Hiawassee, GA (USA)

Bittersweet morning, knowing that this was probably my last day of AT hiking in 2019 but also excited to have a shuttle ride instead of a backtrack. Got gas and picked up a sandwich (the lady making it was very nice) at Ingles in Hiawassee (0705).  I also got breakfast to go from Hardees (0720) and then drove to Unicoi Gap (via GA-75) to meet my shuttle driver. Ron showed up just after I did (0800) and quickly took me over to Hogpen Gap. On the way, he told me all the bailout points for the section and gave me instructions on how to avoid being attacked by the wild hogs on the ridge (!!!). He also shared some of his shuttle business model (24x7x365 service, 8,000+ miles driving every month), giving me some ideas for a possible third career... We drove through some rain but found the sun shining at my starting point. After saying goodbye to Ron, I headed NOBO at 0830. Today, I started on the ridge close to 4,000 feet, so no climb was required. However, the trail soon began to descend... The morning started out warm (low 50s) so I wore a short sleeved shirt all day (gonna miss this weather). While it was dry where I was initially, I saw ominous rain clouds along the ridge where I was going. And those hints turned to reality within about three miles - I went into a cloud bank and walked through a “mister” for the next hour. It wasn’t actually raining but I felt nice and damp when I finally broke out of the cloud during my 1,000 foot descent into Low Gap. I passed two solo backpackers (one guy, one girl) but didn’t see anyone else in the first seven miles. A bonus today: I found a section of AT that must have been built while the evil Trail Designer was on vacation! For the first time in the whole week, I got to walk for miles and miles on a pleasantly graded fire road with few rocks, roots or water hazards! I was feeling really good when the trail started uphill again just past the midpoint. Encountered a Dad-Daughter backpacking duo from Florida (they were cold) and a young man wearing a “Flora-Bama” shirt! I found out he was a Marine Student Aviator on leave just after finishing API - he’s got a huge adventure ahead of him and I wished him well. One challenge interrupted my Zen: the climb up Jacks Knob to Chattahoochee Gap. Ron had told me it was “as bad as Kelly Gap” (steep climb to the north( but I’d shrugged this off with “at least I’ll only have to climb it once!” After the trail leveled off, I met up with a Dad and his young son, who were trying out their backpacks on “the easiest section of AT in Georgia” (I couldn’t argue). I continued towards my car without any problems until I passed Red Clay Gap, which was the start of my climb up Blue Mountain. Several questions came into my head here: (1) who let the evil Trail Designer come back to work?; (2) if the rocks are all green and there is moss everywhere, shouldn’t it be called Green Mountain?; (3) did someone think that piling rocks for hikers to walk on was a good idea? I don’t remember outwardly expressing any curses during my climb over not one, not two, not three, but FOUR false peaks. After a day of flat and featureless terrain, I really paid for this shuttle ride - rocks, roots, mud, slippery leaves, drop offs... Passed one last hiker (and his German Shepherd) about half way up to the “top” (he was coming down, lucky bastard...). Finally, I reached a place where the AT took a turn downhill, despite the fact that there was another ridge to climb. From there, I could hear the cars at Unicoi and see long distances to the north (it had cleared up a bit and the temps had reached the low 60s). Took my time going down the steep trail with the end so close, reaching my car at 1430 after nearly 14.5 miles (some of it retread). Sore but feeling giddy from taking such a huge bite out of GA this week. I just have one more section (to the NC border) and I’ll be done with another state!  I left Unicoi Gap at around 1600 and called Mollie as I drove north on GA-75.  I was trying to stay ahead of the rain and was mildly successful while I was on US-64, heading east.  I called my dad and talked to him until I was on I-40.  Ended up switching to I-26 (and drove north) during the call but then it started pouring and I said goodbye to him.  The drive across Sams Gap was treacherous (it was getting dark - add fog!).  There was a lot of traffic after I passed Erwin.  I stopped for gas fillup at Boones Creek QP in Johnson City, TN (1805) and then took North Roan Street and TN-75 to the northeast (passing Tri-Cities Airport).  This allowed me to use the Airport Parkway until I reached I-81.  I drove to Marion and stopped for the night at Travel Inn (1950).  I ate dinner (part of the sandwich I'd gotten in the morning) in my room and watched TV.  I was glad to be off the road - it was getting wetter and colder all evening.  Really can’t complain, though, because the weather conditions for the hiking this week couldn’t have been better. Hope to see Brenna tomorrow!  AT Today = 14.20 miles / G.T. AT = 1526.36 miles

Hiawassee, GA (USA)

