Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Scarlet Oak with Sean (done at 1850)]

Daleville, VA (USA)

Had a few things to be thankful for this morning: I left the Catawba Valley last night and missed the snow showers; I didn't try to hike down from the ridge yesterday when I was already tired; and I was wearing the new hiking boots. Those things made all the difference during the challenging hike. Ate breakfast at the hotel.  Arrived at the trailhead on VA-624 at 0745 and headed SOBO. There was snow on the ground, light at first but gradually thickening as I climbed. When I reached Lost Spectacles Gap, it started snowing again. I'd expected flurries but it started to stick on my clothes (hmmm...). I continued up to the top of the ridge via some VERY nerve-racking rock faces. It took all my concentration not to fall the 100+ feet below - this was real climbing, not just the typical AT rock scramble. The snow didn't make it easier, either... I encountered a local guy named Nelson who had already climbed to the top and was heading down. We discussed how great we had it to be out on the mountain alone on such a good day for a hike. He warned me that he'd almost fallen a few times and this made sense when I encountered even harder terrain near the spur trail to the Dragon's Tooth. It took both hands, both feet and my butt to avoid a huge fall and I felt off balance for most of the morning. At the top, I kept going on the AT so I could reached yesterday's turnaround point on Cove Mountain. I was able to find it (although snow always changes the views...) and then decided against going out on the Tooth trail because the snow was really coming down by that point. The descent was harder than the climb and the visibility decreased until I reached Lost Spectacles Gap again. At that point, it started to get warmer and the snow turned the ground to mud during my backtrack. Made good time to the car, arriving at 1115. I'd only seen two people on the popular hiking route and was glad for the solitude. Logged only 6 miles today but it felt good to have been able to make the climb and avoid injury. Looking forward to my next chance for a hike!  Got a gas fillup (extremely cheap fuel cost) in Troutville (1140).  Drove home via Harrisonburg and ate dinner with Brenna at Ruby's Arcade (stayed until 1700).  Drove home via I-81 (traffic jam), I-66 (snow storm near Front Royal) and I-495. Home at 1930.  AT Today = 2.8 miles / G.T. AT = 853.28 miles

Daleville, VA (USA)

Woke up around 0630 without an alarm, packed up quickly and was on the road by 0715. Made my decision on direction at the last minute - snow forecasted to the south but driving distance was shorter. Used I-66 and I-81 (gas fillup in New Market at 0900 and ate home made lunch in the car) to reach VA-311.  Tried to find an AT trailhead deep in the Catawba Valley without any cell signal. Located a really good one on (gravel) VA-620. Realized later that it was the same place where I'd turned around on the day I hiked to the Audie Murphy Memorial. Seemed more remote then but it was surrounded by lots of hunting and fishing cabins... By 1145, I left my car and headed NOBO (not really: more like east and south). I found myself on a "C" shaped, multi-peak ridge that climbed continually towards the Dragon's Tooth. The sky was spectacularly blue but the wind was icy and biting (even though temps were in high 30s, the wind was worse). Stayed layered all day. The views were amazing but I didn't see any wildlife all afternoon. I did encounter a serious trail runner couple with their dog right when I turned around at the View Point on Cove Mountain. They blew me away with their speed and I never saw them again, even with my good pace (for about 10.5 miles). Snow was forecast to the west and darkness loomed so I was glad the downhill backtrack (with some bushwhacking) was quicker than the ascent... At my car by 1615, feeling good! Saved the actual rock outcropping of the Tooth for the next time (i.e., climb up from VA-624). It's been a good month of hiking and I can tell I'm healing well. Stayed in the Roanoke (Howard Johnson in Daleville) area - more trail tomorrow! AT Today = 5.20 miles / Grand Total AT = 850.48 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Janice drove me to the office - during lunch, walked over to Navy Yard (near Anacostia) to have lunch with my friend, Jill - got a ride home from Janice afterwards - teleworked later]

Chantilly, VA (USA)

[drove to Chantilly in the morning - meetings (telcon and with Kim N.) - met with Mahmoud (his first day) for lunch (Quickfire) - drove home and teleworked for the rest of the day]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

Mollie woke up early (0800) and ate breakfast.  She spent the morning studying for her tests (scheduled for January 23).  I also took care of some important paperwork during that time.  We ate lunch and then went on errands (Petsmart, Target, Animal Shelter).  I dropped Mollie off at her mother's house (1620) and then drove to Woodbridge so I could watch the NFC and AFC Championship games at Brew Republic.  Kelly joined me about halfway through the first game and we hung out until the end of the second game.  Headed home at 2145.

