Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked around SW Waterfront in the morning - found the Titanic Memorial there - back to work]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - took Metro to Chinatown with Daniel and ate lunch at Chinatown Express - took Metro back to L'Enfant - work]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City - went to Sine for solo happy hour (and half price appetizers) - finished at around 1800 - Metro home]

Roanoke, VA (USA)

I'd been watching the weather closely for over a week and figured out that there was a tiny chance for a little bit of good weather (about eight hours) in only one hiking zone: McAfee Knob. This was also my last section in Virginia - the distance was longer than I typically try to hike during the winter but I really wanted to finish a sixth state on the AT. So, I left my apartment at 0500 and drove through the dark and rain. Used I-66 (gas in Front Royal at 0615) and I-81 until I reached VA-311 (just west of Roanoke). By then, the weather had improved - no precipitation but a little fog. Arrived at the parking area at the AT Trailhead and started NOBO at 0900. I'd researched this section for many months - the location an iconic photo spot (for the ledge over the Catawba Valley) and it was usually crowded with day hikers. The poor weather kept the crowds away and I decided to use a Fire Road that paralleled the AT to hike the outbound leg. Wore two layers and was comfortable for most of the day. The climb towards the top of the Knob was gradual, well maintained and probably cut off about a half mile of the section (it also avoided the climb itself). Saw a few early birds coming in the opposite direction - they confirmed there were no views to be had yet so I decided to keep walking on the Fire Road. I passed a huge herd of deer, unafraid of me at all but not photogenic. For the first hour, my views into the valley below ranged between fogged-in and amazing visibility. I didn't reach the AT itself until I'd hiked almost four miles (near Campbell Shelter). By then, the sun had come out and it got much warmer - if it weren't for the cold wind which started to blow, it would probably have been shorts/t-shirts weather. Saw some strange purple water - Springtails (“snow fleas”)! I'd heard about this phenomenon before from other hikers but had never witnessed them. Walked all the way to Brickeys Gap, where I'd turned around (from the other direction) in March 2017. However, the terrain had changed and I didn't recognize it at first - ended up climbing a hill unnecessarily - but finally realized my error when I found a sign with mileages. Headed back towards the Knob, this time with the intention of reaching the top. It was a steep climb and my speed, which had been as good as ever, slowed down tremendously. When I reached the summit, I was treated to amazing views! I talked to some of the people up there but they gave me the impression we were at the famous viewpoint when we really weren't. Eventually, I located the ledge/overlook. Unfortunately, there wasn't anyone to take my photo... Oh well! Started downhill on the AT (more accurately "a river"). There was so much mud and I had to stop a few times because of the huge number of Virginia Tech students climbing up to the view in the opposite direction. Eventually, though, I was alone (probably because the signs at the parking lot told everyone to allow for six hours to complete the climb). Figured out there were three shelters in a five mile stretch but never saw anyone at any of them. A rock scramble within two miles of my car was a bit frustrating but then I saw VA-311 beneath the ledges I was on and it helped me finish the hike. Reached my car by 3:15 after 15 miles. Just as I arrived, a Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club worker (Bruce) asked me for a "downed tree" report. I'd actually only encountered one all day - this made him happy. We talked for awhile (e.g., Hiker Happy Hours in Salem) and then I changed clothes. Headed home via the reverse path I'd traveled in the morning. Stopped for gas in Troutville at 1605 but didn't stop otherwise - arriving at 1915 after a LONG day. But I can say I finished Virginia! Eight more states and a little more than 800 miles to go! AT Today = 7.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 1351.82 miles

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City - walked around in Fashion Centre Mall (exercise) and then went to Sine for solo happy hour (and half price appetizers) - finished at around 1800 - Metro home]

Colonial Beach, VA (USA)

It was Presidents Day! Normally, Mollie and I would go to Mount Vernon to celebrate George Washington's birthday. This year, though, Mollie had said she wanted to get some NPS Passport Stamps at National Parks we'd never visited. It was like pulling teeth, but I managed to get her out of bed by 0800. She ate breakfast and we got ready for our adventure. We drove south on I-95 and then used back roads to get to the area near Colonial Beach (Westmoreland County), where we found the birthplace of James Madison. We next visited Westmoreland State Park (free entrance because of REI receipt!) and took a walk to Fossil Beach. We couldn’t find any fossils but Mollie found a deer antler. At around 1145, we ate lunch (The Art of Coffee) in Montross - it was really good! We then drove back to the George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Mollie got another NPS Passport Stamp. We explored the grounds (lots of sheep) and then walked to the Log House, where we saw a George Washington impersonator and ate birthday cake with him (1300). We walked back to the Visitors Center and watched a movie. We drove a short distance to the family cemetery, which we explored before leaving for home. On the way back, we stopped at the birthplace of James Monroe. There were new buildings and displays added since I’d last visited. We made our way back to I-95 and got into a huge traffic jam that caused us severe delays. We were able to reach home at 1615 - Mollie told me she really enjoyed our active and patriotic day!