I worked in my hotel room for a few hours this morning and didn't leave Hiawassee until around 1000. I got breakfast to go from Hardees before heading into the mountains.  The best part of my delayed departure, though: temps were in the 50s already! I used US-76 and GA-75 to reach Indian Grave Gap Road (gravel, USFS-283). Within the first hundred yards, I encountered a creek that crossed the road! I could see the pebbles in the water (i.e., about three inches deep) and decided to take "Nessie" through the obstacle. She did great! The rest of the climb up to Indian Grave Gap was OK but the condition of the road gave me pause - I'd wanted to drive all the way up to Tray Gap to park but decided against it when I reached the trail crossing where I last hiked in 2017. This meant that my climb was an extra 500 feet, for a total of 1,500 feet to the Tray Mountain summit, but I figured I was as rested & ready as I was going to be all day and started NOBO at 1000. I noticed that another USFS road (79) crossed the AT a few times during the climb so I bailed off the trail after about a mile and followed the road towards the next parking area. There were huge, deep mud puddles and several places where I would have had trouble getting my car through and I was glad I'd parked early. I was even happier when a car pulled up behind me and offered a ride! Gladly accepted the offer and piled into the car with an older gentleman and a young lady hiker. The drive was less than a mile, but it was enough time for me to realize that this was Ron, my shuttle driver for tomorrow! He and I joked a bit about this being an audition and (re)confirmed the pickup time and location for the morning. Soon, we were at Tray Gap and we said goodbye to Ron - the lady hiker headed downhill while I continued uphill. The climb wasn't too bad (lots of switchbacks, for once) and I was pleasantly surprised at the huge number of view points. It was overcast but the visibility was good enough to see lots of cool scenery: Hiawassee, flat lands to the south and Powell Mountain (where I climbed yesterday - it was actually covered with clouds). Passed a family of four, heading south, and soon started to hear some loud voices below me to the north. When I caught up to the pair of older guys making the racket, I saw they were about 50 yards apart, carrying on a conversation! I asked them if anything was wrong and they replied that they didn't want to descend all the way down the other side of the mountain (because they'd have to climb up again). They asked me how far the shelter was - I didn't know, but had noticed it was in the vicinity of a mile from the summit. That was apparently too far for them and the reversed course. After that, I was alone for several hours and, like yesterday, it was eerily quiet. The sun peaked out a few times but it was cloudy all day. A light breeze kept me cool and made the series of short roller coaster hills for this part of the hike more bearable - I was in a short sleeved shirt all day. There weren't too many landmarks nearby so I had to keep watching out for clues to the location where I'd turned around yesterday (1 mile south of Sassafras Gap) - fortunately, I recognized the place again! Nearby, there was actually a signpost (someone had stolen the sign itself) that would have made an excellent marker but I'd somehow missed it the day before. Started back towards the car and immediately got views of Tray Mountain in the distance... At around 4500 feet, it was a formidable sight and I started dreading having to climb it again since there really hadn't been any switchbacks recently - leaves were needed to block my view! But, somehow, I trudged and plodded my way all the way back up the hill, encountering only three people: a solo backpacker guy who seemed to enjoy correcting my hiking math ("you *only* walked six miles") and a young couple leaving the AT at the Shelter (for the night). Back on the summit, however, I started to see huge numbers of day hikers - it was crowded up there (and the parking lot explained why)! When I got my views again from the top of the tallest mountain I've climbed this week, I breathed a sigh of relief and started down towards my car with some extra pep in my step. Didn't see anyone else until I'd almost finished - a young Asian couple, who didn't seem to speak much English, enthusiastically wished me a "Happy Thanksgiving!" but said little else. Finished my day just after 1600, having hiked more than 12.5 miles. The drive back to town (including a second transit of the creek!) was uneventful.  Mollie called me when I was hiking and then we played phone tag for a few hours in the evening - when I finally talked to her, she said she was just checking on me to find out how my trip was going.  I ate dinner at Taco Bell in Hiawassee (1810) and relaxed in my room for the rest of the evening. Gearing up for my longest section of the trip tomorrow - wish me luck! AT Today = 6.70 miles / G.T. AT = 1512.16 miles

Hiawassee, GA (USA)

