Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Gallery Place - happy hour at Bar Louie with Danton (and, later, his wife Rowena) from 1700 to 2000 - walked back to L'Enfant and home late (via Metro)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[Mollie slept late (until 1000) - we’d talked about going to see my friend, Kim, playing the organ at a Fort Myer Mass but ended up deciding not to go - Mollie ate breakfast (mug treat) and did chores (dishes and dusting) - she did some studying on her (repaired) computer - she ate a light lunch (macaroni and cheese with bacon, peas) and then we got ready to go into DC for the hockey game - I’d expected to be driving Mollie to Nicky’s after the game but she told me she wanted to leave her belongings at my house and have Nicky pick her up on the way home from Steve’s - we drove into the city and parked at L’Enfant Plaza (1330) - we walked to the Capital One Arena and (after locating our tickets at Will Call, going up to the forth level prematurely, walking around the entire arena) found other employees from my company - my boss got a suite for everyone at the company who was interested and we couldn't miss this opportunity - we showed up very early to socialize with my colleagues (many of whom I had not met) and enjoyed the good crowd energy and noise and Zamboni runs - we got our pick of great food and drink for about 45 minutes before the game festivities started - I introduced Mollie to many of my colleagues and also met new people from my company) - starting at 1500, the game was very exciting and we saw several goals on our end of the rink - we stayed until there were about five minutes left in the game (1745) and then walked back to our car - the weather was unseasonably cool but it was nice to get the exercise - once in the car, the traffic was OK on the way home and we arrived at my apartment at around 1845 - Mollie said she didn’t feel good (congestion), so she rested in her room - after finding out that Nicky was delayed ("school paper"), Mollie visited with me for almost two more hours - Nicky picked up Mollie at around 2030]

Richmond, VA (USA)

