Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour with co-workers at Scarlet Oak (finished at 1810)]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - farewell party for Joe B. at Matchbox (Pentagon City) - finished at 1900]

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

[Brenna slept until 1130 and I woke her up when I called to check on Mollie on my way back from hiking - they decided to go eat brunch at the dining hall, so I met them around 1230 - we drove over to Erin's dorm so Mollie could visit with her - meanwhile, I took Brenna shopping for supplies at Walmart (done at 1300) - we picked up Mollie at 1330 and I dropped off Brenna at her dorm - we said our goodbyes and then drove home, stopping for gas in Marshall (1445) - I dropped Mollie off at her own house at 1530]

Elkton, VA (USA)

Up before dark and, after breakfast at McDonalds in Harrisonburg (0645), drove up US-33 to Skyline Drive. Was surprised to find the gate open already (score!). Hiked from Smith Roach Gap SOBO (at 0745) to my turnaround point from yesterday. Unlike yesterday, the weather was COLD (20s) and the ground was audibly frozen (crunch crunch). Only saw one hiker (18 year old Yates, prepping for thru hike before college). My hike had a lot of big climbs today (unusual for SNP). During the backtrack, used Skyline Drive when I returned to Powell's Gap (cutting off almost a mile of trail). Headed NOBO, up Hightop Mountain until I saw the sign for the Hut. Back at my car by 1100 after 8 miles. Feeling good! Only about 4 miles of AT left in SNP! Headed back to Harrisonburg. AT Today = 4.60 miles / G.T. AT = 880.56 miles

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

Since December, Nicky had pestered me about watching Mollie overnight so she could go on a romantic weekend with Steve.  The way I saw things, the request worked out fine for me: more Mollie time!  Nicky dropped my daughter off before I reached home from my hike.  After I arrived, I switched out cars and we got a gas fillup in Alexandria (1600) before leaving for Harrisonburg.  Mollie had made some snacks for us to eat (very late lunch) and we had a nice talk on the way.  I had coordinated with Brenna to host Mollie for a sleepover in the dorm at JMU and we arrived at 1800.  We first dropped off sleeping gear at Brenna's room and then drove to the East Campus for dinner.  We'd hoped to meet up with Erin but, when Brenna called her, we learned that she was already eating dinner off campus with Austin.  After we finished eating (1915), Brenna and Mollie played games in the recreation center.  When they'd had their fill of that fun, I took them to Brenna's dorm again and left Mollie there for her first college sleepover.  I drove a short distance away and checked into Motel 6 in Harrisonburg (1945).  Caught up on some work before bed.

Daleville, VA (USA)

When I woke up, I was not pleased to see the ominous clouds to the southwest... I had thought I'd have another day near Daleville but the forecast said that wasn't the case anymore: a huge storm was about to hit Virginia and drop temperatures by 40 degrees! I got breakfast at the hotel, filled up the gas tank (0730) and then drove to the Southern entrance of SNP, hoping to beat the weather. Made good time to the AT trailhead at Pinefield Gap. Headed NOBO at 0945. My target was a big hill on the north side of Simmons Gap. Within the first hour, it started to rain on me. I even put on my poncho but the precipitation soon stopped. The temps were warm enough (high 60s) that I quickly took off the rain gear. Encountered only one hiker all day (not talkative) and spooked a huge herd of deer (so many white bushy tails on the hill...). Colorful birds were everywhere - it looked (again) like Spring had sprung... Once I returned to Simmons Gap during my backtrack, I used Skyline Drive to reach my car. I finished my hike at 1215 after 7 miles, barely missing the rainstorm. My drive home was pretty easy until I hit the Beltway - rain makes crazy drivers (Grrrr...).  Used back roads to Little River Turnpike and managed to get to my apartment by 1500. Felt good after four straight days of AT.  If all works out well, I'll get a fifth tomorrow! AT Today = 3.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 875.96 miles

Daleville, VA (USA)