Thanksgiving Day!  I got breakfast at McDonalds in Hiawassee (0810) and, while eating inside, formulated my plans for the day.  During several previous trips to Hiawassee, I’ve looked at the trail guide for the area southeast of town on US-76 and thought “that’s too hard, I’ll hike it later.” Today, the bill came due... The temps started in the 30s again and I stayed in town until the sun started warming up the mountains. After breakfast, I drove east to the AT Trailhead at Dick’s Creek Gap. By 0915, I started SOBO, starting a steep, 1,500 foot climb up Powell Mountain. It had warmed up into the 40s but it was cooler in the shady areas on the west side of the ridge. I started with two layers (one a short sleeved shirt) but, when I came into the warm sun, it got too warm. But then a cold breeze tried to blow off my hat! For the next two hours, I layered down and layered up several times - I was either sweating or shivering... Almost immediately after I reached the summit of the first climb, the trail dropped down again (almost as steep) into Deep Gap (I was disappointed in the lack of creativity of the names nearby - there was another Deep Gap only 15 miles north in NC). On the way down, I got a good view of Hiawassee and Chatuge Lake in the distance. I passed another hiker (Ridgerunner?) and a trio of backpackers in this area - didn’t chat. After the Deep Gap Shelter, the trail climbed up another 1,000 feet to the summit of Kelly Knob (duplicate name for an AT landmark in VA). And, after I’d plodded up there (more good views), I headed right down again. Talk about PUDs! The next few miles after that were mini roller coaster hills that bottomed out at large campsites. When I reached Sassafras Gap (my intended backtrack point) I decided that I wanted to get some extra distance - I felt good and thought I could shorten my planned hike for the following day. Using my pedometer, I continued for another mile until I encountered terrain/trees that I could use for a turnaround point. Then I headed back towards my car. I didn't stop very often but, when I did, I noticed how quiet it was (nice!)... The temps rose into the high 50s and I still had energy - it made for a good afternoon. The two huge climbs I had left seemed daunting but I trudged up carefully and steadily until they were done. When I started my descent to US-76, my brain was wiped and my body was full of endorphins! Actually, it seemed like I was hiking brand new trail (I thought “did I really climb this hill?”). I was done by 1545 after around 14.5 miles (some of this was retread from 2014).  I didn't have a long drive to get back to town and I decided to clean up quickly before heading out to try the one restaurant I'd heard was serving meals and/or the grocery store.  Despite my haste, I must have taken too long getting ready and almost every single thing had already closed (Ghost Town!).  Luckily, the Ingles crew was working, as they'd promised.  After looking around inside for a bit, I discovered that they had a Thanksgiving Dinner spread set up behind the glass in the deli.  I ordered some delicious turkey and some good sides (including a huge slice of Southern cornbread) - the employees seemed glad that someone (anyone) had come by to try this meal (and justify their being open from 0700 to 2300 all day).  I think they were very generous on the portions!  Also picked up a Lazy Hiker six pack (Wesser Evil Porter) and headed back to my room (1655).  I set up in my room on the bedside table (plastic fork and spoon) and watched football.  Mollie and I talked in the evening about her own holiday experience (it sounded great).  Spent the evening resting and reading (until bed time at around 2300).  Felt really good to have taken this bite out of the trail today - will climb some more peaks in the area tomorrow! AT Today = 6.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1505.46 miles

Suches, GA (USA)

It rained all night so I stayed in town until it looked like things were drying out.  I watched some TV, read and ate a nice breakfast at the hotel (1015).  As a result, I didn’t leave Dahlonega until around 1030. I didn’t have far to drive (US-19 to GA-60) to reach the AT Trailhead and was actually hiking (NOBO) by 1100 from Woody Gap. What a difference a day made in the weather! There was fog below me and the trail was muddy - but the temps started out in the mid 50s, allowing me to wear a short sleeved shirt. The initial stages of the hike included a steep climb up to the Preaching Rock, an aptly named vista point above the Gap. I passed a young couple on a day stroll but didn’t see anyone else during the ascent. After passing this landmark, however, I encountered five backpackers - the last two (a pair of guys) were speaking a foreign language (Eastern European?) that seemed familiar but I couldn’t place it. The section ended up featuring a series of annoying PUDs and I stubbed my toes enough with buried rocks and routes that I started looking for an escape to use during the backtrack. After about five roller coaster hills, I finally arrived at my turnaround point, Jerrard Gap and reversed course immediately. I passed another hiker during one of the hills but we didn’t talk - I kept going for about two miles until I found a faint trace of a trail in the area I presumed to he Henry Gap (unmarked) - an internet AT parking site said a paved road was only about 70 yards away and, pleasantly, I discovered it was true. I wandered through many pretty vacation homes (I assume) until I reached GA-180 at a point about three miles from the town of Suches. I walked west for a few miles - the “hike” on the pavement was actually pleasant, not just for my feet but because I saw slices of North Georgia living that I’d missed when driving: four wheelers, cows, horses and chickens in the yard; Confederate Battle Flags and Uga statues; fishing ponds; and hunting dogs of various temperaments. I used a cutoff route around town (Glen Elliott Road) that took me to GA-60 less than a mile from my car. By then, the clouds had disappeared and I was treated to spectacular views of the mountains in all directions - it was so pretty! Even better, the gentle grade of the highway made it an easy climb to Woody Gap - I arrived after hiking nearly 12 miles by 1600. Before leaving the parking area, I ended up seeing the pair of Eastern Europeans, Andre and his friend from Eastern Ukraine, come out of the woods. They didn’t recognize me at first (because I’d gone around them with my backtrack) but then got really friendly (aren’t all hikers the same?). Andre told me they’d been speaking Russian and were waiting for his girlfriend to arrive from Charlotte four hours later (! “we finished too soon”). I was fascinated by their geopolitical perspective - they joked that “real Ukrainians” (from the west) made fun of them because they didn’t speak their native language “properly”. I offered water to help them cook but they declined (it occurred to me later that Rep. Adam Schiff might now call me as an impeachment witness...). I ate one of my delicious oranges (I need to bring these more often!) and then called Mollie to chat.  She told me that she and her sisters were going to have Thanksgiving dinner with Austin’s family.  We talked briefly about the University of Georgia Mountain Research Center I passed and she said she would check it out online.  I drove through the mountains and “Brasstown Valley” to Hiawassee and then looked around briefly for a place to make my new "headquarters" for the next few days.  When I checked at the Hiawassee Budget Inn (1800), it looked like a good place to stop - I paid for three nights up front so I had a shot at finishing almost the entire AT section of Georgia!  The hotel manager did give me a funny look when I told him I was hiking through the holiday - he actually asked why on earth I would want to be alone in the woods on Thanksgiving.  Isn't that a rhetorical question?  After getting settled, I drove a short distance to the Taco Bell (I'd visited this place several times before) and ate dinner (1840).  I also checked at several restaurants and stores to see if they would be open on Thanksgiving - almost universally, they planned to close by noon.  Fortunately, the employees at the one grocery store in town (Ingles) said they were open for their normal hours.  Back in my room, I watched some TV and read some more before going to bed (2230).  AT Today = 5.70 miles / G.T. AT = 1498.56 miles

