Washington, DC (USA)

[left my house at 0645 to go into DC to get a few more items from my office - I arrived (after navigating the new, reduced speed limits in the District) at around 0700 and cleaned up my office - I also did some scanning and shredding - was in the office for about four hours (multiple trips, etc.) - fortunately, didn't encounter any rioters from the demonstrations during the previous week - headed home (more speed limit shenanigans) just after 1100 and got there about 20 minutes later]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[did a lot of packing in the morning - I drove over to Nicky's to get the Chrysler and picked up Mollie (0900) - she came to my house to help me with the fish tank - I took some things to the storage building and then drove to Mason Neck to pick up my kayak - as I was getting ready to leave, I was fortunately enough to encounter my friend, Reza (he'd let me store the kayak on his beach for the last few years) - made it back to my house by about 1215 - Mollie was just about to give away and Mssr Poulee (our fish) to one of her friends so I said goodbye to him - Mollie then helped me pack up the rest of her own stuff and we drove back to Nicky's (1245) - I got to see Brenna (made plans with the car) and Erin (gave her my Brita pitcher) and then went home]

Washington, DC (USA)

[drove into DC at 0730 to pick up my new ID card - this was the first time I'd actually been near my office in months - got into my appointment early but then had to wait for the ID to start working - took a walk around L'Enfant (close to St. Vincent's) and explored the area near the new Eisenhower Memorial - on the road for home by 0845 - surreal to have an encounter with my old working life - hopefully, things will get back to normal again soon]

Househunting Trip - Day 8

Stayed over in New Hampshire for another night because the weather looked good enough for another AT hike before I left town.  Got up very early (0545) and finished packing.  Ate breakfast (snacks) in the hotel room and loaded up the car (in case I couldn't get back in time to check out).  I drove to the trailhead on Trescott Road (just outside of Hanover), arriving at 0700.  Headed SOBO towards the Velvet Rocks, a place I last visited in October 2014.  The weather was overcast and cool (high 40s) but I stuck with a short sleeved shirt for the whole hike.  Most of this short section was very muddy - I passed several side trails and it was clear that the locals used these many access points.  Even without any Thru hikers this season, the trail was a wreck!  The Dartmouth Outing Club had signs posted everywhere that hinted they were the trail maintainers but I didn't see evidence that they were trying to stabilize the trail...  After the first mile, the trail started uphill but it wasn't too strenuous.  I passed between a series of moss covered boulders until I reached a rocky summit.  Unfortunately, there weren't any really good views there.  Even worse, though, the trail then descended down a dangerously steep (and slippery!) route to a valley that paralleled the ridge.  By the time I made it to the bottom, I was thinking of all the ways that I could return to my car without using the AT...  There were a few more climbs and descents but nothing as bad as the main hill.  Eventually, I found myself at a trail junction where I could choose to climb a large hill (up to the Velvet Rocks Shelter) or continue on the AT.  Since I figured out that my 2014 visit had used that trail, I continued hiking until I found the other end of the alternate route.  Along the way, I passed the one person I saw all day - another trail runner.  I decided to backtrack via the blue-blazed side trail to the shelter and ended up seeing some good views on the ridges back to the east.  I also could see the trail junction area below me (about 300 feet of steep cliff face - yikes!).  Took the blue blaze all the way to Wheelock Street and then trudged towards my car.  The road curved through pretty farms and wetlands - there were plenty of access trails and other nature walk opportunities along the way.  I found myself walking a good pace along the cinder shoulder and passed several bikers and a couple of joggers.  Unlike all the other days I was in town, I encountered a LOT of bugs.  In trying to avoid them, I picked up the pace and soon found my car again (0930).  Finished my day with about six miles of trail/road and the temps had climbed into the mid 50s.  As I got into my car, I noticed that sun had risen splendidly above me in a clear blue sky.  Really wishing I didn't have to leave - it's been a great week of exploring...  Since I had enough time, I went back to my hotel, showered and changed.  I then drove to West Lebanon and got an early lunch at McDonalds (1015).  From there, I took some surface streets through town until I crossed the Connecticut River into Vermont (White River Junction) - farewell (temporarily) to the Granite State!  I filled up my gas tank (1030) and then got on I-91, headed south.  I called my dad (poor signal) and, after getting into Connecticut (onto I-84), called Mollie (to tell her about the many National Parks that I'd passed on the way).  Drove all the way into Pennsylvania before I stopped at a Rest Area for a break.  Then used I-84 to get to I-81, I-83 and PA-581 to reach US-15.  Didn't stop again all the way until I had passed through Thurmont (MD).  Got a gas fill-up at the Mountaindale Convenience Store (1820) and continued on US-15 until I was on I-270.  Took I-495 to my apartment, arriving at 1920.  Spent some time unpacking and getting settled after such a great trip.  After all the time I had to think during the drive, I made a decision about the condo I wanted to rent and contacted the landlord before I went to bed (2300).  Really excited about my move - can't wait to get back to Grafton County!  AT Today = 3.10 miles / G.T. AT 1565.96 miles