[Mollie was awake by 0730 and immediately started packing for our day trip (her own initiative) - I made breakfast (eggs, cereal and bacon) - we left my apartment by 0810 - after doing some errands, we drove down US-1 until we were able to get on I-95 and then drove to Richmond - the traffic wasn’t fun until we reached I-295 - our goal for the day was to get some stamps for Mollie's NPS Passport - we ended up discovering a unit (Gaines Mill Battlefield) of the Richmond National Battlefield Park - while there, we found a Mississippi monument (to fallen dead who were from near Meridian) - we then drove to the nearby Cold Harbor Battlefield unit - Mollie got a passport stamp and, during a scenic drive around the grounds (with earthworks), we took a 20 minute nature walk - we saw a tree that had been cut down and were able to count the rings (140+) - the leaves were coming in very nicely and Mollie kept marveling about the beautiful weather - we then drove into Richmond (via I-295, US-360 and US-33) - we stopped to visit the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site - while there, we took a tour of the house and learned about the early civil rights movement, along with the impressive accomplishments of Ms. Walker (African American banker) - when we were done (1245), we got back on the highway (got turned around and had to backtrack to I-64 via I-95 south and north) - while driving, we had a nice talk about the things we’d learned at the National Parks that day - we stopped (1330) for lunch (Taco Bell) in Zion Crossings, near Charlottesville (just west of Lake Anna) - during the meal, we had a nice talk - after we were done eating, we got gas at Sheetz (1415) and, as we were leaving, had an unnerving engine stall episode (car getting old) - Mollie texted Erin and Brenna to see if we could stop for a short visit on our way through Harrisonburg - Erin answered immediately, saying she was “too busy” - Brenna and Mollie talked on the phone and exchanged several texts, with the end result being that we planned a stop at her apartment; Mollie and I talked about relationships, politics and North Korea while we were driving on I-66 and I-81 - we arrived at Brenna's apartment by 1530 and met up with her and all her roommates - we talked about groceries, a roommate moving out for Junior Year and a fancy ball that Brenna was attending that night - Brenna needed to go to Walmart for supplies so we went with her - Mollie rode in her car and I later learned they talked a lot about Brenna’s upcoming IVCF Chapter Camp (Brenna was excited) - we had a nice time shopping - I ended up buying all of the groceries (and took receipts from earlier in the semester) before we said goodbye to Brenna - at 1605, we headed north on I-81 to Stephens City - we located a National Park where we could get a passport stamp but decided to get in line early for the Family Drive-In movie - it was a good thing, too, because the line was HUGE at 1715 and social media sites said the reserved entry access for the movie was sold out - while waiting, we talked about making decisions confidently, my volunteering for ND Alumni Magazine, classical education (and influence on American history) and Mollie more effectively communicating feelings to me and Nicky - the Drive-In management started letting people in about 15 minutes before they were supposed to open (1800), so we were able to park (in a good spot) much earlier than we’d expected - Mollie treated us to the movies (with her dog-sitting money) - we then got in line for food and Mollie treated us to dinner (cheeseburger, chicken strips, fries, souvenir cup) - overall, Mollie spent $40 of her own money - Mollie studied in the car while we waited for the first movie (“Avengers: Infinity War”) to start - we enjoyed the family atmosphere and weather (overcast but pleasant) - we also had some nice talks about school and social media “spoilers” (which Mollie wanted to avoid); the movie started at 2020 and Mollie really enjoyed everything about the movie and retro experience - there was a second movie (“Black Panther”) included in our entry fee but we decided to leave at the end of the first movie (2300); Mollie was very impacted by the movie outcome (many of the main characters died) and we talked about that - it took us over an hour to get home (Mollie fell asleep) and we weren’t in bed until after midnight - the NPS Passport has really opened up our eyes to how many interesting and important historical and nature sites there are in the system - we've got a lot more to do and are having a great time filling in the empty squares]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City - happy hour (solo) at Chevy's - done at 1645 - Metro home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - David F contacted me in the afternoon and we met up at Sine (Pentagon City) for drinks/dinner - stayed until 1930 - Metro home]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[worked in DC - I called Mollie on my way home (1615) and asked when I should pick her up for the Volunteer Appreciation Event - she had completely forgotten about it but, luckily, there was enough time to still make it - I went over to Nicky’s at 1730 and got Mollie - then we drove to Old Town and parked near City Hall - we were early, so once we located the venue we had time to walk around on the streets nearby (for exercise) - we had another nice conversation and walked around the streets near City Hall - the Volunteer Ceremony began at 1830 and was very nice - Mollie was honored (along with many other people) for the last year of work at the Nature Center - she walked across the stage (I had to convince her) and got a hug from the Mayor and handshakes from the City Council - Mollie was proud of the special volunteer key chain she received - afterwards, we ate delicious and healthy snacks (they turned out to be Mollie’s “dinner”) provided by the city - before leaving Old Town, we walked around (including down to the waterfront) and talked some more - on the way home, Mollie told me that she had gotten her Nature Center Volunteer hours certifies for graduation (no more needed) - we discussed weekend activity planning (NPS stamps in Richmond, bank, biking or kayaking) - I dropped Mollie off at her house (1945)]

Pearisburg, VA (USA)

