Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

I woke Mollie up at 0630 and she got ready for our trip to visit Brenna.  We left the house at about 0715 and drove to Harrisonburg (via I-66 and I-81).  On the way, we tried out a lot of the features on the rental car.  We arrived in Harrisonburg at 0915 and picked up Brenna at her apartment.  We ate breakfast at Mr. J’s Bagels (0955) and had a great talk about various topics of importance to the girls.  At 1100, we drove back to Brenna’s and Mollie got started on homework.  Meanwhile, Brenna and I went car shopping at Bob Wade’s Auto World.  We met a nice salesman (Chris) and test drove three cars.  Brenna learned about the kind of vehicles she liked (her favorite was the Honda Fit).  At 1300, we made one more stop at the Nissan dealership (only to browse) and then went to pick up Mollie.  After filling up on gas at Speedway in Harrisonburg (1340), we drove south (via back roads and VA-42) to visit the Mount Crawford Creamery.  On the way, we were able to find Brenna’s Practicum school in Bridgewater).  When we reached the farm, Brenna and Mollie had a great time petting the cows and got to help feed the calves.  Afterwards, we got some milkshakes at Smiley’s Ice Cream (1515).  The girls were in really good spirits by the time we left for Brenna’s apartment (via I-81).  When we arrived, I watched some TV, Brenna took a nap and Mollie talked to her mother a few times.  At 1800, we all went to El Charro for dinner - everyone got some good food and had a great time talking and visiting.  By 1900, Mollie and I said goodbye to Brenna and got on the highway, headed north.  The weather wasn’t very good but decided to go to the Family Drive-In for the Movie All Night Marathon (five features!).  Despite running late, we managed to get inside (and get a good viewing spot) and the movie started just after we parked (2000).  We sat in our folding chairs for the first movie (“Toy Story 4”) and Mollie used her Avengers souvenir cup (I’d remembered to bring it) to get a drink refill for only $1.  Mollie changed into her pajamas and we watched about half of the second movie (“Angry Birds 2”) outside (with blankets).  It started to get cooler, so we moved inside our car for the rest of that movie.  By 2345, Mollie told me that she wanted to go home before the next movie (“Lion King”) started so I obliged her.  She fell asleep as I was driving (I-81, I-66, I-495).  We arrived at my apartment at about 0100 and Mollie went straight to her bed.  It was a great day with my girls!

Manassas, VA (USA)

[I teleworked in the morning - Mollie woke up at 0930 and ate breakfast - at 1000, I left to go test drive a car at Brown's Subaru in Manassas (used back roads to reach VA-234) - meanwhile, Mollie got picked up by the parents of her friend so they could go to the zoo (1200) - after test driving the 2019 Outback (sweet!), I decided I was very interested - however, I told them I wanted to think about it a bit longer (I actually had another test drive scheduled) so I left for Alexandria at 1245 - I drove to I-66, thinking it would be faster, but ended up in a traffic jam - decided to call the other dealer and reschedule the test drive so I could resume my work day - I finally made it home by 1330 and teleworked all afternoon - Mollie and I talked on the phone a little later and I told her about the cool car I test drove - she told me about the zoo animals and the membership discount she got from using my card - at 1700, she texted that she was on her way home and she arrived about an hour later - Mollie cooked dinner (chili with beans, cornbread muffins) and we ate together - I'd been planning to go test drive the other Subaru in Springfield at around 1900 but I decided I didn't need to do it - after talking with the nice dealer representative, I felt confident in my impending car purchase (the first in 16 years!)]

