Washington, DC (USA)

[work - at 1515, took SW Shuttle to District Wharf and met Kelly, Mel, Joe, Tasha and Stephanie for happy hour at Mi Vida - bought the first round on the main floor and then we went upstairs for round two - had a nice time - left at around 1800 (SW Shuttle again) and used Metro to get home - custody narrative]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - walked to District Wharf - bought tickets for the 1505 Water Taxi and Kelly and I rode it to Old Town (pretty views of Haines Point and Fort McNair) - walked to Virtue and set up for happy hour - John and Sabrina joined us shortly after we arrived (1545) - stayed until around 1830 - Sabrina drove me to King Street Metro and I took it to my car - home by 1900]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Crystal City and walked around in the (sweltering) hot sun near 18th and 20th streets - found McCormick and Schmick and settled in for happy hour - Stephanie arrived at around 1630 - we enjoyed drinks for awhile - she had wanted to go home before 1900 (to go swimming) but we ended up talking for longer than that - since she missed the chance, we walked from Crystal City to Pentagon City, where she caught a bus and I got on the Metro - made it home by 2030]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - met Tyler at L'Enfant Metro (1615) - rode to Mount Vernon Square - walked from Convention Center to the Capital Grille - happy hour sliders (burgers, chicken sandwiches) and fries (along with some sweet pickles) - local beer was good - done at around 1800 - walked back to Convention Center and took Metro home]

Salisbury, CT (USA)

Another beautiful day! Up early and used US-7 to get to US-44. Amazing views of the valleys and lakes to the west all the way. Started SOBO from the AT trailhead on the edge of Salisbury at 0730 - the sun was just coming up over the hills so had perfect temps (60s). Outbound leg was a continuous climb but I had the energy. Like yesterday, it the woods around the trail were thin and the trees looked relatively young - it looked like the area might have been a working farm in the recent past. Made great time to some pretty views (one from a cliff and the other from a farm field). Ran into Honey Bear and Pricepoint again and they excitedly told me they figured out that they gave me some trail magic (fruit snacks, candy) back in June near Blacksburg! I’d been hiking with a different hat when we first talked but they recognized my Stetson and car the previous leg. This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered Thru hikers more than once in a summer but I was glad to thank them personally for getting me back to my car and civilization. Turned around at Limestone Spring Shelter again - startled to find it “early” (per my pedometer). Figured out that I’d shortchanged myself on the mileage back at US-44... Re-energized by the shortened hiking day, I made great time on the backtrack (mostly downhill). Ran into lots of day hikers (including one that was barefoot!) and one (apparent) SOBO Thru hiker. Gave some directions... Saw deer a few times but was completely unprepared for the highlight of the day: a bobcat crossed the trail and stopped 15 feet from me! I wasn’t sure what he was going to do - he just sat there - and was slow on getting my camera (just a light brown blur in the picture, unfortunately). It got a lot warmer (high 70s) as I got closer to town. Walked the last quarter mile with a local (MA) dad who had squeezed in a short hike before racing home to make breakfast for his daughters. He gave me intel about the Mount Everett area (just a few miles north). Finished my hike at US-44 and Cobble Road (last hiked in 2015) at about 1045 (~7.5 miles). Added the mileage I missed earlier to round out the total for the weekend at around 18 miles. Feeling really great! Was hoping the feeling lasted during the drive home (and it mostly did...). Used US-44 to get to NY-22/US-44, Taconic Parkway, I-84, I-81, I-83, PA-581, US-15, I-270, and I-495 to get home. Made gas stops at BP in Montague (NJ) at 1245 and at Sunoco Gasmart in Frederick (MD) at 1615. AT Today = 4.50 miles / G.T. AT = 1178.22 miles

Cornwall Bridge, CT (USA)

