Shanksville, PA (USA)

Mollie asked me if I could be a chaperone for her Criminal Justice Course Field Trip to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, so I took the day off from work and so I could go along! I woke Mollie up at 0515 and we ate breakfast (bagels). We then drove to the High School and met the Criminal Justice Class as they were getting on the school bus (0600). It turned out that I was not needed as a chaperone but the teacher said I was still welcome. One of the teachers/chaperones actually missed the bus when we left (0630). We rode on a big tour bus from Alexandria to (near) Shanksville, PA (I-495, I-270, I-70, US-30) - we got to use the Beltway Express Lanes and even stopped at a Weigh Station. We arrived at the Flight 93 Memorial by 0930 - it was much different than I remembered. I had taken Brenna and Erin to this National Park unit in 2008, long before the final memorial site design was ready and before there was even a real paved road to the crash site. Back then, the local people volunteered to interpret the event from their personal experiences on September 11th and there were informal memorials with lots of personal items stacked against a temporary fence. Today's experience was totally different: we saw beautiful landscapes, manicured lawns and paved walkways, along with a pretty grove of memorial trees. A new Visitors Center had replaced an old wooden shack we'd visited 10 years ago and it was filled with recordings of phone messages from the flight crew and passengers, along with many personal belongings that had been found during the FBI investigation. The Teacher set us up in a classroom with a great Park Ranger who gave a presentation on how the passengers decided to act to preserve their lives and, ultimately, at least one national building on that horrific day. He also had all the students do research with binders that included transcripts (of phone calls and voice recorder) and timelines and helped them sift through the available information to find true crime scene evidence. Mollie got a NPS Passport stamp and then we went back to the bus (1145) to eat lunch (turkey and cheese sandwiches, pumpkin bread) that we brought with us. The bus soon took us to another location. Our walk on the grounds, while very cold and wet, was moving and meaningful and we were able to get very close to the site where 92% of United Flight 93 is still buried. On the way out of the park (1300), we made a stop at the (not quite completed) Tower of Voices, that will eventually have one distinct wind chime for each person who died at the site. Overall, the trip was a great reminder of what was lost on that day and, I believe, made a strong impression on these kids that might one day begin careers as first responders. After leaving the park, we drove (backtracking our route) for about an hour and stopped at a McDonalds in Breezewood, Pennsylvania. We stayed there until 1430. Mollie and I were frustrated about the delay but the other kids loved hanging out and eating in the restaurant. Eventually, we got on the road and headed for home. The teacher put in a DVD for everyone to watch (“Monster House”) and we got back to the High School at 1640. I took Mollie back to my house so she could pack before going home. I figured that would happen right away but she called her mother to ask if she could stay at my house until 1800 (that was agreeable) and she ate dinner at my place. Afterwards, I wrapped up some pumpkin bread for her to take to her mother's and loaded her stuff (including the jack-o-lantern) in my car. I dropped Mollie off at Nicky’s at 1745.

Washington, DC (USA)

[riding bus - work - walked to Penn Quarter - farewell lunch for Rich F at Hill Country BBQ (1130-1230) - walked back to office - work - walked to District Wharf - met Greta for happy hour at The Brighton (1630-1800) - shuttle to L'Enfant - saw Kelly M there - metro/bus home]

Pawling, NY (USA)

