Bland, VA (USA)

I woke up without an alarm clock and looked outside - there was thick frost on the cars. But the sun was shining brightly, so I only waited until the only nearby restaurant, Dairy Queen, opened (0800) before leaving my room. Took breakfast on the road and made my way to the trailhead on VA-615 (Laurel Creek). I wore a short sleeved shirt (was carrying more) and headed up the mountain (NOBO) at 0830. It was a bit chilly initially and I almost put on my jacket. However, I decided against it and, after a 30 minute climb, felt just fine. On the ridgeline, I got several beautiful views of the valley (and town of Bastian) below. I could hear the traffic on I-77 and vehicles on the gravel access road above me for most of the morning. I made very good time on the (relatively flat) trail during my outbound leg - so fast, in fact, that I doubted my pedometer and the clock. But it was clearly the turnaround point - not just from the trail signs, but also the fact that the AT joined the only gravel road mentioned in the guide. Despite the uncertainty, I didn't wait to start my backtrack and made even better time on the way back. There was no mud, wind or rocks - a very nice section. About halfway back to my car, I encountered the first of six Thru Hikers. Like yesterday, most of them were not very talkative. But I did meet two - "No Point" and "Rickless Morty" - who stayed to chat for several minutes each. I learned that they were in the lead "Bubble", which consisted of over 30 hikers who started in February. Most of this group appeared to be on track to finish in June or July. The conversations were pleasant and I would loved to have stayed for more but each of the hikers mentioned places they needed to be to stay on schedule so I reluctantly headed towards my car. The sun was shining very warmly by that point - what a beautiful day! I arrived back at my car at 1345 PM - earlier than I'd expected - after (apparently) around 13 miles. It was definitely possible that I had hiked that far but I was surprised at the miles per hour. Wish my deja vu was better tuned today but I feel good about my intuition about a place I last visited almost four years ago - this is what happens when I don't use clear landmarks as turn point... (I researched online later to make sure everyone else's descriptions were the same as I'd expected.) Anyway, I'm counting it! Headed back to town to rest and prepare for one more hiking day before going home. In my room, I watched TV and did a lot of reading. Instead of eating at Dairy Queen, I snacked on food I already had. Felt great - not just because of the weather, Thru hiker vibes and distance, but because I have officially finished half of the Appalachian Trail! AT Today = 6.50 miles / G.T. AT = 1093.07 miles (Half Way!!!)

Bland, VA (USA)

I watched the weather all week to see which direction was the best for hiking this weekend. I left open the option to depart in either direction, packing my car before I left for work. Stopped for gas near my house in the morning (0615) and took the Metro to work. I left work as early as I could (1200) and headed to the parking garage, still unsure which direction to go. The kids broke the tie by letting me know I could have dinner with them on Sunday night. So, I headed south (via I-495, I-66 and I-81). I guess it was the Easter holiday - the roads were packed. it wasn't quite bumper to bumper all the way but it felt like it! I had to leave the Interstate near Harrisonburg just to keep moving (not a lot gained but got south of the accident). Continued towards Wytheville and got in Max Meadows (1650) and switched to I-77. After all the accidents, rubberneckers and rain/sleet, I ran into Big Walker Mountain tunnel traffic. Frankly, I had given up any notion of hiking when I arrived at my destination (Bland, Virginia) at 1730. After all, there were only two hours of daylight left... Still, the sun was visible over the mountains to the southwest and my hiking zone (VA-610) was about 15 miles west of town - so I went for it! I left my car (SOBO) at 1810 and headed into the woods. I immediately encountered Thru Hikers (my first of the season) - I passed (and chatted with) seven (plus a dog) as I made my way to the turnaround point - a camping area near the Crawfish Trail (where I'd last been in 2016). The climb up Walker Mountain was OK but the descent was even better (an old fire road). The temperatures were good (high 40s) - so only had two layers - and I was prepared for precipitation. I did have to contend with mud in several places and the occasional rocky area. I didn't realize it at the time but I later learned that the area had received 17 inches of snow just eight days earlier. Today, though, there was no evidence of winter. In fact, the trail went through heavy rhododendron patches (this made it hard to see as the sun went down. After searching for (and finding) the non-descript location where I stopped last time, I turned around and quickly headed back, knowing that I'd soon lose the daylight. As I crossed the Walker Mountain ridge again (windy this time), I had to put on my headlamp. It was then that I realized that the light drizzle I'd felt earlier had turned to snow! It was pretty, though, and didn't accumulate. Still, I noticed the definite temp drop - hands were cold. I was glad I'd picked a short section because I really didn't want to stay out too much longer... It was mostly quiet on the trail by then but I was startled to hear the (very loud) "who-cooks-for-you-hoo-hoo" of an owl (I believe it was a barred owl) above me - I heard him almost all the way back to my car. For the last mile, I didn't need my headlamp because the moon came out - it was BRIGHT! I couldn't get any pictures that do the effect justice... Finished my evening at 2100 after almost seven miles (because of the sidetracks). Drove back into Bland and checked into the Big Walker Motel (2115). The desk clerk told me that the area had received 17 inches of snow a week earlier and hadn't had power at the hotel until the day before I arrived - at least I got lucky in that regard! The weather for the next 48 hours is supposed to be good so I will be staying in the area for more hiking... AT Today = 3.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1086.57 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City and enjoyed happy hour with Sabrina at Chevys - took Metro with her relatively early]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work (Branch Avenue) - at 1600, walked to Navy Yard to watch the Nats Exhibition Game, Nats versus Twins, in Jan's fancy suite (with David F.) - Metro - home by 1945]