Today was a lucky day - I set up a ride and didn't have to backtrack! After getting gas (Circle K) and breakfast (Dairy Queen) in Bland (0815), I headed into Pearisburg and met up with my friend David's dad (Bob). Parked my car at the AT trail-head in town on Cross Avenue and the Bob drove me back up VA-663 until I was right where I ended my hike the previous day. After saying goodbye, I headed NOBO (0945). The weather was warm (55-70 degrees) with a light breeze on the ridge. It was pleasantly quiet and the views were even better than the day before. There were several gentle climbs and descents through the day - not too difficult and I was able to keep up a nice pace all day. Because I'd slotted into the "Bubble", I didn't see any Thru hikers all day. In fact, I only encountered a few people: a couple with a dog (on the ridge), a young couple climbing up to the top of the ridge (I head more than a few "are we almost there?" comments) and a Smokey Mountain AT Trail Maintainer (and hiking blogger for "Trek") with his two dogs. The latter gentleman was waiting (with "trail magic") for the family of eight (parents with kids between 16 and 4 years old) that I'd been hearing about all weekend. In addition, I encountered the hiker from yesterday ("Rand-Bo") who had rubbed me the wrong way with comments about how he was a "real hiker". He was sitting on the side of the trail, eating lunch, and I didn't recognize him at first. He started telling me about his time in the jungles of Southeast Asia ("the rhododendron tunnels remind me of the war"). He provided the rest of his bio too: 72 years old from Syracuse, USMC Vietnam Vet, knee replacement, hiking with his brother and their two cars (and handing off as they passed each other in the middle of each leg). He'd had a rough day and lost some of the items in his backpack (it had come unzipped before I'd seen him). I had a completely different opinion of him after talking longer today. He asked me to look for his missing gear when we said goodbye - I located them less than half a mile away. Found several great overlook views - the little houses visible in the Wilburn Valley looked so tiny! The last three miles were retread (from my 2014 visit) and included a LONG descent from Angel's Rest (lots of switchbacks). Despite a few stops for social interaction, I still finished the 10+ miles into town by 1400. For just a few moments, I experienced a feeling that I've heard about from the Thru hikers: "Oh yay - a town!" I drove to another trail-head (VA-100) and met Rand-Bo's brother, returning the gear I'd located. My drive home (US-460, I-81 and I-66) was filled with traffic but it trouble like that was still worth the effort. Got a gas fillup at Sheetz in Haymarket (1815). Nice hiking weekend! AT Today = 7.32 miles / Grand Total AT = 1123.59 miles

Bland, VA (USA)

Got on the road by 0615 this morning and made good time to the hiking zone (via I-66, I-81 and VA-100). On the way, I almost ran out of gas but managed to get a fillup at Exxon in Front Royal (0730) before disaster struck. Started SOBO at 1100 from the AT Trailhead at Sugar Run Gap. The weather was as nice as it has been on the trail in 2018, starting in the 40s and maxing out near 60, with views for miles. The section took a frustrating path along an ox-bow shaped ridge-line, at times heading west, south, north and even east before finally resuming the expected direction. In the first 15 minutes, I met up with a Boy Scout Troop (in three parts) - they all seemed happy to be hiking and camping. After that, I continuously encountered Thru hikers - too many to count! Most just said “hi” but one pulled a “superior” act on me, implying that he was a “real hiker” who had started at Springer Mountain whereas I was “only” out for the day. I noticed that his day pack was smaller than mine and, when he mentioned he had skipped the Smokies (“it was too cold”), I lost all feelings of inferiority. Was glad to leave him... Everyone else was nice, as usual. One lady hiker made a huge deal about how much she liked my hat. A guy hiker gave me a helpful preview of the big descent (and subsequent climb) that I had to complete near my turnaround point (Wapiti Shelter). The trail had been almost completely washed out from recent rains - there was lots of mud and, in a few places, the creeks that crossed the trail overflowed into the pathway (was glad to learn that my boots are still waterproof). Despite the rough terrain, I made really good time to the turnaround and immediately started back towards my car. About a half a mile into the climb, I caught up to the last Thru hiker that I’d passed on the outbound leg (“Armor”) and asked if I could stick with him. He agreed and we hiked together for the next 7 miles. He told me that he was a Scrum Master from Holland and had started out from Georgia on March 15th - he added that he’d hiked about 20 miles every day with no “zero” days. Armor’s presence encouraged me as we continued up the hill - had I been alone, I would not have made it without stopping several times. I found out that he had already hiked 11 miles before he saw me, so that kept the pace slower until the ridge-line. After that, though, he walked faster and I had to push hard to keep up. We stopped to enjoy the views and the silence (and a snack) before we were done. We had some pop culture and history discussions. When we started talking about other AT points north of our position, Armor shared his life philosophy: “I don’t need to know what’s coming, I’ll just do it when I get there”. I was also interested in hearing how he had undertaken the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from three directions: “French Way, Spanish Way and Portuguese Way”. He also talked about his hobby at home (rock climbing). It was nice to have a buddy for the hike! Two other Thru hikers (one German and one Australian) caught us in the last mile - I was the only American in sight. I said goodbye to Armor when we reached my car (at 1715, after 14.5 miles). Checked into the Big Walker Motel at 1735. More hiking tomorrow! AT Today = 7.20 miles / Grand Total AT = 1116.27 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[took bus to Van Dorn - work - walked to Archives Station (very windy) - Metro to Shaw/Howard U Station (switched trains at Mount Vernon Square) - Green Drinks DC happy hour (sponsored by Heinekin) - made pot for air plant and had a half price pizza - finished at around 1930 - walked back to Metro station and took Yellow Line to Huntington (to get my car after two days) - Duffs had left (via Harrisonburg, where they visited the Twins) by the time I reached home]

