Washington, DC (USA)

Needed to get some things from my office so headed into the District at around 0800. It was a beautiful day! I had no trouble finding a place to park - it was a weekend day but the building seemed oddly empty.  I grabbed some hand sanitizer from my desk that I'd never thought of using (with the Coronavirus, that stuff was like gold) and hurried back to my car.  As I was leaving, I noticed that there wasn’t much traffic - seemed like I’d easily be able check out the Cherry Blossoms before going home. But I hadn’t anticipated the National Park Police Department’s strategy to hinder blossom gawkers: they blocked all the streets nearby with dump trucks. Of course, this didn’t stop anyone from visiting the Tidal Basin. Instead, the large crowds were fed by people who ended up parking blocks away. I wasn’t in the mood for that, so I drove back across the Potomac to see if there were fewer people. I stopped at one of my favorite parks along the G. W. Parkway, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on Columbia Island. Fortunately, I found it practically deserted. Spent over an hour walking along the Boundary Channel between the river and the Pentagon. Highlights included views of the monuments on the Mall (the cherry trees looked so tiny), fields of flowers, cheerful birds and some quiet time at the Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial (built to honor comrades who were lost at sea). I was alone when I started walking on the trails through the grove but it eventually got more crowded. On my way home by 1100. A walk in the woods - even if trapped in the middle of the Megalopolis - was great way to spend the day!

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 10

I woke up at Brenna's apartment and did some telework at Brenna's apartment before she finally woke up (0700).  We ended up only having time to eat a quick breakfast together because she had to leave for work and I had to drive back to Alexandria.  I said goodbye to her at 0720 and started north on I-81.  Unfortunately for me, the traffic was heavy and eventually came to a standstill near Manassas (rush hour still not over on I-66...).  I used my Google Maps app to get off the road and used back roads towards Alexandria (mostly following the route I sometimes used to get between Springfield and the Subaru dealership).  Had spotty mobile service and this burned me when I had to dial into my 0930 telcon (still not home yet, ugh...).  Managed to participate for most of the call (it was only about 30 minutes and ended just as I was getting home.  Rain had started on the way and picked up a lot when I reached my apartment.  Was able to get most of my stuff out of the car before it was pouring.  Very happy to have had a chance to get away for the hiking trip!  It was a bonus to see Brenna two different times.  And, with the increasing worries about the Coronavirus (AKA COVID-19), I might not have another chance to travel for a while...

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 9

I woke up early (0530) and started my telework day.  I had meetings until noon (hotel owner let me check out late) and then left Marion.  First headed north on I-81 and got lunch at Bojangles in Wytheville (1230).  When I saw the sign for the Stephen F. Austin Memorial, I got off the Interstate (east of Wytheville) and drove south on US-52.  I'd been wanting to see what was there for many years.  It was a pretty country road and I ended up crossing under I-77 where the Google maps said the memorial was but couldn't find it.  I asked for directions at a school and, once I understood I needed to go to Austinville (duh), I made made my way north again.  I ended stopping at the Shot Tower State Park on the way.  While there, I read up on some of the technology used there (high tower, long tube, molten lead dropped through the tube into a pool of water from the river below) and history of the site.  I then drove a few miles to the west and figured out that the Austin Family had settled in the area because of the lead mines.  The "Father of Texas" was born there but only stayed until he was about five years old.  The memorial was nice and I noticed the New River Trail State Park across the street.  It was an old railroad bed (flat, cinders) and I decided to walk on it while I had time before I had another meeting.  I then (1400) drove back to I-81 and continued north.  I made it to Harrisonburg at 1645 and, after getting a visitor pass and talking to the Apartment Office about the move-out process, I met up with Brenna.  I did some more telework in her apartment until around 1830.  We then drove over to El Charro (the one near the Mall) and had dinner.  We had some good conversations and took our time eating.  When we were finished (1930), I took Brenna to buy some supplies for her apartment.  I spent the rest of the night working on my computer, fixing Brenna's computer and watching the "Bachelor" (ha!).  I did some reading and went to bed (Brenna's couch) at 2300.