Dahlonega, GA (USA)

There was frost all over the car when I went outside this morning... I didn't hurry, hoping it would warm up, and got breakfast at McDonalds in Franklin (0800). Counting on the forecast being correct (50s), I left Franklin via US-64 and headed to the southwest. For once, there was no fog at Winding Stair Gap and I made good time crossing the mountains. Down in the Hiawassee Valley, however, the fog was as thick as pea soup! Followed NC-69 into Georgia and then used US-76, US-19, GA-180 and GA-60 to reach the hiking zone. I also had to drive on a gravel road (Cooper Gap) to reach the desired trailhead at Hightower Gap. I arrived at the AT by 1030 but didn’t get started for 15 minutes because there was a guy parked there who worked for the Army and helped maintained the gravel roads in the vicinity. He gave me some tips on getting back into town after I was finished. Armed with this new knowledge, I headed into the woods (SOBO). The temps *might* have reached 45 by this point and I was comfortable in just a long sleeved shirt with a light jacket in reserve. I was a bit concerned about the lateness of my start time because rain was predicted in the evening (in town). However, it started out sunny and I felt very energized. I climbed up to the ridge (Hawk Mountain) and encountered a huge crowd of Asian backpackers. They smiled pleasantly but didn’t saw much to me (for the rest of the day, I wondered if it was this group that had spray painted big white arrows on the trail). The next people I saw appeared to be a family of three generations, with a very determined grandpa leading the way. Shortly after that, I passed a mellow, bearded Millennial who seemed to be just walking along with no goal in mind. I chatted with him briefly but his mind seemed to be elsewhere. After that I didn’t see anyone (or animals) until I reached the VERY crowded Long Creek Falls area. This attraction, which I bypassed, was located only one mile from the Three Forks area and the gravel road (USFS-58) was packed with cars. I must have passed close to 50 people in a two mile stretch. Previously, I’d been up on a ridge but then had to descend close to a 1,000 feet. After leaving the busy area, I had to climb back up to another ridge to get to the turnaround point. I didn’t see anyone for a while during my ascent of the base of Springer Mountain. By this point in the day, I’d become frustrated by the sporadic use of white blazes by the trail maintainers - most of the time, I couldn’t even tell I was on rye AT... I eventually reached the southernmost sign for the Benton MacKaye Trail (I crossed it three times), which my mileage tracker indicated was my stopping point in 2014. Unfortunately, I started to have doubts about whether it was actually the same place. Usually, I have a sort of deja vu when I return to a trail milestone but I felt nothing this time. I had cell signal and checked my blog notes (no help) and a photo I’d taken the last time - the latter clue *looked* similar but it was hard to tell (angle of the sign)... Decided to hike a bit further, just to be sure, and eventually headed back towards my car. The inbound hike was almost a carbon copy of the outbound, with crowds at Three Forks but almost no one anywhere else. I encountered the three generation family (on their backtrack) and the grandpa quizzed me about my day and experiences in North GA on the AT. After that, I soloed the rest of the way. It started to get overcast and the setting sun behind me was partially blocked by clouds. It didn’t matter, though, because I was done at 1615 after almost 13 miles. Drove out of the woods, following the advice from the Army guy, and arrived in Dahlonega (my overnight waypoint) at 1700, just in time to hand my mail to the postal clerk as she closed up for the day (lucky!).  I got some dinner at a nearby Taco Bell (1715) and made an online reservation at the Quality Inn (I stayed there in 2014), checking in at 1815.  Soaked, rested and vegged for the rest of the evening (bed just after 2200).  It’s supposed to rain tomorrow but I’m hoping to get another section completed before heading back to Hiawassee... AT Today = 6.50 miles / G.T. AT = 1492.86 miles

