Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - went to Viking Roundup at Sine (Pentagon City) at about 1715 - saw Fran and Big Guy and met some new people - had fun and didn't get home until around 2100 - packed for my trip]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - went to California Pizza Kitchen at 1700 - met David P. for drinks and pizza - had a great time and (after he left) finished my 10000 steps for the day in the Fashion Centre Mall - home by 2100]

Slackpacking Trip - Day 9

Woke up early, raring to go! It was cold (probably the lowest temps of the entire trip) but incredibly clear again. I drove north towards Virginia (TN-91 and TN-133) until I located a gravel Forest Service Road (just south of the border) that crossed the AT. I was NOBO on the trail by 0815, layered up with my warmest long sleeved shirt, winter coat, gloves and earmuffs. The sun was bright and warm but it initially had trouble overcoming the stiff breeze that blew across the ridge. I had views into two valleys (one in Tennessee and one in Virginia) and could see for miles. After several mountains this week, the terrain was almost too easy - gradual downhill on outbound leg made the miles click by quickly. I’m glad I was looking for the turnaround (where I’d stopped on the first day of the trip) because the pedometer didn’t think I’d gone far enough when I located the campsite at “Unnamed Gap.” After double checking my math on the miles south of Damascus, I figured out that I must have overshot the target last time, shorting myself about half a mile in each direction that day but shortening my hike today. This also validated (again) my hard-learned policy of never turning around at anything other than a road, structure or sign... Still, it was nice to earn mileage, without realizing I’d under-counted on another day, for less effort today! Made good time back to my car, arriving at 1200 after about 9.5 miles. Never saw anyone else today (even though the parking area had two other cars) - it was just me and the numerous chipmunks. On the way north, I found a cool landmark called Backbone Rock (the road went right through an old railroad tunnel in the rock face). I’ve seen plenty of amazing sights recently but was surprised to stumble across such a monument to human determination versus geologic history... After I resumed my drive home, I was very happy that I’d finished earlier (and didn’t try to log more miles) because it took over seven hours to get back to Alexandria. Got a gas fillup at Scheetz in Wytheville (1335) and another one at Sheetz in Bristow (1840).  There was BAD traffic on I-81 and I eventually had to use US-460, US-29 and VA-28. Oh well: transit troubles can’t dampen my mood after the trip I had! Still behind target mileage for the year but made up more than 50 new miles (plus almost equivalent backtrack) in just over a week. And I still have a few more weekends in 2017... AT Today = 5.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1029.87 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 8

Had an overcast day - first one since last weekend. Temps were the same, though, and it never rained while I was on the trail. Got a gas fillup at Hot Spot in Franklin (0805) and then breakfast at McDonalds (0810).  Left town after breakfast (0815) and took US-64 to get back to Wayah Road again. This time, I used it to get to a remote gravel road (on the north side of Nantahala Lake) - arrived at the trailhead in Burningtown Gap by 0915. Started NOBO, bound for Cold Spring Shelter (where I turned around on Thursday). Immediately encountered six hikers: Ridgerunner with his son, trail runner and three buddies on a weekend hike. Didn’t talk to them much but ended up talking to two more NOBO section hikers before I was done with my climb - one passed me and the other didn’t catch me before I backtracked. On the way back to the Gap, I saw a guy I recognized from Thursday - he wasn’t actually thru hiking, like I thought, but was prepping for hiking the PCT (West coast). From there, I hiked all the way to Wayah Bald. I only passed two other hiker pairs (one male and one female with loaded pack dog) as I made my way up the steeper side of the hill. I had all the work I could want in the climb: rocky and lots of roots. Startled a deer who bolted across the trail, right in front of me. Views of the Blue Ridge and Smokies were stunning in the dull light. When I made it to the tower, I enjoyed a full 270 degree panorama that included several peaks I still have to climb and others I’ve finished. There were several people at the summit (just for the view), so I didn’t tarry. I made great time getting back to my car - eight straight days on the trail clearly improved my stamina, endurance and determination! Encountered the three hiking buddies again (they’d stopped at one of the shelters while I never took a break). Finished my day in the area at 1415 after 12 miles. Felt good but was sad to leave for NoVA... Took the scenic route to US-19/74 and returned to Elizabethton via I-40, I-26 and US-321. Got a room at Travelers Inn in Elizabethton (1715) again.  Headed back to Amigo Mexican Restaurant for dinner, margaritas and football (finished at 1905).  One more day of this epic hiking trip left - gonna make it pay! AT Today = 5.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1024.77 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 7 (Part 2)