Washington, DC (USA)

[telework - at 0700, I took a bus to Pickett Street to get rental car (Hertz) and then went home - more telework - found out that the Explorer was unrepairable and it later got dropped off by a tow truck at my apartment (1300) - more telework - drove to JiffyLube to see if Cordell was interested in my car (he was, but was also short on money) - drove to Suitland and visited the Enterprise Car Sales office - drove to Branch Avenue (1530) and took Metro to Navy Yard - happy hour at Buffalo Wild Wings (done at 1700) - then happy hour (DCFray) at Walter's Sports Bar (done at 1745) - picked up my Nats-Orioles ticket and went into the stadium at around 1830 - stayed at the game until the Racing of the Presidents (mid 4th Inning) and then took Metro back to my car at Branch Avenue - drove home via the Beltway, arriving by 2145]

Great Barrington, MA (USA)

The temps fell into the 40s last night! Fortunately, I stayed warm in Great Barrington (just a few miles from the trailhead) and was able to get an early start. I parked in a nice lot off MA-23 on the Monterey town line and headed SOBO at 0715. It was brisk (temps were in the mid 50s by then) and a little overcast. I started with a plan to hike about 5.5 miles into the woods and then backtrack. As I climbed, I encountered an increasing number of rocks, with lots of ravines that required careful steps to navigate. I actually came across some climbing gear (unattended) and heard some voices in the trees on the other side of a huge chasm - I guess some climbers had used ropes to find a remote campsite... I could hear sounds from farms and roads on both sides of the ridge. I also crossed a few roads on my way towards the summit of East Mountain. Slowly, a thought crept into my head - I might be able to get all the way to US-7 and then hike back on roads. I really didn’t decide that, though, until I’d reached a point where the number of rocks behind me on the outbound leg exceeded my patience... I got some nice views of the ridge I’d hiked on the day before - Mount Everett and Mount Race loomed high above the small towns in the valley. The section then started downhill and didn’t really stop descending until I got to Boardman Street in Sheffield. I passed a mom and daughter - the first people I’d seen all day - on their morning climb. From there, I walked along corn stalks and passed trees that looked very old. I passed some hikers (two backpacking couples) but that was it - what a difference from yesterday! The trail then followed Kellogg Road in order to cross the Housatonic. The last mile was a meandering walk between fields and fences. Suddenly (1100) I found myself standing on the pavement of US-7 (after almost 8 miles) and had to plan my backtrack. My first instinct was to raise my thumb - the first car that passed didn’t stop but a lady coming out of her neighborhood saw me and gave me a ride through Great Barrington and back to my car. She told me that she meets lots of hikers this way and loves to hear their stories. Thanks to this Trail Angel’s generosity, I was back at my car at 1130! The day ended with a lucky break - but after all the retreading and extra (side trail) walking to get AT miles I’ve done lately, I’ll take it! Just had to make the long drive home to finish a great hiking...  Got gas at Cumberland Farms in Great Barrington (1215) and then backtracked from the previous day, starting with MA/NY-23 and the Taconic Parkway.  I actually sat the hotel owner (Jignesh) on the road (he waved at me).  Continued via I-84, and I-81 until I encountered a traffic jam to the west of Harrisburg.  Decided to drive across the Susquehanna River on the Interstate and then got on PA-581.  Suddenly (just when I reached US-15), the clutch in the Explorer went to the floor and I couldn't change gears.  I managed to make it about five miles to Dillsburg and pulled into the Rutters parking lot (1700).  After this point, I was unable to engage the gears and had to call for a tow truck.  Fortunately, my insurance coverage was good enough that they told me they could get the car to Alexandria (!!!).  While waiting for the tow truck, I ate dinner at Arbys (1725).  At about 1900, the wrecker arrived at my location and picked up Nellie.  The driver was very nice and we had some good conversations.  As we headed south on US-15, we had to detour a lot because of a huge accident that closed both sides of the road.  After that, it was mostly smooth sailing all the way back to Alexandria.  The tow truck driver dropped off my car in Kingstowne and then I was able to walk back to my apartment (2200).  It was a relief to be home but I was very sad to have had such a difficult return trip.  Was also worried that my car, which is over 21 years old and has over 260K miles, would never be able to take me to a hiking zone again...  Cleaned up and went to bed after a good hiking weekend.  AT Today = 7.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1452.06 miles

Great Barrington, MA (USA)