Franklin, NC (USA)

With no cell signal along the TN/NC border, I had to rely on my memory of the road names to get to I-40. I was not completely successful in following the most efficient route but I eventually made it back to civilization and drove (via US-74) all the way to Bryson City. Took NC-28 to NC-143 and found myself at Stecoah Gap (~3,100 feet) and the AT Trailhead by 1445. The temps had improved dramatically (low 50s), allowing me to go with only a long sleeved shirt (winter jacket in reserve). As I was getting ready, a dad and his little boy came out of the woods and wanted to talk about all the things to see and do nearby. The guy said the family had a cabin nearby that they were using for the week and I tried to direct them to fun things I knew. Got started (NOBO) by 1500 and immediately remembered why I’d aborted the section after half a mile when I tried it in 2014: VERY STEEP! The first part was ok but it got much harder before I reached the top (~4,000 feet). The guide called the climb “Jacob’s Ladder” but I didn’t reach heaven or even a view! Instead, I had the pleasure of descending back down (equally steep) to my turnaround point, Brown Fork Gap Shelter. I’ll admit that I did some grumbling as I traversed this portion... Eventually, though, I found myself on the high ridge again and was able to enjoy the descent (avoiding falls and butt-slides to the bottom). I could see all kinds of scenery (some blocked by trees but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky): Fontana Lake, the series of mountains the AT uses to cross Great Smoky Mountain National Park, blue ridges everywhere! I didn’t see any people or animals but I could clearly hear many motorcycles transiting the mountains and valleys via the Cherohala Skyway. Years ago, our family drove that route from Tellico Plains in Tennessee (very pretty). There was some ice on the ground, especially in the shade, but I was relieved not to see any snow for miles in all directions. Reached my car by 1700 after almost 5 miles (could only count part). It wasn’t quite dark yet (gotta love the late sunsets!) and I was about to leave for Franklin when a section hiker approached me, asking where the advertised spring was. I told him I didn’t know and asked if he was short on water (he was). Luckily, I was able to pay back some of the trail magic I got a few months ago.  Made good time to my overnight rest stop in Franklin, North Carolina, and checked into Budget Inn (1810).  Thought about going over to the Lazy Hiker but decided to stay close to my room.  Instead, I rested in my room and got dinner at McDonalds (2000).  Was tired, so went to bed early (2145).  Tomorrow: Georgia! AT Today = 1.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1486.36 miles

Hot Springs, NC (USA)

Waking up in Marion, I found myself in a good position this morning - left by 0700 and was on I-26 in Tennessee by 0800. There was a ton of fog throughout the drive and I saw lots of snow on the ridges above Erwin, when the AT went. Got gas fillup in Erwin, TN (0830).  Decided to try the trail farther to the south and took TN-352 into North Carolina. Temps stayed in the low 30s until I reached Hot Springs and then creeped up towards 40. Decided to head for Garenflo Gap (off NC-209) and finish a rather short (but very remote) section. After driving up a muddy gravel road, I found the AT Trailhead and left my car (NOBO) by 1000. I only wore two layers (and one was a short sleeved shirt) because the forecast said we’d get 60s eventually. Regretted this after the first mile, which was entirely in the shade. I had another layer in my bag but didn’t end up using it because the trail looked back into the sun. From there, I was relatively comfortable. The ground was wet, almost as if it had just rained, but I didn’t see any snow. The ridge I was following had minor climbs and descents and I made very good time to my turnaround, Deer Park Mountain Shelter. Didn’t stop and started my backtrack immediately. Never saw a single person and didn’t encounter wildlife. By 1230, I was back at my car after almost 7 miles. Felt really good and decided to make an attempt to hike in another location to the southwest. Just before leaving, though, a dad and his two boys (from Florida) showed up in the parking lot and asked me a lot of questions about the conditions and terrain. They seemed so excited and driven - I envied the hiking camaraderie they had (and told them so) but still wished them luck as I departed for another AT section... AT Today = 3.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 1484.46 miles

Marion, VA (USA)

