Bland, VA (USA)

The day started out at about 18 degrees with light snow on my car but the sun was shining and it wasn’t too windy. Wanted to get some miles before heading home (had decided not to hike on January 1) so I got breakfast at DQ in Bland (0945) and then drove out to the trailhead on VA-42, west of town (same one as yesterday morning). Headed SOBO at 1000, wearing four layers (with one in reserve). It was much colder than I liked - reservoir started to freeze immediately. I was warm but I was also sweating and some of the drops fell on my clothes and beard and froze immediately. I walked across several miles of private farm and ranch land (with great views) - the cows, horses, sheep and goats looked at me like I was crazy... Off in the distance, a clear frost line was visible on the higher peaks (much more snow). After I crossed a small creek (evidence of beavers) near an old grist mill (it was falling down), I made my way to VA-610 on the Bland-Smyth County Line. At that point, I took a look at the conditions and decided to head back to the car. While I could have gone farther, the hiking wasn’t really fun anymore. Plus, there was a parking area where I could return and knock out the rest of try section on a warmer day. Used the road to get back to the grist mill and then backtracked to VA-42. Finished at 1200 after 5 miles. Got a gas fillup on Bland at 1250 and then used I-77 to I-81, then I-66.  Stopped for gas in Haymarket (1645).  Mollie came over to spend some time with me after I arrived home.  Happy with the hiking trip - closed some loose ends on the AT, met some nice people and finished 2017 on the trail. Happy New Year everyone! AT Today = 2.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1061.17 miles

Bland, VA (USA)

The temps were good (30s) when I woke up so I decided to hike a long section of the AT west of town on VA-42. Ate breakfast at Dairy Queen in Bland (0840) and arrived at the trail head (O’Lystery Pavillion) at 0900 and headed NOBO. It was overcast and there was a brisk breeze on the ridges (Brushy Mountain, Lynn Camp Mountain). I was layered (3) up again but was able to avoid my coat and gloves as I warmed up during the hike. I didn’t see a lot of wildlife but experienced a few seconds of surprise as a startled grouse flushed a few feet off the trail... About halfway through the morning, I encountered five local hunters (with about 10 dogs and electronic devices to guide them). They peppered me with questions about where I came from and why I was hiking in the area. They told me they were “huntin’ bar” so I left them and continued to VA-625 (arrived at noon after 6.90 miles). My day had been pretty challenging with climbs and descents so I decided to try my luck on the gravel road (even though I didn’t have a map). After walking for about a mile, it became clear that the road wasn’t going to turn south. I was about to head back to the AT when some people in a truck stopped to ask me if the road went into West Virginia. I told them I didn’t know and then asked them how far it was to get to VA-42 (they said 8 miles - yikes). After learning I’d been hiking the AT, the couple, Christine and Bob, offered to take me back to my car. As the Trail Angels drove me along the Forest Service Road, we saw even more hunters and dogs. Apparently, the locals let dozens of dogs loose on one side of the ridge and they flush the bear(s) to the waiting shooters. Fortunately, we didn’t see any wildlife carnage... We did get treated to miles of pretty farmland and an owl that was scavenging along the road. We also had a great conversation! I was back in my car by 1345 and headed back into town. Without the backtrack, I’d only hiked about 8.5 miles - so I decided to hike another (short) section on VA-611 (east of town). When I arrived at the trailhead, it was immediately clear that the weather had significantly changed. I added another layer (4) and swapped out hats and gloves (the ones from the morning were damp). I left my car at 1430, again headed NOBO. I met a section hiker and his dog within the first mile - they were hurrying south as snow flurries began. On every ridge, the icy wind sliced through everything I was wearing. Haven’t been so cold (low 20s) in a long time and water reservoir froze a few times. Lots of little climbs and descents with slippery snow... I was looking for the turnaround from May 2014, the “600” mile marking on the ground north of Jenny Knob Shelter, but I also had to make corrections to bad mileage math from that hike. As a result, I hiked 4 miles outbound before turning around in the vicinity of where I’d seen the marking (in a creek bed - dry, like all the rest this weekend). Never actually found it but it didn’t matter (deja vu helped again) - landmarks change every year and some people remove them... In any case, I headed back to my car in a hurry as the darkness grew. With all the wind, the only other thing I could hear was the sound of the trees straining to their limits of stability (only a little disconcerting). It was dark for the last hour but I could still see the trail through the snow - it was almost fluorescent. Finished at 1800 after 16.5 miles for the day (and credit for 3.20 miles in the second section). I was cold but felt good about all the miles I’d logged. Actually managed to exceed last year’s AT total so that’s good too! Gonna try some more hiking tomorrow if it isn’t too cold... At dinner at DQ (1830) and rested in my room (watching football).  AT Today = 10.10 miles / G.T. AT = 1058.87 miles