Started later than I wanted because I hoped to get food at the only market in Cornwall Bridge (hours were wacky, so gave up & settled for gas station sandwiches). At 0815, I headed to the nearby trailhead on CT-4 and was hiking (NOBO) a few minutes later. Like yesterday, had to ford (literally) several swollen streams with no bridges - there’s been much more water here than in Virginia... Temps were pleasant (high 60s) but kept climbing. Passed connecting trails (Mohawk, Pine Knob Loop) but stayed on track. After about an hour, I encountered a huge group of lady hikers who were loudly chanting what I understood to be sorority pledges in a campground along the trail. Continued on through a series of roller coaster hills, filled with seemingly pointless switchbacks - CT is a lot like NY in that way. Was surprised to pass four pairs of SOBO hikers (mix of Thru, Flip Flop and LASHers) but none of them were chatty. Only saw a few views from the ridge - all work today! Encountered a local man who told me that he actually owned the land where I was (“a scenic easement”) and had come to check out the boundary with his friend. Got some local intel (on how to avoid the backtrack) and continued until I got to West Cornwall Road. Planned to climb up to the Shelter from there but a couple (Mark and Irene) had just dropped off their son and his friends for a section hike and they offered me a ride back to my car - I gladly took it! We drove through the covered bridge in West Cornwall on the way and was back in town by 1100. Immediately drove back to where they’d picked me up (so I could finish the section). Ended up talking (for more than 30 minutes) with a NOBO Thru hiking couple (“Pricepoint” and “Honey Bear”) - they will barely make Katahdin before the middle of October but they seemed to be enjoying each other more than the rush to finish. A huge tree fell - right on the trail! - while we were talking and I decided to head up the steep hill to the north before something else happened. It was a little more than a mile to the Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, my turnaround point, and I made good time out and back (no gear, just water). Passed my Thru hiker friends before finishing the section at 1245 (hiked around eight miles). Back to town to rest up for more hiking later! After a few hours relaxing, I stopped at the Cornwall Country Market (1640) to pick up some dinner/breakfast and energy drinks. I then drove north on US-7 to Falls Village so I could hike another section. Continued west until I reached the Iron Mountain Bridge (Housatonic River Road). The last time I had hiked near this bridge (2015), it was “condemned” (closed for structural issues). A completely new bridge (built in 2016) had replaced it. After talking to a local fisherman for a short time, I hiked NOBO (1715). It was still warm (~75 degrees) but I was in the shade for most of the hike. Passed a pretty waterfall and saw lots of people enjoying the water in a pool below. Passed a few day hikers early on but didn’t see anyone else on the trail during my outbound leg. Almost the entire hike was uphill but I felt strong and made good time. Treated to a great view (east) from the top of Mount Prospect. Turned around at the Limestone Spring Shelter and immediately headed back towards town. Saw several deer (they didn’t seem afraid), a heron and a toad. Also almost stepped on a snake. Ran into "Honey Bear" and "Pricepoint" again - they were hurrying to reach the ridgeline so they could set up camp before dark. I reached my car at 1945 after six miles - felt great! Pleased to have completed almost nine new miles of AT in one day. I’ll do a bit more hiking to the north in the morning - wish I didn’t have to go home... AT Today = 8.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1173.72 miles

Kent, CT (USA)