Blairstown, NJ (USA)

Managed to get out of bed this morning - slowly... Left my hotel at about 0900, driving back to Stillwater (picked up breakfast in Newton at 0920) and exploring near the southern ridges in the middle of Kittatinny Mountain. I found a place to park at the top of Fairview Lake Road (dead end) where I could have hiked up about half a mile to the AT. I wasn't inclined to do that when I saw that the map had another access point - plus, there were some serious flurries at that point. I drove back down the mountain and made my way back (west) to the trailhead on Millbrook Road. It was clearer by then (1030), so I headed NOBO on the AT. It was quiet, breezy and cool (mid 30s) - I felt good in two layers (no gloves). I was a bit more prepared in this section, wearing my gaiters in anticipation of deep snow. After passing a pretty lake (with two beaver dams) near the road, I faced the biggest climb I'd seen this weekend. This area was pretty well traveled and the slush had frozen almost solid. Didn't fall, luckily... While it was a bit overcast, I could see for miles on the ridge. Birds were coasting on the wind at eye level and I encountered wild turkey tracks in several places. The snow was only about four to six inches for most of the day (with occasional drifts close to a foot) but fortunately someone had blazed a trail for me. It was mostly flat terrain that eventually widened out to a pleasantly graded gravel road for the last half of my outbound leg. My turnaround point was Flatbrookville-Stillwater Road. It was there that I met the first person I'd seen all day - a guy who was day hiking. We didn't talk much and I ended up passing him when he stopped at a vista. A bit later in my backtrack, I encountered a group of about 10 day hikers that were strung out for a hundred yards. Otherwise, I had the mountain to myself and made great time (and again avoided disaster during the steep descent) to my car. Finished hiking - feeling good - at 1400 (after eight miles) and headed for home. I used NJ-94 to get back to Belvidere (stopping for gas in Delaware, NJ, at 1450) and then took almost the same route (reverse) to get home that I had on the previous day (except for US-15 and I-270 after Harrisburg). Traffic was light and I made good time. Glad to have a chance to get away on the trail - looking forward to a few more weekends before the Thru Hiker Bubbles reach my hiking zones... AT Today = 3.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1083.47 miles

Blairstown, NJ (USA)