After completing my chauffeur duties (back and forth to Leesburg) yesterday, I had a hard time deciding whether or not to drive north for some AT hiking. Usually, a seven hour drive (each way) is hard to justify for just a weekend. However, I’d seen the forecast for southeastern MA and it was hard to pass up: partly cloudy, low 70s, low humidity. Ended up deciding to pretend it was a work day - got up early, packed and was on the road before 0600.  Drove via I-495, I-270, US-15, PA-581, I-83 and I-81.  Just north of Harrisburg, a tractor trailer came out of parking area (at 90 degrees to traffic) and I had to quickly stop - woah!  Got gas at Gulf in Barnesville, PA (0845) and then continued via I-81, I-84 and the Taconic Parkway.  It was the best “commute” ever! Almost no one else was on the road and there was no construction (maybe I shouldn’t try to go up on Friday nights anymore...). I crossed the NY-MA border (on Route 23) at around 1215 and drove into the Mount Washington State Forest (via Jug End Road) so I could hike a tough section I’d been avoiding. Took Mount Washington Road to the main gate of the Mount Everett Reservation and then followed a rough gravel road to the trailhead (good ol’ Nellie!). Was on the AT (SOBO) by 1245. The AWOL guide showed some nasty terrain: a climb to the Mount Everett summit, a steep descent into the Race Brook Falls gap, another big climb up Mount Race, a long descent to the Laurel Ridge Campsite and then back (whew!). I’d earlier considered breaking up the section because it looked so intimidating but the forecast held true and I decided to tackle the whole thing. During the initial climb, I started meeting people (almost all were day hikers or weekend backpackers). An older couple warned me that there were a “lot” of people at the summit and they weren’t kidding. There really wasn’t much of a view there so, in an attempt to avoid the crowd, I continued quickly down the other side of the mountain. But they followed me! It’s hard to run on slippery rock faces so I was essentially trapped - I wasn’t able to avoid one group that was playing their country music loudly, another group that was talking loud enough on the ridge that I could hear the words from a hundred yards away or the huge church group (opposite direction) that had bunched up trying to navigate. At one point, I stopped so that everyone could all pass but it just ended up being a traffic jam! Eventually, most of them moved farther away and I settled for walking with one young guy who was quiet (his noisy friends left him behind). He told me some good stories about his recent trip to the Hundred Mile Wilderness (in Maine). When we caught up to the rest of his group, I headed off alone and started my climb up Mount Race. This turned out to be a fine turn of events - the crowds thinned out and I found several amazing vistas on the rocky “bald” of the summit. Unfortunately, some trail runners then ruined the experience because they tried to find cell service by hopping all around near me and continually blocked my camera shots (grrr). Somehow, I eventually left everyone behind and, for a few glorious moments, I got to enjoy some solitude as I walked along a high ridge (2000+ feet above) that had clear views down into the wide, flat valley east of the Berkshires. Visibility had to be 25+ miles! I could see the pretty farms on MA-41, which I’ve used to get between MA and CT. An even bigger treat, though, was seeing the Twin Lakes (Washinee and Washining) to the south - each had many pretty white sailboats. There weren’t a lot of wildlife encounters but I did notice butterflies that made clicking sounds with their wings (not sure what species). Around this time, I passed a NOBO female Thru hiker (kind of a surprise to see someone so far to the south so late in the season). A bit later, as I approached the Laurel Ridge Campsite, the noisy group caught me again - fortunately, I was able to backtrack soon after and didn’t see them for the rest of the day. Soon, though, I didn’t really care what other people were doing - I had two huge climbs and descents to finish and they took all my concentration and remaining energy. The first one (Race) was tough but I made it OK. At the top, I encountered a local couple and the guy pointed out all the terrain that could be seen from the summit. Not only could we see Greylock to the north, but the Taconics and Catskills were also clearly visible. I talked to them for a while, stalling before the next phase of my workout... Headed down into the gap and then started the second climb (Everett) - it kicked my @$$!!!! The terrain was so treacherous that trail maintainers had added 8x8 “stairs” but they were uneven - I used everything I had left to get through the end of the climb and was almost completely wiped (mentally and physically) by the top. On the way back down, I detoured off the AT to visit a little stone hut with a pretty view and then walked down towards the parking lot on a gravel road. Reached my car (after more than nine miles) by 1730 - my legs were really sore from the massive “stairmaster” workout! Headed back towards civilization (stayed on MA-23) and scoped out another trailhead on the Monterey town-line - hope to hike from there in the morning.  Ended up staying at Mountain View Motel in Great Barrington (1820).  I got to know the friendly owner, Jignesh.  Before bed, I rested in my room (TV and reading).  Asleep by 2230.  AT Today = 4.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 1444.26 miles