A few years ago, when I was just starting this journey, I discovered that it was 20 miles from VA-311 to US-220. There aren't any roads near the section and I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it without a ride. Another challenge was that I started hiking the AT without a map or trail guide and used a bad pedometer to estimate mileage. So, on one of my first days on the trail (when I climbed the ridge to the west of Daleville and turned around), I really messed up the distance. Now that I've determined I can tackle the section without a shuttle, I decided to "fix" the mileage problem! Left my hotel (no driving required) at 1300 (after a morning of meetings) and headed SOBO. Some of the trail was familiar and it was clear the easy access was known by many other hikers. With the exception of about two hours in the middle of the afternoon, I was almost never alone. The trail took me back to a power line that crackled continuously (last turnaround) and then, on the ridge, gave me beautiful views of the Carvin Cove Reservoir. I hadn't even known that lake was there in all the visits I've made... Down the other slope, I could see Daleville far below me - I almost never lost sight of civilization during the hike. After I'd passed all the climbing rocks (clearly an attraction), I almost couldn't follow the trail because of the deep leaves. I was looking for a turnaround (blue blaze trail with view) and I'm 90% sure I found it... In any case, it will be the turnaround for my next hike in the area (need to use Andy Layne Trail). I was racing the sunset all the way back down! It was hazier near Roanoke, so the view wasn't as good as last night. But the sunlight lasted enough for me to make it back without a flashlight (barely). I hobbled back into my hotel room around 1915, exhausted and sore from almost 14 miles. I walked across the street from my hotel for dinner at Pizza Hut (finished at 2045).  When I did the math on my actual new AT distance, the calculator produced a very unsatisfying result because of the "re-tread"... But I chipped away at some more mileage and know for sure I'm not fat fingering anymore. Gonna try one more morning on the trail before heading home. Do my old bones have what it takes? Stay tuned... AT Today = 3.78 miles / G.T. AT = 872.56 miles

Blacksburg, VA (USA)

Woke up on Blacksburg (still in Red Carpet Inn on Main Street) and, after a long day of spreading the word about our company, I headed north out of town so I could squeeze in another hike. I arrived at the trailhead (VA-42) at 1545 - it was partly cloudy and a balmy 70 degrees. I was surprised to encounter a Hokie student parking in the same spot. At first, I thought I'd have a hiking buddy. But a few minutes into the conversation it became clear that he was a regular trail runner - he planned to climb up the mountain and be back before dark. I watched him race up the first few hills and he soon disappeared into the woods (oh well). The trail took me across rolling meadows, through rhododendron bushes, over several ridges and into two valleys with rushing creeks. I made pretty good time (SOBO) to the turnaround point and ran into my would-be hiker friend again! He had spent some time enjoying the view of the fire-red sky as the sun set behind the mountains in West Virginia. Since it was already twilight, I didn't tarry for the view and headed back down immediately. I ran into some deer (not afraid of me) as I neared the bottom of the knob. I could hear the peepers in the little ponds nearby (I guess Spring is really here?). It soon got really dark. I was able to make it almost all the way back without my headlamp (night vision with white blazes versus whiteout with flashlight) but eventually had no choice but to use it to avoid bogs, fences, rocks. Made it to my car by 1915 after finishing around 7.5 miles. The temps had only dropped into the mid 60s, so I was sweating a lot. Headed north to set up for another hike tomorrow afternoon (after some work in the morning). Happy I can make tracks on this little trip...  AT Today = 3.60 miles / G.T. AT = 868.78 miles

Blacksburg, VA (USA)

I had another chance to do some recruiting for my company and, like last Fall, the trip took me to Virginia Tech. So I made sure to capitalize on the opportunity to hike near Blacksburg. After several hours of work in the morning, I headed west on I-66.  Gas fillup in Linden (1045) and then got on I-81.  Checked into Red Carpet Inn in Blacksburg at 1410.  It was raining when I arrived but I didn't let it deter me. Instead, I drove to the trailhead on (gravel) Mountain Lake Road (VA-613). I'd visited the same location in May 2014 but arrived from the north (much rougher ride). It was very damp (but not raining) when I headed NOBO (1530). I was wearing a short sleeve shirt under my poncho (not cold at all). The section was mostly flat, all the way to Lone Pine Peak. The eerie fog, along with the silence, lulled me into a trance while I trudged along. There weren't any views but I saw a huge owl take flight in the mist. No sign of people at all - that was nice. Finished at 1745 after nearly 5.5 miles. Not a long day but it was nice to get another day on the trail. Hopefully, the rain will hold off tomorrow after work... AT Today = 2.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 865.18 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour with Sean G. at Dirty Habit (finished at 1845)]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

Mollie didn't have school (Federal Holiday), so we celebrated the birthday of our hometown hero today!  At 0845, we drove to Mount Vernon (bad traffic) and ended up parking about a mile away from the event (George Washington's Birthday) and having to walk to the entrance.  We were able to get a good view of the Presidential Wreath Laying ceremony at 1000 and then got seats at the official welcome event at 1030.  We also watched the military tactics demonstration at 1115 before walking down to the farm and waterfront.  Before leaving, we visited the Presidential Library (across the street).  While there, we had a snack (graham crackers, hot apple cider) and made plans for a future visit to see some of GW's books.  We walked back to our car and did some errands before arriving back at my apartment (1430).  It seemed like the entire population of the DMV decided to spend the day with us...  No matter: fifers and drummers serenaded us, we watched the solemn wreath laying ceremony at the tomb and we marveled at the 21 gun salute and battlefield tactics demonstration - we even saw the birthday boy himself!  We walked around a lot with short sleeves - can't believe how warm it was... It was a great day!