Bland, VA (USA)

Weather was on the chilly side all week and there was even talk of snow before the New Year... Watched the weather reports for my hiking zones and made an early morning decision to return to the area where I’d last hiked the AT (it was the only place that didn’t have single digit temps forecasted during the weekend - we’ll see if that ends up being true). Left the house at 0845 and headed southwest. Got a gas fillup at Sheetz in Harrisonburg (1035).  The drive sucked - lots of holiday travelers - but I took some breaks to keep calm on I-81. Made it to the trail head on VA-606 (off VA-42) by 1330 and then SOBO to close up another loose end from 2014. I remembered the rickety suspension bridge - but falling into a rushing river in May is definitely not the same thing as falling into a frozen river in December! Hike began with low 30s and sunshine and I was glad to be able to remove my coat after the first mile (I was layered up good). After a retread (0.3 miles) and a rather steep climb, I had a relatively easy walk on the mountain. Similar to other places on AT along the West Virginia border, the ridgeline was narrow enough to see and hear activity in farms in both valleys. Sound carried a long way - dogs, cows, gunshots - but I didn’t hear many cars and that was nice. The wind was icy cold but there were warm spots in the trees and hollows. A light cover of snow blanketed the north side of the hills and I had to tread carefully as I started down into the valley near VA-608. It was hard to find the turnaround point because I hadn’t picked a good landmark. Luckily, the map and pedometer gave me a good idea of where to look and deja vu did the rest... Much to my surprise, I encountered another section hiker (with a huge backpack) during the backtrack. He was actually planning to camp (!!!) a few miles to the south - I wished him well and continued towards my car. It started to get much colder as the sun started to set behind the distant peaks but I ended up with the perfect amount of daylight and heat to finish without putting my coat on or using my headlamp. Saw several deer in a large field about half a mile from the parking lot. Otherwise, there was no evidence of any other life - before I finished, I stopped and stood to enjoy the solitude... Finished at 1730 after just over 10 miles - feeling good. Decided to stay in town for the night because the forecast still looked agreeable - cross your fingers for me! Ate dinner at Dairy Queen in Bland (1800) and checked into the Big Walker Motel (1835).  Relaxed and rested for the next day...  AT Today = 4.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 1048.77 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[had planned to meet with Arun for coffee but it didn't work out - worked at Navy Yard - took Metro to L'Enfant and met Randy for lunch at Church's Chicken (1055) - back to work - happy hour with Sean at Buffalo Wild Wings (finished at 1530) - drinks with Kelly at Matchbox in Pentagon City (finished at 1730) - did some walking in Fashion Centre Mall - got gas fillup on the way home (1845) - then home - packing for my trip!]