Leesburg, VA (USA)

For the fourth year in a row, Mollie has been fortunate to be able to spend quality time with horses at the Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, a world class facility operated by Virginia Tech. Previously, she’d done “Shadow Days”, about six hours with with a Vet, but the Internship she earned this summer offered her a chance to spend 12 full days (9-5) with various specialists (Vets, nurses, residents, pharmacists, lab technicians, etc.). The opportunity turned out to be a full immersion in the field of Veterinary Medicine! She made new friends and networked with people who offered support and encouragement during her search for a college major and career path. Her colleagues introduced her to what “real life” as an adult looked like.  I noticed that she even got into a “work” rhythm over the last three weeks. Today was her last “shift”.  This morning, I drove to pick up Mollie one last time (my Day 7/7) and we departed for Leesburg (via VA-7) at 0635.  We picked up breakfast at Chick-Fil-A (0730) and then went to JiffyLube so I could get my top-off service (0800).  After that, we walked a little bit near the Equine Medical Center (looking for groundhogs) and then I dropped Mollie off for her last day (0845).  I drove to the Rust Library to telework.  Took a short break so I could visit the Leesburg Post Office (0930).  For the rest of the day, I teleworked at the library.  I picked Mollie up at 1700 and we drove home (via US-15, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway).  On the way, we talked about driving skills, the SAT and her first day/week of school. Mollie also told me several stories about observing surgeries, mucking out stalls, helping to fill prescriptions and examining blood-work.  We were back at Nicky's by 1815 and I said goodbye to Mollie there.

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - walked to Archives/Navy Memorial - happy hour with Greta (done at 1810) - walked back to L'Enfant used Metro (back to Branch Avenue)]

Leesburg, VA (USA)

Mollie got up on her own at 0515 (she told me later she’d been awake since 0400).  She packed up her bags and ate breakfast (muffin).  She also made lunch (bologna and cheese sandwich, peach, snack bar) and then we drove over to Nicky’s neighborhood so she could perform her dog sitting duties (0600).  About 30 minutes later, we left for Leesburg (via VA-7) for Mollie’s Internship (my Day 6/7).  We arrived in town at 0715 and, since we'd already eaten breakfast, spent about an hour in the Target store, getting our steps and buying a birthday present for my sister.  I dropped Mollie off at the Equine Medical Center at 0830 and drove to the Rust Library to do my telework day.  At 1645, I returned to pick up Mollie and we left shortly afterwards.  On the way back to Alexandria (via US-15, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway), we talked about her Internship day (nurses talking, London County HS shadow student, her school projects) and her favorite superheroes (DC versus Marvel, unchanging characters versus ones that personally grew and improved).  We arrived at Nicky’s by 1815 and I said goodbye to Mollie there.

Leesburg, VA (USA)

