Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[after dropping Mollie off at her mother's, I drove to Woodbridge to watch Aidan's football game - Kelly had asked me to come because her son was feeling like "no one ever comes to my games" - I first went to the high school but it wasn't the right place - Kelly sent my an address and I eventually found the right place - when I arrived, I saw that Jason was there (very uncomfortable, especially since she'd told me he wouldn't be) - I got to see Aidan score a touchdown - after it was over (1645), I ate dinner at Brew Republic with Kelly and her kids - we also played Trivial Pursuit - later, I watched TV and played with Amazon Alexa at Kelly's - also had beer and conversation with Kelly's neighbors - I left at 2300 and got home to find that there was absolutely NO parking in my complex (wow) - bed very late]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

I took Mollie to the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center to volunteer for several hours today (1000). She spent several hours there and, when I went to pick her up (1545), the ladies that supervised her told me she was one of their best volunteers and welcomed her back whenever she wanted to come.  We then drove to the Alexandria Animal Shelter and visited the cats and dogs (Mollie loves that!).  After running some quick errands, we went to Mass at St. Lawrence (1700).  In the evening, we drove to National Harbor to have dinner at the Redstone American Grill with Bonnie and Kathy.  We had a nice visit and didn't get home until 2100.

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour with ATC friends at Plan B]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour at Scarlet Oak with Arun (finished at 1800)]

Canopus Lake, NY (USA)

When I got up this morning, it was 35 degrees! Very glad I drove north so I could enjoy the brisk weather. Checked out of hotel at 0645.  The sun was shining brightly and it warmed up to the mid 40s by the time I reached the trailhead on NY-301, at the south end of Canopus Lake. I headed NOBO at 0730, bound for the top of Shenandoah Mountain (where I turned around on Thursday). The trail followed the western shore of the lake and climbed a pretty good amount but I didn't see many good views - oh well. Made good time to the summit (better views this morning) and immediately headed down again. I was startled when another hiker, "Dan" came up behind me. Actually, if I hadn't stopped to adjust my pack I wouldn't have seen anyone. It was nice to have company, though. He was a local (Navy Bubblehead) who was training for his upcoming trip to climb Rainier, Adams, St. Helens and Hood (wow!). He confirmed something that I'd wondered about (from evidence along the trail) for the last few days: there were, indeed, bears in the area. I had planned to use the snowshoe trails in the State Park and the road to get back to my car so I wished Dan luck with his climbing tour and headed to the east side of the lake. My decision saved me a little more than half a mile on the backtrack and I was driving towards home by 1100 after 7.5 miles for the day. Glad I left then, too, because the park was filling up with day hikers. Retraced my tracks on the road, wishing I didn't live so far away... Got a special treat as I passed Stewart ANG Base on I-84: Patrouille de France was performing their air show maneuvers (complete with red, white and blue smoke) - spectacular! Gas top-off in Cold Spring, NY (1045) and a full gas tank (1200) and lunch at McDonalds (1210) at Montague, NJ.  Made it home (narrowly dodging a major accident by just a hundred yards - I've had too many close calls this year...) by 1700. As I was sitting at the light near my apartment, I felt Mr. Tick biting me - think I managed to get him loose in time (we'll see)... Great trip: over 40 miles hiked in cool temperatures and quiet mountain solitude. Can't wait for the next trip! AT Today = 4.20 miles / G.T. AT = 922.56 miles

Bulls Bridge, CT (USA)