Washington, DC (USA)

[worked in DC - Nicky told me that Mollie wasn't feeling well so I texted with her to see if she felt better (she did) - learned that she was considering walking Bear with the Duffs and maybe going to dinner in DC later in the evening - at 1700, I walked to District Wharf for ATCA Yappy Hour at Brighton with Charlie, Maureen, Pete, Paul Phil Y. and more - at 1830, I left and walked to Penn Quarter to meet the Duffs for dinner at Carmine's (1900) - Mollie was there and everyone had, indeed, walked the dog before dinner with her cousins - we enjoyed some amazing food at the restaurant (garlic bread, Carmine salad, lasagna, shrimp scampi and a huge dessert called “The Titanic”) - we also had great conversation and played trivia games - we had a great time and the Duff's drove us home at around 2100, dropping Mollie off at Nicky's before they came home with me]

Washington, DC (USA)

[took the bus to Van Dorn Street Metro - I worked in the city all day while the Duffs (who arrived very late the previous day, after Mollie left my apartment) explored the Mall and Smithsonian - they told me to plan on dinner at Hill County BBQ - I texted Mollie to let her know to meet us and she said she was interested - fortunately, Nicky dropped Mollie off at Van Dorn Street at 1645 and she made her way on the Metro to the Archives Metro Station by 1730 - after she arrived, we had dinner with the Duffs - when we were finished, we all walked to Union Station to explore the mall there - the Duffs got Mollie some ice cream and then we walked back to Penn Quarter - we encountered lots of homeless people, panhandlers and cat-callers in cars (because of Johnny’s sports shirt?) on the way - all of this inspired conversation among the kids - the Duffs drove us to Alexandria and we dropped Mollie off at her mom’s house at 2100 - the Duffs came home with me]

Washington, DC (USA)

[Mollie woke up at 0730 and ate breakfast - Mollie told me that there was a new elephant at the National Zoo and we decided to check it out - rain was predicted so we got an early start - we drove to Gallery Place, parked and then went into the Metro Station - I had to buy Mollie a new SmarTrip Card (Nicky had hers) at 0825 - we rode on the Metro (Red Line) until reaching Woodley Park - we took a short walk, and arrived at the entrance by 0845 - it was overcast and a bit chilly but this kept the crowds away - we got to see nearly every animal, a real treat since they often close exhibits or the animals aren’t out of their private enclosures - we were treated to the sight of three different pandas outside, happily eating bamboo - veterinarians were checking the elephants and we got close up views - we saw lions and tigers and (sloth) bears - our favorite area, the North American Trails, had playful sea lions, gray seals and river otters, along with a gray wolf with his nose high in the air - we also enjoyed encounters with small mammals and several great apes - after two hours, the rain was clearly threatening so we decided to leave - Jill had originally said she planned to come by later in the afternoon but we decided not to wait - Mollie and I backtracked to our car and it started raining just after we arrived at Gallery Place - on the way back to Alexandria, we got gas (1145) - we went home and ate lunch (taco salad) - I cleaned up my apartment in preparation for a visit by the Duff family - we later watched some movies (“Moana” and “Despicable Me 3”) and Mollie made sausage and cheese balls - we went to Mass (St. Bernadette) at 1700 - later, we went shopping for car service supplies at Walmart - at home, we ate dinner (pizza and salad) and had a nice conversation - we did chores afterwards (dusting, laundry, dishes, picking up items to prepare for Duffs, trash & recycle) and I assembled a mini dresser for Mollie’s room - Mollie told me that she liked staying over for extra time (because of the Student Holiday on the following day) “because it is fun and you always do things with me” - we watched a movie (“Armageddon”) after all our work was done - bed time was at 2300 - we made some great memories today!]