I managed to escape DC (AKA “The Death Star”) today and headed south towards the my hideout in the Smokies (“Yavin 4”). Mollie had spent the weekend with me and was supposed to get a ride home before I left for my hiking trip,  Things looked good at about 1700, when Nicky arrived for the pickup, but Mollie wasn’t ready.  About 15 minutes later, she departed and I finished packing - as a result, I left Alexandria at 1730.  This was a bit later than I'd wanted, but I drove to the southwest (I-495, I-66, I-81) through the expected traffic (almost all of it near DC) without complaining ("the mountains are calling...").  It was mostly a good drive - I spent some of it playing with the features (e.g., voice texting) of my new car.  Arrived in Marion by 2250 (whew!) and got a room at the Travel Inn.  Went to bed almost immediately so I could get an early start in the morning!

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[knowing the kids would be home (for Thanksgiving Break), I set up a brunch event with the Twins - I arrived at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant at 1330 and got us a table - Brenna, Erin and Austin arrived about 10 minutes later and we enjoyed a great meal together - before saying goodbye to them (at about 1530), we made plans to get together soon for Zoo Lights - after I reached my car, I realized I'd forgotten my umbrella - made it back just in time before they closed for the afternoon]

McLean, VA (USA)

[left house at 0600 and arrived in McLean by 0700 - walked around the grounds of MITRE (and at Safeway, nearby) for over an hour - inside the building (0745) - meetings most of the morning - had to take a break to run a telcon before lunch - then met everyone at the MITRE cafe for lunch - meetings all afternoon - done in McLean at 1450 - drove home and immediately encountered closed Beltway (ugh) - tried to find a way around the traffic (back roads near Little River Turnpike) but wasn't successful - home by 1600 - teleworked at my apartment]

McLean, VA (USA)

[left house at 0615 and arrived in McLean by 0625 - walked around the grounds of MITRE (and at Safeway, nearby) for about 45 minutes - inside the building (0800), met all my co-workers and took a long walk to our meeting room - meetings/demos for the whole morning - lunch at MITRE cafe - more meetings after lunch - done in McLean at 1500 - drove home (pretty easy drive) - teleworked at my apartment]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - at 1615, took Metro to Pentagon City - happy hour (solo) at Sine - also had half price burger - left by 1745 and took Metro back to Huntington]

Washington, DC (USA)

Today, Mollie and I spent the whole day in the District, collecting NPS stamps! After picking her up from Nicky's house (1000), I chauffeured Mollie to the Visitor Centers for the National Mall and the White House.  We’d already been to all the parks in the immediate area but hadn’t got all the stamps for Mollie’s book before. While waiting (about 45 minutes overall for the two locations), I thought about taking Mollie to Ford’s Theater but decided we should get stamps for places that were harder to visit.  So, we drove north (through the city), to visit the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS.  Unfortunately, it was closed.  Undeterred, we drove to the Nature Center for Rock Creek Park. At the latter stop, we found that the Planetarium was closed for maintenance but the horse stables were open. It was brisk and overcast so we only took some short walks in the area before heading south again. We used US-29 and side streets to cross the city (traffic was horrible) but eventually reached the Navy Yard, where we ate a delicious lunch at Gordon Biersch (1245). After about an hour at the restaurant, we crossed the Anacostia and located the Frederick Douglass NHS. We watched an inspiring film about the civil rights icon and then walked the grounds of his historic home. From “Cedar Hill”, we could see for miles, including the major landmarks on the Mall. At 1445, we headed back to Alexandria. Topped off my day by walking Mollie’s dog, Bear. Mollie was quite elated about our day - she’s now collected a stamp for every box in her Passport Book for the National Capital Region!

Woodbridge, VA (USA)

[drove to Woodbridge to meet up with Kelly & John (and their friends) at Matchbox for Kelly's birthday brunch (1000) - I tried many, many plates from among the Brunchbox selections and drank several kinds of brunch drinks - met several other people (all Kelly's happy hour crowd) and stayed until around 1330 - I then drove home]

Annapolis, MD (USA)

[today was a sad day, as I said goodbye to one of my friends (Chris) - Erin had said she wanted to go with me to the funeral in Annapolis, so I picked her up at 0845 and we drove to the Naval Academy - Erin asked me a lot of questions about Chris during the drive - she also helped me find the entrance to the Academy and we located the Chapel by about 1015 - it was rainy and cold but Erin wanted to get something to eat and we walked a short distance to the 1845 Coffee Shop - I got her some hot chocolate and a snack and we talked about the Maryland Statehouse, which we could see just outside the gate - by 1045, we went back to the church and I helped Melissa and her boys to carry things inside - Erin and I paid our respects to the family and then settled into some seats near the front - the service went from 1100 until about noon - I gave one of the eulogies and Erin was very comforting and encouraging - afterwards, we drove to the Columbarium to attend the inurnment - lots of our mutual friends were there, braving the elements - once that was complete, we went to the Officers Club for a reception - I talked to a lot of people and Erin patiently waited with some of my friends - she later joined me in my rounds and met some of the family (including Chris’ daughters) - we left for home by about 1500 and made good time to Alexandria - I thanked Erin for coming and supporting me - we talked about the funeral and the loss of family members - I was very glad she'd come with me today - I dropped her off at Van Dorn Street at about 1615 so she could ride the Metro to attend her evening class]