Bought a submarine sandwich and washed mud off my hands at Bulls Bridge Country Market (CT) at 1510.  After finishing my lunch, I parked at the trailhead on Schaghticoke Road (1530) and headed SOBO. The trail took me along the shore of the Housatonic River (some amazing views). I encountered more people here than I'd seen all week, including two Boy Scout troops camped in a huge field at the intersection of Ten Mile River. But no one else was climbing the mountain. It took all the remaining gas I had in the tank to get to the summit, but I was glad to make it there. The last time I got the view, it was after I climbed through thigh deep snow drifts - this was much better! I encountered a lone hiker at the view point - he looked like he was contemplating life and I almost didn't want to bother him. But he and I struck up a good conversation that lasted the rest of the way back down the hill. His name was Brian (a bit older than me) and he was section hiking as he found the time. He had vacationed on Cape Cod when he was young and now visits the Adirondacks for his vacations. We reached my car, after another five miles of hiking, at 1745. When he told me he planned to hike all the way back to CT-55, I offered him a ride. It probably took 15 minutes by car and he was grateful. My trail angel karma is fully recharged (I may even have a credit)... Totaled more than 16 miles overall at two locations in two states today - tired but feeling strong and ready for more! AT Today = 2.30 miles / G.T. AT = 918.36 miles

Wetabuck, NY (USA)

Weather was iffy again so I decided to head northeast, towards Connecticut. I'd hiked in the area near Wetabuck (NY) a few years ago and figured I'd tie a few sections together on both sides of the border. When I arrived at the trailhead on NY-22 in Wingdale (right next to the Metro-North Appalachian Trail station), it had started to sprinkle. Undeterred, I put on my poncho and started NOBO (0930). The first few miles were cow pastures but then I entered a hardwood forest. Mud was a big factor - in several places, I felt like I was starting off the American Ninja Warrior course... I had a LOT on my clothes by the end of the day! With the drizzle and my short sleeved shirt, I went between hot (with poncho) and cold (without poncho). Saw lots of people today: most were day hikers but I did see some people that could have been NOBO flip-floppers. Lots of them had well behaved dogs, a rare experience for sure. There wasn't any chit chat with anyone, though - the roller coaster and slippery terrain took a lot of concentration for everyone, I guess. Saw a huge area of very tall trees that had all fallen (roots included) in the same direction - must have been an amazing storm... I turned around at the shelter and headed back to my car without a break. It finally stopped raining for good and I made good time on the backtrack. By the time I crossed the pastures again, the cows had gotten very close to the trail - they watched me all the way across the field. Before I was done, I also got to watch a nearby groundhog become perfectly still, I guess because he thought he was blending into the vegetation. When he realized that I could see him, he ducked into his hole and peeked out a few times, tentatively, to see if I'd left. I checked out the railway station option - a train stopped and picked up some hikers as I was finishing (1430). After 11.5 miles I still had energy left, so I decided to reposition for some more miles... AT Today = 5.70 miles / G.T. AT = 916.06 miles

Stormville, NY (USA)

Wasn't planning to work very long this morning but several work "emergencies" kept me in my room until noon. Fortunately, I didn't waste any sun - it was pouring all morning. When I finally got going, the downpour had been replaced by thick fog. No matter... I drove to a place where the AT crossed I-84 in Stormville (Grape Hollow Road) - Mollie and I had hiked there in 2015. Had to park a pretty good distance from the trailhead (because of guard rails) but was headed NOBO at 1245. Didn't see another human until I made it back to my car at 1800 (lots of pesky bugs, though). There were lots of muddy places but what really affected this hike was the big drop in temps (high 40s on the ridge, with a breeze). It also wasn't as green as I'd seen to the south: Spring was running late. Saw several owls and large woodpeckers (their color was starkly different than everything else on the gray day). Made it to NY-55 before turning around. Soon afterwards, I startled a female mallard who appeared to be trying to build a nest along the trail - we both headed away from each other rapidly and noisily... Some birds sang happily, like the conditions were much better. I was reminded of Elizabeth Cheney's words in "Overheard in an Orchard", which my mom cross-stitched and hung over my bed when I was young. The sound of the Interstate as I neared civilization again proved the point of the poem. Logged almost 11.5 miles before I was done for the day. Ate dinner at KFC in Fishkill (1830).  It is supposed to be nicer tomorrow - I hope that work can wait until Monday... Ready for more! AT Today = 5.60 miles / G.T. AT = 910.36 miles