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[at 1215, Mollie and I went to get wine at Total Wine and More in Springfield - we then drove over to the Huntington area and went to Sabrina’s new house, where we stayed for several hours, enjoying brunch - Kelly and her family were supposed to come too but they never showed - Mollie had fun playing with Bella and we had a very nice visit - on the way home, we stopped to get a Redbox Movie (1605) and to take a walk at Huntley Meadows - we only walked for a little bit before Mollie said she wanted to go home - back at my apartment, we watched the movie (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and ate a light dinner]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[did some errands in the morning and then drove over to Mason Neck - checked on kayak at Reza's house (OK) - drove over to entrance of Mason Neck State Park and spent an hour walking on the bike trail (Potomac Heritage) - done with my exercise by 1400 and drove home]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Archives and met Greta for happy hour at Plan B - ate dinner and stayed until 1815 - walked back to L'Enfant - Metro home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City - walked around in Fashion Centre Mall (exercise) and then went to Sine for a solo happy hour (and half price burgers) - finished at around 1800 - Metro home]

Erwin, TN (USA)

Woke up at 0600, packed, ate breakfast at my hotel and then got gas in Elizabethton (0755). Needed to rescue another marooned section from 2014 so headed south on I-26 towards North Carolina. Returned to the trailhead I’d hiked on Friday (TN-107 at Iron Mountain Gap) and started NOBO at 0845. Saw what looked like a guys weekend group just as I left my car - they looked like they were finishing their overnight(s) and multiple cars were leaving. Soon, I was all alone and it stayed that way all day. It was overcast (rain was forecasted) and brisk (30s) - the three layers I wore were barely enough to withstand an icy breeze in the gap and it got colder as I climbed. I figured out later that the section was an “S” shape, meaning I could see almost the whole hike at a given moment. The AT actually followed the ridge (the NC-TN border) most of the day (rare) and I found myself headed south while going “north” on the trail (there was a warning in the AWOL guide). I only had to navigate 4-5 roller coasters of climbs and descents. The trail surface was decent and I made excellent time. Turned around at Clyde Smith Shelter and headed back immediately. I’d been dodging what felt like sleet throughout the outbound leg but it got much worse during the backtrack. The weather was coming from the south, so the left side of my body received 90% of the precipitation - the sleet didn’t bother me very much until I realized the temps had started to drop too (into the 20s). Soon, the whole left arm of my jacket was frozen solid! Everything on the left eventually froze and I walked as fast as I can ever remember because several questions crossed my mind: what are the signs of hypothermia, do I have enough dry clothes, how icy roads are the coming down off the mountain (and do the locals treat them). Made it to my car (it had icicles on it) at 1315 after 12 miles (could only count part of it) and, after scraping the windows, gingerly made my way back to Unicoi. Changed clothes and hit the road for home (1415). Used I-26 to get back on I-81 and continued north. Encountered intermittent rain until passing Marion. Stopped for gas in Troutville (1655) and continued on I-81. Found a lot more traffic north of Staunton (grr...). Didn't stop in Harrisonburg and that was a relief as it started to get dark before I reached I-66. Arrived home at 2015. While doing laundry in my apartment, it started to snow a LOT! Felt like I dodged another bullet - despite the weather, I lived to have another chance for a future AT hiking weekend! AT Today = 5.00 miles / G.T. AT = 1344.12 miles

Hampton, TN (USA)

