Washington, DC (USA)

[work - rode Uber with Rachel to Eastern Market - happy hour at Tunnicliff's Tavern (done at 1850) - rode Metro back to Huntington - home by 2015]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Greta drove me to Pentagon City - we had drinks at Sine (outside) and Luke joined us later - finished at 1830 - Metro home]

Fairfax, VA (USA)

[took most of the day off from work so I could volunteer as an industry hiring manager - GMU practice interview day (nine candidates) - stayed from 0900 to 1600 - they bought us lunch from Panera - afterwards, I went to Coastal Flats in Fairfax (from 1700 to 1830)]

JMU Family Weekend - Day 3

I checked out of my room at the Motel 6 in Mount Jackson and drove back to Harrisonburg.  Our day was supposed to start out with brunch at Billy Jack's in the historic part town. Luckily, I arrived before they opened (0945) because the place was packed 10 minutes later. The girls arrived at 1020 and there wasn't a single seat left (with a big line out the door).  But, because of Dad's foresight, our seat by the front window was great! We all ate something different: chicken & waffles, breakfast nachos, country fried chicken in a biscuit, biscuits and gravy, fried mac & cheese, fried dough with oreo "frosting" (mmmmm). Afterwards (1130), we headed back to the apartments and I did a bit of maintenance in Brenna's room (hung IKEA mirror, fixed washer knob). Finished the weekend by relaxing with all my girls (and Austin). Mollie and I got ready to hit the road by 1415. I was a bit sad to leave but the hugs goodbye made me feel better... We used I-81 and I-66 to get home and had a nice talk on the way.  Mollie ate a late lunch while we were driving.  I dropped her off at Nicky's at 1640.  Hope I can be a part of another JMU weekend again soon. Love you girls!

JMU Family Weekend - Day 2

Everyone got a late start this morning... I left my hotel (Motel 6 in Mount Jackson) at 0915 and drove to Harrisonburg to do some grocery shopping (at Walmart, 0955) for Game Day and Daddy-Daughter cooking while waiting on the sleepyheads. Mollie and Brenna went to get breakfast on campus while I hung out with Erin and Austin - I had brought donuts (a big hit) for breakfast. There were so many activities that we could do that it was difficult to decide! Luckily, we'd been invited to a tailgater near the stadium (where JMU was going to play Maine) by one of Erin's roommates, so we headed there at around 12:45. What a beautiful day! It was fun to see all the proud Dukes fans in their purple garb. Almost none of us had tickets to the sold-out game but we didn't let that deter us: we ate very well! Erin and Austin went home to study at about 1400 while Brenna actually went to the first half of the game (and ended up on TV!). While waiting for everyone to get into the car together, Erin suggested that we drive to Reddish Knob (50 minutes away on the West Virginia border).  The group consensus was not to take that trip (this time)...  Mollie and I spent time relaxing with several of the dads of the young ladies that live with the girls - it was fun. Brenna got home by 1600 and we realized we still needed some groceries.  I took the girls shopping at Walmart for more supplies (1735).  After that, we started cooking dinner together (with help from Olivia). It had been a long time since all four of us collaborated in the kitchen and it brought back some happy memories. We ate at 1830 and had a very good conversation (during and after the meal).  Erin and Austin came to get food late.  They made cookies together, which they shared with their neighbors (IVCF project).  Meanwhile, I got a gas fillup at Sheetz in Harrisonburg (2010).  At 2030, I headed back to Mount Jackson while Mollie stayed for a sleepover at Brenna's.  I relaxed in my hotel until going to bed at 2345.  I can't speak for everyone else, but I'm having a great time at the Family Weekend!