Fishkill, NY (USA)

The requirements and design review was in Gaithersburg and my bags were still packed from last week - hmmm: should I go hiking again? (Rhetorical question of course!)  Left the house early and got a gas fillup in Alexandria (0620).  Worked in Maryland until around 1400 and then drove north.  Dinner at McDonalds (1550) and gas fillup (1600) in Montague, NJ.  Crossed Hudson River on I-84 (1635) and checked into Quality Inn in Fishkill, NY (1645).  After getting ready for my hike, I made it to the AT trailhead at the intersection of the Taconic Parkway and Miller Hill Road (near Hopewell Junction) by 1745 and took off SOBO. Rain was forecasted by 2100 and the sun was going to set by 1941 so I knew I was cutting it close... Still, I wasn't going to let those things keep me from getting some miles! Within the first mile, I encountered a pretty privy right next to the trail (unusual). Then I saw a fancy hikers cabin (wow!) on the other side of the trail. Free accommodations and no one staying there - the caretaker was even visiting to clean the place up. Had I not promised a colleague that I'd run a telcon the next morning, I would have just stayed there for the night. Oh well: next time! I continued uphill, toward the summit of Shenandoah "Mountain" (sorry, just being snobby after Clingman's Dome). Temperature was great - some bugs but they disappeared when I reached the first ridge. Birds were singing loudly and I could hear the peepers in the valley below (almost as loud as the Parkway). I didn't see anyone at all (NOBO bubbles are still in TN, NC and VA). Made it to the 9/11 Memorial painting (my turnaround point) and was treated to a great view for miles - it was well worth the climb. Headed back to my car and navigated for the last 30 minutes in near-darkness (didn't use headlamp, though). Finished roughly 6 miles by 2015 and headed into Fishkill for the night. Don't have much AT in NY left, so planning to tackle as much as I can (dodging rain) for the next three days. AT Today = 2.80 miles / Grand Total AT = 904.76 miles (>300 miles per year for three years!)

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - drinks at Chevy's in Pentagon City (done at 1815)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - went to Rachel's "Three Year Celebration" and farewell happy hour for Daniel at Scarlet Oak - home by 2000]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - met Stephanie at CPK Pentagon City for happy hour - home by 2100]

Spring Break Trip - Day 8

We ate breakfast (waffles, toast, cereal, bananas) at the hotel and got a gas fillup in Marion (0825).  Mollie's Easter wish was to visit Appomattox so that she could get another stamp for her NPS Passport book.  We learned a lot about your end of the Civil War and enjoyed another walk on a beautiful weather day.  We left for home at around 1230 PM.  On the way, we talked about Nicky's family tree (Etowa Cherokee and Fort Payne farm) and Mollie was very interested in learning more.  We got lunch (Subway) in Cumberland and continued east.  We spent several more hours in the car (traffic on I-95).  Near Fredericksburg, we witnessed the aftermath of a horrific motorcycle accident (the bike had nearly hit us before running into other cars ahead).  Despite massive traffic delays, we made it to Alexandria at around 1645 and unpacked the car (and picked up Mollie's belongings from last weekend).  I drove her home and dropped her off at Nicky's at 1715.  We had a great trip and are already looking forward to the Summer Vacation adventure...