Repositioned to Rock Gap (parking near Standing Indian Campground) and headed SOBO at 1300. After all of the tough hiking this week, I was stunned to find a section that was actually easy! The trail didn’t follow the ridge line - like almost every other section of the AT - and it curved easily along the edge of several balds at a very leisurely grade. There were actually so many switchbacks that it didn’t seem like I was climbing at all! But I gained 1000 feet by the time I reached Long Branch Shelter, my intended target. The creek there had completely engulfed the trail, which appeared to be a river. I considered continuing uphill but then remembered how I’d made that choice before and then had no definite turnaround point to revisit from the other side. Also, I was feeling so good after seven days of hiking that I didn’t want to do something (i.e., overdo it) to wreck the trip. So I turned around and practically ran down the mountain again. The views in the area were tremendous and I felt quite comfortable in my short sleeved shirt (max temp was 60 today). I got into my “hiking zone” again - a bit euphoric, no serious thoughts, one foot in front of the other - better than being buzzed. Before I finished, I met a day hiker lady and two pairs (one male, one female) of more serious hikers with their dogs (each pair had two). One of the guys was actually someone I’d seen at Unicoi Gap with the huge black dogs (Newfies) this morning. He told me that most of the backpackers in this area were actually hiking a 25 mile loop that included about 10 miles of AT. Sounded like a good weekend plan with friends but I decided that I have too many miles of AT left to get distracted... When I reached the car, I hiked over towards Wallace Gap to make sure I had completed all of the mileage in the area (another “0.5 miles south” note required this). Had some strong feelings of deja vu a few times but couldn’t pinpoint the turn (definitely did extra miles). Because of the retread, I ended up meeting another section hiker. He was a local gentleman who’d started the AT from Springer Mountain and had made it as far as Rock Gap in his spare time. We chatted for a bit and then I headed back to the parking area (arrived at 1615). When I counted up the miles, I figured out I’d hiked another 8.1 miles (for a nearly 14 mile day overall). Headed back to Franklin to get cleaned up - decided to go reward myself at the Brewery!  I walked to the Lazy Hiker and ordered dinner at Mad Batter (Food Truck).  They brought the food inside to me later and I enjoyed another evening of drinks at the Brewery (finished at 2030).  Relaxed in my room.  Still have more time to hike this weekend!  AT Today = 3.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1018.87 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 7 (Part 1)

Up early to another beautiful day! Left Franklin on US-64 at 0745 (frost on windshield again) and, after crossing into Georgia (via NC-175) in a thick fog, found the trailhead on GA-75, south of Hiawassee. Still finding places from my first AT trip (2014) where I’d parked and hiked about half a mile on each side of the road. It seemed like a good idea at the time (no map, no plan) but it means I have to retread miles everywhere I go near here... Made my peace with the dilemma on this trip. I left my car at 0845 (NOBO) and made good time to the top of the correctly named Rocky Mountain. Realized today how lucky I’ve been on this trip - have hardly seen any rock scrambles or treacherous roots on this trip... The sun was shining brightly on the ridge and the temps climbed quickly into the 50s - I actually started wishing I’d worn a short sleeved shirt... Encountered a section hiking couple with their well loaded dog and a day hiker with two huge black furry dogs. Otherwise, I was alone while I finished the section (at the USFS road at Indian Grave Gap). Had to repeat the overmountain trek (+/- 1000 feet) to get back to the car but it seemed easier. I’ve noticed that recognizing and looking forward to landmarks makes the backtrack feel better (at least psychologically). When I reached the top of the ridge again, I was startled to find more than 20 people had joined me on the mountain (!!!). I guess it was the same thing I witnessed yesterday: the family hike during Thanksgiving reunion. Weather has been so good that I can’t blame them. I actually had to wait for people to pass me in a few places and it wrecked my rhythm. Was very glad to get back to the road again (1115) and left immediately. Logged 5.5 miles but couldn’t count all of it. Lunch at Taco Bell in Hiawassee (1140) and headed back into NC... AT Today = 2.31 miles / G.T. AT = 1015.07 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 6