JMU Family Weekend - Day 1

I went to work in D.C. and Nicky dropped Mollie off at 0800 (she didn't have school).  I arrived back at my apartment by 1315.  We ate a late lunch (chicken alfredo with broccoli, tuna mac, salad) and started packing.  We left for JMU Family Weekend by 1400 and arrived in Harrisonburg by 1600. On the way, I got a call from my new boss (that he'd been fired).  The rest of the time, Mollie and talked a lot about various activities that she'd been doing in during the new school year.  We visited Brenna and Erin at their apartments and then headed out for a bite to eat at Macado's (1715). We had a great conversation and enjoyed tasty sandwiches. After dinner (1810), we went back to the apartments and dropped off Mollie's bags.  I met another one of Erin's roommates (and her mom), who invited us to a tailgater the following day.  I then drove Brenna and Mollie over to campus so we could meet her friends on the quad.  Brenna seemed very pleased to introduce me to her friends from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.  We walked to the building where IV Large Group would be held (1900) and spent the next few hours with over 200 kids and some parents in the meeting.  Brenna was very involved with the singing, praying and Bible Study.  My own experience with the same organization at ND was at about 10% scale so I was blown away by the size of the event. I'm glad that Brenna found such an amazing place for fellowship. About midway through the event, Mollie headed off for a sleepover at Erin's (who gave her a ride).  After Large Group (2115), we walked back to the car and then repositioned at the UREC.  We had a great talk - it was great to have one on one time with my daughter.  Brenna gave me a tour of the huge sports facility - we enjoyed ice cream with other IV members (and parents) and watched Dodgeball After Dark until around 2230.  After Brenna made arrangements to go home with her friends, I drove north (about 30 miles) to check into my hotel (Motel 6) in Mount Jackson.  I went to bed at around midnight.  Happy that my girls are doing well at this great school!

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - metro to Huntington - met Tim M. at Port City Brewery in Alexandria (1730 to 1900)]

Warrenton, VA (USA)

[worked at Vint Hill - gas fillup in Gainesville (1230) - telework from home - drove to Huntington - margaritas at Chevy's Pentagon City (done at 1810) - happy hour with Jim R. at Sine - home via Metro (by 2100)]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[around 1230, I took Mollie to the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center in Alexandria so she could volunteer for four hours - I picked her up again at 1700 and took her to Nicky's]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[at around 1200, Mollie and I went to the bus stop in front of my apartment and, with Mollie's new Fairfax Connector student bus pass, tried out the bus lines that traveled to and from Van Dorn Metro - we also tried a bus that went through Nicky's neighborhood - because of the limited service on Saturdays, we ended up deciding to walk back from Edison high school - we ate lunch and then went to the High School parking lot to review driving safety rules and car operation information (partly following the manual provided at Back to School Night) - we finished at 1400 and went back home - Mollie spent several hours on homework in the afternoon - at 1645, we went to Mass - after it was over, we drove up Woodbridge, stopping for a free Sheetz soda on the way (1830) - we ate dinner (brisket sammy, potato chips and cold slaw, sesame noodles) at the Brew Republic Bierwerks - I also tried the beer and donuts pairing; we left for home at around 2000]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Vie de France happy hour with Sean and Rachel - ATCA Yap Rooftop event (fun but rained - moved downstairs and then booted out because of Cap Gallery security rules)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - happy hour at Hill Country with Tim Fain (1700 to 2000) - home by 2100]

Fishkill, NY (USA)

Temps were in the 40s this morning so I took my time getting out of the room again. I had to drive on some back roads from Pawling and actually use my maps app just to find the trailhead on NY-52. Started SOBO by 0945, heading uphill on a challenging section. Within 10 minutes, I saw one of the thru hikers (the one who has been listening to inspirational recordings on speaker) for the third straight day. This time, he actually talked to me, telling me how he had quit his job and still hoped to make it to Maine before the Terminus was snowed in. I wished him well and thought about whether I'd ever have the guts to quit my own job and live on the trail... Saw a few other hikers on my way to the Taconic Parkway but was much more focused on the big climbs and descents on the section. At one point, I descended around 500 feet to a road and then immediately climbed right back up again. While the upper ridge seemed flat, the trail went up and down and switched back constantly - it wore on me by the end of my outbound leg. And, while I could see for miles into the Hudson Valley, I could also hear (continuously) the sound of I-84. Fortunately, I figured out that there were mountain roads that I could use to backtrack. After about 20 minutes of walking on Miller Hill and Rushmore Roads, I could no longer hear cars. Instead, I was treated to passing pretty homes, smelling freshly cut grass and watching what appeared to be Belted Galloways ("Oreo Cows") in huge fields. Since the weather was magnificent, I forgot all about the rock scrambling I'd been doing before and made great time (via Hosner Mountain and Cherry Roads) back to Highway 52. Just before I was finished, I encountered another hiker who was looking for an AT shortcut (to avoid the terrain I'd traversed) that he'd heard about at a nearby deli. I gave him directions and later encountered another hiker who appeared to have the same idea. I wonder if anyone would deduct points for a thru hiker who bypassed sections... Finished my hike at 1345 (after close to 10 miles), feeling strong. Wish I didn't have the 5+ hour drive home... Got gas fillup in Montague NJ (1450).  Also stopped for dinner (Roy Rogers) and gas fillup in Frederick, MD (1915) and home about an hour later.  What a great weekend! AT Today = 4.80 miles / G.T. AT = 976.26 miles

