Gaithersburg, MD (USA)

When we were cleaning the river with the Notre Dame Alumni Club two weeks ago, they told us about a volunteering event at the Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg and, since Mollie still needed NHS service hours, we signed up to help. I woke Mollie up at 0825 and she ate breakfast. We left the house at 0915 and headed north - it was bit longer drive (Montgomery County, Maryland). At 1000, the event began and we helped pack 24 boxes of food items (canned veggies & fruit, rice and pasta) and other resources for local families. Along with 25+ other volunteers (mostly ND Grads and their families), we ultimately contributed to the formation of six pallets (with 48 boxes each) within an hour (it was supposed to last two hours but we finished early). The ND coordinator said it was the fastest time they’d ever done the project. We talked about staying in the Rockville area for some more activities but Mollie said she needed to study. So we headed south again and were home by 1145. After lunch, Mollie didn't come out of her room again until dinner. At 1900, I dropped her off at Edison High School so she could attend the play (“Dracula”) and I went walking at Huntley Meadows before returning home to wait for her call to come get her. It felt great to work with Mollie on the service project this morning - we both are looking forward to similar events in the future!

Annandale, VA (USA)

After teleworking all day, I picked Mollie up from school (1500) and drove her to the Post Office in Annandale so she could submit her Passport Application. The appointment went very well and we were finished by 1600. Unfortunately, our drive home was marred by lots of traffic...

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City - happy hour (solo) at Chevys - Metro home at around 1800]

Erwin, TN (USA)

Got up early (it was still dark) and, seeing that it hadn’t started raining yet, got on the road as fast as I could. Headed south on I-26 until I reached Erwin and then got on US-19W. I crossed into North Carolina and arrived at the AT Trailhead at Spivey Gap at 0745. In 2014, I hiked about a mile from the road but had landlocked some of the section as a result. I started NOBO shortly after parking, hoping to beat the rain. It was crisp but windless and I only wore two layers as a precaution. The initial part of the hike was a climb through a ravine and over the highest nearby ridge. After that, the trail headed down into a deep valley that paralleled the NC-TN border. Eventually, the AT turned north into Tennessee - it was nice to actually be walking that way when I was supposed to be! After about five miles, I reached my planned turnaround point - No Business Knob Shelter. The last time I’d visited, it was full of hikers but today it was deserted. It still wasn’t raining and I started back to my car immediately. My muscles and joints had reached their optimal point and it really helped during the backtrack. I was also able to layer down to my short sleeve shirt - it felt good. On the way back, I passed 11 Thru hikers (all guys) - most were trying to reach Uncle Johnny’s Hostel on the Nolichucky River before the rain. Eight of the hikers were solos - I recognized at least one from Saturday’s hike - and I heard tales of the rising temperature and humidity over the last few days. Seems like it will be a short Spring here... The last three hikers (saw them about 50 yards from US-19W) were the three campers Nick, GoCoo and (Big?)Time - they were just starting the climb and seemed and were really concentrating. I finished the section (almost 10 miles, including the re-tread of 2014 distance) by 1120. I changed clothes quickly and left the trailhead (1145), bound for home. Just then, it started raining... Used US-19W, I-26 and I-81 during my return and made a gas stop (tank almost empty) north of Wytheville (1350). Had a great phone conversation with Brenna. I made great time to I-66, with only a little rain during the entire day. Arrived in Gainesville at around 1745 and then had to deal with traffic (ugh). Took Fairfax County Parkway because Beltway jammed (per radio) but made it home by 1815. Did some teleworking after I unpacked and felt like I was back on normal routine before I went to bed. Very glad for three amazing days on the trail - can’t wait to return! AT Today = 3.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1366.62 miles

Roan Mountain, TN (USA)