FINALLY got away for some AT miles today! Left at 0715, about 45 minutes later than I’d planned, but made great time (via I-83, I-81, I-78, US-22, PA-33, back roads into New Jersey, crossing Delaware on a one lane bridge at Belvidere, and NJ-94) to the trail zone. Got gas in Delaware, NJ, at 1120 and proceeded to the trail head. Parked near the Mohican AMC Outdoor Center at 1145 and started SOBO. It was a beautiful day - low 40s with clear blue skies - and the snow didn’t seem to deep (maybe three inches) for the first few miles. Luckily, someone else had already blazed a trail for me through the snow - there were patches of muddy earth visible in several places. It was pretty slippery, though, and I ended up using my trekking poles almost all day. I saw some deer - and interesting animal tracks - on the trail near the top of the first ridge. At the same location, I could see for miles in all directions. The terrain in this section wasn’t challenging, just a series of rolling “hills” with great views each time. I only wore two layers (no gloves) and felt comfortable even when chilly breezes swept over the trail. I was probably four miles into the hike when I started to encounter deep drifts of snow. I truly regretted that I’d left my gaiters (and snow shoes) in the car but I decided to keep going. I made it to Sunfish Pond without giving up but then found a new annoyance - LOTS of rocks and deep mud. It probably took me longer to hike the next 1.5 miles than the previous three... As I nearer my turnaround point (Douglas Trail), I encountered the first people (day hikers) I’d seen all day. And, when I started my backtrack, I ended up with a young lady who was section hiking with a huge backpack. We leap-frogged almost all the way back, chatting a little bit (without introductions) as we trudged through the knee deep (thigh deep in some places) snow. Eventually, Ms. Speedy left me in the dust... It took all I had to finish the section - the mileage wasn’t bad but I had to use every muscle I had to maintain balance and use mind over matter to keep lifting my legs for the next footfall. My poles often sank into the drift up to the handle (!!!) and I fell several times. It had been at least three years since I tried hiking in snow so deep and I paid for the privilege. I made it back to my car at 1745, after more than 11 miles. Headed into Newton for a meal (Burger King, 1845) and then found a tub to soak in (I’m going to need it) at the Rolling Hills Motel in Sussex (1930). More tomorrow, hopefully! AT Today = 5.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 1079.67 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - met up with Stephanie in the Metro and we went to Chevy's for happy hour - finished at 2000 - Metro home]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - Metro to Braddock Road - met Tim M. at Lost Dog Cafe for happy hour - we were done by about 1900 and he drove me back to Huntington (via MeggRoll)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Wharf (via Post Office at L'Enfant Plaza) - lunch with Kelly at Kirwan's - walked back to my office - work - left home at 1700, headed directly home]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[Mollie ate breakfast (chocolate muffin) at 0845 - we loaded up the car with our IKEA returns and drove to Woodbridge - it took a lot of effort (due to mistakes on my part), but we were at the front door of the store when they opened and quickly made our exchanges (1000) - we returned to the apartment and unloaded the car (1145) - we actually met one of our new neighbors who had a pretty Husky mix dog - in the apartment, we ate lunch and Mollie iced the cake she'd made the night before - she also did homework, chores and finished her Equine Medical Center Internship Application - meanwhile, I put together my new bed - Mollie later (1430) ate a snack (hummus and Stonefire flatbread) and packed up all her belongings - we then drove to Old Town to visit Sabrina (she was recovering from surgery and we brought her the cake that Mollie had made) - we stayed for about an hour, visiting, eating the cake and playing with Sabrina’s dog - we then drove to the Alexandria Animal Shelter in Eisenhower Avenue (to visit cats and dogs) - at 1645, I took Mollie to Nicky’s house - before I left, we took Bear for a 30-minute walk (that was nice!)]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[I woke Mollie up at 0745 and we got ready for our day - we drove to Woodbridge and stopped at the NFCU so Mollie could test her ATM Card - we also asked about the letter we’d received about her cue-card and deposited her rolled change - we visited the Brew Republic for their St. Patrick’s Day Brunch (0915); we stayed for a while and ended up seeing Kelly, Aidan and John before we left (1015) - afterwards, we went shopping at REI for hiking clothes (and to research travel backpacks for Nicky) - I ended up buying some good clothing at their Garage Sale and joining their loyalty club (Mollie also bought some shorts) - at around 1110, we drove to IKEA and went shopping for furniture - after looking around for awhile, we ended up buying a bed and dresser for me and a mini dresser for Mollie - after loading up the car, we drove home (bad traffic jam) and discovered that I’d bought a few items in the correct color - instead of assembling the items, therefore, we cleaned my storage room, swept the patio and locked our bikes in the new storage area (after Mollie blew up the tires) - Mollie ate a late lunch and rested a bit after that - at 1700, we went grocery shopping (instead of Mass, Mollie's choice) - after we got home again, Mollie ate dinner (leftovers) and we watched a movie (“A Knight’s Tale”) - Mollie also made a cake for our friend, Sabrina - before bed, we watched songs from famous musicals on YouTube - I was asleep by 2230]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Penn Quarter - happy hour with Marquitta (Sabrina couldn't make it) at Hill Country BBQ - Nicky dropped Mollie off at my apartment at 1710 - she ate dinner (pizza) and studied while I wasn't home - I stayed at Hill Country until 1910 - then walked back to L'Enfant with Marquitta - took Metro to my car and talked to Mollie on the way home, arriving at 2010 - we talked a lot and then Mollie finished her homework - we both went to bed at 2245]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Navy Yard - happy hour at Scarlet with Greta, Rachel, Sean, Ian, Phil (finished at 1820) - Greta gave me a ride back to Huntington Metro Station and I swallowed the "non-rider" fee again (grr)...]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked from L'Enfant to area near White House - arrived for happy hour at Old Ebbitt Grill and it was PACKED - back bar was closed and didn't have a reservation - was only able to sit at a side-board - Jill arrived at around 1800 and we got some oysters and had some drinks - she had planned ahead and had a reservation for 2100 - after we'd been there a few hours (2000), we got a table (due to her persistence and niceness with the host) - we had a nice dinner (shrimp linguine, salad, good bread, key lime pie) - walked together to Metro Center Station - after saying good-bye, I walked to Gallery Place (2210) - got home (no parking at my apartment again) at 2345]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked from L'Enfant to Gallery Place - met David P. at Bar Louie for dinner and drinks - walked with him back to L'Enfant - home on Metro]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[work - met up with Kelly at Vie de France at 1530 - then walked to Penn Quarter with her - met up with Greta and Stephanie at Plan B - after a good happy hour, we decided to move the party (1815) - ended up taking Metro back to Huntington with Stephanie so we could drive to Woodbridge - met up at Brew Republic with Kelly and John - it was karaoke night and very rowdy - fun times until 2140 - drove Stephanie home (Columbia Pike) - had planned to leave on a hike the following morning but was really beat by the time I made it to my apartment (2330)]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[early start - took bus to Van Dorn - Metro to DC - work - left a bit early - Metro to Pentagon City - made an Apple Genius Bar appointment (to get a new iPhone battery) in Fashion Centre - walked around in the Mall, had drinks and sliders at Matchbox (done at 1700) - after getting my phone back, I rode Metro to Braddock Road and had a drink at Dos Amigos (saw Chavez) - then walked to Yates at 1900 and picked up my (repaired) car - drove home via back roads - my Amazon orders (new camera battery included) had arrived - a very successful day of getting things done!]