Spring Break Trip - Day 7

We got up at 0800 and had breakfast (toast, juice) at the hotel.  We then drove north and fillup up our gas tank at Pioneer, TN (1015).  Our first destination was the Big South Fork River NRA, where we did some hiking near the Columbia River gorge ridges in Tennessee and Kentucky (until 1330).  We ate lunch (Taco Bell) in Williamsburg (KY) at 1415 and then drove to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and did some more hiking on the Wilderness Road (in Virginia and Kentucky), following the pioneers over the "saddle" of the Gap into the wild frontier.  We later explored the pinnacle overlook and, after traveling through the tunnel, the town below (in Tennessee).  We were treated to views of bison just after entering Virginia.  Mollie got two new stamps for her NPS Passport book and we made some good memories while exploring.  We also stopped briefly at the nearby Wilderness Road State Park.  As the day was ending, we drove east to Bristol and ate dinner (Bojangles) at 1900; Mollie told me she didn't want to go home yet, so we found a hotel (America's Best Value Inn) in Marion (2025).  We watched TV and read before bed (2345).

Spring Break Trip - Day 6

Another beautiful day! We slept late, packed up the car and ate breakfast (waffles, cereal) at the hotel (0830).  We headed over the mountains (to the south) and spent several hours near the Oconaluftee Visitors Center (Mingus Mill corn milling and hydraulic power demo, Mountain Farm Museum, a 2.5 mile hike along the River Trail, etc.). We also spent a short time in Cherokee (NC), including a stop at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (1130).  It was very good! Got a gas fillup and ate lunch at Hardees (1310). After lunch, it became clear that there was no room at any inn nearby, so we drove east to Maggie Valley and then north to the Cataloochee area so we could view the restored elk herd (arrived at 1500). We took a short hike (2 more miles) and ate a light dinner while waiting.  We were then were treated to some close encounters with the animals (very exciting). The place required navigation of some serious gravel road driving in both directions but was definitely worth the cliffhanger drama. Leaving GSMNP behind us (1830), we drove back into Tennessee and found a hotel (Knights Inn) at Newport, TN (2000).  We then watched TV before bed (2300).  We will play one more day of "make this up as we go." No matter what happens, we've been so lucky with weather and adventures this week!

Spring Break Trip - Day 5

Much lazier day today... I teleworked for a short time and then woke Mollie up (0830). We ate breakfast (cereal, apples) at the hotel and then drove through Gatlinburg to visit the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. We passed the little wedding chapel where Mollie's mom and I had been married and I pointed it out to her. When we arrived at the trailheads, we talked about hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail but ended up deciding against it (too far). Instead, we explored the Old Sugarlands Trail (for horses) and a side trail that went through the forest fire zone. This was an interesting hike through the devastation from 2016. Everything looked so dead but, from out of the ashes, there were still signs of life. Everyone else was crowded onto the more popular Rainbow Falls Trail but we hardly saw anyone where we went - except for park rangers (taking soil samples and photos) and mycologists (studying fungi). We talked to them for a bit before wrapping up our three mile hike. Back in our car by 1115, we escaped Gatlinburg and drove to Pigeon Forge, where we explored stores on the strip. We ate lunch (Sonic) at 1145 and then headed back to the hotel (1330). It was pretty hot outside so we read and napped in the room. Mollie also did homework until about 1800. At that point, I went shopping (1830) at the nearby Publix and bought dinner (sushi, pasta, green beans). When we finished eating (in the room), I drove us up to Newfound Gap to watch the sun set (2000). All I can say is "wow"! We then went mini-golfing at Fun Stop (2035) and got ice cream (Mollie's treat). Back in the room, we watched TV and read in the room until 2330 PM until going to bed. Headed down to Cherokee tomorrow!