White Plains, MD (USA)

[we both got up early (0800) - Mollie ate breakfast (“mug treat”) - it was another gorgeous day, so we packed up the car (including our bikes) and went to get my drycleaning (0920) - Mollie had mentioned a desire to finish the last four miles of the Indian Head Rail Trail so we drove across the Potomac to find the trailhead on US-301 - on the way, we got gas at Royal Farms in Upper Marlboro (1300) - we arrived in White Plains at around 1000 and logged about eight miles of bike riding in beautiful weather - it wasn’t too hot when we started and there was a nice breeze - it was a bit crowded at first but we eventually located some quiet, isolated areas - we turned around at Bensville Road and enjoyed a picnic (turkey, cheese and lettuce sandwiches, pretzels) at a wayside as we backtracked - our return to the car included seeing a snake on the trail and an encounter with a wild turkey (not vicious like our last ride in the area) - we finished with the last of the 13 miles after about three hours (including the lunch break) - comment from Mollie at the end: “we need to do this more often.”, for exercise, and we talked about other trails that were nearby - we finished riding at around 1230 - since we were in the area, we next decided to drive to Beltsville to see Brother Jim - we had a nice visit and conversation with him and helped him with computer issues - at around 1500, we drove home (very heavy traffic) - we watched a movie (“50 First Dates”) and ate dinner (leftovers) - we talked about the Duff’s visit (and Mollie joining us for meals during the coming week) - at 1900, I left Mollie at home and went out to have drinks with my friend, Garrison, at Bonefish Grill in Kingstowne (1915) - I was home again by 2220 and I made other (unsuccessful) attempts to fix Mollie’s computer - we watched “National Park Adventure” (documentary) and then went to bed at 2300]

Lorton, VA (USA)

[I woke Mollie up at 0630 but she didn’t get out of bed - as a result, she had to race to get ready when I returned to check on her at 0655 AM - she didn’t have time to eat breakfast but we picked up lunch (sub sandwich, chips and drink) at Giant (0715) before I dropped her off at school (0730) - I worked in DC for a half day and monitored Mollie’s transportation during her early dismissal day - I left the office at around 1330 and took Metro to Huntington so I could take Mollie’s for Dentist visit - I picked her up at around 1415 and we went to the dentist for Mollie’s first Invisalign appointment in over a month - it went very well and Mollie got three new trays (six weeks until next appointment) - we decided to take advantage of the 80 degree (!) temperatures and explore Green Spring Gardens while the visitor's center was open - it had a greenhouse with many amazing types of flowers we don't typically see - we also got to go inside the Eighteenth Century Georgian-style mansion - we really enjoyed this beautiful day! - we finished at 1600 and went grocery shopping at Giant (for the Duff’s upcoming visit) at 1700 - when we got home, we made dinner (ground beef tacos) at my apartment and ate on the TV trays - afterwards, we watched a movie (“Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”) - at 2000, I went on a date with Jill at Fair Winds Brewing Company (in Lorton/Newington) - Mollie stayed home (watching Netflix shows) - I got home at 2215 and spent the rest of the evening trying to fix Mollie’s computer (it had the “blue screen of death”) - we went to bed at 11:30 PM]

Delaware Water Gap, NJ (USA)