It rained all night and the temperatures dropped a lot. I didn't leave my room until 0700 and headed into Pawling to have breakfast (La Guadalupana, ate in the café). At 0745, I found the trailhead on Old Dover Road (Dutchess County Road 20) and got ready for my hike. Before leaving my car, I paid homage to the Old Dover Oak, one of the two oldest (300+ years) trees on the trail (I already passed the other one in Virginia). Started SOBO, bound for the top of West Mountain (i.e., the ridge above the Telephone Pioneers Shelter). It was still very slippery and rocky but this section had plank bridges across the creeks (no splashing for me today!). I passed a lady (filtering water) and several tents in the first mile and then saw another hiker coming down from the shelter - otherwise, I was alone. The views were great from the ridge but it was very windy and cold - I wore a jacket all day. I had decided to split this section into two parts and only walked until I believed I was near Penny Road (found out later that I'd missed it by about 100 yards). Turned around and headed quickly back to my car, stopping only to chat with some campers and their dogs. Back in my car by 0915 (after about 1.8 miles out and back) and drove a short distance (via Old NY-55) to another trailhead on NY-55. Between 0930 and 1230, I hiked the rest of the section (3.5 miles out and back). It was hilly and the trail snaked in a frustratingly switch-back way (like most of New York) but the trail wasn't as rocky or muddy. In fact, there were at least two completely flat stretches where I made excellent time. I ran into a LOT of day hikers and a herd of Boy Scouts - probably more than 20 people out for a stroll near Nuclear Lake. One little boy told me he liked my hat. I don't think I saw a single section hiker all day, actually... One mystery: I saw a feline looking animal walking across the trail - I would have said it was a bobcat but it seemed to have a longer tail. It could easily have been a coyote, I suppose [Mollie told me later that she thought it might be a gray fox] - I didn't get a good view but it looked like a cat. The weather went between sunny and blue skies and back to overcast and ominous. Still, the second part of the hike seemed easier than the previous day - I was powering uphill in the last mile with no fatigue or soreness. It must have been the soak and soft bed - otherwise, I don't know how I'd manage with ankle, foot, knee soreness... One additional realization came as I reached the road - I finished all the AT miles in New York! Got on the road immediately and used NY-55 to NY-82 to Taconic Parkway, I-84 to US-209, I-80 to PA-33, US-22 to I-78, I-81, I-83, PA-581, US-15, I-270 and I-495 (with one gas stop at 1530 in Hamburg) to get home. Unfortunately, I've now got nothing left to hike that is closer than six hours north of DC. Will have to work on the remaining sections to the south and plan some three day weekends. Still, it was a great trip! AT Today = 5.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1213.12 miles

Kent, CT (USA)

Got out of NoVA before 0600, trying to outpace the rain... Used my normal route (I-495, I-95, I-695, I-83, I-81, I-84) to get to the Hudson River and the Taconic Parkway, with stops for gas in Cockeysville, MD (0710) and Montgomery, NY (1105). Was treated to views of bald eagles striking prey near the highway (two different places!) in Pennsylvania. Used NY-84, Dutchess County Road 21, NY-55 and US-7 to get to the hiking zone. It was much nicer weather after I crossed the NY-CT border and that validated my drive to the north. Continued on to Kent to finish my last AT section in southern Connecticut. At the trailhead (CT-341) by 1215 - the parking lot was packed! I encountered a lady hiker who was waiting for her Flip Flopper friend but headed out immediately (because I’d see them during my backtrack), SOBO. It was brisk but I wore a t-shirt all day (so glad it isn't hot anymore!). This section turned out to be one of the most mentally and physically challenging one I’ve done in a long time. For one thing, there were lots of rocks - probably more than I’ve seen since hiking in eastern PA. Add the mud and wet leaves (it had rained a lot), along with several swollen creeks (and no bridges all day), and the day required a LOT of concentration. Then there were three peaks/ridges to climb... Whew! Still, I feel like I met the challenge well - felt strong and energized - and ended up logging more than 12 miles (including back track and detours) of climbing and balancing. The section crossed the NY/CT border several times, so I got to see great views of the Housatonic River and Harlem Valley all day. Saw several deer and about 15 hikers of various kinds (day, section, LASHer, etc.) - met: Michael from NH and his dog (doing the same exact hike as me, two hours ahead), Flip Flopper Micah (who only had 15 miles of AT left to complete his Thru Hike) and Joe from West Point (getting re-started on AT after knee replacement). Turned around at the viewpoint on Schaghticoke Mountain. Was on the trail for over six hours and it actually started to get dark before I reached my car (1830). Because I'd made no plans, I had to make several phone calls to find place to stay. Ended up at the Dutchess Motor Lodge in Wingdale, NY (1900), a place I'd stayed a few times before. This time, I met hotel owners and their friends (that helped when I was locked out of my room. Ate dinner (pizza) at Cousins Cafe in Wingdale (2030). Exchanged a lot of phone calls with Mollie (she said she'd been worried about where I was). Relaxed in the room before going to bed. Felt very exhausted and numb - probably a good thing, though because my brain needed a wipe/wash... Hoping to find some trail stamina in the morning before I have to go home! AT Today = 5.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 1207.82 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[riding bus - work - met Stephanie for happy hour at Chevys in Pentagon City - Metro/bus home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[Mollie studying - went to Mass at Fort Myer (to hear Kim play the organ) - stayed for Coffee Hour and later walked around in Arlington National Cemetery - rainy - so went home to spend more time with Mollie]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[took Mollie to school (newspaper day) - drove to Shirlington and took a walk on the W&OD Trail (between the Dog Park and Arlington BLVD - went back to pick up Mollie]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[Mollie at school - telework - walk at Huntley Meadows]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[riding bus - work - took Metro to Pentagon City for happy hour (solo) - finished at 1715 - bus home - Mollie there - watched "Solo: A Star Wars Story"]