Bulls Bridge, CT (USA)

Didn't want to settle for the earlier hike so I got some lunch at KFC in Fishkill (1505) and checked my options. I was guaranteed a place to stay on the south side of I-84 but I wanted to log some more miles in Connecticut. So I took a gamble and drove north towards Cornwall Bridge and Kent. Because of the nice weather, almost everything was full (including the hotel in Cornwall Bridge I'd used before).  Gave up and headed back into New York... Luckily, I remembered a place near the border where I'd stayed a few years ago and gave the office a call.  Finally found a room (the last one) at the Dutchess Motor Lodge (see MAR 2015) in Wingdale NY at 1730.  Other hikers were staying there but they were done for the day.  I'd lost a lot of time but managed to squeeze in another 3.6 miles near Bulls Bridge. Between 1815 and 2000, I climbed up to a great vista and watched the last light of the sun disappear on the horizon. Felt really good - the afternoon meal and the break between hikes made a real difference. Had thought about continuing farther on the ridge but decided against it. As I descended, trip hazards (which I could actually see in the moonlight) caused me to roll my ankle twice but everything turned out alright. I didn't have to use my head lamp until the bottom - it was such a pleasant night. Ready for another hike tomorrow! AT Today = 1.80 miles / G.T. AT = 971.46 miles

Fishkill, NY (USA)

Rested in my room for an extra hour this morning, psyching myself up for another day on the AT. Fortunately, it was only a few miles to the trailhead (NY-301 in Clarence Fahnestock State Park). I started SOBO at 0930, headed for the same turnaround as yesterday. I saw lots of day hikers - and dogs - all day. Also saw a thru hiker who looked puzzled that I leap frogged him since yesterday... Like most of the AT in New York, the trail meandered up and down and side to side, almost like the trail builders were trying to make it mor challenging than it already was. After I started my backtrack at Catfish Loop Trail, I encountered two SOBO thru hikers, Water Bug and Spoon Man, who had stopped for a smoke break. We talked for about 20 minutes about the trail and a nearby deli (they were craving beer and roast beef hoagies). I learned that Water Bug was on his third thru hike (!), with another one scheduled for January 1, 2018. I guess he has a lot of free time... It was cool and breezy, especially on the ridges and near the ponds (there were several). Was relieved that my legs and feet had sufficiently recovered because I needed them in several steep climbs. Made it back to my car (after almost 10 miles) by 1400. Planning to reposition for an evening hike - what a great weekend! AT Today = 4.90 miles / G.T. AT = 969.66 miles

Cold Spring, NY (USA)

Roots, Rocks and Roller Coasters: whew! Didn't get started from South Fields very early (some work stuff) but made good time (via Bear Mountain Bridge) to the trailhead on Old Highland Turnpike. Started SOBO first (0945) so I could log the short distance to the west side of US-9 (where it meets NY-403). After that, I headed towards Clarence Fahnestock State Park to the east. I walked through the grounds of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center (run by the Franciscans) and enjoyed pretty music (bell chimes). For the rest of the day, the sounds I heard were mostly chain saws, backhoes and bobcats (moving gravel) and construction (hammers, saws) at the homes along the route. For some reason, I also heard and saw helicopters every 5-10 minutes. At the top of Denning Hill, I caught a glimpse of what I'm almost certain was the tops of the buildings in the NYC skyline. I'd read in the AT Guide several times (other places) how I could see that from this area but this was the first time (and the guide didn't mention it). Later got disoriented (missing blazes) and had to retrace my steps to get back on track. I encountered only one couple (day hikers) on the outbound leg. No wildlife, unfortunately... I used the alone time to navigate some tough detours that were caused by huge downed trees. Started my backtrack when I reached the Catfish Loop Trail. The weather was perfect, not too hot and a light breeze. I drank a lot of water and snacked as I walked - needed that to make it through the day... Encountered about 10 NOBO thru hikers on the way back but only a few even acknowledged me as I passed. Maybe they were feeling just like me (all business and tuckered out)... They seem too late to make it to Katahdin but maybe they are flip floppers. I could tell how rusty I was with every step by the end (felt like crawling in the climbs) but still managed to finish the 15+ miles by 1745. It actually started to sprinkle but I didn't get too wet. Got a room at the Countryside Motel (on Route 9, Cold Spring NY) at 1815.  Much more tired than I wanted to feel but hoping that the dinner I finished (2035) at Nicola's Italian Restaurant (also in Cold Spring) and a good night's sleep will get me ready for another day that's just as long! AT Today = 7.50 miles / G.T. AT = 964.76 miles