Washington, DC (USA)

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Zoo Lights! I worked remotely for the day, which allowed me flexibility on our departure time (I texted with all three kids about leaving for the Zoo Lights early so we could see the animals.  Erin told me she'd made plans and couldn't leave early.  I coordinated separately with Brenna and Mollie and picked them up at 1510.  We drove to Huntington Station (1530) and we took the train to Woodley Park.  Mollie ended up mixing up her (3) SmarTrip cards as we exited at the Station but we made it to the Zoo (after the walk) by 1610.  Unfortunately, we missed seeing the outdoor animals by 10 minutes...  We weren’t able to see the pandas before their enclosures were closed for the day but we found some other (warm) places (Reptile and Small Mammal Houses) to hide out from the sub-30 temps. We enjoyed some hot chocolate and got a lot of exercise (to and from the Metro Station and inside the Zoo). And, when it got darker, we marveled at the sparking, colorful lights - wow! It got progressively colder (into the 20s) but, fortunately, we had brought extra gloves and hats.  The Christmas Lights were awesome and we stayed until almost 1830.  All of us tried to get in touch with Erin but we were never able to coordinate a meeting.  The rest of us walked back to the Metro and took the Red Line to Union Station.  We ate dinner at the Thunder Grill - a good tradition - and finished dinner at 1940.  We then explored the stores and restaurants, enjoying the special holiday decorations - Brenna was impressed because she’d never been there.  At about 2000, we headed home via the (slow) Metro.  I dropped the girls off at Nicky’s by 2100.

Washington, DC (USA)

[drove to Navy Yard - work - left office at around 1230 and went home - teleworked for the rest of the afternoon - drove to Huntington Metro Station at 1530 - got off Yellow Line at L'Enfant and walked to Eastern Market (C Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, found St. Peter's Catholic Church) - met up with Tim F at 1700 and we had some drinks at Tunnicliff's Tavern - took Metro home at around 1830 - more work at the house]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[in the morning, I did errands (grocery shopping, I saw Janice at Giant; car maintenance and wash) - I also went hiking at Jones Point - I cleaned up and took care of finances at my apartment for most of the afternoon - after hours of coordination, Erin and Mollie came over to give me Christmas Presents (wow!) - at 1600, I drove to Woodbridge and hung out with Kelly at her apartment - by 1900, Kuldeep and Rich showed up and we all visited for a few more hours - I drove home at 2145 - bed immediately]

Winter Break Trip - Day 7

We woke up early, packed up our stuff, said goodbye to John and Katie and left for home (0645).  There was ice all over the windows and the roads were terrible.  We used MA-3, I-93 and I-95 to get to New Jersey.  We had thought about stopping at some National Parks but the weather was very nasty.  Mollie said she wanted to get home to see her dog so we decided to proceed (non-stop), rather than stay overnight somewhere and return to Alexandria on Sunday.  We ate breakfast (snacks) in the car.  We switched to I-80 and used I-287 to get to I-78 and stopped for lunch (Burger King) in Bloomsbury, NJ, at 1145.  After we were done, we continued on I-78 and then took I-81, I-83, PA-581, US-15 and I-270 to get back to I-495.  We were very lucky with traffic and weather and arrived back in Alexandria by 1615.  We went to my apartment first, unpacked the car and Mollie wrapped presents for her mother and sisters.  I dropped Mollie off at Nicky’s (along with Christmas presents for all three kids) at 1710. 

Winter Break Trip - Day 6

I teleworked in the morning and Mollie didn’t wake up until 1000.  She ate breakfast quickly and then we drove to Cape Cod, using MA-3 and US-6.  We first drove to the National Seashore (Salt Pond Visitors Center and Nauset Light).  We then walked on the beach in Eastham, looking for whales (didn’t see any, much to Mollie’s chagrin).  We ate lunch (snacks) in the car, watching the water from the cliffs.  We then drove north into Wellfleet and got gas Wellfleet (1235).  It was a cold day but it didn’t stop us from walking the beach at several points on Chequesset Neck and Great Island. We almost got caught on the dunes as the tide came in but survived...  We headed back to the south on US-6 and stopped several times (Audobon Wildlife Sanctuary, First Encounter Beach, Brewster Cemetery).  As we headed west into old stomping grounds, I told Mollie stories about several places where I used to live and play.  We even drove by the Josiah Dennis Manse and my dad’s (old) house in Sandwich.  By 1600, we had reached Sagamore, where we got gas (1545) and stopped to do some shopping at the Christmas Tree Shoppes (1610).  We also explored Market Basket but didn’t buy anything.  Eventually, we headed back to Katie’s, arriving at 1700.  Katie was busy so we went with the rest of the Duffs to a place called the Cask N Flagon in Marshfield for dinner (Jambalaya, etc.).  We were done at 1915 after a nice time with my family (lots of conversation and holiday happiness).  We went to John’s mother’s house after dinner (to check on her and visit).  It started to snow and the temperature dropped a lot.  We drove back to Katie’s house and watched some Netflix shows.  All of us went to bed early (2200).