Frederick, MD (USA)

Mollie got out of bed at 0900 and ate breakfast.  We cleaned up a bit and Mollie packed a picnic lunch (bologna and cheese sandwiches, chips, cookies).  It was foggy and Misty but we headed out for some adventure anyway.  First, we stopped at Nicky's so Mollie could get her National Park Passport book.  She also fed Frosty and we then drove to Catoctin Mountain and got our first stamp of the day.  Mollie completed a Junior Ranger badge and got another stamp at Monacacy Battlefield.  We drove south after that, listening to the Women's March on the radio.  We stopped at the C&O Canal Visitor's Center in Great Falls (Maryland) and finally got the stamp (second try).  It had dried up a bit by that point, so we walked north on a two mile loop (River Trail and Tow Path).  After getting our fill of some adventure, we headed back to Alexandria and drove through our old neighborhood (Jane Way).  We also stopped at the John Marshall Library and signed up for a new online library book borrowing tool.  We went to Mass (St. Lawrence) at 1700.  Afterwards, I cooked dinner (shrimp scampi, salad, rolls).  When we were done eating, we cleaned up the kitchen and then watched a movie ("The Last Samurai").  We were in bed by 2230.

Alexandria, VA (USA)

Mollie's school had a teacher work day.  I teleworked and Mollie slept until 0900 and then spent the morning relaxing (watching YouTube videos).  She fixed herself some lunch and then we went to the movies (1230)  to watch "Rogue One".  After it was over, we went back to my apartment (1500) so I could finish teleworking.  At 1600, we drove to Huntley Meadows and took a nice walk (we saw a "murder" of crows).  We then went grocery shopping.  At the apartment, Mollie cooked dinner (pigs in blankets, pita & hummus) and we watched a movie ("The Rock").  We also watched short sitcom episodes on Netflix.  We went to bed at 2300.

Reston, VA (USA)

Teleworked early again.  Woke Mollie up at 0645 and this time she ate breakfast.  I drove Mollie to school and dropped her off at 0730.  I then drove to our corporate office in Reston and worked there all day.  Mollie went to Nicky's house again after school (to care for her cat and do homework).  I picked her up after I was done with work (1615) and drove her to my house.  Mollie rested in her room while I teleworked some more.  She later made us dinner (pancakes, eggs, bacon).  We bothh cleaned up afterwards and then watched movies ("Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" and "Angel in the House").  We went to bed later (2300).

Arlington, VA (USA)

I teleworked for most of the day.  I woke Mollie up at 0645 and she decided to skip breakfast.  I dropped her off at school at 0730 and went home to teleworked some more.  By the afternoon, I had to go to the doctor and then to a work-related meeting in Arlington, so Mollie went home to her mother's house again after school.  I met Charlie at Bar Louie in Crystal City (we wrapped up at 1900).  I then drove to Nicky's to pick Mollie up (1930).  Back at my apartment, we watched a movie ("Army Dog").  Went to bed around 2200.

Millbrook, NJ (USA)

Left Tuxedo later than I'd hoped - but it was tough getting started with the 14 degree weather. Drove southwest (via NY-17, I-287), ate breakfast (McDonalds) and got a gas fillup in Boonton (NJ) at 0800 and then made it onto I-80.  Arrived at the Del Water Gap and found the AT trailhead near Millbrook Village on NJ-602 (Millbrook-Blairstown Road). I also found a lot of snow and ice... Started SOBO at 0900.  The temps had reached the mid 20s by then and the sun was shining brightly. I was surprised to encounter a group of hikers coming out of the woods soon after I left my car; they'd apparently camped about half a mile from the road. After they passed, though, I never saw anyone again. I realized I hadn't seen or heard any wildlife all weekend and the birdsong was nice to hear. Terrain wasn't too challenging initially and there were lots of amazing views towards the south. The ridge had a dramatic drop-off (rock face over 1000 feet above the valley) that at times was within five feet of the slippery rocks of the trail (yikes!). Passed a fire tower with great vistas and later reached my turnaround point at the Mohican Outdoor Center. This was also where the trail made a large descent ("what goes down must come up"). The return climb took some energy and I started to forget how cold it was. [Sidebar: it is an interesting feeling to have your beard freeze while your chest is sweating under two layers and your legs are toasty warm from the exercise...] Made good time on the way back to my car, arriving at 1145 after my nearly 6.5 miles if hiking. Used (mostly unplowed) Old Mine Road to get back to I-80 and headed home. Felt good about all the miles I logged in tough conditions - this weekend bodes well for my AT goals in 2017! Kim called me to tell me that she missed her train ride and ended up having to drive herself home (we'd previously discussed her coming with me but decided against it).  I continued the drive home (via I-80, US-209, PA-33, US-22, I-78, I-83, PA-581, US-15, I-270, I-495).  When I arrived back in Alexandria, Nicky dropped Mollie off (1645) to start some unscheduled visitation.  After she did some homework, we drove down to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge.  Met up with Kelly and her kids (1815) for a great dinner at the Olive Garden (finished at 1945).  We also went to Kelly's house for games and TV.  Drove home at 2100 (whew!).  AT Today = 3.20 miles / Grand Total AT = 845.28 miles