It was COLD this morning! I could feel it in my room and didn't hurry out to the trail. Instead, I headed back over to Jumboland Diner and had a nice breakfast (0825). Once the temps had reached 30 degrees (brrr...), I left Branchville for the Delaware Water Gap NRA. This was one of those times I had to "drive 30 miles to drive 5 miles" but I still made it to the Blue Mountain Lakes Road trail-head by 0930. Headed NOBO, bound for the Rattlesnake mountain summit again (from the other side). It was quite chilly (temps never reached 40 degrees all day) but I was layered (3) up and had plenty of warm stuff in my backpack. Most of the trail was rocky but there were occasional gravel road surfaces (which the AT weaved across multiple times). I also wasn't on a ridge, per se, but it was more like a plateau. There were lots of lakes in the area but the trail only got close to one of them. The only wildlife I saw all day was squirrels. Near Crater Lake, I did encounter one of the hikers I'd seen yesterday (the one who wasn't chatty) - learned that he was "flip-flopping" between Fahnestock State Park (NY) and Harper's Ferry and then back north again (he said he'd try the Georgia to H/F leg last). Turned out that he was also from Fairfax County - for a second I thought I'd found the "trail buddy" I've been needing (to shuttle between long sections) but then I realized he was getting it all done at once and didn't need me at all. Oh well... When I turned around for my backtrack, I encountered three (local) ladies who were on a round robin hike between Buttermilk Falls and Culver's Lake. I talked to them for a bit (one of them insisted that I needed to "hike the Catskills") but was glad to head back to the south after noting that the views from the ridge weren't anywhere near as nice as the previous day. On the way back, I ran into two section hikers (Tom and John) with big backpacks - they were headed from Wind Gap (PA) to the CT/NY line in two weeks. They'd been in the cold and wet for a few days and were aching for a drink, a well cooked meal and a real bed. I shared my weekend itinerary and the motel's phone number and they left with a spring in their step, looking forward to food and warmth at US-206. I used some of the gravel roads (instead of the AT) for about half the backtrack and found some other day hikers near Long Pond (quick chat). Made it back to my car by 1345 after almost 10 miles. While I was figuring out the final tally on my last leg of AT in NJ, I discovered that I'd "missed" 0.6 miles somewhere in the last three years - it was nice to tack on to my daily total. Returned to NoVA via NJ-94 and US-46. Got gas at BP in Delaware, NJ (1425) and then used the Belvidere crossing, PA-611 to Easton, US-22, I-78, I-81, PA-581 and US-15 to I-270 to get home. Weather was great, traffic was light - very pleased with my return leg (quicker than the way north). What a good weekend of hiking! AT Today = 5.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1109.07 miles

Branchville, NJ (USA)

I’d saved the last AT section in New Jersey in case I had a free weekend without much time for a drive - I figured I wouldn’t go back there until Summer. However, wintry weather in Southern Virginia this morning basically chose this as that weekend... Left home at 0700 and drove until the light rain stopped (York, PA). Got a gas fillup at Pilot in Harrisburg (0925). Thinking I might actually have enough time to hike in New York, I used I-81 and I-84 (along with many, many Canadian snowbirds, heading north). Made pretty good time but, after crossing the Delaware, decided I didn’t want to keep driving. So I backtracked (with heavy traffic) into Pennsylvania via Port Jervis. I then used US-209 and US-206 to find the trail-head near Branchville (NJ). Headed SOBO from the Culver’s Gap parking lot at 1230. I had to re-hike a short AT section before crossing the busy road but then I found myself on new trail. The climb up to the Kittatinny ridge wasn’t too bad and I enjoyed a tremendous view in all directions. The sun came out and I felt comfortable in two layers despite temps in the low 40s. It was a bit chilly in the wind but most of the time I was sheltered by trees. Intended to use the Brink Road Shelter as a gauge of my distance but I never saw the sign. Instead, I found myself unsure of the exact location of the turnaround point. Fortunately, my pedometer and the trail guide matched up perfectly - I found a spring and the summit of the mountain right when I expected it. At that point, I got the best panorama yet - I could see the Poconos, the Catskills, the High Point Monument and some pretty lakes with vacation homes. Ate a snack and then began my backtrack. Encountered three buzzards on a scraggly tree, three white tailed deer close to the trail and saw hundreds of frogs in ponds augmented by melting snow (they were croaking away on the outbound leg, silent when I returned). Just after I’d started, I met a guy who was out for a stroll. Later passed 20 people with small backpacks (only one looked serious) who were searching for a missing member of their party. Just before I finished, I saw a solo hiker with a big backpack - not sure what he was doing because he was sitting and barely answered my greeting. Made it back to my car by 1745 (after more AT retread), logging around 12.5 miles for the day. Tired but feeling good about squeezing in a few miles while everybody seems to be getting more snow. Checked into the Forest Motel in Branchville (1800). Ate a HUGE dinner at Jumboland Diner at 2005 - I’d forgotten how massive their portions are... Tomorrow is supposed to be colder but clear - hoping to finish the AT in the Garden State before I head home! AT Today = 5.80 miles / Grand Total AT = 1103.67 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