Winter Break Trip - Day 5

I teleworked in the morning again while Mollie slept (until 0930).  After she came down for breakfast, she did some chores (dishes).  We rested and read at Katie's house for a few more hours and then ate lunch. At 1245, we drove to the movie theater and watched a matinee of “Star Wars: Episode VIII” at Patriot Cinemas (1300).  Movie tickets were only $7 (wow) - a nearly empty theater for Thursday afternoon matinee when all the local kids are in school: priceless!  After that, we walked around at the Hanover Mall (for exercise) and bought Mollie some motion sickness medicine (1600) so she could try it.  We returned to Katie’s at 1630 and Mollie watched TV while I walked a bit more in the neighborhood.  John cooked dinner (pizza, wings, salad) and we had a nice time talking with the kids; Dad and Beth arrived at 1830 and Mollie got one more visit with them and their dogs. We watched Katie’s caroling performance on the evening news.  At 1900, we went to the High School to watch Johnnie’s Holiday Concert.  It ended at 2100 and then Katie and John took us out for ice cream at Friendly’s.  We arrived back at Katie’s at 2215 and spent the rest of the evening reading and visiting.  We went to bed at 2315.

Winter Break Trip - Day 4

[I teleworked in the morning - Mollie and Ella didn’t come down for breakfast until about 0930 - we all ate together, though and left Katie’s at 1030 - we drove to Plymouth (via MA-3) - even though many things had changed since I was a kid, I still found some good landmarks to show them (Plymouth Rock, Forefathers Monument, the Grist Mill and Brewster Gardens) - the cold wind and temperatures were good reminders of the tough conditions faced by our founding fathers 397 years (minus one day) ago - Mollie got souvenirs and Christmas presents for her mom and sisters at the John Alden Gift Shop (1130) and then we toured Pilgrim Hall (1155) - we ate lunch (Lobster Hut) at around 1300 and then explored some more - stayed in town to take in more history (walking, museum, gift shops) until about 1500 - I got a call for a job offer (which I accepted) when we were just about to leave - we then drove to the Colonial Place Mall, where Mollie and Ella did some window shopping while I did some more walking - at 1645, we drove to Gerard’s for a pizza dinner - Dad and Beth were also there and we stayed for several hours, talking and exchanging gifts - Mollie proudly showed off her NPS Passport Book - Johnnie got dropped off at Gerard's by Katie, who then picked up Ella - at 1930, we said goodbye and left for Hanover - we spent the rest of the evening reading and resting (until bed at 2300)]

Winter Break Trip - Day 3

[I teleworked again in the morning - Mollie woke up at 0800 and ate breakfast (cereal) - we left Katie’s at 0930 and drove to Providence, Rhode Island - we visited the Roger Williams National Memorial (Mollie got a stamp for her NPS Passport) - our local founding father hero (George Mason) undoubtedly based his “liberty of conscience” philosophy on the man we learned about today - we explored the park and walked around among Providence’s pretty colonial homes (great scenery) - we also explored nearby college campuses (RISD and Brown University) - Mollie said "I like this town" a few times, both in the city and while we were driving nearby (Pawtucket) - at around 1145, we left the park and drove to Seekonk for lunch at Friendly's (turkey melt, salad and ice cream) - we finished eating at 1245 and drove to New Bedford, where we visited the National Park (got another stamp), the Whaling Museum (1430), the Seamen’s Bethel and Seaman’s Home - we finished our exploring by 1545 and then located the Zeiterion Theater - we then set up shop at Destination Soups (1615), surfing the web and eating a long dinner (hummus plate, bread bowl chicken vegetable soup, pizza grilled cheese) - by 1830, John and Ella arrived and we walked over to the Theater for the show - my Dad got us four tickets to the Celtic Christmas Sojourn (lasted from 1930 until 2215) - we had fun and finally left New Bedford, bound for Katie’s (used I-195, I-495 and MA-58) - arrived at about 2330 and went straight to bed]