South Fields, NY (USA)

The snow delayed my departure this morning - almost none had melted and there was still enough ice that I doubted I could drive across the mountain (last night's return from West Point was scary enough). But the sun was shining brightly so I decided to try my luck. Ate breakfast (Dunkin Donuts) in Central Valley (0915).  Roads were OK and I coordinated a pick up (so I wouldn't have to backtrack) before losing cell signal. My late departure meant I arrived to find a full parking lot. Still managed to squeeze ol' Bessie in between a tree and a truck and then (0945) headed SOBO from Seven Lakes Drive on Bear Mountain. The hike began at around 27 degrees but it warmed up to 35 by the end. There was still about a half inch of snow and the AT headed straight up West Mountain (tricky footing). I heard other people in the woods (on other trails) and eventually started seeing them as I reached the summit. The views were amazing - could see the Hudson all the way to NYC and found myself at the nearly the same level as the Perkins Memorial Tower. This was just my first such climb, though. After following the ridge (and getting progressively better views) for a while, the trail headed west and downhill (very slippery - almost fell a few times) until I faced a harrowing run (NOT kidding) across four lanes of the Palisades Parkway. And then it was back uphill again: this time to the top of Black Mountain. The sun had already melted all the snow and I actually considered taking off my coat (decided against it but was sweating by the end). Better views from that ridge... Then, the local Trail Club started messing with me and provided a series of "entertaining" S turns through Harriman State Park. Almost fell of some of the biggest rocks and had to crawl, slide and shimmy into the next valley. Started to see day hiker families and their dogs as I approached the lake activity areas. The trail got really close to Seven Lakes Drive again but paralleled it for miles. I'd been trying to coordinate the pickup with Kim but lost signal about a mile from the road. Ended up arriving at the pickup point at 1320 but had she hadn't found where I was because we couldn't communicate. A lost hiker from Manhattan showed up and was asking me for directions when Kim drove by - but I couldn't get her attention! After I walked on the road for a bit, she found me (turns out she'd been driving up and down the road while she couldn't reach me). I felt bad that I made her wait and worry but she was relieved. After we retrieved my car, we ate a very late lunch at Andy's Restaurant in Highland Falls (finished at 1515). Ran some errands (Walmart, finished at 1545) on the way back to South Fields. Back at the hotel, watched NFL Playoffs.  It's been a good weekend: cold, clear weather and some hard fought miles. Gonna try another hike in the morning! AT Today = 7.00 miles / G.T. AT = 842.08 miles

West Point, NY (USA)

Got up early to ensure I could do everything before the snow started. Temps started in the low 20s and never cracked 30 all day. But it was clear and I knew that the views of the Hudson Valley would be great. After a gas fillup in South Fields (0655), breakfast at Dunkin Donuts in Central Valley (0705) and a scouting trip up Bear Mountain (to make sure roads and parking lots weren't closed for the season), I drove across the river (via the Bear Mountain Bridge). Turned onto NY-9D and found the AT trailhead (last visited in March 2015). Started NOBO at 0730 and climbed a challenging hill with spectacular views to the west. The only people I saw all day were a trio of day hikers that I overtook on the first ridge. For the rest of the day, I encountered rolling hills - nothing too challenging. Kept wearing my extra layers, hat and gloves for the entire hike. After I crossed a rickety old plank walkway through a swamp, I arrived at my turnaround point: corner of NY-403 and US-9. On the way back, I used several of the local trails with bright colored markers: likely the Carriage Connector, Osborne Loop, Curry Pond and a red dot trail without a name (I didn't have a map). The grades of these roads were even more shallow than AT and they appeared to me mountain bike, skimobile or cross country ski routes. Ultimately, I spotted the USMA on the other side of the Hudson (West Point) - a great vantage point but too many trees for a good picture. Decided to bushwhack down to Montego and walk back to my car. This worked well and I finished my round trip (10.5 miles) at 1115. On the way back to Tuxedo, I scouted the AT crossing over Palisades Parkway and checked road access in Harriman State Park (many were closed). I will have to plan a special route in the morning. And it started snowing a few hours later... Sore and tired but still have energy in the tank for another day on the trail! By 1600, I left the hotel anyway and carefully navigated the mountain climb over to West Point, locating the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity on the USMA grounds.  Listened to Kim play the organ and met the priest of the parish.  I followed Kim to her house and ended up eating dinner with her landlady (Maureen) and a cooking first date with Steve.  Wine was flowing, conversation was interesting and the meal was delicious (Chicken Marsala), prepped by Steve's son, Matt (Chef at Sky Lake in the Catskills).  There was a lot of tension about my presence but we worked through it.  I was a bit worried to be trapped on the Hudson side of the mountain but the snow stopped by 2100 when it was time for me to leave.  The evening was somewhat strange, overall, but I enjoyed the visit with Kim and her friends and was glad to sleep in my hotel bed for another night. AT Today = 5.20 miles / G.T. AT = 835.08 miles