Weather was forecasted to be awesome so only worked a half day. Left NoVA by 1130 and used I-495, I-695, I-83, I-81, I-84, Taconic Parkway, NY-82, Dutchess County route 21, crossed into CT at Bulls Bridge and then took US-7 north. Made gas stop at Sheetz in Harrisburg (PA) at 1330 and filled up again when I reached Kent (CT) at 1720. Found the AT trailhead northwest of Kent (CT-341) and headed NOBO by 1730. I immediately encountered a trio of day hikers during a steep climb - they were the last people I saw all evening. What a difference a month makes: no Thru hikers at all! Temps were awesome too: probably no more than 75 initially and then down to mid 60s by the end. The section was a series of little hills (probably +/- 500 feet elevation change throughout) on a ridge above the Housatonic. I saw a LOT of white tailed deer during my hike and heard a few birds but it was pretty quiet, actually. Got some great views from Calebs Peak and St. John’s Ledges - the sun went behind hills in NY as I reached the turnaround point. Just then, it got interesting... The descent from the Ledges to River Road was downright treacherous. I’d been making good time but slowed to a tentative walk in the gloaming. I’d researched the map for alternatives before I lost cell signal and determined I could get back to my car by walking on River Road until it reached Kent. With almost no daylight left when I finished the downhill rock scramble, that’s what I decided to do. The gravel road was almost flat and very straight and it eventually merged with a nicer paved road. A bright moon came up and reflected off the river, lighting up everything - I never needed my headlamp after all! However, I eventually needed to dodge cars in town and walking west on CT-341. Overall, the choice of backtrack was a good one: I was able to finish nearly 10 miles by around 2100. With limited lodging in the area (and everything that is available being very pricy), I headed deeper into Connecticut. Decided to stay at the Hitching Post Motel in Cornwall Bridge (2155), despite the VERY high cost. Relaxed in the evening with TV and my book. Planning to work more near the Massachusetts border tomorrow and Sunday. AT Today = 4.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1164.82 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - took Metro to my car at around 1630 - dropped off my stuff and then took Metro to Gallery Place - walked to the National Building Museum (arrived at 1730) - they wouldn't let us in early so stood in line waiting for 1800 - stepped up for free beer right as they opened - the event was held at the Hill Country Backyard BBQ and was a fundraiser for S.O.M.E. - I made a beeline for the Due South table and tried my first burger (jalapeno flavored but not too spicy) - went to Hill Country table next (burger with shredded brisket on top) - also tried Penn Commons burger (Asian inspired "Little River Turnpike") - sat at a table with a person I met (Mike) and was later joined by his wife (Jenny) and another couple (Ryan and "girl from Texas") - they were all very young but they told me about amazing travel (Mike & Jenny had just returned from a car tour of the Balkans; Ryan and his wife just returned from a few days in Tokyo) - we all had a great time with the beer (eventually, the place ran out of everything but Budweiser) - I went back to try another burger at the B Penn Quarter (familiar taste, had it at their happy hour before) - found out that Mike and Jenny were responsible for renting out a summer home in Chincoteague (I told them they were lucky but it sounded like they thought it was too much work) - Ryan and his wife said they were about to take a trip to Mexico City - neither of the couples had any kids and lived in pretty houses in the District - I was getting really full by this point but tried one more burger, from Bullfeathers (it had an English muffin bun and was covered with gouda cheese) - I was not able to eat anymore and missed entries from Rebellion, Stoney's, Blackfinn, Hard Rock Cafe, The Capital Burger and Sign of the Whale - just when the voting period was about to end (2015), I voted for the Due South Burger (I liked it the best out of the ones I tried) - Rebellion and Capital Burger (I think), won first and second place, while the B Penn Quarter won third place (at least I tried it) - more than $10000 were donated to S.O.M.E. - I left at around 2100, walking back to Gallery Place and catching a Yellow Line train right]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - met David F and his wife at Sine for happy hour (1630) - had some good chicken pot pie and great conversation - finished at around 1900 - Metro home]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Braddock Road after work - Sabrina picked me up (1610) and drove me to her apartment - helped Alex and Chavez move her bed down to a truck - we then drove to her new house near Huntington Metro Station, where we unloaded the furniture - went to Southside 815 for happy hour - stayed until around 2000 - Sabrina dropped me off at the Metro Station and I drove home]