Roan Mountain, TN (USA)

I slept late! It happened a few times this weekend but I'm going to let it slide - my room was pitch dark and I felt comfy and it was a holiday weekend. I ate breakfast at McDonalds in Hampton (0815). Once I was ready to leave town, I used US-19E to get back to Buck Mountain Road again - this time, I took Walnut Mountain Road to the AT (after passing the trailhead a few times). Started NOBO at around 0900 and was pleasantly surprised by a cool breeze along the ridge. There were clouds and the temperatures had not yet passed 80 while I was on the trail, which made the relatively flat section seem "easy." I didn't see anyone until I was about a mile from US Forest Service Road 293, when I encountered a local man and his dog (black lab) out for a short walk. I talked to him for quite a while, learning more about the shuttle service in the area, the remarkable value of ginseng plants along the trail, the delayed foliage and other events/trails in the area. After parting ways with him, I finished my outbound leg before heading back towards my car. I passed the man and his dog again on the way back, along with two other (Section?) hikers. It started to get hotter and I still had a very long drive ahead of me - was debating internally about whether to stop for the day or try some trail on the other side of the road. As I was mulling over the plan, I came around a bend where there was a huge tree blocking the path and saw a patch of black fur. At first, I remembered the black lab and wondered how he could have gotten so far away from his owner. But it suddenly dawned on me that it was a BEAR! And he realized I was there at the same moment. Seconds later, I watched as he ran away down the trail, surprisingly quick for his well-prepared-for-winter size (belly fat rolling along with his strides). Like so many of my animal encounters, I only had enough time to marvel at my fortune and regret missing a chance at a photo. Continued to the road and, after changing my shirt, decided to hike another few miles to the east. This part of the section was almost completely downhill to the Mountaineer Shelter. I dreaded the backtrack climb but didn't want to go home yet. Didn't see any other people but encountered some deer in the ravine below the road. This part of the trail was much more damp, muddy and covered in rhododendron bushes. I also got to see the leaves falling steadily (along with a branch that narrowly missed hitting me). After turning around, I made pretty decent time back to my car, fighting some pain, fatigue and overheating again. Finished at about 1315 after almost 10 miles. But I was glad I added the extra distance to my day - the longer drives make it imperative that I maximize the hikes when I get the chance to get away... Speaking of the drive: decided to cross the mountain into North Carolina on my return trip, picking up US-421 in Boone and using I-40 & I-85 to get to I-95. Got to talk to Bonnie during the drive. Made a stop for gas in Wilkesboro, NC (1500) and another for fuel and dinner in Colonial Heights, VA (1855). Much less traffic on this route than I'd been seeing on I-81, although it might be a longer distance. Regardless, I have that alternative (if needed) to get to/from the hiking zone again. Glad I made the trip into the mountains and look forward to another visit! AT Today = 4.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1202.22 miles

Roan Mountain, TN (USA)