Winter Break Trip - Day 2

[I teleworked in the morning - Mollie slept until 0830 - we ate breakfast (cereal) with Katie and made plans for our day - we helped Katie with chores (dishes, cleaned counters) - Katie drove us into Boston and we parked (Katie found a good location after driving around for awhile) near the Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Mollie and I visited Coogan’s Pub and the Old Statehouse for a NPS Passport stamp (1120) - we then met Katie again and explored the old meeting house, where we got more stamps (including one for the Boston African American NHS) - we next explored the Marketplace and ate lunch ("mmMac N Cheese", gourmet macaroni and cheese) at 1155 - Katie went to get the car and Mollie and I followed the Freedom Trail, stopping at the Old South Meeting House, the Granary Burying Ground, the Boston Common and the Robert Gould Shaw Monument at the (new) State House - it was snowing but we had a great time - Katie picked us up and we next visited the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House - at the Old North Church, Mollie told me "I want to get married here" - on the way back to Katie’s house, we drove over to Charlestown and Bunker Hill; we finished the excursion by 1500 and Mollie spent time with her cousins - I did some work and then we all got ready to head out for an evening of Christmas light fun - first, John drove us all to dinner (Quan’s Asian Restaurant in North Attleboro) and we met up with Aria (finished at 1905) - we then drove to La Salette Shrine in Attleboro (it was a family tradition from my youth), where we enjoyed lights, animals, Nativity scenes (of all sizes) and a lot of walking - at 2045, we headed towards home, stopping for hot chocolate at Dunkin’ Donuts - on that way to Katie’s, we had a very good philosophical conversation - at the house, everyone went to bed early (2215)]

Winter Break Trip - Day 1

I woke Mollie up at 0600 and we packed the car.  We left my apartment at 0630 and we shopped for snacks at Giant.  We left Alexandria at 0700 and ate breakfast (snacks) in the car.  We used I-495, I-95, I-695, I-83, PA-581 and I-81 to get to Scranton.  On the way, I asked Mollie if she wanted me to schedule a “Halfy Birthday Party” for her in January (she said yes).  We stopped at Steamtown NHS (1100) and Mollie got another stamp for her NPS Passport Book.  We spent about an hour and thirty minutes at the park, exploring, learning and buying souvenirs.  Before leaving Scranton, Mollie said "I want to go to school here" (!). We got back on I-81 by 1200 and ate lunch (snacks) in the car.  We then used I-84 to get to Montague, NJ, and filled up the gas tank there (1300).  We then continued to Hartford, CT, and used I-684 and US-6 to get to I-295 and I-95.  We finished our drive to Katie’s on I-93 and MA-3, arriving in Hanover, MA, at 1700.  Mollie enjoyed some time with her cousins (who still had school and homework) and the whole family watched the Patriots-Steelers game while eating dinner (pizza, wings, other appetizers).  Katie was very happy when the Patriots made an amazing comeback after appearing to lose.  When the game was over (1930).  We watched “Christmas Story” (Live), several episodes of "The Goldbergs" (Katie's kids pointed out that I had a shirt that was worn by a member of the cast) and visited some more.  Mollie was in bed by 2200 (very tired).  Let the week of adventures begin!