Dublin, VA (USA)

I was up at around 0700.  Spent some time cleaning up and getting ready before heading to breakfast at Bojangles - I used one of the gift cards (0800).  Since Brenna was not able to meet, I had nowhere I had to be all day.  So, I left Marion at 0830 and drove north on I-81 until I reached the Dublin area.  Decided to visit the Claytor Lake State Park for a few hours.  I’ve been passing this place for years but had never stopped.  Stretched my legs along the lakeside and stayed in the park until about 1030.  After that, I got back on the Interstate and headed towards home.  Spent a bunch of time on the phone with Chris' family, prepping for tomorrow.  Stopped in Daleville/Troutville, where I got gas at Dodge's Store (1115), and made great time for the rest of the drive.  Actually, it was only about three hours before I was in Alexandria again!  I stopped at Mission BBQ (1435) for a free sandwich, ran some errands (drycleaning, groceries and clothes shopping) and then unpacked at home (1630).  I worked on the eulogy some more and then went over to Manchester to try to get a Veterans Day dinner at Chili's.  It was mobbed (no parking available) so I tried the IHoP instead (not as crowded).  I was able to get a great "Red, White and Blue" pancake breakfast (mmmm).  Headed home to get ready for the week.  Glad I could get away for a few days!

Hampton, TN (USA)

Woke up at 0645 in Yadkinville, NC (US-441) much later than I wanted but the temps were still in 30s when I finally got on the road (8:30). I was NOT itching to hike when it was that cold and I was counting on the sun to make things right. Stalled in my room (eating breakfast at the hotel). Fortunately, it warmed up into the 40s, so I decided to continue west to Hampton so I could hike another AT section! On the road by 0850.  Passed through Boone, home of the red hot App State Mountaineers, and used US-321 to get into the hiking zone. Parked at the Trailhead on Dennis Cove Road by 10:45 and was SOBO about 15 minutes later. I was initially layered up (x2) but the steep climb to the first ridge warmed me up nicely - I spent the rest of the day in short sleeves (!!!). It was right on the edge of comfortable - when the wind picked up, I shivered, but the sun warmed up (50?) the side of the mountain where I was. Regardless, my body was not happy with all the climbing, slippery leaves, rocks and roots - realized that it had been more than a month since my last AT day and I paid for the break during my 2000+ foot ascent... In several places, I was blessed with some beautiful views of the Roan Highlands in the distance - I could also see signs of civilization below me (US-19E). About halfway to my turnaround (Moreland Gap Shelter), I encountered two guys who’d spent the weekend on the trail (yikes/brrrr!). They were smiling because of the great hiking weather, so I didn’t mention my struggles. I crossed a gravel dirt bike path and, just after that, I started to hear (and smell!) a rider who was racing up the mountain from the town below. It seemed like it took forever for the nasty smoke to clear... A bit later, I met an older man who was section hiking in celebration of his recent retirement - talked to him and learned that he was basically a hostel connoisseur. He had enjoyed several nights indoors and was planning another - I guess hostel hopping during the off season is a good option for the chatty. Made pretty good time to the shelter (feet hurting, back aching) and backtracked immediately. I had expected the return to be basically downhill after my morning climb but I was wrong - the mountain wanted more of my energy and I paid some more. Passed a young couple that was practically sprinting down while I was going up - I was glad for the break but had to scramble to get out of their way! When I finally did reach the actual downhill for the backtrack, the sun had fallen behind a ridge in the west and it began to get darker and cooler. In my haste to beat the elements, I took a nasty spill - one of my feet stepped on what looked like solid ground but it was actually a leaf covered root on the edge of a steep cliff. It was hard to tell what mattered more: my bruised knees or my heart (it was beating very hard as I tried to stop my slide). No serious injuries but I resumed my hike with a lot more focus on my footfalls! I didn’t see any more people - or any animals, unfortunately. However, I heard a murder of crows loudly harassing someone or something as I neared my car. Finished at 4:35 after around 12 miles and closed up another AT loophole in TN. Decided to head towards home since I’ve got some important things to do near home this week.  Drove back to Hampton and continued west.  Tried to get dinner at Taco Johns in Elizabethton but it was closed.  Instead, settled for a meal at Cookout (1715), where I ate for the first time (it was good).  Thought about staying in Elizabethton but figured I should try to get closer to Brenna in case we were able to get together the following day.  Did some shopping at Walmart and then headed west on US-321.  Got on I-26 and started talking with Brenna - I stayed on the phone with her all the way to I-81 and then getting off the Interstate in Marion.  Checked into the Travel Inn and watched the end of a few NFL games (1900).  Also watched Sunday night Vikings-Cowboys game (good).  Bed by 2300.  Hopefully, I’ll be back in the trail again in a few weeks! AT Today = 6.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1481.06 miles