Clouds were forecast and I woke to a beautiful sunrise (with red skies to the east). After breakfast, I started exploring US-19E south of Hampton, hoping to find Forest Service Road 293. After asking some locals and trying (unsuccessfully) to find it by driving a couple of gravel roads north of Roan Mountain, I gave up and headed toward my backup plan, the AT Trailhead at Hughes Gap. Just as I parked, I ran into a guy from Illinois who came out of the woods to the south - he was finishing a three day section hike. At 0900, I headed NOBO. It was cold and I wore two layers as headed NOBO. Realized a bit later (after I was a few hundred feet above the road) that I’d started the day with Senior Moment and forgot my hat! I just kept going, anticipating major sunburn... Like yesterday, the trail followed the NC-TN border and was actually tracking south and east for most of the day. My car was parked at around 4K feet and the climb to the summit of the Roan High Knob and Bluff took me up to almost 6.5K. It was definitely a different world: the alpine trees were a pleasant part of the day (mmmm, minty evergreen). In the shade, there was lots of snow and ice but in the sun, it was probably almost 50 and muddy. Either way, it was slippery! I passed one lady hiker but she didn’t say a word to me. A bit later, when I crested the first ridge and found Ash Gap, I met two guys who were camping with their “jowelly” chocolate Lab. After I started climbing the bigger ridge, I found myself in lots more snow - it slowed me down a lot. Somehow, I made it to the summit (Toll House Gap). In 2014 I’d turned around somewhere between that spot and Carvers Gap and I had to descend a lot to find the place. During this part of the hike, I saw movement ahead of me on the trail and though it was a deer. However, it ended up being a HUGE turkey! Glad he was running away... Eventually, I got the typical deja vu cues and realized I’d found the turnaround point (it looked different with snow). I then cut over to the Roan Mountain Access Road (gate closed) and walked on pavement to Toll House Gap. By then, the sun had warmed everything up and I was sweating a lot. But, just like that, I was in the alpine shade again and was glad I didn’t layer down. Halfway back to my car, three guys who were Thru hiking passed me and asked a lot of questions about conditions. While we were talking, three girls arrived and started talking about lunch. The merry band seemed like they were all in for a great adventure! Made great time in the last descent, arriving at the road at 1420 after about 12.5 miles. Felt really good about my stamina and perseverance today - have a few other places left on the AT with this kind of terrain and I feel ready! Drove back to Elizabethton and checked back into Travelers Inn at 1510. Rested and read for a while and then walked to Amigo Mexican Restaurant for dinner (done at 1830). More TV and reading before bed time. Gonna try to squeeze in another hike before the approaching rain hits tomorrow morning. AT Today = 5.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1362.72 miles

Elizabethton, TN (USA)

It had been over a month since I was able to get away for a real hiking weekend so I got on the road very early this morning (0610). Used I-495, I-66 and I-81, with a gas fillup at Toms Brook (0735). Weather was forecasted to be good to the south and I targeted the TN-NC border again. All the way down I-81, though, I saw evidence of snow on the high ridges and I started to wonder if I’d packed enough warm clothes... The biggest surprise, though, was that the traffic wasn't too bad. I stopped for lunch and gas (1205) in Kingsport, TN and then switched to I-26 in Tennessee. Because I’d made good time, I decided to take TN-352 (NC-212) and Rector Laurel Road to get to the AT. I’d scoped out the trailhead on Google Maps and immediately realized that it had moved (reroute?). Fortunately, some Thru hikers came out of the woods nearby and I found a place to park at the new location. The last time I visited the area (December 2018), it was cold, rainy and very windy - this day was almost the opposite. Started NOBO at 1315 with short sleeves! The section had two major climbs above 4.5k feet on what appeared to be called “Hogback Ridge”, with a small part in the middle that dropped down into Rice Gap. The trail followed the NC-TN border, with lots of switchbacks, so I was almost never going north, despite what the guide said... Felt very rusty in the ascents but steadily made my way up. Enjoyed great views from the top (no leaves on the trees) and the residual snow was only a factor because it created mud. Saw no people or animals on the outbound leg - it was a nice solitude. Turned around at the Hogback Ridge Shelter and noticed a new sign for mileages - it was clear that my 2014 “AWOL” guide was “off” by about 0.75 miles in each direction. Oh well! Started my backtrack immediately and began to encounter Thru hikers (they departed Georgia in late February). Out of the first four, I talked to two (older man who just retired and military looking guy who told me he wasn’t sure he would make it). From what they said, it sounded like the season has been cold and rainy. Also chatted with an older local man (and his dog) who was headed to the shelter for an overnight. About two miles from my car, I met three Thru hikers (“Nick”, “GoCoo” and “(Big?)Time”) who had pitched their tents/hammocks about two feet from the trail so I stopped to talk to them about their Hike. They had great stories and I wished I was going with them. “(Big?)Time” said he recognized me from earlier in the season (we apparently passed each other on the trail in Georgia in January) - always fun to meet up with hikers again! Was feeling very sore on the last climb (out of Rice Gap) but I made good time on the downhills. It did get a bit cooler as the sun started to set but I never layered up - best part was no bugs yet! Saw a young couple (Thru hikers?) camped at the bottom of the hill (also next to the trail) but didn’t stop. Reached my car at 1830 after almost 13 miles (only planning to count the 2014 mileage though) and plenty of good hiker vibes! Visited a new hostel just off the trail and planned my 2-3 day hike in the Shelton Laurel Backcountry this Fall. Checked into the Travelers Inn in Elizabethton (1925) and snacked in my room. Watched TV and then went to bed rather early. More hiking on the “border ridge” tomorrow! AT Today = 5.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 1357.42 miles]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Capital One Arena - Navy Federal Signature Visa Suite (1730) - watched Capitals-Wild game (first two periods) - took Metro back to Huntington and then drove home (arrived at 2200)]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro to Pentagon City and walked around the Fashion Centre Mall - Metro home]

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

I woke Mollie up at 0900 and we did a little bit of (early) Spring Cleaning. About an hour later, we went to the Clubhouse of my apartment complex for a St. Patrick’s Day Brunch (Mollie enjoyed the event). We then drove to Woodbridge to visit REI (Mollie’s request), where I bought a few items for hiking and Mollie did some window shopping. On the way home, we stopped at Giant to pick up some special groceries that were on sale. We were home by 1300 and then ate a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon was pretty quiet, with Mollie studying and me being lazy. She left at around 1700 and I psyched myself up for the work week.