I woke Mollie up at 0550 (she’d missed her alarm) and we left for Leesburg at 0630.  It was the another day for Mollie’s Internship (my Day 5/7)!.  We used VA-7 and stopped to pick up lunch (pasta dish, peach) for Mollie at Wegmans (0730).  We then searched for another place in Leesburg to get food, trying the Dunkin Donuts (line too long) and then Starbucks (long delay for food preparation).  After all the looking, we ended up eating breakfast (ham and cheese sandwich) at the latter place (0800).  We then went to the Rust Library and took a short walk.  I took Mollie to the Equine Medical Center for her Internship at 0845 and then went back to the library to telework.  During one of my breaks, I took walk in the nearby cemetery (lots of CSA markers).  During another, I ate lunch with my friend, Sean, at the Leesburg Public House (1145).  After that (1300), I teleworked some more.  At 1645, I drove over to the Equine Medical Center and waited there for Mollie.  I ended up meeting the Director of the facility - it was a good talk and Mollie ended up meeting him too.  We then left for Alexandria (via US-15, I-66, Fairfax County Parkway).  Filled up on gas on the way;, arriving home at 1815.  Mollie made dinner (teriyaki chicken with rice, peas and corn) and some chores.  We then watched YouTube videos until it was time for bed (2200).

Leesburg, VA (USA)

I drove to Nicky’s at 0630 to pick up Mollie for her Internship. We drove to Leesburg (via VA-7) and we talked about the SAT (she told me she’d done a little studying), her weekend plans (dog-sitting, possible hike at Catoctin so she could write up observations for a school project).  Because Mollie was sick the previous day, she told me she'd gotten permission to only do seven days total for the Internship (her last day would be on August 19, as previously scheduled).  That made this my Day 4/7 (no make up required).  We ate breakfast at Chick-fil-A (0730) and talked a little bit more (mostly about the activities that were planned for her day with the Vets).  We then walked around inside the nearby Target.  On the way to the Equine Medical Center, we stopped at the Rust Library so I could do some teleworking.  I then (0845) drove Mollie to her internship.  I spent the day at the Library, teleworking, until it was time to pick Mollie up again.  I got her at 1700 and we left for home (via US-15, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkwat).  On the way, we talked about our days.  The traffic was bad all the way and we didn’t make it to Nicky’s house until almost 1900.  Mollie had forgotten to get the key from the neighbor (so she could dog sit over the weekend) but was able to meet up with them before they left.  She then packed her bags to come over to my place for the weekend.  Back at my place (1930), I cooked dinner (pizza) and Mollie did laundry.  We'll do it again tomorrow!

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[woke up early and drove to Mason Neck (parked at the NRA at 0745) - walked on the Bike Trail into the State Park (all the way to Belmont Bay) and back - finished at around 0915 and drove over to Reza's - he was mowing the grass and I talked to him for a little bit before getting in my kayak and paddling south on the Potomac - there was a lot of sea grass and moss (it was hard to paddle) - rested at the corner of Hallowing Point Estates park and talked to a little boy and his mom (on the shore) - then paddled back to Reza's landing - saw a heron, several ospreys and two full decks of sea gulls - also saw a (very) low flying airplane (just over the water) on the Maryland side - finished at around 1100 and then drove home]

Leesburg, VA (USA)

I picked Mollie up from Nicky’s at 0630 and drove her to Leesburg (via VA-7) for her Equine Medical Center Internship (my Day 3/8).  We didn’t talk a lot (Mollie listened to music) but had a short conversation about a Tile specialty store, including strategies for how they could compete with Home Depot (???) .  We drove around in town for about 30 minutes, looking for a Diner, until Mollie found a place: a nice patio outside at the South Street Under (Bakery).  Mollie tried a bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese and we stayed there from about 0745 to 0830.  I dropped Mollie off at her Internship at 0845 and then teleworked at the Rust Library for the day.  Mollie texted me that we could leave early because there wouldn’t be any appointments after 1500.  I ate lunch with my friend (Mike G) at YummyPig and then teleworked some more at the Rust Library.  At 1455, I drove over to the Equine Medical Center and found Mollie waiting for me outside.  We immediately headed home (via VA-7, US-15, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway).  On the way, we talked about each other’s days.  When we arrived at Nicky’s (1615), Mollie realized she’d left her purse in Leesburg.  She didn't have a key to get inside Nicky's house and, after calling her mother and sisters, learned that no one would be at the house for a while.  Consequently, I took Mollie to my house so she could wait for her mother.  She managed to locate someone at the Equine Medical Center who found her purse and locked it up for her - Mollie reviewed her mail, fed her fish ("Monsieur Poulet") and had a snack (Italian ice).  At 1730 PM, Brenna showed up at my house (to get Mollie).  We talked for a little while about Brenna’s last day of nannying (the family was very generous to her) and then she took Mollie with her to visit the bank and use a Target gift card.