Washington, DC (USA)

[worked from home for the whole day - at 1700, Mollie arrived - we ate dinner (chicken spaghetti, salad) and then drove to Huntington Metro Station - we rode into DC on the Metro to attend the Washington Wizards versus LA Clippers game at the Capital One Arena (I'd received free tickets from a colleague who could not attend) - Mollie and I stayed at the game from 1915 until 2045 (through the start of the Third Quarter) and then took the Metro Home]

Tyson's Corner, VA (USA)

[drove to Tyson's Corner and parked - took Silver Line from Greensboro Metro Station into the city - switched to Green Line (good timing) and worked at the office all morning - walked with Sean to the Portals for his TAG meeting - after that was done, ate lunch with Ross at the DOE Cafe (done at 1230) - headed back to my office and worked for several more hours - we did a gift exchange colleagues - after work, I took Metro back out to Greensboro Metro Station (arriving at 1800) and, after a long phone call with Jeremy, attended the company holiday party (at Tyson's Biergarten) - had a great time with Ian, Warren, Ilya, Kelly D and several other people - finished at 2100 and made my way home (via side streets, disorienting, and I-495) - in bed by 2230]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[interview in the morning - afterwards, walked back to my office to work (stopping for lunch at Subway at 1115 on the way) - meetings - took Metro L'Enfant and visited JMA for the Open House (it was fun) - after that was over, I met up with Kelly and Alex at Vie de France (done at 1655) - rode Metro back to Huntington and then drove to Port City Brewing Company to meet Luke for drinks (done at 1930) - WHEW! - got gas fill up on the way home - Christmas Cards before bed]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[parked at Branch Avenue - Metro to work - met up with Kelly at the District Wharf and we took an Uber together to the ATCA Holiday Party on King Street from 1100 to 1300 - Uber and walking back to work - later attended company holiday party at Scarlet Oak (from 1630 to 2030) - took Metro back to Branch Avenue and then home]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - drinks with Kelly at The Brighton at District Wharf (finished at 1800)]

Gainesville, VA (USA)

I woke Mollie up at 0620 and she ate breakfast - at 0715, I dropped her off at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station so she could meet up with her friends and go to a Writing Center Field Trip at George Mason University.  I finished my last doctor appointment (yaay!) and teleworked in the morning.  I also drove to Gainesville to attend an office holiday luncheon.  On the way home, I did some errands (car maintenance, drycleaning, pharmacy).  At 1545, I picked Mollie up at the Van Dorn Metro station and took her to her school so she could work on the newspaper.  She was supposed to stay there for two hours but called me at 1700, asking for an early pickup (because a threatened snow storm cancelled many of the school activities).  After I picked her up, we did errands (groceries, bought birthday present for her friend, Katie, etc.).  Later, I made dinner and then got ready for a holiday party for work.  I went to Arlington (Gramercy in Pentagon City) and caught up with several colleagues from the Air Traffic industry from 1845 until 2200, checking on Mollie throughout the evening.  After I got home, we talked for awhile before bed (2245).

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - picked up Wizards tickets from Gail and then went to happy hour with Bill W at Champps Pentagon City (finished at 1745) - meanwhile, Nicky dropped Mollie off at my apartment - I arrived home by 1900 and we ate a late dinner - she studied for upcoming tests and we spent time working on her science project (growing radishes in an egg carton) - we went to bed around 2300]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - went to happy hour with Sabrina at Chevy's in Pentagon City - Jim R was not able to join us but we had a nice time - home late]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[remote work in the morning - went into city for DSS Holiday Party - worked at my office - went to happy hour at Sine Pentagon City with Bill W and Greta - we ate half price burgers - done by 2000 - Metro home]

Bland, VA (USA)