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

[I woke Mollie up at 0730 so we could drive to Harrisonburg with Brenna and Erin ("back to school trip") - Mollie said she didn’t feel well so couldn’t go - I left her at my apartment when I drove to meet the Twins at 0800 - from about 0815 until 1030, I escorted Brenna (driving the Chrysler) and Erin (driving the Jeep) and personal belongings back to JMU - we all stopped for gas in Front Royal (0900) and continued on - after we arrived at their apartments, I helped unpack - I got to meet one of Brenna’s roommates - we ate lunch (Nicky’s chicken fried rice that she sent with them) - then we all went to Walmart, where I bought groceries, general supplies, a set of tools and groceries for them - back at the apartment, I set up mirror and tapestry for Erin’s apartment (this required making holes in the drywall and I recommended that she buy some putty to fill them later) - after saying goodbye to Brenna, I took Erin to the Walmart Pharmacy and verified her information - from there, I drove home (dodging rain and accidents) - stopped for gas at Sheetz in Haymarket (1545) - I arrived at my apartment by 1630 and spent the rest of the day with Mollie]

Leesburg, VA (USA)

[Mollie woke up at 0530 and got ready for her Shadow Day at the Equine Medical Center - we left about 30 minutes later and drove to Leesburg (I-495 and VA-7) - when we arrived in Leesburg, we first stopped at Wegmans and got Mollie some food for her lunch (0705) - we then ate breakfast (French Toast, Spanish scrambled eggs) at Anita’s (0745) - we explored Morven Park for a little while and then drove to the Equine Center - I dropped Mollie off there at 0900 and went to telework at the Rust Library - Mollie ate lunch (BBQ, macaroni and cheese, green beans) with the Veterinary Resident she was shadowing - I teleworked all day - ate lunch with my former colleagues (Mike G and Sean E) at Thai Pan (1245) - also got gas at the Liberty (same location) at 1315 - I picked Mollie up (and met the Resident) at around 1545 - we drove back to Alexandria (US-15 to I-66, then Fairfax County Parkway) and Mollie had a few phone conversations with her mother on the way - we stopped to do some shopping at Wegmans before we got home - we ate dinner (sushi from Wegmans) and cleaned up the kitchen - we watched a movie (“X2”) but Mollie didn’t finish (she didn’t like the “shipping” between Jean Gray and Wolverine) - instead, she studied in her room - we both went to bed at 2300]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Old Town and waited (just a short time) for the girls at Vermillion so we could have our annual "end of summer" dinner - the girls arrived on time for our reservation (1730) - they were all really dressed up (!) - it was restaurant week (like last year) - Erin, Mollie and I ate dinner selections from the Restaurant Week menu and Brenna tried two kinds of pasta - it was all very delicious - after we finished dinner (1925), we walked down to the Old Town Waterfront - we took the Old Town Trolley back to Erin’s car (2015) and she took Mollie and me to Huntington Metro Station - Mollie had her bags and I took her to my apartment - she studied later and both of us went to bed at 2300]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Metro to Pentagon City - met Ian for happy hour at Chevys - stayed until around 1915 - walked around a bit near the Metro - rode to my car (some train delays) - home aroun 2030]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Gallery Place (1615) - met Marquitta for happy hour at Bar Louie - stayed until around 1800 - took Metro to my car - delays meant I didn't get home until 2000]

Bland, VA (USA)