Spring Break Trip - Day 4

Another great day in paradise! Mollie slept until 0800 while I teleworked. We ate breakfast (waffles, cereal) at the hotel and then we drove to the GSMNP again (0930). Our first activity was a nice hike up Mt. LeConte to see Arch Rock and Alum Cave (five miles round trip, great views). Spent a few hours among the red spruce that only grow above 3500'. This was the longest distance Mollie has ever hiked with me. When we finished (1230), we stopped at the Sugarland Visitors Center again (for hiking and fauna viewing information). Later, we drove over to the Cades Cove area and we got some lunch (hot dogs, bugles, cookies) at Cades Cove Trading Company campground store. We spent about five hours driving around the scenic loop (three times total), looking for wildlife. There were several deer, a black rat snake and a black bear near the road! So we decided to get closer... We took short breaks for snacks and to enjoy the pleasant weather. Also explored some of the old homesteads that had to be abandoned to create the Park. After we'd had enough fun looking for animals, we stopped to hike another mile (round trip) at the Elijah Oliver Place (old homestead). As we drove around the loop, we also at the Visitors Center and at several other places to enjoy the view. All day long, we had great talks and Mollie frequently said she was really enjoying our trip to her "favorite mountains". Just before we started our last loop, we picked up some more food (ham and cheese subs, chips) at the campground store for our picnic dinner and got some souvenirs. Of course, we also had to get some ice cream to eat immediately! :-) We later stopped for to eat the food while overlooking a beautiful valley. At 1900, we were finished and drove back to Pigeon Forge via the small village of Townsend. We arrived at the hotel around 2000 and I teleworked for over an hour. Mollie and I then watched TV and read until bed time (2315). Overall, enjoyed ourselves tremendously! Not leaving this area yet (or maybe ever)...

Spring Break Trip - Day 3

I woke up at 0700 (while Mollie slept) and left the hotel (didn't have to drive) at 0730. It was another beautiful day and I hiked SOBO out of town. Like yesterday, the trail was a steady climb above the town. Great views from the ridge and the train whistles echoed spectacularly. Birds were loud and active and a deer crossed the trail as I passed. Soon, it was very quiet and I almost forgot that I needed to get back to the car and resume my chauffeur duties. There hadn't been any cell service for nearly two days (awesome). Encountered NoBO thru hikers all morning. The last half mile of the outbound was downhill and I found a small (two person) cemetery at the gap. When I turned around at the Deer Park Shelter, I met up with a group of five section hikers. They were carrying heavy backpacks and I followed them for about a mile and we chatted about the AT in the area. As the sun rose higher, the temperatures increased (glad I started early). When the trail started downhill again, I passed them and made great time to the hotel (1015, ~6.5 miles). Mollie was ready to go by the time I got back (1015). We drove (US-25/US-70) back into Tennessee this afternoon and had a nice lunch at the A&W in Newport (1130). We followed US-321 to Gatlinburg, where we got a gas fillup (1255). Just on the east side of town (and the edge of Great Smoky Mountain National Park), Mollie and I decided to ride horses ("Little Red" and "Tiny Tim") at the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables (NPS site). We started at 1300 and it was a great afternoon on the trail - we saw a tom turkey showing off his tail feathers and a tree with deep bear claw marks. The sure footed horses carried us over several streams and kept us away from the edges of steep ravines. Mollie was in heaven and we got some great pictures. After we were done riding, we drove through Gatlinburg, which was mobbed with people, and saw stark evidence of the 2016 fire. Continued to Sugarland Visitors Center at the entrance of GSMNP. Our next stop was the summit of Clingman's Dome (over 6000'). In addition to enjoying the spectacular views of the valleys below, we walked a stretch of the AT (1530) that I'd last hiked back in October 1994 (dying to come back and make some new tracks...). We coaxed ol' Bessie down the steep hill again and decided to look for a place to stay to the north of the park. Saw more evidence of the forest fire - yikes... Pigeon Forge turned out to be a great choice for three nights in the area - much less busy. We checked into Rodeway near the south end of the "strip". Ate an amazing dinner at the Old Mill Restaurant (family style Southern Comfort Food) at 1900 and played a game of catch in a nearby park before the sunset. We went back to the hotel and I teleworked for an hour. Then we watched TV and read books before bed (2245). More fun tomorrow in the Smokies! AT Today = 3.14 miles / G.T. AT = 901.96 miles