Del Water Gap, NJ (USA)

After a half day at the office, I headed north to enjoy a nice weekend in  the woods. Lots of traffic on the way but I was still able to start hiking in the park at 1845. Used the Farview Trail (located off the Old Mine Road) and hiked 1.3 miles to reach my last turnaround point on the AT in the area. Didn't bother to use my day pack or poles - grade wasn't too bad and that temperatures were awesome. As I climbed, I met a lady hiker with local intel - she made me wish I'd arrived sooner to enjoy the views. Oh well... When I reached the white blazes (at the Holly Spring Junction), I hiked NOBO all the way to the Douglas Trail. It got dark quickly! Before I turned on my headlamp, I saw at least one white tailed deer (really close) along the path. Otherwise, I didn't see any other living things. The sounds from I-80 were distracting but also comforting as I made my way in the dark. There was supposed to be a full moon but the canopy hid the light, I guess. It also got much rockier as I reached the high point of the day - all the challenges made for slow going. Fortunately, I was able to find landmarks most of the night and avoided getting lost (what a relief). Arrived back at my car at around 2100 after nearly 7 miles of hiking. Felt good and (despite being tired) decided to reposition closer to the Hudson River.  Got a gas fillup and dinner (McDonald's) in Columbia NJ (2135) and then headed to the Tuxedo Motel in South Fields, NY.  Hiking weekends are farther apart now, since it takes longer to reach the trailhead each time. Need to make the best of this trip! AT Today = 2.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 957.26 miles]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - went to Chevy's Pentagon City for margaritas (finished at 1740)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - drinks with Gary at Scarlet Oak (finished at 1750)]

Labor Day Trip - Day 4

Mollie and I both woke up at 0630 and ate breakfast (Raisin Bran and raspberries) at Leslie's.  We were on the road by 0730 and used I-75 to get to Detroit.  We then had to detour about 30 miles to the west on I-96 and I-275 - it was frustrating.  We eventually ended up back on I-75 and were able to stop at River Raisin National Battlefield in Monroe, MI (0845).  We got another stamp for Mollie's NPS Passport, took a nice hike around the park property and then drove south into Ohio.  At Findlay, we got on MI-15 and used it to get to US-23.  Got gas and lunch (KFC) in Upper Sandusky (around 1100) and then drove to Columbus (using I-71). We drove through the area (Blacklick) where my mother had lived when she was young.  We didn't stop for several hours, driving on I-70, I-470, I-79 and I-68.  When we reached a town (Little Orleans) 20 miles west of Hancock, MD, we got gas (1645) and then switched to US-522.  Switched to I-81 and then used I-66 and I-495 to get back to Alexandria.  I dropped Mollie off at Nicky's at 1905 (Nicky wasn't home).