It was a bright, clear day today! I got breakfast at DQ (0800) and headed east on VA-42, bound for the Dismal Falls area again. Was NOBO from VA-606 by 0830 (40 degrees). Like so many days recently, I had to retread the first part (0.3 miles). Other than that, though, this was a very nice section: an easy climb at the beginning, flat for almost all the rest. There was a bit of mud but mostly I just wandered through rhododendrons, marveled at pretty hardwoods and followed the meandering bed of Dismal Creek. Passed an access trail to the Falls but had enjoyed them last evening. Crossed the muddy “road” I explored yesterday (Lion’s Den Road) and turned around at Wapiti Shelter. Didn’t see any wildlife or people nearly all day: just a guy with his dog (near the turnaround point) and the couple from Florida (and dog, Oliver) from yesterday (one mile before reaching my car). The temps warmed up a bit and I flew through the section! Finished 15.5 miles by 1420 (yeah!!!).  Left the area on VA-100 and I-81, making good time (despite traffic) towards the north.  I texted with the Twins that I was passing through Harrisonburg and coordinated a short visit.  Erin found me at the Leasing Center (1705) and then we got together with Brenna, who told me she was too busy to eat dinner (studying for exams).  Erin drove me to her favorite restaurant (Vietopia) and we had a nice meal (she liked the menu selection I made).  When we were done (1820), she gave me her grocery receipts and we said goodbye.  I called Mollie on the way and we talked a lot about upcoming plans (birthday parties on the weekends of December 9 and December 16, our trip to Massachusetts, Zoo Lights and a school Field Trip on December 8).  I got back on I-81 and stopped for gas at Sheetz in Mount Jackson (1905).  I called Bonnie as I got on I-66 and arrived back at my apartment by 2130. What a great weekend! AT Today = 7.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1044.27 miles

Bland, VA (USA)

After a good night’s sleep and a breakfast at DQ (0800), I arrived at the trailhead (gravel section of VA-611, east of town). Headed SOBO at 0830 with overcast skies and low 30s temps. The section was a series of gently rolling hills with a ridgeline overlooking two valleys - to the north were foothills of West Virginia. Actually, though, there wasn’t much scenery to photograph. I didn’t see much wildlife either - even though there were signs that a bear was in the area. The most significant event of the day was coming up behind a young couple with deer hunting rifles slung over their shoulders. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen an armed hunter on the AT but it can be unsettling... I talked to them and found out that both lived in farms that were visible from the ridge. The girl didn’t say anything (maybe she was annoyed that I broke up “couple time”) but the guy told me they were looking for a spur trail with a stand and couldn’t find it. I tried to help with my “AWOL” Trail Guide but there was not one landmark listed in the section until the Helvey’s Mill Shelter. Continued on, wondering how many other lost hunters were tracking me... A few miles later, just as I started hearing the traffic on I-77, I encountered another couple (LASHers, with their dog “Oliver”). The social dynamic was swapped: the young chipper lady from Florida told me all their plans for the next week while the guy was mainly silent. I continued on again until I passed the shelter and then began searching for my 2014 turnaround point. I didn’t have a photo or specific landmark to help me, but I suddenly had this overwhelming sense of deja vu and recognized a series of log steps that had deterred my forward progress under the hot May sun last time. Turned around and headed back to the car. Temps reached mid 50s and the sun started shining. On the way, I met Melissa (LASHer) - she was hiking to the shelter to meet her husband for the night. We talked for a while about the Smokies, Shenandoah, Katahdin and the 100 mile wilderness. Saw some other guys before I was done & passed “happy trails” greetings. As you can tell from these posts, sometimes the best part of a hike for me is meeting all the kindred trail spirits... Found Nellie by 1445 after 14 miles - feeling great and happy to still have my trail legs after a week of work. Headed east again on VA-42 to explore the Dismal Falls area and look for trailheads. Section will require some creative use of dirt and gravel roads... Went back to my hotel and rested.  Ate dinner at DQ (1800) and watched TV.  More tomorrow! AT Today = 7.00 miles / Grand Total AT = 1036.87 miles

Warrenton, VA (USA)

[left my house around 0600 - drove to Warrenton, arriving at 0700 - Garrison let me into the building and I had meetings with the staff for about five hours - lunch at the office - then I finished some other work, leaving work at 1300 - used I-66 and I-81 to get to a hiking area - got off interstate at US-460/US-11 - stopped for gas in Elliston at 1615 - back on I-81 at Christiansburg - drove until I reached VA-100 and headed north until reaching VA-42 - drove south, looking for AT Trailheads - arrived in Bland at around 1715 - got a room at Big Walker Motel (1800) and did some more work in my room - planning for a hike the following day]