higher. Unlike recent hikes, I saw many other people today - mainly near the trailhead but also at my turnaround point. I had interesting conversations with Will (and his dog, Jim), "Frasier" (trail angel) and a couple I met on the ridge above Greenwood Lake. I was lagging, though - the trail book gave me the impression that the hike would be relatively flat. It was anything but that! The rock climbing alone caused my waterproof leather boots to split at the seams. My feet started crying out, asking for relief. But I pressed on... It took me nearly five hours to reach the turn - I had thought it was the NJ-NY border but the "helpful" couple said already I'd passed it (even though my phone placed me short). My body wanted to stop anyway - so I backtracked. I later learned that I'd missed the line by a few hundred yards... Oh well! The walk back was really only accomplished by sheer willpower and the rote motions of an emptied brain. I'm amazed that I could finish more than 18 miles again (third day in a row!). At the very end, I even found some fuel in the tank and realized that I was practically sprinting down the hill to my car. Actually finished the second half in three hours and forty-five minutes - by then, it was 1805. Ate dinner at Burger King in Vernon (1820) and ended up with an undercooked Whopper (they replaced it quickly). After searching a few other lodging options, I checked into the Rolling Hills Hotel again (2015). Feels like tomorrow will be tough if I try to hike anymore, but I think I will... AT Today = 9.0 miles / G.T. AT = 651.40 miles]

Sussex, NJ (USA)

[It was another great day for hiking - and I logged nearly 20 miles on the AT, mastering the highest terrain in New Jersey (1679 feet). I began my day with a hearty breakfast at Jumboland Diner (0730) and proceeded to the trailhead on NJ-284 (making several wrong turns along the way). Started SOBO at 0815 AM and enjoyed the brisk weather before the sun rose high enough overhead that I had to peel off layers. Highlight in the morning was when a small herd of white-tailed deer paralleled my path for about half a mile. Birds (jays, chickadees, cardinals, orioles) were everywhere, singing merrily at me. I crossed wide open farmland, muddy railroad track beds and planked walkways across swampland. The trail, which meandered back and forth from NY to NJ, was not marked well and I missed a few turns. The best part of the day, though, was that I got amazing views of my destination (High Point Monument), starting when I was still 8 miles away. Again, I didn't see any people at all until I'd reached the highest ridge line about 9 miles into my hike. As I passed the first pair of hikers I'd seen this week (a lady and young boy), I realized that the AT did not actually pass through the grounds of the monument (rather disappointing, actually). It prevented large crowds from joining me, but it made the last mile rather frustrating: I was walking away - and significantly downhill - from where I wanted to be. By the time I reached NJ-23, where I turned around last year on my trip to the same location, I was so done with the treacherous rocks and decided to walk through the State Park. My plan was to get water and I also explored the lakefront. Unfortunately, the Veterans Monument on the hill, so prominent, was closed until Memorial Day. Still, there were lots of people enjoying their day in the outdoors and I actually ran into the same two hikers from before: Colleen ("Grandma") and JJ. We talked for a bit and they told me the best way to get back to the AT. When it looked like water wasn't going to be available (everything closed), JJ gave me two of his juice boxes ("because we don't need them - we are leaving"). I drank them gratefully and quickly - they were so good after regular water all day! But right after that, I found a water fountain - you can never hydrate enough, though... The way back was not too bad - mostly a series of small roller coasters. Saw wild turkeys and a huge groundhog. Also encountered a trio of lady hikers but nobody else. At one point, I'd considered doing even more hiking - but I decided to call it quits when I reached the car at 1645. After dinner at Friendly's (finished at 1850), I checked into the Rolling Hills Hotel (Sussex) at 1930. Sore and tired... Still feeling good overall, though, and excited about another day on the trail tomorrow! AT Today = 9.90 miles / G.T. AT = 642.40 miles]

Branchville, NJ (USA)

