Salisbury, CT (USA)

The mountains are calling and I must go! Got up very early and worked a half day. Somber moment as I had to say goodbye to Robert (he was moving away). On the road by 1030 - started out on I-95 but reversed track to I-270 when I got a warning about major construction delays. After that, made great time to the Hudson River and didn’t need gas until I got off the Taconic at US-44 (Millbrook at 1620). Decided to return to the same area in Northwestern Connecticut as I’d hiked two weeks ago - the nondescript “fallen trees next to stone wall” would definitely fall out of my memory otherwise! Parked at the Lions Head Trail parking lot (Bunker Hill Road north of Salisbury) and met a day hiker (Andy) who’d just finished the section. Got some great intel on the approach trail and AT intersection and headed into the woods at 1720. Temps were great - I don’t think it was over 70 the whole time. Had to walk about 3/4 of a mile to reach the AT - mostly rocky and hilly but some pretty farmland too. At the intersection, I turned SOBO. I was bummed to learn that I’d need to hike all the way down to the bottom of the hill to find the turnaround point where Bob and I stopped last time. Oh well... Within a few hundred yards, I saw two other hikers (one going in each direction). Ended up passing one and didn’t catch the other. Reversed course at the checkpoint and started a steep climb back up to the top of Lions Head. Caught the hiker I’d passed and walked with him for awhile. He told me he was in his third week of hiking (Port Clinton, PA to Mount Katahdin) after he’d been forced off the trail during a previous Thru Hike. He was working on his 20th mile of the day and let me pass. It was SO rocky! At the summit, though, I got some tremendous vistas of the nearly flat valleys on a 270 degree of the hill (there were some mountains to the west) and it felt like it was worth all the work. Continued downhill and had to clamber across a lot more slippery rocks. Suddenly, the LASHer passed me with renewed energy because “the shelter is really close!” He found it shortly afterwards and then I had the trail to myself again. Crossed two wide and deep streams, saw at least one deer and heard the loud call of a distant barred owl. Turned around at Riga Junction, about 2 miles from the MA/CT border. Headed back quickly and made good time. Passed a trio of guys, apparently camping out overnight. Passed up a re-climb of Lions Head by using the bypass trail, shortening up the backtrack a little bit. Encountered a young couple and their dog as I got back on the access trail. Otherwise, very quiet and cool as I headed downhill (did hear some “dueling frogs” near the parking lot). Finished my day at 2020 after almost 7 miles - it was awesome to still have plenty of light! Quickly got in my car and repositioned closer to Pittsfield. Checked into the Knights Inn in Lenox (MA) at 2125 and read for the rest of the evening (bed late). Hoping I can fill in some more AT gaps over the next two days. Glad to be back in the Berkshires! AT Today = 2.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 1401.92 miles

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[drove to Mason Neck and parked at the NWA (0800) - the weather was great and I walked all the way to the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center (and back) - then drove over to Reza's house to kayak - spent about an hour on the Potomac (south of Reza's landing) - it was very hot but I made it down to a little inlet where I could float and step off on a sandbar - paddled back and stashed my boat - then visited with Reza and Becky - went home, arriving at 1145 - Mollie studying all day - dinner with Brenna, Erin and Mollie at Baja Fresh]

Frederick, MD (USA)

[Rano and Mollie were awake by 0720 and they made breakfast (pancakes) together - we packed up the car and left my apartment (0805), bound for Frederick, Maryland - we arrived at Monocacy National Battlefield at 0905 and spent the next few hours helping to set up a 26x100 flag grid - Mollie was able to get two more hours of community service for the NHS Volunteer requirement and had fun with Rano - when we left, we all got drawstring bags and a commemorative coin - I asked if the girls wanted to go to the National Zoo on the way home and they said they did - traffic was nasty but we made it to the FoNZ parking area by noon - I told the girls that I wanted to get some exercise (walking) and asked them to meet me two hours later - they ate lunch at the Mane Grill and then had a great time together (Rano’s first time ever at the Zoo) - Mollie texted and called me a few times and I even ran into them once - I gave them suggestions of things to see and they maximized the time we had (and even asked for an extra 30 minutes, which they partially used) - we then got on the road and made our way back to my apartment (more traffic), arriving at 1515]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Metro to Gallery Place with Daniel (1100) - lunch at Chinatown Express - walked back to L'Enfant - work - home late]