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 8

The temperature went back down into the 20s last night and the room was almost unbearably cold last night (was lucky I'd brought a lot of warm clothes).  I woke up before the "new" 0715 (clocks changed) to get the shower going...  I was even more startled by the chill in the air while I was packing my car in Hot Springs (0830)!  Had hoped to get breakfast at a diner in Hot Springs but they (along with almost everything else) were closed on Sunday. Fortunately, the Hillbilly Market was open - they had so many hiker friendly food items! I stocked up and then headed southwest on NC-209. Today, there was no more visible evidence of snow, so I drove to the AT trailhead at Garenflo Gap. I’d passed on hiking this section yesterday because the elevation went from 2500’ at the parking lot to 4650’ at the top of Bluff Mountain - a daunting climb which would have been harder with snow. Left my car (SOBO) at 1000 with two layers on (the temp had just reached 30). It was sunny and there was no wind. In the first mile, the trail rolled up and down through the rhododendrons but it eventually started the aggressive incline. I was happy to learn that the Trail Designer had worked hard to use great switchbacks to take me to the top but it still took about two hours to reach the actual summit. I saw great views in all directions but there were no vistas to stop at for a photo - in a month, hikers probably won’t see anything for miles. I started encountering Thru hikers near the top and ended up passing five during my out and back. After I started down the mountain on the other side, I also passed a Slackpacker who, like myself, was chipping away at the trail. The big difference, though, was that his wife had dropped him off and was picking him up later. He looked REALLY beat and I wondered if I might regret going downhill into Kale Gap - I was trading elevation on my side of the ravine and the Walnut Mountain Shelter (my target) was already high above me on the opposite ridge. I kept going and somehow made it to the turnaround. By that point, it had warned up significantly (50) so I shed a layer before beginning my backtrack. For my third climb of the day (up Bluff Mountain again), I pushed hard to make it to the summit, convincing myself that it wasn’t that steep and want that far. On the top, I got a great feeling of elation that the next four miles were downhill! The return went pretty fast but I had to watch out for the lack of bridges (slippery creek transits), the increasing mud (as the remaining snow melted) and the many (big) fallen trees. I guess I didn’t notice these obstacles as much when I was focused on the climb... The most amazing thing about the day was the long periods of intense silence. I saw lots of birds and squirrels but almost nothing made a noise. There wasn’t any wind, either. Didn’t see anyone else the rest of the day until I reached my car at 1600 (after 13 miles). I encountered the Slackpacker again - his wife had arrived to get him. We chatted a bit about their plans and I learned they were driving their RV all the way from Georgia to Maine - it sounded fun! Cleaned myself up and drove back to Hot Springs (temp gauge said 60!).  Used US-25, NC-212, NC-208, TN-70 to US-11E and then used TN-93 all the way to I-81.  Stopped for the night (again) at the Travel Inn in Marion (1915).  Cleaned up in the room, took a call from Dad and then watched TV until bed (2230).  What a week - over 30 new AT miles and some awesome connections! AT Today = 6.50 miles / G.T. AT = 1557.16 miles