Had a shuttle lined up for a 15 mile section today but my ankle was still not 100% so I reluctantly cancelled it. Instead, decided to hike shorter segments where I’d be close to my car. I ate half of my Subway sandwich for breakfast and then drove out of Elizabethton on US-19E to Bear Branch Road. Continued on Buck Mountain Road and my first stop was where I finished the previous night. I didn’t even take any gear because the hike was so short. Finished the AT between Campbell Hollow Road and Isaac Cemetery (0.70 new AT, 1.50 total, started SOBO) between 0920 and 1000. It was muddy and the heat was already rising but there was an added benefit to hiking here: scouting out the overmountain roads (best news was that almost all of them were paved!). I backtracked to US-19E and then repositioned to Carvers Gap (Roan Mountain), hoping to hike near Tollhouse Gap. Unfortunately, I learned that Roan Road is only open in the summer... It was also very crowded so I didn't stay in the area. So drove back down the mountain until I found another way across the ridge (Cove Creek Road to Hughes Gap Road). Hiked my second AT section of the day between the trailhead on the NC-TN border and Clyde Smith Shelter (3.10 new AT, 6.20 total, started SOBO) between 1120 and 1400. Had to climb continuously almost all the way during the outbound leg. The trail followed the border so every step was in an alternating state! Was actually going north as I hiked towards Georgia (frustrating). Battled fatigue, dehydration and ankle soreness but didn’t quit. Was rewarded with some of the best views of the Blue Ridge I’ve seen in the area - pristine hills with beautiful foliage developing at the higher elevations. During my backtrack, it started to rain. Fortunately, I had my poncho - that sometimes actually makes me feel hotter but the mountain breezes kept that from happening today. I hadn’t seen any other people on the trail all day but suddenly encountered six in the last mile: a Daddy-Daughter overnight camper pair, two older guys (Sections?) and a couple from Georgia (“Rafiki” and “Scout”) with their dog ("Mosby"). They were Section Hiking towards the North - picking up where they left off each time. Exchanged contact info so maybe we could help each other with shuttle rides in the future. Talked to them until the rain got too annoying to stand still - at least I was close to the car! After I reached my car, I drove back to US-19E and ate an early dinner at Taco Johns in Elizabethton (1515). Ankle had held up ok today and thought about getting out for a few more miles before dark - changed mind after laying down in my comfy bed... Instead, watched the Notre Dame football game and read before going to bed early. AT Today = 3.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1197.42 miles

Elizabethton, TN (USA)

Basically, I got almost no sleep last night (after only getting in bed at around 0200 and receiving some texts and calls from Brenna about the car). My original hiking plans for the weekend were therefore a bit derailed. Still, I wasn’t about to give up or leave my long week empty handed! After waking up in Rural Retreat this morning, I drove for about an hour (I-81, VA-91, VA-133/TN-133) to a hiking zone just south of the VA-TN border (MacQueen Gap), stopping for gas breakfast in Glade Springs, VA (0820). At the AT trailhead, started SOBO at 0915. Felt rusty & tired and it was warmer than I’d expected. Kept going, though, and found a familiar looking turnaround point from 2014 (north of US-421). Only saw three hikers (one SOBO Thru and a pair of Sections) but saw a few other cars on the narrow gravel Forest Service Road (in/out). During the backtrack, mulled over whether to go straight to another zone before the expected rain showers or wait until later in the day (I settled on the latter). Finished my hike at around 1145 (after around five miles) and headed towards Elizabethton (TN-91) to recharge. Checked into Travelers Inn in Elizabethton (1300) and unpacked/showered. Hoping to get back on track in the evening... After a power nap, I felt ready to tackle more trail! Drove about 20 miles to the southeast to tackle some hills on the North Carolina border - I’d been unable to locate the trailhead in the area when I last visited in 2014 (didn’t have a good map). Started NOBO from the parking lot on 19E at 1730, walking along Bear Branch Road initially so I could get a quicker start. It had rained in the area before I got there and everything was drenched and muddy. Ran into a dad and his three kids who were finishing a five day hike from Damascus - everyone was in great spirits! Climbed for over an hour and was treated to some amazing views to the east - tall peaks, shrouded in mist and building clouds. Saw a spectacular rainbow that was so vivid it didn’t seem real (camera couldn’t capture it clearly, unfortunately). Also encountered many of the ubiquitous rhododendrons that define the ridges in the region - they made dark tunnels whenever the trail meandered from fields into forest. It was much cooler than during my morning hike - there was a nice breeze too. Turned around at the Isaac Cemetery, just as the sun was setting, and had enough time to backtrack to Bear Branch Road with twilight (barely). Startled a few deer but didn’t see any other animals or people. The last part of the section was more difficult (rocks and routes) so I had to use my iPhone light to finish. Back at US-19E (and my car) by 2000 after almost seven miles. Picked up dinner (AKA lunch for tomorrow) at Subway in Hampton (2035) and then got ice cream at McDonalds (2040) nearby. Back at the hotel, watched TV and read before bed. Was definitely feeling tired but also felt recharged after my two sections today. Only downside was some ankle pain - not sure of the source. Will reassess tomorrow - can’t miss more trail days with such great weather, though! AT Today = 5.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 1193.62 miles