Got a late start because I slept so well! After breakfast at my hotel, I drove south on US-19E and US-321 to Hampton and then took Dennis Cove Road to the AT trailhead. Had actually been procrastinating on this section because of the huge climb to the top of Pond Mountain but decided “today is the day” since it was close to town and there was no snow. Temps were in the low 30s again but the sun was shining so started with two (light) layers - headed NOBO at 0930. The initial part of the hike was pretty easy - the trail followed an old roadbed that paralleled the Doe River. After crossing it once, I found myself in another world: it looked like a stone quarry! There were rocks everywhere - I hadn’t seen this many since Lehigh Gap (PA). Then the trail reached a turning point that took it down into a steep ravine below. The man-made rock stairwell was treacherous and there were no hand-holds. At the bottom, though, was spectacular Laurel Falls. My pictures don’t do it justice - I was very impressed. Continued on the AT until it reached a huge cliff (rock face) and I realized the trail went out on a ledge along the restless waters - can’t imagine navigating it with a huge backpack... Encountered the first people of the day (young couple with dog) at the exact place where there was no room to pass. But we managed to get by eventually (along with a helpful exchange of trail Intel). The trail then headed back up onto the ridge I’d left to see the waterfall - right before heading back down to the river again (one of the many PUDs in this section). On top of that, I crossed the Doe a few more times. When I reached the Laurel Falls Access Trail (short cut to Hampton), the trail took a decidedly dramatic upward turn. For the next several miles, I climbed from the level of the town to the top of multi-ridge Pond Mountain. Felt good in the climb because there were many switchbacks and the sun warmed me up a lot. The trail switched from one side of the mountain along the way and I got to experience two environments (water rushing sounds versus town sounds). From the “top” (it seemed like I would never reach it because every level off was followed by another climb), I could see Hampton, remote mountain peaks and Watauga Lake. One thing I noticed, though, was that I only got these views because the trees in the way were bare - would be totally different in the Summer.. Turned around at Pond Flats - I’d noted (from my visit in 2017, from the other direction) that it was supposed to be “at a campsite with crossed trees” but I only found the former... My pedometer also registered a longer distance than I’d expected (reroute since 2014?). Started back immediately and made good time to the Doe River. Encountered a solo section hiker who was just starting his climb and then a family with their dog as I crossed the river. After that, it got REALLY crowded - so many people were out for a stroll since the temps had reached the mid 40s. Used the High Water (blue blazed bypass) Trail to get back - probably saved 0.3 miles and avoided at least one PUD. It didn’t get me away from people, though... The last folks I met had three dogs (all off leash) and the furry fellas followed me (ignoring their slower owners) for almost a mile. One was apparently afraid of me and kept barking and running away as I walked - when I took a break on a side trail, he bolted past me to find safety. Reached my car at 1415 after around 11 miles. Explored the areas, findings several (closed) hostels - hoping they’ll help me with shuttles later this Spring. Spent the afternoon at the hotel and then went to Chick-fil-A (not very crowded for once!) for dinner (1810). Watched TV and read before going to bed at 2200. Great day! AT Today = 5.20 miles / G.T. AT = 1339.32 miles

Erwin, TN (USA)

Still getting lucky with good hiking weekend weather (and choosing wisely on the direction to go to find it)! After a short work day (teleworked until 1030), headed south via I-66, I-81 and I-26 (got gas in Daleville at 1400). The drive was awesome and I arrived at the AT Trailhead (Iron Mountain Gap on TN-107) by 1700. Sunset was less than an hour away but I was feeling ambitious and decided to try to squeeze in six miles before bed! The section was another “landlocked” orphan (again because of my 2014 map-less hiking trip) so I knew I was only going to get partial credit for the distance but it was still worth the effort to get in a third hike on a two day weekend... Headed SOBO with two layers (third in backpack) - it was brisk and windy with temps in the low 30s when I started. I was actually hiking almost due west on a ridge along the TN-NC border and had a great view of the setting sun behind Unaka Mountain and The Beauty Spot. I could see Unicoi and Erwin in distance to the north and sometimes heard the noises of civilization in the valley below. I also heard several other strange noises and kept thinking there were people or animals nearby. Eventually, I figured out it was the trees swaying in the wind, almost to the breaking point. Never actually saw anyone else. Did get to witness an awesome sunset - bright yellow turned to blazing orange turned to crimson, leaving the distant mountains with a pink halo for 30 minutes after the sun was gone. Should have taken a picture but was keeping up my fast pace to finish the section. There were lots of roots and some mud but none of it bothered me until I started the backtrack (after turning around at Cherry Gap Shelter). At that point, it got much darker and I ended up hiking in the twilight for over an hour. The trail was visible in the limited light (darker than the surrounding ground cover) and I could actually hear the difference because there were very few leaves left on the pathway but lots everywhere else. I occasionally saw white blazes in my peripheral vision so I never took out my headlamp. Made it to my car (after 6.2 miles) by 1915. It had gotten much colder by then - glad I wasn’t staying out for the whole night... Headed north towards Elizabethton (back roads to US-19E) and got dinner at McDonalds in Hampton (1945). Checked into Travelers Inn in Elizabethton (2010). Cleaned up in room and watched TV (remote didn't work). Went to bed at 2300, getting psyched for more AT tomorrow! AT Today = 2.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1334.12 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Navy Yard - attended the Commercial Astronaut Winging Ceremony at the Department of Transportation (1430) - speakers included Elaine Chao, Sir Richard Branson and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) - Metro back to L'Enfant - work]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Metro to Pentagon City - happy hour at Chevys (solo) - walked around Fashion Centre Mall (outside and inside) - Metro to Huntington]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[shopping at Potomac Yards (Barnes and Noble) - dropped Mollie off at birthday party in Old Town (1300) - went for walk at Jones Point (for about an hour) - then went home]