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 7

It turned out to be a good thing I hiked such a long section yesterday - the options for AT sections today were quite limited because of several road closures. I woke up early (0545) again and ate breakfast in the hotel.  It was so cold outside that I spent some time resting and cleaning things in the room.  Eventually left the hotel at around 0845 and drove into Bryson City on US-19.  I had hoped to get a NPS passport stamp for Mollie at the Unit there but they didn't open until 1000.  Instead, headed back to US-74 and drove east until reaching US-441.  Wanted to get gas but found the prices were quite high.  Drove towards Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  As I got close, I had to wait for elk to cross the highway!  There were signs saying that US-441 was closed to the north (because of the winter weather) so I stopped at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center got a stamp for Mollie's NPS Passport Book (she'd forgotten it previously).  I'd thought about using the Blue Ridge Parkway to go north but found that it was also closed.  Instead, drove through Cherokee (had to wait for even more elk!) and then used US-19 (through Maggie Valley) to get back to US-74 (near Lake Junaluska).  Took NC-209 and headed north, stopping for gas at Shell in Waynesville (1030).  Continued towards Hot Springs and discovered that the windy road wasn't affected by the weather, fortunately.  However, I saw lots of frosted coverings on the highest peaks.  I'd hoped to go up to Max Patch but changed my mind, due to the conditions (ice and snow all around and the temps dropped into the 20s).  There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, though, so I moved on to Plan C: hiking in Hot Springs. I’d saved a section with spectacular views of the French Broad River with a hope that I could use US-25 to access the AT from Tanyard Gap. Parked in town at the big Visitor Lot in town and, before setting out, I called Bonnie to check in on her after Chuck's passing.  At noon, I headed east on the highway, towards the AT Trailhead on US-25. It had warmed up a bit (probably low 40s) and it felt good to power up the hill on the pavement. It took about an hour, but I soon am found my way onto the AT (SOBO). I had to climb a bit to reach the first plateau (Mill Ridge). Along the way, I started encountering hikers who were going in the opposite direction. Before my day was done, I counted three Thru Hikers and eight section hikers. They were all concentrated within about a mile. Highlights included meeting a young couple who were prepping for a Thru Hike next year (they had lots of local hiking info) and encountering a Thru Hiker from Finland named Inka (pronounced Inga) who talked to me for a long time about her Lapland hiking experiences. Actually, I burned a lot of time talking today (directions, encouragement, stories)! The hike took me much higher then I’d expected and the ridge overlooked the French Broad on one side and US-25 on the other. It was startling to look over the drop off and recall that I had started the hike 1000 feet below! Overall, the grade and weather conditions turned out to be ideal. I took my time and enjoyed the unexpected trail vibes... When I reached Lovers Leap Rock, I got the views I’d hoped for - and met up with a total of 21 day hikers in the last mile of my hike... I did enjoy watching a mom and her two little kids trying to reach the rock - they threw a tantrum until she let them “climb like bears” (reminded me of adventures with my own kids). When I reached the river, I was amazed by the power of the water - a kayaker passed by in a flash and I decided I didn’t feel like swimming. Finished my hike after about 9 miles (including 2.5 on the road and about a mile of re-tread) at about 1615.  Even in town, I continued to meet people - many of them were from Ashville and had driven up to visit the recently re-opened Hot Springs Spa.  After I was in my car, I weighed the options (drive more or stay overnight?) before settling for an old place I usually use when in the area (Alpine Court Motel).  I ended up having to do everything over the phone with the (new?) owner who lived in Newport.  The place was about the same as usual (no major improvements, WiFi nonexistent in most rooms) and I was a bit disappointed the price had nearly doubled.  But I was glad to have a room!  I cleaned up and then went to eat dinner at the Iron Horse Grill (1800).  I ordered the burger and loaded baked potato and enjoyed a few Catawba Zombie beers.  The guy next to me was a conspiracy theorist who regaled me with tales of Bigfoot and haunted mansions.  He was nice but seemed disappointed I didn't share his excitement with the paranormal.  Later, I talked to the bartender about the huge crowd they were having for dinner.  Eventually, I ended up in a fun conversation with a group of locals (guys who stocked fish in the creek) and they told me a funny story about how people were panicking at the Walmart (over the Coronavirus) and had cleaned out the entire pharmacy and toiletry section (SMH).  At 1915, I went back to my room and watched TV for a few hours.  Ended up going to bed at around 2300.  I felt good that I’d managed to hike today - but the views and social encounters made the day even better!  I think I can get some more miles tomorrow - wish me luck! AT Today = 5.50 miles / G.T. AT = 1550.66 miles

