Springfield, VA (USA)

The weather was great today so I took a break from work and went for a walk on the Accotink Creek Bike Trail. When Mollie was finishing up her CCD classes a few years ago, I killed time here (waiting for her) but hadn’t been back since. Between about 1030 and 1145, I walked along the creek (north of Old Keene Mill Road) until I reached the train trestle along the edge of the Lake. There were puddles and mud everywhere but not a lot of people. It was sunny and warm and I saw lots of different birds. Some excitement: I saw Animal Control rescuing an injured goose (caught in fishing line); I dodged a Public Works tractor mower. Glad I could try something different for an exercise route!

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

I teleworked from Brenna’s kitchen early in the morning.  Eventually (0745), I had to wake Brenna up so she could continue packing.  In between work tasks, I spent several hours helping Brenna to finish cleaning rooms, packing boxes and sorting through things that might go home or to the Rough House.  We made a lot of progress and I eventually was able to load about five boxes into the car.  While I had the opportunity, I serviced Brenna’s car with power steering fluid.  Back in Brenna’s apartment, we stacked the rest of the boxes (for the Rough House) neatly for when Brenna returned to check out of her apartment.  I then did some more teleworking while Brenna went to drop off some documents with one of her friends and pick up some burgers at Cookout (she also bought some cheesy tots to take home to Mollie).  After Brenna returned, we ate together and made one more circuit of all the rooms, boxes, cabinets and drawers (Brenna found a few more items).  I called into a teleconference for work and Brenna loaded up the rest of her items (we found out later that we’d forgotten the items in the refrigerator and freezer).  We left Harrisonburg (in two cars) at around 1315 and drove towards Alexandria.  I followed Brenna, who kept her speed low to make sure the car was OK.  We talked several times on the phone and I checked on the car.  As we got closer to our homes, I gave her directions (from the Fairfax County Parkway, via Old Keene Mill Road) and said goodbye to her.  Later, we texted that she’d made it home safely.  After 1545, I went back to teleworking.  It was nice to spend time with Brenna and see the look of satisfaction on her face that she was ready for her move-out (and had her car again).

Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

Brenna recently mentioned that she wanted to go get the Chrysler, which had been sitting in the parking lot of her apartment in Harrisonburg.  We also discussed packing up her apartment in anticipation of her move-out in late May or early June.  Due to reduced activity at my job and the improving weather, t seemed like a good time to try to accomplish those things this weekend/week, so I agreed to take her.  At 1700, I picked Brenna up from Nicky’s (at the same time when I dropped Mollie off) and we drove to Harrisonburg.  We had some really interesting conversations on the way - it had been a long time since I was able to spend so much time with Brenna.  After we arrived in Harrisonburg (1915), I unloaded all the packing supplies and bags I’d brought from home and helped Brenna organize the packing process.  I also moved furniture, assembled boxes, drove Brenna’s car (to make sure it worked after almost two months), located “lost checks”, picked up her mail and chatted about plans for moving into the "Rough House" (her new place for Grad School).  We ate some snacks and soup and had another nice chat about the Alaska Cruise that I was working on for us.  Brenna then worked some more, packing and cleaning.  By 2300, I told Brenna I was too tired to keep working and crashed on the couch.  However, Brenna stayed up in her room (working) for a lot longer...

Mount Vernon, VA (USA)

Mollie had to complete a trail cleanup project by midnight tonight and it cleared up just long enough for us to get it done. We left my place at 1530 and drove over to Mount Vernon.  Mollie started the cleanup at the parking lot for the Mount Vernon Estate and we walked down the Mount Vernon Trail for about a mile. There wasn’t much to pick up near the path itself and I wondered if we would be able to finish the project in the area...  I asked Mollie to follow me down a dirt trail we saw near Little Hunting Creek and - jackpot - we came across a huge amount of trash at a fishing hole we found on the shore of the Potomac.  We were actually close to where we did a big river cleanup project last year and encountered the fields full of plastic bottles. This was just as bad - we found more garbage (mostly beer bottles and cans) than we could carry... For her class, Mollie was supposed to pick out 10 pieces of representative trash and sort them by type - we found plastic, aluminum, paper, clothing and biohazard. It was interesting to see that the bike trail got so much cleanup attention but the riverside didn’t. Even worse, though, was the realization that people have time to get outside right now but won’t pack out their messes. My thoughts turned to the image in that old commercial with the crying Native American... Before we were finished with our outing, we walked over to see G.W.’s flowers and horses (along with lots of pretty birds) - it was a bit lighter way to end the day (1645). Spring is definitely here!