Leesburg, VA (USA)

I drove over to Mollie’s house at 0625 and waited for Mollie for about 10 minutes (“I wanted to find better shoes”).  We then drove to Leesburg (via VA-7) for Mollie’s Equine Medical Center Internship (my Day 2/8).  We had much heavier traffic than the day before (grrr…).  On the way, we discussed how she was getting used to the Internship rhythm (sleep schedules, type of work, etc.), along with summer school assignments, her travel blog (for IB extra work), the SAT and college applications.  After reaching Leesburg, we ate breakfast at Chick-fil-A.  Afterwards (0800), we walked around in a brand new Target store (nearby) and Mollie bought some bobbie-pins.  I dropped her off at the Equine Medical Center at 0835 and I teleworked at the Rust Library for the whole day.  Mollie texted to tell me that she’d gotten to muck out stalls and fill fluid bags (she seemed happy about this).  At around 1545, Mollie called to say that “something has happened” and I got worried - it turned out, though, that she was just asking if we could drive home a lady she’d met during her internship home after work.  I said it was OK but asked her not to startle me with scary starts to phone calls!  I left the Library and drove over to the Equine Medical Center at 1640.  There, I met the nice lady (Dany, extern who was studying at a college in Ecuador) Mollie had offered to drive home.  I learned that the extern had been helping Mollie throughout the week and we had a nice talk about how things had been going.  We dropped Dany off at her apartment and then drove home (US-15, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway).  Along the way, we had some great conversations.  We also made good time and I was able to drop off my dry-cleaning on the way (after several attempts earlier in the week).  I dropped Mollie off at Nicky’s by 1830 so she could go to dinner with Steve and his family (they were visiting from out of town).

Leesburg, VA (USA)

I arrived at Nicky’s to pick Mollie up at 0635 (she texted to ask where I was, after waiting five whole minutes...).  We then drove to Leesburg (via VA-7) for her Equine Medical Center Internship (my Day 1/8).  On the way, we talked about the previous days at the Internship (she'd enjoyed them).  We stopped for breakfast at Anita’s in Leesburg (0730) and talked some more (mostly about college applications, driving permit exam).  Mollie didn’t have much of an appetite and seemed tired.  We drove over to the Rust Library to take a short walk.  After that, I drove her to the Equine Medical Center (0850).  Once she was settled, I returned to the Rust Library, where I teleworked all day.  I actually didn’t hear from Mollie all day - until just before I drove over to pick her up from the Internship.  She asked if we could go to a drug store on the way (I said yes).  When I arrived to get her (1650), she was ready to go.  I wasn't sure what she needed to buy but it turned out to be toiletries, so I suggested we go to Walmart.  She used her iPhone map and we found a brand new store on the south side of town.  We shopped there and then tried to get back to US-15.  However, we got a little bit off track and ended up on VA-659.  Filled up on gas near US-50 (almost lost my gas cap after I left it on the roof of the car) and then made our way to VA-234.  All of this took a long time and, even worse, there was lots of traffic on I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway.  We talked a lot (our discussions were generally good) and it helped pass the time during the long commute.  Since I missed my chance to drop off my dry cleaning, I decided to pick up my printer cartridges at Best Buy (1900) instead.  Mollie liked that because it allowed her to spend some time at the PetSmart.  I then took her back to Nicky’s (1930).