Harper's Ferry, WV (USA)

The weather was gorgeous today! We'd planned to go skiing but decided that wasn't going to be fun at 70 degrees... We left for Harper's Ferry at 0800 and arrived at the park headquarters at around 0915.  We got some passport stamps for Mollie's book and then took a shuttle bus into town to explore this place again (see JUL 2006).  An old railroad bridge provided a walkway across the Potomac River and we used it so we could hike another section of the C&O Canal Footpath in Maryland. After about 2.5 miles, we stopped to enjoy a nice picnic lunch in the warm sun (1115). During our walk back, it was clear that anyone who had the means to come had arrived. Many brought dogs Mollie and enjoyed those encounters tremendously. We later explored the old streets and buildings and learned about Lewis and Clark (expedition started in Harper's Ferry).  We also climbed the hill on the edge of town (following the AT blazes) to see Jefferson Rock. After the crowds became unbearable, we retraced our steps and took the shuttle bus to our car. We were back in Virginia by 1345 and stopped to pick up some furniture in Leesburg that my boss (Jackie) had saved for me.  We also got gas in Centreville (1430).  By the time we were home, we both were ready for a nap!

Alexandria, VA (USA)

Mollie got to work as a volunteer at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center today ("Shadow Day"). She helped to take care of the many animals (from local habitats) and had cleanup duties. The other ladies working with her were students in the Environmental and Conservation fields at George Mason University. I dropped her off at 0945 and completed a bunch of forms so that Mollie could help during the day.  After that, the ladies working there (Kali and Coleen) started treating her just like a volunteer.  This meant that Mollie got to record her volunteer hours in their book.  Meanwhile, I took a walk on the Holmes Run Trail and then went home for several hours.  I went back to pick up Mollie at the Nature Center at 1615 and learned that she had an excellent day of helping with animal care and general cleaning.  The lead worker (Kali) welcomed her back ("any time").  Mollie later told me that she needed 100 volunteer hours before graduation and it was clear this would help.  What a great opportunity!

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour with Chris C. - tried Plan B but too crowded - moved to Hill Country - margaritas until 2215 - home very late]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[rested at my apartment for most of the day - in the late afternoon, I went for a walk on Mason Neck (from NWR to State Park on bike path) - it rained on me (when I'd forgotten my umbrella) - Mollie came to my house to study for a few hours after dinner]

Blacksburg, VA (USA)

Up very early in Blacksburg and, after breakfast at McDonalds (0645), arrived at the trailhead on VA-630 at 7:00 AM. I'd been there before but never saw the parking lot last time (always find something new when I'm exploring near AT...). Encountered treacherous mud all day - caused by the melting ice that was still visible on the biggest rocks. I spent more than five hours alone on the trail - again saw no wildlife. I first climbed Sinking Creek Mountain (more challenging than yesterday's hill). Passed a tree ("The Keffer Oak") that the trail guide said was over 300 years old - it sure looked its age... I had started in a short sleeve short (carrying layers) and almost broke down for a pullover because of the stiff breeze that I encountered at the top. Soldiered on and the temps reached the high 50s by the end. The views from the ridge were amazing, especially to the northeast - I swear I could see more than 40 miles (all the way to McAfee, the Priest and Three Ridges Wilderness - wow!). I spent hours on a relatively flat section with occasional rock scrambles - pretty easy, though. I turned around at the top of the climb up from VA-621 (where I was yesterday) and encountered a sign about the eastern continental divide at the same spot. On the way back, the wind died down, it got warmer and more overcast. I saw at least two clues that there might be a bear on the ridge... In the last hour, I saw more people than usual (it was so warm). Most asked me for directions - at least one pair of young lady hikers were horribly lost but took the "Road to Abilene" after refusing my caution to head back to their car and reposition. Oh well... I reached my car at 1245 after nearly 13 miles. The lot was packed and there were even more cars on VA-42. On my way back to the interstate, I passed the parking lot for McAfee and the overflow ran up and down VA-311 (sure glad I was done!). Headed back to civilization via I-81, US-29 and VA-3.  Almost killed by crazy truck driver near Roanoke...  Gas fillup in Troutville (1400).  Drove to Kelly's house in Woodbridge and changed.  Headed to Brew Republic for the Beer & Donuts event.  Encountered drunk friends (Jim H., Arnol, Mike and Kelly) and decided to go home early (1930).  Apart from the less-than-easy social interactions, it wasn't a bad weekend.  Getting lucky that I've missed most of the deep snow this winter! AT Today = 6.4 miles / G.T. AT = 862.58 miles

Blacksburg, VA (USA)