Left Bland early (0630) and drove west on VA-42 to VA-623 again. Because I’d quit a bit early yesterday, I had to backtrack on the gravel road all the way to the AT where I’d parked (saw deer and trucks with hunting dogs) and then continue down the hill into Burke’s Garden. I found paved roads there and quickly located another AT trailhead at Walker Gap (had to use a muddy road with “End of State Maintenance” again but it turned out OK. After 22 miles of driving, headed SOBO under foot power at 0725 - immediately beginning a ~1500 foot climb back to the top of Chestnut Knob. It was cool and mostly dry (rain had held off again). The valleys on both side of the inclined ridge were covered in fog - it looked like something out of a painting (my camera could not do it justice). Saw no one and no animals but could hear cattle lowing in the fields below. Made pretty good time to the top - caught a few glimpses of the scenery and then quickly headed downhill again. Finished my hike by 0830 after around 2.6 miles, feeling good. After barely escaping a big mud puddle on the way back to pavement, I decided to use main roads to get back to Bland. Lots of Amish people headed to church on the way and a few good views of the ridges surrounding the pretty valley. The drive on VA-61 and I-77 was about 15 extra miles but it took me the same amount of time (and gave Nellie an off-road break). Was able to clean up before my drive home - a rarity for me for one of these slackpacking weekends... I’ve finished everything north of Mount Rogers and south of Pearisburg so may not return to this zone again - I liked it a lot. Took the scenic route through the little town of Burke's Garden and continued north of town before heading east to I-77. Arrived back at the Big Walker Motel at 0930. Had to negotiate with staff to let me use the shower (since they had already cleaned the room). Got back on the road by 1000 and used I-77 and I-81. Gas fillup at Sheetz in Mount Jackson (1305). Encountered a nasty traffic jam in Woodstock and got off the highway. It was also raining a lot so the going was slow. Used US-11 and VA-55 to reach Front Royal. Once on I-66, encountered nasty rain again but I drove out of it as I continued east, ultimately beating the weather to my apartment. Cleaned up and then went to game night at Bob's, where I got to play "Terraforming Mars" with him, Steve, Dave and Melissa. Went to bed very late. Had another great hiking weekend! AT Today = 1.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1160.12 miles

Bland, VA (USA)

The rain came through last night so I didn’t hurry to the trailhead. Instead, I waited for the only eatery in Bland (Dairy Queen) to open for breakfast (0800) and, with my food, headed west on VA-42. Like yesterday, I had to drive on a winding gravel road (VA-623) for seven miles to reach the AT. I again encountered locals with their trucks full of hunting dogs but they let me by. I started NOBO at 0845, through misty cool conditions. I’d saved this section because it had a nearly 2000 foot descent to the turnaround. Unlike yesterday, there were almost no switchbacks so I was dreading the backtrack as I went downhill. For the first time this weekend, I met another hiker (SOBO section hiker from Greensboro) - we chatted briefly but then went on our way. The sun came out and burned off the fog - it actually started to get really hot (mid 80s). Fortunately, there was a pleasant breeze on the ridge (but not in the valley). The rainstorm overnight had taken down lots of branches and everything was wet. No animals again today. At my turnaround (Jenkins Shelter), I quickly reversed course and headed uphill. After how good things had felt yesterday, I was surprised to hit a wall on my climbing stamina. I didn’t give up, plodding slowly towards the ridgeline. Actually, I was so slow that my pedometer didn’t measure the steps... Still, I made it to the top and then picked up the pace for the last 1.5 miles. Finished at 1300 after eight miles. Had planned to hike another short section nearby but, after this leg, I decided to head back to town to recharge. Got a blizzard at Dairy Queen in Bland (1415) and spent s few hours watching TV. When I finally felt like a change of scenery, drove across the street to get gas at Circle K (1900) and dinner at Dairy Queen (1925). Will try the other climb tomorrow! AT Today = 4.00 miles / G.T. AT = 1158.82 miles

Bland, VA (USA)