Another clear blue sky day! Got an early start, with a gas fillup at Hot Spot in Franklin (0820).  Glad I had some time to melt frost on my windshield while waiting in the Hardees drive thru... Drove about 15 miles north in NC-28 until I found a place to cross the Little Tennessee River. Last night, I did some research to find a route that would cut the Nantahala National Forest wilderness in half and Tellico Road did the trick. The gravel section of the road (up to the Gap) was a little scary - there was only one lane for a narrow car with steep drop offs on both sides (glad I brought Nellie and that I didn’t encounter anyone else). Left from the parking area, headed NOBO, at 0915. The climb up to the observation tower on the Bald wasn’t too bad (lots of switchbacks). Temps started in the low 30s but climbed into the 50s by the end of the day - felt comfortable after shedding my pullover. Saw deer walking slowly and quietly in the ravine (I only noticed them because I stopped to enjoy the silence). Encountered a section hiker and a thru hiker, climbing up from the NOC, and I chatted with each of them for a bit. Continued north, enjoying spectacular views in all directions. There was evidence of last year’s huge forest fire in the area but things were already beginning to grow again. Turned around at “The Jumpoff” (appropriately named, with three sides dropping dramatically away from the trail). While hiking back to the Gap, I started to see a huge number of day hikers - I guess they were making room for a big Thanksgiving meal - and it was so crowded that there wasn’t any parking left when I passed my car! I continued south and eventually couldn’t hear the families and kids anymore... Met a couple of guys (one who was entirely covered in orange, I guess to ward off any hunters) on the outbound leg but soon was alone. The climb up to Rocky Bald was much steeper and I wasn’t sure I’d make it - but the views at the top were worth it. There was a lot of mud on the ridge (melted snow?). After I turned around at Cold Spring Shelter, I met four SOBO thru hikers: one with a French accent, one with a German accent and a couple with their black lab carrying two huge packs. I also saw the thru hiker from the morning filling up his water bottles at one of the many springs on the hill. Made good time back to Tellico Gap and found that everyone had left the lot! Drove back to Franklin at 1615, after nearly 15 miles of hiking. Enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast ("all you can eat" with pie!) at Shoney’s after I cleaned up (finished at 2015). The day was amazing: warm, clear, views, energy in my muscles - couldn’t ask for more! AT Today = 7.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1012.76 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 5

Slept well and headed to the trailhead near Wayah Gap (via US-64). Like with other notes from May 2014, my description of the hike in the area said “+/- 0.5 miles N/S of Wayah Road”. I knew my distance was probably off a bit but I had some vague recollections of where I turned around. So I parked where USFS-69 skirted the AT. Headed NOBO at 0830 under a bright blue sky and low 40s. The views through the leaf-less trees were tremendous! I saw some peaks in the distance that had low fog/mist, proving the validly of Smoky Mountains... Despite the seemingly close (and visible) peak, the trail climbed, descended and meandered frustratingly around the area - it took me almost two hours to reach the top (a paved footpath near the parking area). I was beat from that climb, so I asked the first people I met near the tower if they wouldn’t mind taking me back down the mountain. They were a local family out for a day hike and were happy to take me. Had a nice chat with them about the trails in the area and the proper pronunciation of the local names for landmarks (Waw-ya, Nanta-hayla). Was back at my car by 1030 and faced with a chance to make the best of the extra time, decided to reposition to the Wayah Crest Trailhead. I climbed Siler Bald, up to the Shelter there, and was back at my car by noon. Hiked nearly 7 miles, some of it definitely retread distance and felt great. Didn’t see any wildlife or people (other than the Trail Angels) but definitely made progress cleaning up the sections in this part of NC. Headed back to Franklin for lunch (at Hardees) and to wrap up some stuff for work. Renewed my hotel for a few more days.  Walked to the Lazy Hiker Brewery for two flights (10 small drinks) of beer (finished at 2000).  AT Today = 4.70 miles / G.T. AT = 1005.36 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 4