Annapolis, MD (USA)

[in the morning, Brenna and I texted a lot about the Boat trip - I initially asked her to come over at 0900 but, after realizing how long it was going to take to get there, I requested she come earlier - we still didn’t leave until the original time and then hit traffic - we made it to Pasadena (Maryland) by 1015 - Brenna met some of my friends (and new people) and we left Chris’ house (on the boat) about 30 minutes later - almost immediately, the boat motor started to spew black smoke so we headed back to the pier - we unpacked the boat and got back in our car - we all then drove (separate cars) to Annapolis and parked along MD-450 - Brenna and I ate lunch I’d made (bologna and cheese sandwiches) - after walking a little way down the road, we arrived at the ALPA Picnic (near Naval Academy Bridge, across from the school) at around noon - we found a good place to sit and enjoyed snacks and drinks we’d brought while waiting for the Blue Angels show to start - Brenna enjoyed the opportunity of being 21 and everyone was good to her - at 1400, we were treated to a really good air show - afterwards (1500), we walked back to our car and got in the big traffic line - Brenna and I talked about current events until I had to dial into a Telcon for work (1600) - we were home soon after - when my call was over, Brenna and I talked a bit longer and then she departed for her house she could take a nap]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Navy Memorial - happy hour with Greta at Plan B - done at 1830 - saw Mitt Romney as I was walking back to L'Enfant - Metro home]

Cheshire, MA (USA)

Started our day earlier but found it was overcast and cooler. Undeterred, we stayed on plan, got some breakfast (McDonalds in Pittsfield at 0655) and then headed towards Cheshire. We parked next to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and our shuttle driver (Vic) arrived shortly after us. He drove us up the Mount Greylock Summit via some back roads on the west side of the ridge. There was very little indication of inclement weather and the forecast said “mostly cloudy”. However, it was VERY windy and cloudy (could not even see the tower!). We immediately (0830) headed into the trees, where there was a respite from the wind. Bob told me he had forgotten his walking stick with Vic and, as we encountered our first mud, it was clear that it would have an impact on our day. Bob was wisely cautious for the rest of the (mostly downhill) hike... We soon began to meet section hikers (climbing in the other direction). It was great to exchange stories and trail intel - several people welcomed Bob to the trail community. About 45 minutes into our hike, it started to rain. I resisted the urge to use a poncho for about 20 more minutes but eventually caved into the urge to stay a little drier. We then slogged through ankle deep mud and slippery rocks across the rainy terrain for the next several hours... We didn’t get any views through the fog or clouds but kept going towards the car. A highlight of this phase was when two trail maintainers passed us. They were cheerful and helpful. After they walked away, I half-jokingly commented to Bob that we should have suggested they add some more white blazes in the section (most were faded). About four hours into the hike, the rain stopped and the sun came out. At first, this was nice - but the temps soon soared into the 80s. We still had to dodge mud but there were also some flat, dry sections - especially as we got closer to town. I’d turned around at Outlook Road in 2014 so everything after that was going to be a bonus - I was therefore happy to see signs of civilization. That is, until Bob called out that his boot had blown out! It seemed OK at first but the sole eventually wore out completely - at Outlook Road, we had to decide whether to walk on pavement or the trail. A few steps on blacktop drove Bob to choose the grassy track of the AT across a farm field. Two hikers (#19 and #20 for the day) tried to help with big pieces of duct tape - it definitely kept us going a bit longer. We made it to MA-8 and then to the car by 1445 (after almost 8.5 miles). The sun was shining and lots of people were out on the bike trail. It felt good to have finished another section and we got a bonus when we noticed that Vic had left the hiking pole on the car. Then the hard part: driving home (ugh). We drove back via US-7, MA/NY-23 and the Taconic Parkway (major traffic jam), I-84 (got dinner and gas again in Montague at 1810), I-81 (tractor trailer fatality on opposite side of highway east of Harrisburg), I-83, US-15, I-270 and I-495 (major construction just before Springfield). Arrived home by 0015 and unpacked quickly. Very tired but glad we did the trip. Great hiking weekend - bittersweet because Bob will be moving away in a few weeks... It was a great send off, though, and I think he enjoyed the adventure. AT Today = 6.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1399.32 miles