Washington, DC (USA)

[drove to Branch Avenue - work - walked to Navy Yard - met up with Alex at Scarlet Oak (server was Wilmont) - fun time and met some nice people there - ate dinner before leaving - rode Metro back to Branch Avenue at around 2045 - on the way home, talked to Brenna about getting the car from me during her Spring Break - made it home by 2130 and Brenna took the car while I was sleeping]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to King Street and walked to La Tasca - enjoyed happy hour by myself (done at 1635) - Brenna and Erin arrived a little before 1700 - we ate dinner (delicious bread, empenadas, calamari, rice with mushrooms, etc.) and chatted for almost two hours - after dinner, we walked along the Old Town Waterfront - Erin drove me back to Huntington to get my car and there I learned that they charge a premium ($4 extra) if you don't use the Metro within two hours of leaving the garage (geesh) - drove home and found Mollie there (studying) - she stayed until around 2200]

Baltimore, MD (USA)

[I woke Mollie up at 0800 and we left the house at around 0915 - we drove into Baltimore (via BW Parkway) - we stopped to get a NPS Passport stamp at Fort McHenry (we’d already been there) at 1010 - after that, we headed north to Towson so we could visit Hampton National Historic Site - while there, we took a tour of the mansion and walked the grounds (until around 1300) - we enjoyed the crisp clear weather for a while and then drove into the town of Towson to eat lunch (Burger King) - our next stop was Greenbelt Park - we had to use back roads because of I-95 traffic - we explored for about 45 minutes and made plans to return (for camping) - we got gas in College Park (1445) before driving home (through a major traffic jam on the Beltway) - Mollie packed up her stuff and worked on her Equine Medical Center Internship application - I fixed her computer and did some laundry while she was still at my apartment - Nicky came to get her (1700)]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - on the way home, I visited Sabrina (recovering from surgery) in Old Town (took Metro to my car and drove over to her house) - I stayed for about an hour and then went to pick up Mollie]