Washington, DC (USA)

Mollie told me she needed some service hours for National Honor Society and wanted to take advantage of the forecasted pleasant weather. We got lucky that the Notre Dame Alumni Club has coordinated with the Belle Haven unit of George Washington Memorial Parkway to do a river cleanup. We’d visited this park and the adjacent Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve so it was nice to be able to help beautify it. I woke Mollie up at 0810 and made breakfast (cinnamon toast crunch churro cereal, cinnamon rolls, bacon). At 1000, we got ready (packing, permission form, etc.) to go (Mollie grudgingly wore the Walmart shoes I bought her). We drove to Belle Haven Park on the Potomac and met up with members of the Notre Dame Alumni Club at 1100 AM. It was a bright sunny day with a steady breeze coming off the Potomac. After meeting all the other Domers and their families, we walked north with the NPS Ranger along the Mount Vernon bike trail until we reached the pickup area. We had to cross the busy Parkway to reach a small creek on the edge of a nearby golf course. When we first arrived, the tide was at its lowest point and the muddy, marshy flats were revealed to be covered in visible trash. When we last did one of these cleanups, I was surprised by the amount of garbage on the little creek in the residential area. This was far worse - it was on the edge of the City of Alexandria and the scene of garbage (mostly plastic bottles) was almost like what one might encounter on a Third World beach. I commented to Mollie that the volume was so great we’d be unable to even make a dent in the mess. But everyone got started and worked steadily for two hours. By the end (1300), our little group had filled 68 large bags! Mollie and I agreed that we actually made an impact in cleaning that small area - that felt good. But the realization that there are many more such places near our home was quite overwhelming. Need to keep reminding ourselves about the Power of One... We drove home (arrived at 1345) and ate lunch. Mollie spent the entire afternoon studying in her room. At 1700, we left my apartment and drove to Capital One Arena in DC to attend the Washington Wizards versus Memphis Grizzlies game (we had tickets from my company). We arrived (free parking) at 1800 and immediately got inside the arena. We went to the VIP Etihad Lounge and ate our dinner (LOTS of food from the buffet). The game started at 1900 and we sat in our floor seats for just over three quarters, really enjoying the game and the festivities associated with the mascot’s (G-Wiz) birthday celebration. I also got to visit with my work friend (Daniel) and his wife (they had bought tickets themselves and let us know where they were). Mollie and I headed home at around 2100. After we arrived at my apartment, Mollie got cleaned up and did more laundry (!). I went for a walk and Mollie relaxed a bit more before we went to bed very late.

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[telework - walk at Huntley Meadows]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Metro to Navy Yard - met Greta and we went to happy hour at El Bebe (also saw Sean, Temnite, MacKenzie and Mookie) - Greta drove me back to Huntington]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Amidon-Bowen Elementary School with Iman and Scott P. (1715) - volunteered with company at Literacy Night (Letter Writing Table) - walked back to L'Enfant (1915) - Metro home]

Washington, DC (USA)

Didn't travel for the weekend so thought I'd go into DC . Wanted to get some steps but hadn't made any specific plans. Was walking near the “new” Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture today and it occurred to me that I'd like to see what was inside. However, I didn’t have a ticket. Fortunately, I discovered that they let Veterans in without a reservation! It was a very interesting, humbling and moving place - it would take many visits to see and experience it all. Wish it wasn’t so crowded near the entrance because I enjoyed the parts of the history section (covering origins of African Americans and Slavery in the Western Hemisphere) that I could read and view. The most impactful exhibit was the Emmett Till Memorial - his shocking murder and the outrageously unjust verdict of the trial still don’t make sense in a civilized society. The outcome did, however, inspire a whole generation to act and the World changed for the better. Will definitely visit again. On the way back to my car, I got lunch at a hot dog stand. I'd already reached a good step count for the day but decided I'd take advantage of my FoNZ membership and visit the National Zoo. The traffic on the way sucked but I got free parking. It turned out to be a beautiful day and there weren't too many people there. Chanced upon a Beaver feeding event and watched the orangutans swinging across the walkway. Enjoyed myself for a few hours and then headed for home. Again, there was a TON of traffic (ugh). Was happy to reach my apartment and rest. Nice (and rare) chance to enjoy the DC sights!

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[worked from home - at 1700, drove to Woodbridge (terrible traffic) - dinner/drinks at Brew Republic - then went to "Planning Your Walk on El Camino" class at REI - done by 2045 - drove home]