I received two tickets from my company to attend the Wizards versus Hawks basketball game from my company and asked Mollie to go with me. We texted several times during the day and eventually coordinated a meet up at Archives Metro Station for 1730 (Nicky dropped her off at Van Dorn Street Station and I helped her switch trains, via text). Once Mollie arrived, we walked to the CapitalOne Arena and found our seats (in the Club level, three rows from the court!). We enjoyed free food and beverages in the MGM Lounge and Etihad Airways Lounge before the game started (1900). While waiting, we had a great conversation and watched the teams practicing. The game was exciting and Mollie told me she liked it more than football (“because it is faster”). Felt a bit out of my element in the amazing atmosphere (court side) that my new company provided tonight. It was sure different than our nose bleed seats earlier this season! I think we could get used to this... Mollie and I stayed until the end of the third quarter and then walked to L’Enfant Plaza Station for our Metro ride home. The Yellow Line was running late and then started single tracking near the airport. This allowed more time to talk, which was really nice. I dropped Mollie off at her house at around 2200.

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - at around 1645, I took the Metro to Chevys at Pentagon City (supposedly to meet up with all my former colleagues) - in the end, only Stephanie came - we had a (short) nice time and then she had to leave for another event - I stayed a bit longer and then headed home on the Metro (1900)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Gallery Place and met up with Phil at Bar Louie - food - stayed until around 1900 - walked back to L'Enfant - home at around 2030]

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

After looking at the weather and terrain this morning, I decided to return to the trailhead on VA-615 (same place as yesterday). I had breakfast at Dairy Queen in Bland (0815) and then drove to the AT. By 0820, I was hiking, SOBO into the woods. Within the first 100 yards, I began to encounter areas where many of the trees (including large ones) had fallen on the trail. And, even worse, some of the standing trees made loud (sometimes disconcerting) groaning noises, like they were also about to fall... Let’s just say that this motivated me to get to the top of the ridge quickly! I started the day with a light jacket because it was breezy and overcast. I took off the coat within the first hour, though, after the Jekyll and Hyde weather showed its cards: it went from sprinkling to sunny (and warm) to windy to cloudy again. It was a pleasant day mostly but I was never sure what was going to happen! I met one Thru Hiker (opposite direction) all day. We had a brief chat about the Bubble, trail difficulty and mileage goals. After that, I had to hike down a steep hill to a pretty creek near my turnaround point, Jenkins Shelter. Thought I’d see some more people in that area but I never did. The climb back up to the ridge took a lot of energy but I felt good after I reached the top. Also made excellent time to my car, finishing over nine miles by 1200. Once again, though, the mileage in the trail guide and my pedometer didn’t seem to match (not as bad as yesterday). Taken together with some intel I found in a hiker blog yesterday, it seems that the mileage in the whole area is suspect. Oh well. Left Bland at around 1245 and began my drive back to NoVA (ugh)... Used I-77 and I-81 to get to Harrisonburg. Got a gas fillup at Sheetz in Harrisonburg (1520). I took a shower at Erin's and then ate dinner (O'Neill's Grill) with her and Brenna at 1630. Had a nice conversation - very glad I visited. Left Harrisonburg at around 1745 and immediately encountered a big traffic jam (of over three miles) on I-81. Eventually arrived back at my apartment at 2010 (no parking - grrr). Feeling great after my weekend on the trail! AT Today = 4.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1097.87 miles