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 6

I'd learned the previous night that SNOW was expected to hit the AT tonight! This news had the potential to really put a damper on my hiking plans over the weekend so I decided to move up the hike to this morning. It’s normally not easy to get a shuttle on short notice but I got lucky - Ron was available! This was good because I had one more “marooned” section to finish nearby. Packing for the weather was my next concern. Typically, I’ve carried a day pack with emergency items, food and water. This situation really required a bigger bag - fortunately, I had brought my backpack. As I loaded up the extra stuff for an unplanned night in the snowy woods, I discovered that I only had a flimsy pair of gloves (forgot my other winter stuff). Decided to take my chances with those and was ready to go, bright and early, this morning. I was awake by 0545 and was even able to fit in some telework in my room before I needed to check-out of my hotel.  By 0630, I drove over to McDonalds to pick up breakfast to go (0650).  I actually got a work call at 0700 and was on the phone for about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, I drove north on NC-28 until seeing a sign that it was closed (!).  This meant I had to detour about 45 miles to meet the shuttle at the Nantahala Outdoor Center by 0800. I detoured through Franklin and followed US-23 and US-74 (an alternate route to reach the Nantahala Outdoor Center) and barely made it to my shuttle pickup point on time...  Ron showed up just after I did and he drove me up to Stecoah Gap (elev 3165’) in about 30 minutes.  Along the way, he told me about 30+ knot winds, Winter Storm advisories and other “watch outs” (the fact that he’d spent most of the previous day rescuing people off the mountains was stated more than once). By the time he left me on the side of the road, I was having second thoughts - but then he was gone so I was committed! Started a significant, nearly continuous uphill climb (SOBO), wondering if I’d prepared properly... For the first three miles (part of it re-tread from 2014), I didn’t see anyone and spent my time getting used to the load I was carrying. It was a bit windy and chilly (mid 30s) but I felt comfortable in my two layers (short sleeve under light jacket). By Locust Grove Gap (elev 3690’), I thought I was going to be fine. Soon afterwards, though, I encountered my first Thru hiker of the day (lady with Siberian Husky). I saw a series of other hikers (men and women) coming down off the ridge but only ended up getting Intel from #8 and #12. Everyone was in a big hurry to reach the “Fontana Hilton” shelter before the weather. I would have talked longer to the talkative hikers but then thought I should resume my initial thoughts of urgency - especially after the snow flurries began... At Cheoah Bald (elev 5062’), I met a man (#13) who told me dire tales of the cold, windy and wet that awaited me in the next mile. He was all bundled up but I was just starting to feel a bit cold. Despite the scary predictions, I headed downhill without adding any layers. During this phase, I realized that I was missing the spectacular views of the Smokies due to clouds below me. The wind picked up (trees making ominous noises) and the temps dropped below freezing. Kept going, though, and had fun talking briefly with two girls from Virginia (VT & UVA) and an older guy who seemed to be chasing them... I passed the Sassafras Gap Shelter (elev 4400’) and the wind started biting through my jacket. Didn’t stop, though, and soon found myself at the top of Swim Bald (elev 4710’), looking at the first, sustained downhill of the day. Yay! This feature of the section was the reason I chose the direction - it was a nearly six mile descent to the NOC. The rest of the Thru hikers I saw (all the way up to 24!) stopped me to ask how far they were from the top. VERY glad I didn’t have their climb. Met one guy who seemed to be about my age (Joe) who had a lot to tell me about his AT hike. He also mentioned that his (trail) “Family” would probably want to know where he was and this turned out to be true - the next several older guys asked if I’d seen him. Otherwise, I went as fast as I could to reach the NOC (elev 1749’). The weather got better and better and I even stopped to talk to a guy who looked just like Santa Claus and wanted to dispense life and trail wisdom from a rock on which he’d chosen to rest. By then, I wasn’t worried about finishing, I just wanted to avoid injury... I didn’t hear any signs of civilization until about a mile from my car - then the deja vu set in (more re-tread from 2014). Finished my day after almost 14 miles at around 1515. Glad to have this section completed!  After reaching my car, I checked on messages (I had a lot) and returned some phone calls.  Sadly I earned that my cousin, Chuck, had passed away.  I informed the kids (they were very sad) and then drove east on US-74.  I reached Bryson City by 1600 and checked into the Microtel for the night.  I did some more telework (3+ more hours) and ate dinner (the sandwich I'd picked up at Subway the day before).  I then relaxed and watched TV until bed time (2200).  Closed my eyes with a feeling that I was "hunkered down" in a good place, ready for whatever “storm” ended up hitting...  AT Today = 12.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1545.16 miles

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 5

I slept a bit late (0715) this morning (tired!) but then got immediately started on my telework day in Franklin.  I ate breakfast (oatmeal) in the room and got a lot done.  It was raining almost all day - that made staying in my hotel room a bit easier.  I got lunch at Bojangles (using gift card) at 1220 and went back to my room to eat.  I teleworked all day long (whew!).  At 1730, I drove a short distance to pick up lunch for the next day at Subway (using gift card).  Then spent some time walking at Walmart (to get my 10000 steps).  Had thought about buying some winter gear while I was there but ended up deciding against it.  At 1845, I went to Arbys for dinner and then spent a the evening packing up my backpack (long hike planned for the following day).  Also got in some reading and TV in before I went to bed (2215).