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

I left my house at around noon so I could attend a Symposium where Erin was a featured speaker! There was a LOT of traffic on the way (I-66 and I-81) to Harrisonburg... As a result, both Brenna and Erin called me to ask where I was (“you normally aren’t late”). I arrived at Brenna’s apartment at 1430 and she drove me to visit the “IV House” that she’d told me about. We met some of the (7) girls who lived there and found out that Brenna would be sharing a room if she decided to move in. The location was convenient to Brenna’s classes. I did learn, though, that not all the girls were in IV, so I recommended that Brenna consider meeting the landlord and deciding whether the trade-off of location versus amenities and separate room was worth it. She told me that her current apartment rent was going to be reduced if she decided to stay. Brenna and I exchanged calls and texts with Erin and managed to arrive at the Festival Convention Center in time for Erin’s presentation (1525). Very proud of Erin - she presented a paper on the evolution of public opinion on LGBT issues (with a focus on Harvey Milk) at the invitation-only Conference! Her classmates spoke about topics in the area of civil rights leadership qualities and advocacy strategies. Even though the Conference was mainly attended by students, a few of us who were more “seasoned” added our thoughts during the Q&A... Afterwards, I met her professor and some of her friends. I then enjoyed a late lunch (complete with Cheer Wine) with the girls and their friends at Festival Dining Hall. The mealtime was fun and relaxed and everyone had a good time trying to figure out who the parents I’d seen at the Wake Forest football game were (a few weekends prior). At around 1700, we went back to the Twins' apartment complex. I gave Erin a toaster I’d brought from home and we ended up talking for a long time in the parking lot (about Erin’s interest in college internships). After that, we all got ready for the Conference Banquet and drove back to JMU (1815). We sat at a table with Erin’s professor, Austin and Elizabeth. The food was really good and the keynote speaker was too. Brenna really wanted to attend her IVCF Large Group as soon as possible but I asked her to give Erin as much time as she could before we left and she did. We ended up walking to the Large Group at around 1930 and I got to spend about an hour with Brenna at the event. She had wanted me to meet all her friends after the meeting ended but I told her I still had a lot of driving to do. As a result, we ended up leaving for her apartment at 2030. After Brenna dropped me off (she went back to campus to she could socialize with her IV friends), I visited Erin’s apartment briefly (to say goodbye and talk briefly about Thanksgiving plans). By about 2100, I was on the road again, thinking happily about how much I love the JMU Family Weekend! Unfortunately, the driving on I-81 was quite Hellish, with one 30 mile stretch taking almost two hours (construction). Got a gas fillup at Pilot in Raphine (2330). Before I was done, I also had to drive through pea soup fog in the New River Valley. Eventually checked into a hotel (Relax Inn in Rural Retreat) after 0200. Then Brenna started texting (and calling) about trouble with her car. I helped her and finally got to sleep (0300?). Whew...

Arlington, VA (USA)

[drove to Pentagon City (early AM) and parked at Bill's apartment - Metro - work - Metro - met Bill at his apartment at around 1700 - packed up car - went to Sine for (short) happy hour (finished at 1855) - drove home - Mollie home]