Spring Break Trip - Day 2

Up with the sun (0630) to get some trail miles while Mollie caught zzzzs at our cottage on Watauga Lake. Drove to the AT trailhead on US-321 (I'd last hiked from the spot in 2015) and headed SOBO, up Pond Mountain (0700). Again the weather was awesome - I saw great views of the lake and the town of Hampton during the climb. I only encountered two hikers on the outbound leg (probably Ridgerunners) so the main NOBO bubbles clearly haven't made it this far yet. As I neared the summit, I caught the strong scent of campfires from the thru hikers (SOBOs) camping on Pond Flats. I made my way to the best turnaround landmark I could find (mossy tree and fallen log). Talked briefly to some campers and slackpackers during my backtrack. Made great time on the way back down, finishing the 6.5 mile day by 0945. Drove back to get Mollie and to continue our Spring Break adventure! Mollie was ready to go when I returned (1030) but skipped breakfast. After checking out of the hotel (1030), we drove to Hampton (TN) and got air for the tires. We also ate lunch (McDonalds) in town (1100). Mollie and I then explored the TVA dam site on the north side of Watauga Lake. Weather was great and we saw lots of farms on the way (sheep, cows, horses, chickens, dogs). The lake was so pretty! Tried to rent a kayak on TN-91 but the shop was closed. We later used US-321 to get through Elizabethton and reach I-26 and then continued towards Asheville. We stopped at the very nice Tennessee Welcome Center just before leaving the state and got directions to Hot Springs (over mountain). Used TN-452 to find our next attraction, Rocky Fork State Park. We hiked a bit in the woods there, enjoying the many waterfalls. Continued into North Carolina and followed NC-212 and NC-208 to reach our a place to stay (Alpine Motel at 1600). We ate dinner at the Iron Horse Restaurant in Hot Springs (1745) and then walked part of the AT (Alpine Court to NOC parking lot on east side of the French Broad River). There was big excitement in the vacation trailer park near the trail: four alarm fire! We talked to the scared residents before heading back to the room, logging another mile of AT. [AT Today = 0.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 898.82 miles] Mollie made friends with the hotel "house chicken" while I listened to the trail tales of the thru hikers in the courtyard - this is the life! We watched TV and caught up on internet service (we hadn't had signal all afternoon). Mollie met the "house chicken" and we listened to thru hikers telling their stories in the courtyard - we watched TV and read books until bed time (2230). AT Today = 3.26 miles / G.T. AT = 898.32 miles

Spring Break Trip - Day 1

Let the Spring Break adventure begin! Mollie and I were both up by 0730 and packed up quickly. Mollie ate breakfast (Belvita Sandwich) and we were on the road (after a quick return to the house to get Mollie's NPS passport book, which we forgot) by 0830. We headed south on our Daddy-Daughter "make it up as you go along trip." We filled up the gas tank in Haymarket (0900) and Mollie sent Snapchat post to Brenna and Erin as we passed Harrisonburg on I-81. When we reached Marion and filled up the gas tank (1330), Mollie made the first decision: wild ponies! We headed south on VA-16 and used US-58 to get to our destination. We ate lunch (quesadillas, dried fruit, triscuits) in the car on the way and entered the park at 1415. We'd been to the location during the Columbus Day weekend last year but we can never get enough... We found a couple of our furry friends in the first 15 minutes and then used the AT (NOBO) to explore the area further. Despite some serious mud slogging, an encounter with singing Trail Life scouts and a creepy conversation with an old hippy hiker, we didn't see any more ponies. The weather was beautiful! I'd estimate that we hiked about three total miles between Massie Gap, the Rhododendron Trail, AT to the boundary and the Virginia Horse Trail (we definitely covered more trail than the AT Guide indicated and there were not a lot of markers in the book for the wide open spaces). We very much enjoyed the close encounters with the wild ponies and didn't leave the park until around 1600. We then drove west to on US-58 because it was my turn to choose an activity: I selected a visit to Trail Town USA! The drive on US-58 was an adventure itself... We stopped for dinner (1800) at Bobo McFarland's (mmmm) and then (1845) walked off the calories on the AT - it wound its way all through the town. It was clear that the trail was a huge part of the economy for Damascus (it reminded me of Millinocket). We enjoyed the pleasant spring evening weather as we walked between Water Street and Douglas Street (mostly using Laurel Avenue, but also using part of the Creeper Rail Trail). Completed another two miles of hiking. [AT Today = 1.00 miles / G.T. AT = 895.06 miles] Will definitely return! As the sun set behind the hills in the west, we headed into Tennessee (via VA-19, TN-19, US-421, TN-67, US-321). We made it to a hotel (Lake Watauga Resort just west of Hampton, TN) by 1945 and were settled into our little cottage by 2100. We read and watched TV until bedtime at 2315.  AT Today = 0.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 894.06 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - met up with Alex D. at Hill Country - stayed until 1930 - Green Line to Branch Avenue - home by 2100]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour with Sean at Scarlet Oak (finished at 1745) - Green Line home]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