[I didn't have far to drive this morning - just from Milford (PA) to Branchville (NJ) - and arrived at the trailhead on US-206 at 0800. I started NOBO, up the Jersey version of a "mountain" (+/- 500 elevation all day). After all the Blue Ridge climbing, this seemed downright flat! I could see for miles from the little ridge line, though. The many lake houses below looked ready to host many a vacation, now that the weather has improved. Just like during my last weekend on AT, I didn't see any people at all while I was on the trail. However, the Sunrise Mountain Pavilion (accessible by car) attracted visitors from all over the region and I couldn't avoid them. But dealing with the crowds was actually worth it - the views were tremendous! Other than the silence on the trail today, the only prevalent noise was the sound of thousands of chirping frogs (in every pond I passed) - Spring is definitely here... When I turned around at the Deckertown Turnpike (where I had stopped, in the snow, almost exactly one year ago today), I decided I'd seen enough rocks and mud. So I used the road (paralleling the trail all day) to get back to my car after I passed the pavilion again. I did encounter several cars on the way down but I still felt like I had the mountain to myself. Made good time too: finished nearly 18 miles in just over seven hours (at 1515). Found a room at the Forest Motel (at 1615) nd then located a good place to eat (Jumboland Diner - finished at 1700). I'm going to hang around here and get some more miles in during the next few days... AT Today = 9.00 miles / Grand Total AT = 632.50 miles]

Gaithersburg, MD (USA)

[worked in Gaithersburg all day - lunch with Bill M. - afterwards, drove back to Rockville to visit with Pat for a few hours - then drove a bit further south to have dinner with Eric T. and his family (we made pizza!) - after several hours visiting, I got on the road to the north - lots of traffic... - I-270 to US-15, PA-581, I-83, I-81 to I-84 - got gas in Lake Ariel, PA (2300) - I had to go through heavy fog, road construction and pouring rain before I arrived at my planned hiking zone - stayed in the Red Carpet Inn on Route 6 in Milford (PA), checking in at 2315 - bed soon after]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[Mollie and I met up with Sabrina, Kelly, Emma and Aidan for brunch at Tazza Kitchen (on Four Mile Run) at around 1215 - finished eating a nice meal at 1415 - Kelly drove Sabrina home and I took all the kids to Jones Point Park - Kelly met us there later - we all had a nice walk along the river and then Kelly took her kids home - Mollie and I stayed for a bit longer, talking to the Fantasy "Middle-Earth" type re-enactment - we went home afterwards and rested until Mollie had to go home]

Fairfax, VA (USA)

[we got up early and I drove Mollie to Fairfax (Pope Pius VI High School) so she could attend her Confirmation Retreat (arrived at 0830) - I drove down the road a short distance and (with help from several local mechanics), located the car safety inspection station (finished at 0845) - just another quick drive took me to the JiffyLube for and Explorer oil change and 210K Maint (finished at 1015) - spent some time reading my book - after all errands were completed, I drove around nearby (exploring the Clifden area) until I found a park near our corporate offices in Chantilly that I'd previously seen but never explored - spent about an hour walking at Walney Park and Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (1115-1200) - later ate lunch at KFC in Chantilly (1225) - more errands: shopping at Walmart (finished at 1345) - then drove back to pick up Mollie (around 1400) - spent most of the afternoon unpacking boxes that Nicky had dropped off the day before - Mollie cooked dinner and then we drove to Reston (St. John Neumann) to hear Kim play her practice recital (prep for West Point later in the month) - we stayed from about 1900-2000 and then headed home - relaxed until bed time]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[signed important papers at the Hoffman Center (Eisenhower Avenue) and then headed home to meet up with Mollie - we went shopping at Wegmans (done at 1730) and then ate dinner (sushi) at my apartment - watched movies for the rest of the evening]

Washington, DC (USA)

[after work, took Metro to McPherson Square and visited the fancy hotel, Hay-Adams - there was a bar there, "Off the Record", and I found a table for our group (Joey, Joe R., Joe B., Gary, Kelly, Sabrina and Stephanie) - left around 1915 - walked back to the Metro - saw generous people handing out groceries to homeless people, right across the street from the White House - got home around 2030]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[after a busy day at work, I met up with Sabrina at Theismann's for drinks/dinner (finished at 2145)]