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

Stephanie indicated that she was interested in looking for mushrooms at Mason Neck State Park and asked if I would go with her after work on a nice day (since she knew I visit the park often).  She picked me up just before 1700 and we drove to Mason Neck.  I showed her several places where we could hike and she liked the option of stopping at the Wilson Spring Trail parking area.  We looked around for a while there (no luck with the mushrooms) and then got on the Bayview Trail.  I couldn't remember going that way and it was really nice.  We did encounter more people than we wanted (including people relaxing on the beach).  There were pretty swamp views, a beaver lodge and a boardwalk on Belmont Bay.  Stephanie liked seeing the fishermen and we got a closeup view of a little muskrat. The weather was great (not a cloud in the sky and just a light breeze).  We looped back around to the Visitor Center parking area and then took the Kane's Creek Trail into a more wooded area.  We didn't encounter any people at all but we still didn't find any mushrooms.  Stephanie said she was getting hungry.  When we reached the junction with the Wilson Spring Trail, we headed back to the car.  We drove towards the exit and stopped again to hike the Marsh View Trail.  It was a very short walk but had a nice view of Kane's Creek (and no people).  We left the park at about 1845 and drove back to US-1 so we could pick up some dinner.  We explored the Food Lion shopping area and decided to order food from a Korean restaurant called ChoongMan (CM) Chicken.  We ordered at around 1930 and then got a big bag of food (Garlic Soy Chicken, Lemon Spring Onion Chicken, Shrimp Tempura, Curly Fries and Cole Slaw) 15 minutes later.  Stephanie just wanted to eat in the car but I suggested we go to my apartment.  She agreed and I think this ended up being a good idea (lots of room to spread out and get "messy").  Because it had been light out for so long and we'd ordered late, I was very shocked to see that it was 2030 and we called it a night.  After so many of normal social engagements have been canceled recently, it was nice to get away from the house with one of my friends!

Alexandria, VA (USA)

It was quite chilly this morning (low 30s) so gave up on my plan to kayak at Mason Neck. Instead, I waited until the sun warmed everything up (low 50s) and drove over to Jones Point Park (under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a unit of the GW Parkway) in Alexandria. The gate was closed, of course, but there were already plenty of people parking along the access road and I joined them. It was sunny and breezy - quite pleasant - by 1130 as I walked into the park. There were SO many families, couples and solos with their dogs - walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, etc. About a quarter of them were wearing anti-COVID-19 masks and gloves but the rest of us just stayed safely apart. I explored a community garden, the ruins of the WW1 shipyard and the lighthouse and learned more about the history of this little piece of Virginia that used to be part of the District of Columbia. A bit later, I ventured north along the Old Town waterfront - there was a lot of new condo construction and city park building to inspect! I easily walked about four miles without realizing it and warmed up under my fleece. Would have stayed longer but the crowds eventually got to be a bit much. I then backtracked (on less traveled streets) to the car. More people were arriving by then (1315) so I skedaddled. I’m glad I was able to enjoy another nice Spring outing close to my home!

Washington, DC (USA)

Weather was marginal for a long walk but getting away from home was worth braving the elements today. Wanted to visit Theodore Roosevelt Island but wasn’t surprised to find that the indefatigable National Park Police has blocked off access to the parking lot. Undeterred, I drove a short distance to the Marine Corps Memorial and found a place to park. It was a bit chilly (high 40s), windy and misty when I left my car (1100) and walked east into the Rosslyn business area. Found a shortcut across several busy streets - Freedom Park - and located the Mount Vernon Trail near the Potomac River’s edge. Got to see some good views of Georgetown and the National Cathedral from the District boundary. Walked south along the George Washington Parkway and soon reached the pedestrian bridge over to the island. There weren’t too many people who had the same idea for urban solitude and I enjoyed the memorial, some trails and boardwalks. It started to warm up and dry out, which made the walk more pleasant. After about an hour, I started wondering if I’d get a ticket for exceeding the One Hour Parking limit and headed back towards my car. Mostly retraced my steps but made one wrong turn that prolonged the backtrack. Ended up walking a little bit longer near the Netherlands Carillon and Arlington National Cemetery. Finished by 1245 after about four miles. Glad to get outside during National Park Week!