My cheap motel room wasn’t actually much better than sleeping outside - the windows were stuck open and the A/C opening was blocked with a cardboard box. Let’s just say that I wasn’t very warm, even though I layered up in the bed. I kept telling myself (as I drifted off each time) that the thru hikers had it worse, but then a series of train whistles (right down the street) would remind me that they were on the mountain and I had chosen civilization and all it’s glory... Glad I got some REM cycles (interesting dreams, actually) by morning. With a threat of rain throughout the day, I didn’t hurry out of town. Ate a nice breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner (finished at 0955) and then drove about 10 miles east of town to Tanyard Gap. Started NOBO (verified with two thru hikers who came out of the woods, asking me about hamburgers) at 1015. Weather was a cross between the last few days - it was 40 degrees, windy and cloudy when I started. The section was basically twin peaks - with big climbs and descents - I had to dig deep for the energy each time I reached zenith and nadir (mostly psychological though). There weren’t any signs for distance almost all day and the blazes were intermittent. Fortunately, I could actually see the trail because so many leaves had already fallen. I saw amazing views throughout my visit to this remote area where North Carolina nudges into Tennessee for a few miles. Turned around at the Spring Mountain Shelter and repeated the process all the way back to my car. Only saw two other people all day: a section hiker and two Ridgerunners who started their trail cleanup at USFS-31 as I crossed. Almost no wildlife, either, so I was pretty much alone all day. Really exhausted myself - my brain was quickly wiped clean as I focused on steps (although I did have some funny thoughts as I passed two memorial stones - to other hikers?)... Wrapped up my day at 1515 after about 10.5 miles. Could have done more (reluctantly) but had planned to reposition to Franklin to hike more accessible sections. Left town via NC-209 - it took me through some varsity switchbacks, areas of extreme rural poverty and some of the prettiest farms I’ve ever seen. On I-40 for a short time, then US-74 and US-441. Found a good place to stay for a few days (Budget Inn at 1745) and ate a nice dinner at Fortune House (Chinese this time, ). Feeling good after logging nearly 50 miles in four days. Bigger deal was making it to 1000 miles on the AT. Only about 1200 to go - I can do it, though! AT Today = 5.10 miles / G.T. AT = 1000.66 miles!