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 4

The best thing about working near the trail is an afternoon hike! This morning, I ate a light breakfast in my room and started teleworking early (0545).  For the rest of the morning, I took care of all my meetings and other paperwork in Franklin - meanwhile, I continued verifying that the forecast (no rain) held. Added bonus: the cleaning staff replenished my linens.  By 1230, my work had basically been wrapped up for the day so I decided to leave the hotel and take advantage of the chance to get some more AT miles. Grabbed lunch to go from McDonalds (1235) and drove about 14 miles west on US-64. It wasn't very likely (due to the season), but I had hoped that the road up to Albert Mountain (USFS-67) might be open. When I arrived at the back-country parking lot, however, I found it was closed through the end of the month. Oh well... Always expected to have to re-hike some miles to tackle the mountain but had to make a decision first about which "Blue Blazed" trail to take to the AT. Settled on the Long Branch Trail (not my first choice) because it was closest to my car. Left the parking lot at 1315 and was soon pleasantly surprised by the quality and grading of the route I'd chosen. I had to wade through some swollen creeks but there weren't any strenuous climbs. With the pace I was able to maintain, I soon decided that it was T-Shirt weather (50s, light breeze). In just about an hour, I climbed up to Glassmine Gap and found the AT. I'd hiked part of this section during a trip to the area in 2017 and remembered the ridge as being mostly flat. That still appeared to be true but the AWOL AT Guide showed a continuous climb - regardless, I decided to enjoy the lazy incline! Because the route was basically a "C" shape for many miles, I was able to see the Fire Tower on Albert Mountain pretty soon after I got on the ridge. After about a mile (SOBO), I made it to the place where I'd turned around last time (Long Branch Shelter) and started some new trail. A few minutes later, I encountered some Thru hikers! I passed six guys (mostly in pairs) in quick succession. Just some light chit chat but I got the general impression that everyone was happy to be headed downhill after climbing Albert Mountain from the other side. Actually, I didn't think it was too difficult a climb from the side I was using (I'd read this on some hiking blogs previously and agree with the assessment). After climbing some log stairs, I made it to the Fire Tower on the mountain top (elevation ~5.2K’) and enjoyed some great views. I climbed up the metal, exposed staircase as high as I dared (the building was locked up) and then scurried down, just in time to meet up with Thru hiker number seven (Stephan, "CornCob, from Indiana and his German Shepherd). For the first time all day, I had a real conversation with someone! I was able to encourage him that the hike to the shelter wasn't too hard and he told me some great stories of his hiking learning curve, weight loss and weather adventures. It's a long shot, but hoping I'll run into him again this season. As I was leaving, I noticed that someone had painted "AT 100" on the metal stairs. Started downhill towards the end of my section and immediately discovered what everyone was talking about: sheer, rocky drop off on the trail! And, it was wet... I took my time (VERY slowly) to climb down to the bottom - it was only about a half mile but it was treacherous. Encountered Thru hiker number eight (he was waiting at the bottom). He asked me where the 100 mile marker was and I was able to tell him! After that, I made my way to where the AT bumped up against USFS-67 (as it neared the top of the mountain) and found the Blue Blazed Bear Pen Trail. This downhill route took me by the most direct route back to my car. I found more downed trees and even deeper water all the way to the bottom of the ravine. When I finally found myself on gravel again, I still had another two plus miles to walk. It was actually quite easy - except for when I had to walk through an actual river that crossed the road (five to six inches deep - there went my boots/socks). Arrived back at my car by 1715 after around 10.5 miles. Only a little bit of it was new AT but I'm glad I squeezed in the hike. Felt good! That actually made it easy to head back to civilization to finish up my work day. I arrived back in my hotel room by 1830 and resumed my telework.  I ended up skipping dinner and didn't finish my work day until 2100.  After that, I did some cleanup (clothes, etc.) and watched TV until bed time (2300).  I've got a much bigger section planned by the end of the weekend - needed to get back my trail legs and today's hike helped a lot! AT Today = 2.70 miles / G.T. AT = 1532.76 miles

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 3

I got up early (0530) to start a long telework day in Franklin.  Ate breakfast (oatmeal) in the room.  It was very rainy outside all morning.  Erin called to talk to me about her new job (what a happy surprise).  I worked all morning and ate lunch (snacks) in the room.  In the afternoon, I had several meetings, worked on documents and made several calls (I also had some fun texting with Brenna and Mollie.  After my work day was over (1835), I drove over to get dinner at Bojangles (with gift card).  It had stopped raining, so I went walking in the mini-mall nearby.  I then drove down US-23 and parked near the Walmart (I did some more walking in their lot and inside).  Went back to my room in Franklin and talked to the Thru hikers (from Michigan and the UK).  Before calling it a day, I spent a little time walking around in the neighborhood near my hotel (to get to 10000 steps).  Back at my hotel, I watched TV in the room (Super Tuesday Primaries) until 2330, when I went to bed,  No hiking today but caught up on my hours during the inclement weather - that should pay off later in the week!