North Adams, MA (USA)

We got up early and the weather was AWESOME! Clear and about 50 degrees with gentle breeze - perfect for hiking. We ate breakfast at Friendly’s in Pittsfield (done at 0805) and then drove to North Adams (via MA-8) to meet our shuttle driver, Vic, at his house in Clarksburg. The views of the Berkshires - in every direction were spectacular. We left our car with Vic and he drove us north on MA-8 into Vermont (became VT-100). He turned on Mill Road and we followed the gravel until we were on County Road. The going got tougher but Vic said the road conditions had been much worse a month ago. He dropped us at the AT Trailhead at about 0930 and we immediately headed SOBO, bound for the Bay State! Bob set the pace and we carefully made our way through muddy areas on the VT side. Somehow, we completely missed the Seth Warner Shelter... We encountered 9 other hikers north of the border - most appeared to be section hikers, like us. After about three miles, we reached signs that welcomed us to Massachusetts and the terminus of the Long Trail. We met a couple guys (and their dog) who were just starting a thru hike of that trail and we talked to them for a bit. Bob and I then signed the trail register and continued south towards Williamstown. On the ridge, were a couple of good views of Mount Greylock and the valley below. However, most of the rest of our walk in the woods was downhill. There was less mud, so that was good, but there were some varsity boulder fields. During the last half of the hike, we met 8 more hikers, including “Barton” (a Thru hiker who started north on March 5 - wow!) and a 2018 Thru hiker who’d had to go back to work to afford the last 800 miles in 2019. The trail paralleled a large stream that had lots of signs that told us not to “mess with the town’s water supply”. After about five hours of hiking, we reached Massachusetts Avenue and called Vic to let him know we were almost at MA-2. We walked along the road and then cut across the railroad tracks and Hoosic River to the meeting point. From there, I could see the Greylock Club, where I’d parked with my brother in law for my last hike up the mountain (2014). Vic got us back to Bob’s car by 1500 and we talked with him and his wife (Jean) for a while before we drove back to Pittsfield. We couldn’t have picked a better day to hike! Ate a nice dinner at Patrick's Pub in Pittsfield (finished at 1845) and then Bob played Pokemon. Spent the night in Heart of the Berkshires again and spent the rest of the night reading and watching TV. Planning another shuttle & more AT (Mount Greylock Summit to Cheshire) tomorrow! AT Today = 7.20 miles / G.T. AT = 1392.52 miles

Salisbury, CT (USA)

Bob’s been working on his “50 for 50” project (experiencing an active adventure in all fifty states during his 50th year) and asked if he could go hiking with me in a few New England states. Of course I agreed and we planned a weekend trip for Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont - complete with shuttle service! I worked for a few hours in the morning and then we drove north in Bob’s car (I gave Nellie another weekend off). Traffic in the DMV was nasty but things improved on US-15. Encountered more traffic in Harrisburg but then had smooth travels on I-81, I-84 (lunch and gas in Montague, NJ, at 1600), Taconic Parkway and US-44. We made such good time that there was enough daylight left to hike! As navigator, I steered us to the AT Trailhead at Undermountain Road (CT-41) and we started NOBO at 1755. The weather was great - not too muggy and very few bugs. It was, however, quite muddy... This was Bob’s first hike on the AT and we took our time, cautiously shimmying up and down treacherous rocks and avoiding the worst morasses. Three serious looking (but very friendly) hikers were following us for over a mile and eventually passed us. I had hoped to find a memorable turnaround point (Lions Head Trail) but it took longer to get there than I expected. To ensure we weren’t hiking in the dark, we turned around about half a mile short (90 degree turn at end of stone wall, huge fallen tree, base of mountain). Saw some deer in the gloaming but no other wildlife or people. We made better time during the backtrack and reached the car by 2000 (after around 3.5 miles). We then drove about 45 minutes to a hotel (Heart of the Berkshires) on the west side of Pittsfield (2015). Spent the rest of the evening reading. We’re all set up for another hike tomorrow morning - Bob hasn’t backed out yet! AT Today = 1.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1385.32 miles