Slackpacking Trip - Day 3

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky today - what a difference from the last two days! I ate breakfast and warmed the frost off my windshield (it was in the 30s). Headed south on US-321 and joined I-26. When I was in the area in 2014, I didn’t have a map or pedometer so I had no idea what I was doing (in terms of strategic section hiking). This time, I drove straight to a trailhead where the AT crosses the Nolichucky River (east of the Interstate) so I could connect to some trail I’d hiked before. I parked on the east side of the river and was SOBO by 0915. I “enjoyed” a very good climb for the first few miles. Great views of the gorge/valley too. I was resting at what I thought was the summit (wrong) when the first of two thru hikers (my direction) blew by me. Undeterred by their superior energy, I continued the trek. There were some areas with shade (from rhododendrons) and others with warm sunlight - for the first few hours I was not comfortable with my choice of layers but it got better as it warmed into the high 40s. Figured out that my route was basically a big “C” shape, meaning that I could see the entire section while I was hiking. Arrived at the No Business Knob Shelter (my turnaround point) to find the two SOBO thru hikers (taking a break) and another hiker in a sleeping bag. He immediately recognized me (actually, my hat) from when we had exchanged pleasantries in Vermont (July). Catching the Bubble again has been really fun... When three ladies (with their two dogs) arrived, it got to be too much socializing for me. Headed back towards my car and didn’t see any people again until I was about a mile from the road: an older gentleman on a day hike greeted me and then seemed surprised that the white dog that had been following him (it wasn’t his) decided to head back down the mountain with me. I didn’t complain - “Buddy” was friendly and waited for me to catch up to him (when he wasn’t following). He was young and unsure of himself - even afraid of shadows. When we reached town, I took him over to the hiker Hostel to see if they knew him (they did). Felt a bit sad to leave the dog - would have enjoyed a few more trail miles with him... Finished nearly 13 miles (with side tracks) by 1500. Used back roads (TN-352, NC-212, NC-208 and US-25/70) to get to Hot Springs. Found my hiker lodge and had a satisfying dinner at Iron Horse Station (finished at 1910). Life is good! AT Today = 6.20 miles / G.T. AT = 995.56 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 2

Woke up later than I’d planned (it was warm and the rain drops helped me sleep). Larry gave me a good meal and conversation until 8:00. It hadn’t stopped raining when I left Damascus - it actually started sleeting as I drove south on Route 91 into Tennessee. Even as I reached an area without precipitation, it became clear that there was a good amount of snow at elevation. I even checked out the pass on US-421 and decided against hiking in those conditions. Instead, I used TN-67 and US-321 to get to Hampton and then I drove around to the northwest side of Watauga Lake (near the dam) for my hike. Headed NOBO from Wilbur Dam Road at 10:00, bound for the Vandeventer Shelter. It was a heck of a climb and, coupled with freezing rain, a strong breeze and sub-40 temperatures, made me want to turn around. But I kept at it, trudging through rhododendrons blanketed with a light coating of snow. I made it through a series of small roller coasters, paralleling the northern arm of the lake and turned around at my intended target. I was surprised to see a pair of section hikers mid way through the backtrack. They had orange hats and told me they were finishing their last section south of Damascus. I said goodbye and made it back to my car in good time (seeing only one other person, a trail runner, all day). Continued SOBO to the Watauga Shelter, where I’d last stopped in May 2014. There were signs everywhere, warning of bear activity (I didn’t see any). Backtracked on the road (cutting off about 0.5 miles). Arrived at my car again at 4:10 PM after around 14 miles of challenging hiking. Drove over to Elizabethton and got a hotel room at Travelers Inn (1650).  Soaked my aching muscles in the tub for over 30 minutes.  Got dinner  (and margaritas - needed salt, right?) at Amigo Mexican Restaurant (finished at 1845). Resting in the hotel later - hoping I can actually walk by morning... AT Today = 7.20 miles / G.T. AT = 989.36 miles