Labor Day Trip - Day 3

We got to enjoy the best of Great Lakes scenery today! I woke up at 0630 and got us started.  Leaving the Walmart parking lot, we drove north on US-31.  Mollie continued to sleep in the back.  We stopped at a rest area and cleaned up for the morning and then ate breakfast (snacks) on the way.  Arrived at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at 1000.  We explored the park south of Empire and then drove up to the northern section.  We also looked around at the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (hiking on bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan).  Then drove a bit farther to climb a big dune.  In order to park, we had to buy a new annual park pass (1050).  Take it from Mollie: nothing cures the long car ride blues quicker than "moon sand" between your toes... We relaxed in the cool September air while atop high bluffs that overlook the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and marveled at how far our travels have taken us... We drove into areas near Glen Haven and Glen Arbor before heading back to Empire on MI-22.  Mollie got a NPS Passport stamp at the (very busy) Visitors Center.  Before leaving the area, we ate lunch (grilled chicken sandwich, club sandwich and tater tots) at Joe's Friendly Tavern (finished at 1300).  We drove east on MI-72 and enjoyed lake views in Traverse City.  Continued to I-75, stopping for gas near Bear Lair in Kalkaska, MI (1420), and then drove south towards Detroit.  I contacted my cousins, Leslie and Lynne, to see if we could stop by for a visit.  Leslie said "yes", so we got off the interstate south of Flint and went to her home in Rochester Hills (arriving at around 1645).  We visited for a while, enjoying her dog (Samson) and talking about family.  She asked us to stay for dinner and overnight.  Before deciding, I talked to Mollie about our plans for the following day and she reminded me that she wanted to visit a National Park.  She also called her mother to ask if we could be late getting home on Monday (Nicky agreed).  We decided to stay with Leslie, who took us to dinner (Panda Express).  We sat and chatted until around 2100 and then read books until bedtime (2200).

Labor Day Trip - Day 2

Mollie and I were both up by 0630 and we ate breakfast (cereal, yogurt, waffles) at the hotel.  We checked out soon afterwards and drove north on US-31.  We got gas just before we arrived in South Bend (0935) and then, after getting disoriented, parked at St. Mary's (0930).  We walked to the campus and spent several hours exploring the quads.  We even watched a performance of the Bagpipes and bought our lunch (burgers and brats) from the Lewis Hall fundraisers at 1145.  After that, we walked to the Athletic Center and toured the Monogram Room.  We also watched the Women's Basketball Team practicing.  At 1330, we tried to meet up with some of my college friends (unsuccessful) and then walked around in the tailgating area.  We returned to the Joyce Center (cooler inside) and ate snacks we had brought.  By 1415, we were ready to go inside Notre Dame Stadium.  It had been almost exactly 30 years since my first game there. I have great memories of coming here when it was smaller and my life adventure was just beginning.  It wasn't too busy when we entered so we quickly found our seats and watched the team practice.  We also saw several interesting videos on the Jumbotron.  The Notre Dame versus Temple game started at 1530 and it ended up being really exciting to watch. Mollie bought a pretzel after Half Time. We enjoyed the pleasant Northern Indiana weather and both agreed that it was better than last year's hurricane game in Raleigh... Game wasn't a nail biter but was definitely entertaining. We cheered a lot (Go Irish!).  The Domer Game Day experience was fun to share with Mollie for the first time. We had planned to go to Mass afterwards but Frank and Stephanie asked to meet us as we were leaving the stadium (1900).  It was nice to visit with them but we missed the services.  Instead, we walked back with a big crowd to our car.  We had to navigate through some traffic to get to back roads but ended up on US-31 eventually.  We headed north to Benton Harbor, MI, and then it started raining.  I spent the next several hours checking for vacancy at hotels all along the road but all of them were full.  When we reached Grand Haven (2200), I finally figured out that there were rooms available to the north; but cost was prohibitive and I considered heading inland (towards Grand Rapids).  Mollie was so tired that she suggested staying at a rest area or Walmart for the night.  I was hesitant to do this but, because I was tired, we stopped at the Walmart in town (in their parking lot, near the RVs).  We cleaned up at their bathroom and went to bed at 2245 and no one hassled us all night long.

Labor Day Trip - Day 1

I picked Mollie up from school at 1200.  We left Alexandria after dropping off Box Tops for Education at Mark Twain.  Mollie ate lunch (snacks) in the car and we used I-495, I-66 and I-81 to get to Winchester, VA.  We then used US-522 to get to I-68 and then took I-79 and I-70 into Ohio.  After passing Shenandoah University, we talked about Mollie's plans to become a veterinarian.  We stopped only a few times: a gas fillup in Quaker City, OH at 1750, a rest area in eastern Indiana (Boy Scout drinks).  We ate dinner in the car (1800) and eventually got on I-465.  We then used US-31 to reach Kokomo, IN, where we stopped for the night at the Days Inn (2230).  In our heads, at least, "Aruba, Jamaica, oooh I wanna take ya. Bermuda, Bahama, c'mon pretty mama. Key Largo, Montego, Baby why don't we go down to..." (it's pretty hard to shake the song, even if this isn't the place the Beach Boys had in mind)...  We rested in our room until 2330 and then went to bed.