This is the time of year when we usually start renting canoes and kayaks at Lake Accotink and Pohick Bay Regional Park. But 2017 started out better than usual: my friend, Reza, showed us where he keeps his watercraft and said we could use them! Armed with brand new PFDs from Cabela's, we drove to Mason Neck at 1215 and headed north along the bay. The waterfront homes were amazing and we saw lots of people sunning and fishing from their fancy docks. We also enjoyed close-up views of several pairs of ospreys, bald eagles, blue herons, kingfishers, a hawk and countless waterfowl. And we didn't even try to visit the NWR (next time). There weren't even any bugs! Our paddling took us almost to the place on Pohick Bay where we'd turned around last spring. On the way back, we explored a small creek with even more spectacular wildlife encounters (including deer). To our surprise, we suddenly realized we'd found the water side of the old port landing for Gunston Hall! We've been there plenty of times and recognized the fences, trails and benches for reflection. I told Mollie that our discovery reminded me of when Bob, Frank and I used canoes to search the creeks that led right up to the backyard of our home in Milton (FL). Back out on the Potomac, we used some strong strokes on the wavy water to get back to Reza's. All told, we spent over three hours afloat. We'll definitely be back!  On the way home, we stopped to talk to some people doing orienteering - Mollie very interested (hmmm...).

Hagerstown, MD (USA)

We woke up at around 0800 and got ready.  I took Mollie to NFCU to deposit the money she'd made from babysitting and we then drove to Hagerstown to meet up with my dad, his wife and their dogs.  We arrived at 1045 and visited with them for a little bit in the hotel where they were staying.  At that point (1100), Beth got sick and we stopped at the Express Pharmacy across the street from their hotel to pick up some medicine for her and Mollie (cold).  After throwing up in the parking lot, Beth decided to stay at the hotel while Mollie, Dad and I went to lunch at Friendly's.  We had a nice conversation and meal (finished at 1245).  We then drove to Antietam National Battlefield and we walked a lot with Ana (the dog) and learned some history.  Weather was cool and windy with lots of clouds. We also explored the C&O Canal nearby (finished at 1530).  After a nice day together, we headed back to my dad's hotel, stopping at Sheetz in Martinsburg, West Virginia, at 1600 to pick up snacks and (free) drinks.  We did have a near death experience (almost T-Boned another car that decided to enter the highway) on the way...  After arriving back at the hotel, Mollie and I said goodbye to Dad and Beth and drove to Front Royal, where we went shopping at Walmart for a flat iron and socks for Mollie.  We also stopped by the Cabellas in Gainesville and bought some life vests for canoeing.  Right before we arrived back at my apartment, we picked up two movies from Redbox.  We arrived home at 2015 and unpacked.  We ate a very light dinner (snacks) and watched a movie ("Doctor Strange") together.  We went to bed at 2330.