Slackpacking Trip - Day 1

Left the house at 0645 this morning, bound for the mountains. I so so so needed this getaway. I used I-495, I-66 and I-81 to get to the hiking zone.  I got a gas fill-up in Toms Brook (0810) and another one in Glade Spring (1200).  Also got lunch at Wendy's before I headed south on VA-91.  Other than nearly trading paint with an 18-wheeler (he came into my lane while I was in his blind spot) about five miles from my planned exit, the nearly six hour drive to Damascus was actually pretty easy. Parked near the Trail Town Welcome sign and (after talking to a friendly black cat) headed SOBO at 1235. The temps were in the low 50s (pleasant) and the climb toward Backbone Rock didn’t feel as hard as it looked (maybe because I’ve been on a walking kick for the last month). At the top of the first ridge, I encountered three SOBO thru hikers who were resting by the trail. I usually stop to say “hi” in cases like that but imagine my surprise when two of them said they’d met me before - and not even in the same state! We pieced together how we knew each other: the young one had hiked with me in early February in Shenandoah National Park (he was prepping for his thru hike) while the older (bearded one) said he’d hiked with me in Vermont or New York (he remembered me because of my hat). They’d joined forces as they headed south and picked up the third hiker in Harpers Ferry. We were all blown away by the fact that three of us could have met in different places and then all met up again. What a small (hiker’s) world! I ended up seeing them a few more times as we each stopped to take pictures and enjoy the view. They were all stocked up on groceries (including pork loin) after three days in Damascus and weren’t happy about their pack weight. When I reached the campsite on “Unnamed Gap”, I turned around to start my backtrack. There was a lot more wind and threatening clouds by this point and sunset was only about two hours away, so I booked it downhill. Passed the “Three Musketeers” for the last time (today, at least!). Encountered two other SOBOs as I made my way back down the mountain and saw a white tailed deer when it got dark. Didn’t end up needing my headlamp but it was completely dark by the time I reached my car (1750). Not bad time for 12-ish miles - muscles and joints feeling good. Realized that I’d been out of cell phone signal since around noon so asked for help from the nice lady working at the Exxon - she let me borrow a phone so I could reserve a room at one of the hiker hostels in town. I was in luck: even though several were sold out (itinerant workers) I still found one for $23. Checked in and then the exhaustion of the climb and speed caught me. Glad I didn’t head further south for the night... Will probably go to sleep early - Larry says pancakes will be ready at 5 AM! AT Today = 5.90 miles (2.5 in TN) / Grand Total AT = 982.16 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[visited doctor and was cleared to hike as much as I wanted (yay!) - worked from home in the morning - took Metro (from Branch Avenue) to Navy Yard - worked at office until 1530 - went to Scarlet Oak for drinks and (early) dinner with Greta - she drove me to my car at 1730 - I drove home and packed for my hiking trip]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to San Antonio Grill at Crystal City Shops at 1700 - waited for Tim M. for over 45 minutes and then had drinks and dinner (finished at 1900) - Metro home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - happy hour with Randy D, Kelly and James K at Chevy's in Pentagon City (finished at 2000) - Metro home]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - went to lunch at Aqua301 with Eric T - more work - happy hour at Buffalo Wild Wings with Sean and Rachel (finished at 1800)

Thurmont, MD (USA)

[we both slept in (past 0830) - Mollie made breakfast (pancakes with peach preserves) and watched YouTube videos for a few hours - we left the house at 1100 and drove to Thurmont, MD - we hiked through the woods from the Catoctin Mountain Visitors Center to Cunningham Falls and then walked back on MD-77 - we usually hike this (our favorite) trail in Cunningham State Park (between the Catoctin National Park Visitors Center and the Falls) during the Labor Day weekend but missed our chance this year because of the ND-Temple game - the weather definitely cooperated today (two months late) and we had a nice time climbing the ridge and visiting the pretty waterfall the leaves were very colorful and we had good views - the round trip was a little more that three miles, a good distance for me after taking it easy for the last few months - this will hopefully also be the last "recovery" weekend because I'm raring to go back on the AT - before leaving the park, we followed an orienteering ranger group for a bit - afterwards, we went into Thurmont to have lunch at KFC (1415) - we drove back to Alexandria and visited Home Depot (trying to get supplies for Mollie’s science project, but they didn’t sell the things she needed) - at my apartment (1645), Mollie decided to watch Netflix shows - she packed up and ate dinner (ziti frozen meal) - we talked more about school, vacation plans and our next Visitation Weekend (in December) - Mollie saved one of my 18-egg cartons to use for her science project - Nicky picked up Mollie at 1900]