Worked half a day today and made a decision on direction for hiking zone based on weather - rain was forecasted everywhere but south looked better (barely). Left DC at 1230 and used I-495, I-66, I-81 and I-77. Got gas in Marshall (1300). It was a good drive, so I decided to pass up a zone on the way, taking my chances with the rain in the hopes I could hike a longer section near Bland. Checked into Big Walker Motel (1615) and quickly put away my stuff. After getting gas (1715) and early dinner at Dairy Queen (1720), drove west on VA-42 to Ceres and then headed off road on VA-625. I was a bit concerned about the condition of this road after a rainy summer and I did encounter several messy mud areas. Still, I made it to the AT Trailhead at around 1800 and headed NOBO. Temps in town were in the high 80s but it was cooler in the hills, fortunately. Unlike the last few hikes, there were no people at all in this area: Thru hikers were all way up north! The section had a 2000+ climb (fortunately, with lots of switchbacks) in just over four miles. I was pleasantly surprised to find I’ve retained some climbing legs this summer - I was able to keep up a 2.5-3 mph pace all the way up and back. This really made my day! No animals to see but the plentiful birds were cheerfully singing all around me. As I reached the ridge (about halfway through the outbound), I found myself in a long open clearing with views of the valleys and mountains all around me. There were ominous clouds on the western horizon but the sun was in the clear somehow. Wanted to pause and enjoy the peaceful solitude but the daylight was fading fast... Turned around at one of the finest looking shelters I’ve ever seen on the AT (Chestnut Knob). My pace picked up considerably while I was still in the clear but it was almost pitch black by the time I entered the trees again - over an hour of hiking by headlamp. The bugs were loud - reminded me of my home on the Cape. Made good time to the car, arriving at 2130 after almost nine miles of hiking. Felt very good after the hike: not too hot, good pace and finished with a tough to access section. Drive out was tough, with mud, dramatic switchbacks and non-existent shoulders. Encountered suspicious (but ultimately friendly) locals - that’s happened every time I’ve been in the area - but eventually reached VA-42 again. Drove back to Bland and went to bed late. More (probably wet) hiking and another gravel road tomorrow! AT Today = 4.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 1154.82 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Metro - lunch at Bonchon (Navy Yard) with James L (1130) - Metro - work]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - found out about extra tickets (from work) to the Nats-Braves Game - headed to the Stadium (Metro) at 1715 - entered the complex at 1730 (just when they opened) - visited Gold Glove Club (crowded!) and stayed until the middle of the Fifth Inning - Metro home (arrived by 2130)]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - was planning to go to Sine for Half Price Burger Night and found out that Bill W would be there too - we ended up hanging out for HH for several hours - left on Metro for home - made it by 2000 - watched Redbox movie]

Wolf Trap, VA (USA)

[at around 1730, I left for the Bryan Adams concert at Wolf Trap (first time attending an event there) - had planned to go with Jill (back when I got the tickets) but she had since moved to Chicago - had no problem getting there (via VA-7) or parking (West Lot) - explored the grounds and found a "secret" back entrance - almost sold my extra ticket to a lady in line but it fell through (the person thought their friend needed one but he found one just when his friend asked) - got a lot of information about the venue from others in line - made it inside by 1830 - explored and found out that I could return my unused ticket for a charitable voucher (at the box office) - walked around and asked lots more questions while I was waiting for the concert - lightning nearby... - got to my seat by 1930 (nice location, covered, no one in the seats near me in my row) - concert started at around 2010 - great old songs, lots of fun (sad to be alone, though) - he said it was the last concert of his "Ultimate" tour - stayed until 2150 and then made my way to the car (later verified that I'd heard almost all the scheduled songs for the tour) - got funneled to the Toll Road on the way out and had to navigate dark back roads to get back to something familiar (used iPhone map) - eventually on I-66 (just missed major accident and closed ramps) and I-495 - home by 2230]

Crownsville, MD (USA)

[in the morning, I took the 2003 Chrysler (Bessie) to get inspected and was pleasantly surprised that she passed! - after that, I drove to Crownsville to meet up with Chris at Smith's Marina - there were road re-routings because of flooding - we talked for awhile on his boat before heading over to his old house (to meet HVAC repair crew) - while there, I picked up one of his old kayaks - we later went to lunch at the Roadhouse (and got a new loyalty card set up) - finished at 1510 - on the way home, I drove to Mason Neck and left my new kayak at Reza's (lots of construction blocked roads to and from) - drove home]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[teleworked all day - Mollie was with me all day and we watched movies in the late afternoon - her mother came to get her at around 1700 (so they could leave on their Summer Vacation to Maine) - I then drove to Woodbridge to meet Greta at Not Your Average Joe's - after we got done with drinks and dinner (1850), I drove to Occoquan and met up with Kelly and her friend's (Debi's birthday party) - LOUD music! - finished at 1015 - drove home]