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

Went to check on my kayak this morning - high water has sometimes dislodged it from the storage platform. On the way, I decided to take a walk on the Potomac Heritage Trail that parallels the entry road for Mason Neck Park. Parked at the NWR (0845) and walked about 2.5 miles to the west, into the State Park and right up to the shore of Belmont Bay. The weather was awesome - the temps (mid 50s), clear skies and lack of wind made me really glad I’d ventured outdoors again. I watched lots of animals enjoying the Spring day and spotted several birds and squirrels in their hidey-hole nests. Happily, I didn’t see any people for the outbound leg of my walk. I did occasionally hear cars on the road, though, indicating the place might get crowded. When I reached the parking lot at the Visitor Center (closed), it was clear that was the case... Headed back towards my car immediately. I stopped to enjoy a moment in the woods on the way and was surprised by a stampede of deer (lots of them!) that crossed the trail about 25 yards away - they must not have seen me. Even more startling, though, was a dark, wolf-like shadow that was swiftly following them. Fortunately, HE didn’t see me either. I watched him give up and turn around - it was only after he stopped to sniff the air as he re-crossed the trail that I saw a collar... He then headed back towards the crowds and I was alone again. I got greedy after reaching the NWR again and decided to hike out to Gunston Road. It was about 1015 when I reached the blacktop - I was shocked to see a continuous stream of cars, all headed to the Park. I quickly backtracked (encountering bikers and other walkers on the way) and left the area as soon as I could. Drove further down the Neck (east) to where my friend lets me keep my kayak. Pohick Bay was quite inviting! I then remembered I’d brought everything I needed to take the kayak out on the River. This included some new gloves I’d found at an REI Garage Sale over the winter. For the next hour (1100 to 1200), I paddled on almost perfectly smooth water and took breaks in the practically current-less channel. The water temp was pleasant too - only a little chilly. The waterfront homes were visible but I was able to turn away from them and, at times, feel like I was all alone on an endless sea. Except for one boat (two fisherman), my kayak was the only watercraft out on the Potomac. Unless I count the nesting ospreys - there were plenty of them and they were very worried whenever I came nearby. Would have stayed for several more hours if I could have but my upper body wasn’t up to much more and I’d neglected to bring sunscreen. Met some more neighbors (at a distance), who told me they wished they had also gone out in their boats (“too busy”). On the way home, passed even more cars - yikes. Definitely will return to Mason Neck soon (in the morning, of course) - Trail and River time like this is unbeatable!

Burke, VA (USA)

While AT hiking trips are off the table, I’ve had limited options nearby for long walks with varied scenery. Today I decided to go a bit farther away from home and circle Burke Lake. Couldn’t remember when I’d been there last and I left home unsure about whether Fairfax County might have blocked access over the last few years (or because of the pandemic). I was in luck to find that my favorite parking location was still available and hadn’t yet filled up when I arrived (0930). Hiked into the woods on a dirt road until I reached the Burke Lake Trail and then started my counterclockwise circuit. The loop is over four miles with continuous views of the many inlets and islands. There was also a multi-stop exercise course but I didn’t try any of those stations. There weren’t a lot of people in the beginning, just a few runners and bikers. The weather was nice (low 50s)! I saw so many birds - Bald Eagles, Herons, Geese and several kinds of Ducks, along with the littler, singing varieties. Took a side trail and talked to a fisherman who was waist deep in the water. He told me he’d been having a hard time getting his quiet time because of the racket that the geese and herons were making on a rookery island nearby (I heard what he meant!). After passing the marina, I got a bit lost and ended up on a bushwhacker track near the levee. Passed stalking herons and sleeping ducks... Back on the main trail, it started to get extremely crowded - lots of people with dogs, playing kids, large groups of bikers, couples holding hands - and no one was making room for anyone to pass. I couldn’t get done fast enough! When I finished the loop and reached my car (1145), I could see what happened: the lot had filled to capacity. Thank goodness I’m an early bird... Felt good to try something different than my neighborhood sidewalks!

Arlington, VA (USA)

Stephanie called a few days ago to invite me to have dinner.  At 1745 today, I drove to her place in Arlington and found a place to park (it was tough!).  When I got to her apartment, we had a drink and some snacks (including three kinds of pickles).  We also had a nice discussion - the Coronavirus situation had been going on for so long and I didn't realize how much I was starved for conversation!  We seamlessly segued into dinner - Stephanie had made some delicious tuna casserole and I really enjoyed the home cooked meal.  At about 2000, I thanked her for the nice time, said goodbye and headed home.  There was no traffic and I even got "my" parking space when I got home.  What a nice break from "lockdown"!