Durham, NC (USA)

I've gotten tickets for a Notre Dame football game every year for about six years now.  As usual, I had trouble finding someone who could go (after Mollie canceled on me at the last minute).  Oh well...  I got up early and left home at around 0830.  Drove south via I-95 and I-85, stopping for gas at Love's in South Hill (1100) - I also got some lunch at McDonalds nearby (1110).  After I was back on I-85, I made several phone calls - I talked to Eileen, Kevin H and Greta (she was actually in Raleigh).  The drive went very well and I arrived in Durham by 1230.  It didn't take long for me to locate the Duke Campus but I had to ask for help to find a good (free) place to park.  Eventually, I located a lot with lots of ND Tailgaters - wish I'd brought my portable grill!  I worked on eulogy for a couple of hours and then walked around several parking lots.  I figured out that I was near a small shopping center so I walked over there to get a late lunch at Noodles & Company (1515).  I then took a walk on the Duke University Campus and took pictures of the architecture.  Back at my car (as it was getting dark), I hung out with more tailgaters in the parking lot.  At 1800, I walked to the Stadium with many other ND fans.  One dad (my age) saw my ND Apex jacket and freaked out - he knew when I'd got it (1991) because he had one too!  After exploring the vendor tents outside, I went into the stadium at 1830 and walked all around, looking for beer (there was none).  After giving up, I got some food at Duke Blue Devil Concessions (1830) and ate nearby.  I ended up talking to a young guy from the Richmond area (ND fan and Cop from Binghamton).  Actually, it was a great chat and I met his girlfriend (also a Cop).  By about 1915, I found my seat.  By then, it had gotten REALLY cold.  The good news, though, was that the game was great - there were many exciting plays and I really enjoyed the ND fan atmosphere.  I stayed in my seat until halftime and then started walking around to get warm.  I watched half time festivities (including the parachute team) and then looked for good places to watch the 3rd Quarter.  I found a spot where I could see the end-zone up close and got to witness one more ND touchdown.  With about three minutes until the start of the 4th Quarter, I left the stadium.  Someone handed me some Bojangles gift cards on the way out!  I made my way back to the car (brrrrr!).  Fortunately, it wasn't too hard to get out of the campus but it was after 2200 by the time I reached I-85 again.  At that point, I was in "find lodging" mode but I was also mindful of my opportunity to hike in the morning and wanted to get closer to the AT.  I drove west until reaching I-40 and then continued on to Winston-Salem.  I listened to the ND game until I lost the signal, then switched to the NC State versus Clemson game (boring).  Eventually, I picked up the Appalachian State versus South Carolina game and it was very exciting.  All of this kept me from falling asleep as I drove into the night.  I switched to US-441 and drove all the way to Yadkinville, where I checked out the only hotel (Days Inn) in the area - fortunately, they had reasonable rates and I got a room by about 2345.  After all the excitement and "go, go, go", I found it hard to fall asleep...

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - Metro and walk to Fogo de Chao for lunch (Veterans Day meal) with Sean G and Casey - had a great time (there for almost two hours) - then walked back to L'Enfant to finish my work day]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - at about 1615, I left work and walked to Penn Quarter - met Stephanie, Joe R and Kelly at Plan B and we had a drink - Joe started pressing us all to go have dinner (Oktoberfest Plate) at Old Ebbitt - remembering my last experience there (in 2018), I warned them that we'd probably need a reservation - Joe didn't believe me and kept pressing - we eventually succumbed to his wishes and walked over to the restaurant - when we got there, we found out there was a 90 minute wait for a table - the bar was so crowded that I sat across the aisle from everyone else because there wasn't enough seating - eventually, Kelly had to leave and I got a seat at the bar - we ordered the special dinner (it turned out to be the last night we could have ordered it in 2019) and it was good - by about 2000, we headed back towards L'Enfant - Joe and Stephanie wanted to get into the Metro ASAP but I wanted to walk - I directed them to Federal Triangle and I walked the rest of the way to L'Enfant - then Metro home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - took Metro with Kelly to Pentagon City (1610) and went to happy hour (and half priced burger!) at Sine - stayed until around 1815 and then took Metro home]