Salisbury, CT (USA)

Left Pittsfield this morning at 0615 and used US-7 and MA-23 to get to Route 41 (same number in both MA and CT). The fog was thick and the temps were in the 60s - seemed like a good day for the trail. Parked at the Undermountain Trailhead, just north of Salisbury and headed into the forest at 0715. It was overcast and damp but this actually helped me during the 1.9 mile climb up to the ridge where the AT was. My water reservoir, which I’ve long suspected had a leak, started gushing liquid down my back. I figured out that I could flip it upside down to stop the leak but then I had to fight gravity to get a drink. Guess it’s time for a new one... Felt good in the climb, even if I couldn’t count the miles. Usually, the hikes where I trek into the woods to find a place where I turned around are the result of hiking without a guide or map five years ago. Today, however, I just wanted to avoid hiking three big roller coaster mountains on a future hike. I reached Riga Junction quickly and only had to hike another mile (NOBO) to reach a large rock ledge on Bear Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Connecticut. The views were tremendous - low clouds covered lakes to the east but all the nearby hills (including Lions Head) and even Salisbury itself were clearly visible. I stopped to enjoy the panorama and ended up getting passed by a NOBO Thru hiker. He told me harrowing tales of the nasty thunderstorm on the ridge last night (glad I missed it). He was too fast for me but I caught up again when he stopped at a huge pile of rocks at the actual summit. He ended up stopping to chat with a pair of Thru hikers and a weekend solo who was cooking breakfast. I got a couple more photos but then hurried north. One thing about weekend hiking is that I knew I had to be on the road soon... The climb down from the peak was treacherous and scary - sheer, slippery rocks with very little foot or hand holds. I met lots of hikers coming uphill - I have no idea how they could feel safe with those huge backpacks (glad mine was small). I eventually reached the Paradise Lane Trail intersection and realized I’d finished hiking the entire length of AT in the Constitution State! There was no border crossing sign there but I found it about a mile later at the bottom of Sages Ravine. The AWOL guide explained that the sign was “misplaced”, probably because the AT follows the border and doesn’t head north again until the later location. My state totals, however, took into account that the CT Guide claimed the extra distance... I had to climb for more than another mile to reach my turnaround point: Laurel Ridge Campsite. Just as I started back to the south, I ran into the young Thru hiker from my first stop - we exchanged pleasantries, congratulating each other for checking another state off the list. The hike back to the Paradise Lane Trail was tough - it had gotten hotter and the last mile (out of the Ravine) was quite steep. I ran into all kinds of people in the area - weekend campers, day hikers, fishermen. Once I got off the AT, though, I was alone for more than two miles. I took a shortcut through the Paradise Group (camping) Area and found my way back to the Undermountain Trail - it was great to find there was only one mile left to go from there. Was really glad I didn’t have to climb any rock faces - most of the last half of the hike ended up being downhill. Just before I reached my car, I ran into a HUGE group of day hikers with no water and no map. They asked questions about the climb and I tried to set low expectations. Hope they made it! I was done with my hike at 1200, wrapping up the weekend with a 10 mile day. I changed quickly and was on the road, bound for home, a short time later.  First headed south into Salisbury and then used US-44 to reach the Taconic Parkway.  Made good time to I-84 and then made even better time to I-81.  Found very little traffic on I-81 through Scranton and encountered only a few other slow downs.  Stopped for gas at Pilot near Fort Indiantown Gap (1600).  Traffic sign said there was an accident about 15 miles away on I-81 so I decided to use PA-443 to get to US-22.  Somehow, I made a wrong turn and ended up in downtown Harrisburg.  Crossed the Susquehanna River at the Harvey Taylor Bridge and got on US-11, following it to US-15.  Continued south to I-270 and the Beltway.  Hit a few more downs on the way back but still rolled up to my parking spot by 1855.  Even had time to put in some work for my company later.  Glad I could get away for another hike this weekend - it may be a long while before I get to see the AT again... AT Today = 3.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1439.76 miles

Dalton, MA (USA)