Tuxedo, NY (USA)

I managed to get out of DC for a hiking trip over the holiday weekend. It felt like forever since I'd been able to hit the AT in any serious way and I was REALLY ready! I made a game day decision on the direction to go: rain to the south and very cold to the north. Dry it is (& brrrrr)! First, I had to work, though... Worked in Warrenton (drove there at 0615).  Gas fillup at 1050 in Haymarket (VA).  By the time I crossed the Potomac, the daylight was limited enough that my only shot for a real hike was to drive to Del Water Gap (via I-66, I-495, I-270, US-15, PA-581, I-83, I-81, I-78, US-22, PA-33, US-80).  At 1530, I parked at the Kittatinny Visitor's Center, just south of I-80 in New Jersey, and changed into my hiking clothes.  I took a short walk to the bridge (turnaround point in September 2015). The river was almost completely frozen in places and there was a brisk breeze. I had enough sunlight, though, that I only had to wear one layer. After reversing direction, I eventually started a climb from the Dunnfield Creek parking area and immediately encountered a series of really pretty waterfalls. Encountered lots of couples, out for romantic evening strolls on several of the local trails. But I found myself alone as soon as the AT split off to the north. Within another mile, it was completely silent and I had no cell signal (a far cry from the busy interstate). I made it as far as the intersection of the Farview and Holly Spring Trails. Headed back to my car, arriving at 1715. Logged about 4.5 miles overall. Repositioned so I could get some more trail the following day! Drove to New York via I-80, I-287, NY-17 (lots of traffic near the NY border).  Ate dinner at Orange Top Diner in Tuxedo Park (finished at 1855) and then checked into my hotel.  AT Today = 2.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 829.88 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Vie de France with Kelly and Sabrina - Sabrina got bad news and left in a hurry - Kelly and I closed our tab at around 1830 - we tried the Metro but no Yellow Line Trains were running south - took Uber to Crystal City - dinner with Kelly at CPK - Metro home (arrived around 2130)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Scarlet Oak with Sean, Rachel, Daniel - finished at 2000]

Stanardsville, VA (USA)

It was raining almost everywhere but I wanted to take advantage of a chance to put in some AT miles. I left the apartment by 1130, got a gas fillup in Gainesville (1145), entered Shenandoah National Park and reached the trailhead at Blackrock Gap (m/m 87.4) by 1400. Headed SOBO, into thick fog. The trail section was hilly but there were few rocks. It wasn't raining but the moisture drenched me to the skin - luckily, it wasn't cold. I finished my outbound leg at the parking lot for the Rip Rap Trail and then used Skyline Drive to return to my car. There were very few cars in the park all day - a pleasant change from normal. In my car by 1630 and home by 1900 after close to six miles on the trail. Felt good and ready for more hiking in 2017. I was tying together the last two sections I had left in the Southern District - now I only have about 11 miles in SNP left to go! AT Today = 2.90 miles / Grand Total AT = 827.78 miles

Oxon Hill, MD (USA)

Mollie and I both slept late and skipped breakfast.  Mollie played Sony PS2 games for most of the late morning and early afternoon.  We ate lunch (leftovers) and played with Frosty.  We wrote Thank You cards for our Christmas presents and then Mollie played more PS2 games.  We spent the rest of our time together with apartment cleanup (including taking down the Christmas Tree).  I dropped Mollie (and Frosty) off at Nicky's house at 1645 and then met up with Sabrina at her apartment.  First, I tried to help her with hanging her TV (I brought a stud finder).  Later, she drove us to MGM National Harbor and we checked out the casino for the first time.  I was not impressed - traffic flow was horrible, parking was complicated, the entrances were filled with people and we had to walk all the way through the building before we could get on the floor.  Eventually, we made it to a Craps table and discovered that the minimum bet was $10.  Sabrina felt lucky but ended up losing about $150 in 15 minutes.  We soothed our spirits with expensive drinks in the fancy (very strict dress code) Felt Bar and Lounge.  The manager let us stay even though we didn't have a reservation and then Marli and friends arrived (bringing our party to six).  After they left, Sabrina and I were about to pay our tab (2045) when the hostess asked us if we wanted to go to a free Duran Duran Concert!  Of course we said yes and it turned out to be really great!  We ended up meeting Marli and her friends again afterwards for a midnight run on McDonalds.  Retrieved my car and drove home - it was a great night!