Washington, DC (USA)

[worked late - took Metro to Woodley Park and walked to the entrance of the Zoo, arriving at around 1815 - walked to the other end of the Zoo and got checked into the event - free drinks while waiting (until 1830) - walked around and sampled food after that - highlights included stops at the following tables: Haute Dogs, Maggiano's, Matchbox, Tonic, Hard Times Cafe, Hill Country, Pinstripes, Circa and many more - got enough to drink and met a few people - weather was very nice - walked around to five stations for Conservation Nation (Lowland Tapir, Marine Mammals, Asian Elephant, Black Rino, Eastern Meadowlark) and got stamps (entry into a contest for free tickets to another event - met several great animal specialists (Zoo Vet, some Ph.D.) and got cards for Mollie - stayed until around 2030 and then walked back to Metro station and took Red/Yellow back to my car (Huntington)]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Bill W came to the office at 1600 and we took Metro to Pentagon City - happy hour at Sine until 1945 - Metro to Huntington (walked between King Street and Eisenhower because of slow Yellow Line trains) - Brenna at my house when I got home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Metro to Pentagon City (Kelly left me and Stephanie) - walked to River House and visited Joe R's new apartment there - Kelly, John, Stephani, Joe R and I went up on the rooftop and then hung around in his apartment until around 1930 - walked back to Metro and went home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - Metro to Pentagon City - shopping at Best Buy (met salesman from St. Petersburg, Russia) - walked through Fashion Centre Mall to Sine - sat outside for happy hour and dinner (burger) with Stephanie - later, Joe R stopped by for a visit - finished at Sine by 1945 and took Metro home]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

It's been a while since I've been able to paddle on the Potomac and I gladly seized the chance today! Mollie was at a sleepover with Rano and I decided to drive over to Mason Neck to check on my kayak. It was overcast but pleasant (70s) and hardly anyone else in Pohick Bay while I was (1045 to 1245) - just occasional speed boats in the distance and a couple of bass boats drifting, with motors cut, along the shore. I basically had the water to myself (or so I thought). The ospreys were nesting in force on the high pilings on the western coast of the bay and any time I got near them, they shrieked angrily and would not relax until I moved away. In some cases, I was trying to get away from one nesting pair and encountered another. One determined couple was building a completely new nest on a picnic table on someone's dock! It was a jumble of sticks - not an effective nest - and I wonder whether the dock owner would actually leave it there for the season... Eventually, I reached the creek behind Gunston Hall and entered a world dominated by herons, hawks, bald eagles and Canadian geese. They weren't too happy with me in proximity either and I felt like an intruder for most of the day. This was the calm, shallow water experience I'd been seeking and I only got to enjoy it a little bit. Eventually, though, I took my kayak out to a channel several hundred yards from shore (a much different) and paddled my arms off (much more upper body exercise than I typically get on a hike). The receding tide was a factor on my outbound leg and the wind was a bigger factor on the way back to Reza's landing. The sun did make an appearance near the end and I'm pretty sure to remember today's jaunt with a light burn and some sore shoulders. But it was all worth the expense. Hoping for more afternoons like this in 2019 - maybe even on the way home from work!