After spending the night in Pittsfield, I found myself close to a trailhead (in nearby Dalton) this morning. Picked up breakfast at McDonalds in Pittsfield (0730) and then drove east.  I parked at the south end of Depot Road, where I’d last hiked in 2015, and was SOBO on the AT by 0800. Rain was forecast and the trail and trees were already wet from an earlier downpour. However, when I crossed the railroad tracks and entered the October Mountain State Forest, the sun was peaking through low, fast moving clouds. The temps were comfortable (low 70s). The section included a gradual climb towards the summit of Tully Mountain. I started passing NOBO Thru hikers almost immediately - by the end of my outbound leg, I’d passed almost 20! I also saw a couple of day hikers but was alone most of the morning. Occasionally, the leaves overhead dumped all their water on me - but the drops of water, along with the canopy cover, felt good. Actually, the mostly flat trail, only occasionally interrupted with rocks, seemed “easy” after the tougher days in Vermont. I passed through one open field that might have offered an amazing panorama of the mountains to the north but the low clouds blocked the view. Soon afterwards, I found myself back in the trees... Felt so good, I didn’t stop at all until I reached my turnaround point: Blotz Road. At that point, though, I’d had my fill of the forest and decided to head back to my car via the road. I walked a short distance to the east and then took Plunkett Reservoir Road to go north. Saw my first wildlife in the last month - a whitetail standing on the pavement. Passed some pretty lakes and talked to a few kayakers and fishermen. Used neighborhood streets, Old Dalton Road and East Housatonic Street to finish my backtrack. I actually never felt hot today - even in the sun - and avoided the inbound thunderstorms (they hit an hour later). Hiked around 12 miles and was in my car by 1230 - feeling good, except for a blister that had formed when I wore a hole through one of my socks. On the way back to Pittsfield, stopped for a reward (large Reese's Pieces sundae) at Friendly’s (done at 1315).  Nearby, I got gas (the cheapest price I've seen in months) and then went back to my room.  I stayed there, resting and letting my blisters heal, for the rest of the afternoon and evening - I actually never went out to eat.  Meanwhile, the sound of huge thunderstorms rolled outside...  Watched TV and exchanged texts and calls with my daughters.  Went to bed at 2200 - more AT tomorrow! AT Today = 5.90 miles / Grand Total AT = 1436.36 miles

Great Barrington, MA (USA)

All week, I'd been expecting to spend time with Mollie.  However, she ended up going with her mother and sisters to Williamsburg and I found myself with a "free weekend."  I checked the weather and it looked pretty good in New England.  Starting my day this morning, I teleworked for several hours.  After packing my car, I left my house at 1230 and used Beltway to reach I-270.  I encountered construction slow downs all the way to US-15.  Reached PA-581, switched to I-83 and eventually made it through Harrisburg with some traffic delays (ughhh).  Finally on I-81 and realized I needed gas.  Got off the Interstate near Ravine but the cost of gas was too high - ended up driving on side roads until I reached US-209.  Continued on that road, looking for another gas station, for many miles.  Eventually got the "low fuel light" and was really worried about running out of gas.  Fortunately, I made it to a Turkey Hill in Pottsville at 1530.  All the driving around by that point, along with the delays in getting back to the Interstate (via PA-61) got me way behind schedule.  Then, when I reached Scranton on I-81, I encountered more slow downs for construction.  By 1700, I realized I was not going to be able to hike (grrr...).  Finally on I-84 , cross the Hudson River and reached the Taconic Parkway.  Decided to use NY-23 to get into Massachusetts.  The first place I checked for a room (near the NY/MA border) was so expensive ($150!) and the owner mentioned there was a festival in the area.  This alarmed me a bit and I stopped several more times (through Great Barrington) with no success there was either no vacancy or it was prohibitively expensive).  I even looked around to the south of town (where AT crossed US-7) and made calls to places I'd stayed before in Lenox and Lee (no luck).  Eventually called Heart of the Berkshires in Pittsfield and found out they had a room.  I wasn't happy at how far I had to drive to reach the hotel, though...  I arrived at the hotel at around 2015 and, after I got settled, went on a walk to try to get in some more steps.  It took a lot of effort, but I made it into the Berkshires... Had hoped to hike near the CT/MA border this weekend but there is a huge festival going on in that area.  It looks like I'd be wise to continue hiking in a zone farther north.  Feeling exhausted after my long drive, I went to bed at around 2200.