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

[Mollie and I woke up at 0800 and ate breakfast (eggs) - we packed for our trip to Harrisonburg and left town at 1015 - we got gas and (free) sandwich and drink at Sheetz in Woodstock (1155) - we arrived at Erin’s apartment at 1230 - we visited with her for a while (she was studying) and then Brenna drove us to the East Campus - we met some nice tailgaters from Richmond University (there for the football game) and then ate lunch (Asian food) at Festival with Brenna’s leftover ticket punches (1415) - we then explored the campus a bit (fancy library with board games) - on the way back to Sunchase (1600), we picked up Erin’s roommate, Elizabeth, and Brenna got her football game ticket punched - we then went to Walmart for supplies (school, groceries, fun) - Erin contacted us numerous times, asking when I’d be home - we stopped at a Sheetz on the way and I showed Brenna and Elizabeth how to pump up their tires - for about an hour, I worked with Brenna’s computer and Mollie visited with her sister - at 1815, we met Erin and Austin and went to dinner (El Charro on Main) - we had a nice time there with good food and conversation about school, JMU’s undefeated football team and vacations - we finished at 1915 and headed back at Brenna’s apartment (1945) - I finished up work on her computer while Mollie visited with Erin - we said goodbye to the Twins at 2030 and left Harrisonburg (we’d thought about staying overnight but the Twins had plans) - our drive went well and we had very good conversation (mostly about upcoming vacation plans) - we arrived in Alexandria at 2230 and unpacked - Mollie went to bed but I walked over to my friend's (Bob’s) apartment to watch the end of the ND-Miami football game (they lost) - I realized that we’d forgotten some things we bought at Walmart and texted the Twins, asking them to bring everything the following weekend (Brenna agreed) - I went to bed after midnight]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[day off from work (Veteran's Day) - dropped Mollie off at school early and went to see the dentist - finished my Invisalign in the morning (yay!) - afterwards, went on a walk at Green Spring Gardens Park, located on Braddock Road near Little River Turnpike (first time there) - I spent about an hour exploring the trails and gardens - it was very pretty and quiet - teleworked at home and then picked up Mollie in the afternoon (we stayed in for the night)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[worked from home in AM - rode Metro into DC - worked - at 1600, Greta drove me over to the Wharf and dropped me off - I walked along the new waterfront area - stopped for happy hour at Kirwan's Irish Pub - Arun met me later and I had dinner (Bangers and Mash - good) - when we were done (1750), we walked to L'Enfant and I took the Metro to Huntington - picked up Mollie (1900)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[worked from home in AM - rode Metro into DC - worked - went to happy hour with Bill and David F. at Bluejacket - great "sea stories" and fun - took Uber with them to Pentagon City and then got more exercise (again) in the Fashion Centre Mall - left for home (Metro) at 2000]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[voted early - worked from home in AM - rode Metro into DC - worked - went to happy hour with Bill and Rachel at Gordon Biersch (1700-1930) - went with Bill in an Uber to Pentagon City and met up with his friends at Sine - after enjoying the company for another hour or so, decided to get some exercise (while avoiding the elements, rain and cold) by walking on the four floors of the Fashion Center Mall - left for home (Metro) at 2100]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - had drinks at Scarlet Oak (solo) and then left the City (via Branch Avenue) - really bad traffic jam on I-495 - home by 2000]

Washington, DC (USA)

[drove into DC for several hours of walking - left the hours at 0930 and parked near my old office at L'Enfant - I'd planned to visit some Smithsonian museums but saw that there was some kind of fun run going on (lots of closed streets) - and, even though the weather wasn't very nice, there were PLENTY of people - I ended up walking from my car to the Capitol, then over to the African-American Museum and then through the west side of Penn Quarter until reaching 7th Street - then returned my car - at around 1130, I headed back to my house]

Warrenton, VA (USA)

[working at our remote site in Vint Hill - got gas fillup in Gainesville (0630) - worked in Warrenton for the whole morning (meetings) - had intended to hike for the weekend but determined I was not fully healed from my surgery - instead, worked from home in afternoon]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - went to Dirty Habit and hung out with Nouri, Sean G., Brahim, Devlin, Tasha (etc.) - done at 2030 and took Metro home]