After the week I had, it was nice to discover that I had scheduled a trip to our office in Fauquier County for Friday... The sunrise on the way to work (around 0645) was that I found the ground covered with snow when I arrived. After about five hours on the job, I headed west to I-81. Traffic sucked for some reason but I was off the interstate (at VA-311) by 1400. Unfortunately, it took me a while (and a LOT of driving) to locate the AT trailhead. After trying several dead-ends off Newport Road and Mount Tabor Road, I figured out that I had to drive around the entire mountain. I actually ended up on US-460 before I found a way to access Craig Creek Road (VA-621). Parked near Lee Hollow and started NOBO at 1515, bound for the top of Brush Mountain (near the Audie Murphy crash site & memorial). Felt good in the climb and made great time to the ridge. Just like my last hiking weekend, I could see the turnaround point for the entire trip - the trail meandered back and forth above me and I could see for miles. There was no snow (just mud) and I peeled off a layer by the halfway mark. Saw no wildlife or people for the whole afternoon - hauntingly quiet. Made even better time on the way back down, finishing at 1745 with a beautiful sunset. VERY glad to squeeze the 6 mile hike in before dark - I needed that... Stayed at Red Carpet Inn in Blacksburg (arrived at 1835) and took care of more work in room before bed.  Should be even better weather again tomorrow and I'm going to make it count! AT Today = 2.90 miles / 856.18 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - lunch at Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe with Kelly at Dupont Circle (finished at 1230) - work - met up with Charlie K. at Sine - Kelly showed up later and invited Joe R. - we left at 1830 - VERY cold during metro commute home]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour with Greta, Sean, Rachel, Luke, Phil at Bluejacket (finished at 1850) - Stephanie told me about Joe B. farewell (at Matchbox) about an hour before it started - since I'd used the Green Line that day, I didn't even try to go]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - lunch with Randy at L'Enfant - work - Scarlet Oak HH (solo)]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

Mollie had another school holiday and slept until 0900.  Meanwhile, I teleworked.  She ate breakfast (yogurt, cornbread) and did chores.  After that, Mollie contacted her mother about us taking the dog (Bear) for a walk.  We cooked loaded baked potato in the crock pot to eat when we got home from the outing.  At 1130, we drove to Nicky's to pick up Bear and then took him to the Dora Kelly Nature Park (near Shirlington).  We stopped at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center on the way.  It was closed but we got Mollie signed up to shadow the Nature Center employees on February 18.  We walked with the dog for more than an hour near Holmes Run.  We saw an owl!  We then took Bear back to Nicky's and dropped off Boxtops for Education at Mark Twain.  Home by 1400, we ate our meal and I teleworked some more.  Mollie watched some Netflix and cleaned up her room.  I dropped Mollie off at her mother's house at 1645.

Washington, DC (USA)

Mollie was awake early (0815) and fixed her own breakfast.  We went to Mass (Fort Belvoir - Woodlawn) at 0915 and drove into Washington (DC) after that.  We visited the Lincoln Memorial, several war memorials, the Washington Monument and the NPS Visitors Centers for all of the sites on the Mall we've previously visited (to get more Passport stamps).  There were lots of dancing kites, flag football and ultimate frisbee games to watch.  We walked a lot and ended our city explorations with a visit to the Smithsonian American History Museum.  We are lucky to live near so much culture, history and outdoor exuberance from our neighbors!  We left the city at around 1430 and headed straight home.  Once there, we ate a late lunch and watched a movie ("The Day the Earth Stood Still").  Mollie did homework and then took a nap from 1630 to 1830.  I cooked dinner (spaghetti bolognese, peas, root beer floats) and got some groceries for baking and the big game.  Mollie later made honey cornbread muffins for us.  We watched the Super Bowl (NE vs ATL) together until late in the fourth quarter.  Mollie went to bed (2215) but I stayed up until the end of the most amazing come-back in history (wow!).

Fredericksburg, VA (USA)

When Mollie woke up, I made breakfast (eggs, bacon, cinnamon croissants) and we packed up for a day of adventure.  By 1000, were on the road.  We first drove to Triangle and stopped to see Mr. Newkirk's new cemetery marker at the National Cemetery.  Mollie also got a stamp for her passport book at Prince William Forest Park.  We then drove to Fredericksburg and visited the Battlefield Visitors Center.  While there, we walked for a while in the nice weather.  We ate lunch (Bavarian Chef) at the train station (1300).  After we'd gorged ourselves, we visited Chatham Manor (more walking) and then drove back to Alexandria.  We encountered a HUGE traffic jam on the way.  Bob invited us to Game Night and we showed up (1600) just as they (Bob, Kathy and Doug) started a second game.  We stayed until 1900 and had lots of fun.  Back at my house, Mollie did chores.  We ate a very light dinner and watched movies ("Lost in Space" and "Project X").  Bed was at 2230.

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - drinks with Greta at Gordon Biersch - she drove me to Pentagon City (to meet up with Kelly, Joe and Stephanie) but I forgot my folio - Greta drove me back to get it and then we returned to Matchbox - by then, everyone had left - I checked Sine and then rode the Metro home]