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 2

I left my hotel in Marion at about 0645.  The Bojangles across the street had gone out of business so I went to McDonalds (0700).  Also got gas at Shell (0710) and then got on I-81.  Made some work-related calls on the way into Tennessee.  Followed I-81 until reaching I-26 - I took that route to Erwin.  My intended destination was Franklin, NC (so I could set up for some hiking during the coming weekend) and thought I’d try to squeeze in some trail time before the forecasted rain. There aren’t too many “short” hikes left...   I first tried one near Erwin, TN but the Unaka Mountain road was still closed for the winter.  I retraced my tracks to the Interstate and then took US-19 and NC-352/NC-212 towards Hot Springs.  Found the AT trailhead at Allen Gap on NC-208/TN-70 almost by accident (missed the cues that I was getting close and then suddenly came to the TN/NC border).  It was in the low 40s with light showers when I parked at 1015 and headed SOBO into the rhododendrons. The first 1.5 was a steep climb with very few switchbacks. I powered through, somehow, but muscles I’d forgotten protested all the way to the first ridge. There was a slight descent and then another climb began. This cycle repeated twice more before my turnaround point. Meanwhile, the elements (30s, wind, sleet) began to conspire against me as I got near 4000 feet. I’d seen snow at this elevation in Tennessee but, fortunately, there wasn’t much in the area. By the three mile mark, I was drenched and cold and was facing one more climb to the Spring Mountain Shelter. I then ran into the first person I’d seen in almost two hours: the Trail Maintainer for the section. I’d seen evidence (turned earth, water channels, etc.) that he’d been there recently but hadn’t expected anyone else to be dumb enough to hike this far from the road. However, the older gentleman was happily trimming branches while listening to “You’re Welcome” (“Moana” soundtrack - is it sad that I know that?). We talked briefly and I told him I was hurrying because the real rain was coming (he replied “it’s only sprinkling”). Finished the first half of my hike and immediately reversed course. Not a moment too soon! The sky opened up and I got even wetter. The Trail Maintainer was gone when I got back to his location and it took me another mile to catch him - with all the rain, I was glad that most of the backtrack was downhill... I passed him about a mile from my car and practically flew the rest of the way. There’s nothing like cold and wet to make a fast hike! Finished at around 1330 after almost 8 miles. My body could tell that I haven’t hiked the AT in three months but (could be my imagination) I felt l like I’d recovered some of my trail legs. Either way, AT hiking in 2020 was off to an auspicious start!  I ate a late lunch (snacks) in the car as I used NC-208 and US-25 to reach Hot Springs.  Then used NC-209 (with GPS this time, so I wouldn't get sidetracked) all the way to I-40.  It was raining most of the way.  I used US-74 to US-23 to US-64 and arrived in Franklin (NC) by 1530.  The hotel I usually use there (Budget Inn) was getting a Health Inspection (to increase their rating to 98%) so they asked me to come back a bit later.  I took care of some work-related tasks (in my car) and then drove down to the Lazy Hiker and had couple of drinks.  I met a few local people and had some fun chatting with them.  I closed out at 1635 and went back to the hotel to check-in (1710).  Spent the rest of the evening working in my hotel room and went to bed at 2215.  AT Today = 3.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1530.06 miles

North Carolina Hiking Trip - Day 1

After my weekend with Mollie, I picked up soft drinks at Giant at 1600 (they were basically free because I had a coupon).  I dropped Mollie off at Nicky's (1615) and drove to Harrisonburg (talking to Brenna on the way) via I-495, I-66 and I-81.  I met up with Brenna in Harrisonburg at a place called Pour & Connect for dinner (ordered at 1815).  After we were done eating (1900), I said goodbye to Brenna and got back on I-81.  Drove to Marion (trip was uneventful) and checked into the Travel Inn (2150), like I normally do when I travel in southern Virginia (the owner actually recognizes me now.  Went to bed at 2230.