Househunting Trip - Day 7

Just like all the other days on the trip, I woke up early (0600).  However, this time it wasn't to telework - instead, I had a hiked planned (my first "real" one in more than two months)!  Departed my hotel at around 0730 and drove to West Hartford again (this time via I-91, US-5 and VT-14), heading back to where I turned around a few days earlier (on the gravel part of Podunk Road on the West Hartford - Norwich line).  I left my car (NOBO) at the AT Trailhead by 0815.  The weather was overcast, windy and cool (low to mid 50s).  I'd been expecting temps in the low to mid 60s, so my one layer seemed a bit less than I needed for the first few miles.  The section was comprised of a "ripple" of ridges - no sooner did I descend into a valley then I would have to start climbing again.  None of them were very big hills but the mud, roots and rocks made the mini-roller coaster route a bit harder than I wanted.  Of course, I was quite rusty too...  I saw lots of little birds happily gathering material for nests and even heard (but never saw) a large group of turkeys.  On my outbound leg, I was headed for one of those "I think I'll turn around now" stopping points from my hikes in 2014.  Unfortunately, I didn't have a picture to remind me of what it looked like - only a vague recollection of a dirt road (my notes said "woods road") near a farm.  And I did have an expected mileage target (around 4.3 miles) which would help me locate the turn point if my pedometer worked well.  Despite the forecast, I only saw the sun once and the cool weather that the huge storm last night left behind made it feel like March.  Still, I never added a layer...  After I passed the four mile mark (estimated), I started to see familiar (deja vu) images and ended up crossing a road (near a farm) close to where I'd expected it.  But I wasn't sure if it was really the turn point.  Since I didn't have a cell signal, I decided to keep going to see if there might be more hints at my true location.  After about half a mile, I was convinced my first instinct was right and turned around (I also got a cell tower lock from nearby Norwich to confirm my location).  I only encountered three people all day: trail runner on the outbound leg and a young local couple during the return.  Never saw any animals.  Because I had closed up another missing link, I was thinking about getting done and then driving a few miles away to do another section.  However, the mud and climbing (up Happy Hill) made me reconsider.  Instead, I thought about taking a detour to get to the car.  I'd seen a sign that pointed out "Podunk Road" at the midpoint of my outbound leg and ended up taking it towards the car.  The muddy dirt road was nearly impassable and had a nasty habit of splitting into multiple off-road detours around mud "lakes".  The signage (where there was any) was not helpful.  It was clear that this wasn't going to be an easy way to get home, so I started bearing left (i.e., towards where I knew the AT was) at every fork.  During this time, I stumbled across an overgrown cemetery (with burials of settlers who were born in the Eighteenth Century), several cross country skiing trails and what looked like an old logging camp store/grill.  Soon, I crossed the AT (thank goodness I saw the white blazes) and decided to take my chances on a route I'd already used.  Later, I figured out I had returned to the AT about a mile from my car.  By the end of my hike (1215, over nine miles), rain seemed to be threatening.  Decided to call it a day and head on back to New Hampshire.  Left the hiking zone by using Pomfret Road (west side of the White River) and drove all the way to Woodstock.  Ate lunch (snacks) in the car and then used US-4 (the Quechee shops and restaurants were mobbed with people) and I-89 to get back to Lebanon.  I was back in my hotel by 1330 .  Spent most of the afternoon cleaning up and resting.  In the evening (1700), I went to get some dinner (Burger King) in West Lebanon.  In my room, I ate and packed until I was ready for my departure the following day.  I later spent some time watching TV and reading.  I was in bed by 2200.  As I dozed off, it made me feel good to know that my trail legs were returning - I'm looking forward to tackling more distance next time!  AT Today = 4.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1562.86 miles

Househunting Trip - Day 6

Started work early (0600) and ate breakfast (snacks) in the room.  At 0830, I asked the hotel manager if I could extend for another day (he said that I could).  I then drove a short distance down the road to tour some of the Altaria apartments (0850 to 0920).  Afterwards, I had a work call with John.  Since the forecasted rain hadn't materialized, I told him I was going to take a break for a little while (he approved this).  Just after 0930, I headed west on I-89 (over to Vermont) and stopped in White River Junction to check out some of the businesses and walk around in town.  I then took US-4 to the west again.  I didn't have a particular place in mind but ended up finding there were no cars at the Quechee Gorge Visitor's Center (it was closed).  I parked there and took a walk into the forest on the south side of the highway.  When I reached the edge of the Gorge, I decided to walk north on the trail and found several cool views of the raging waters below.  I eventually made it to the dam and a nice set of lakes.  The weather was very pleasant (low 60s and mostly sunny) and I enjoyed seeing many birds (especially the Canadian Geese with their many goslings).  I walked all the way to Dewey's Landing and ran into some Bird Watchers.  They told me that it was OK to kayak in the lakes.  Crossed over a nearby road and found another network of trails there.  Backtracked to US-4 and then crossed the river (got more photos on the way).  Found another parking lot (for the State Park) and signs for a Nature Center (with even more trails) there.  Headed back to my car and drove east again so I could finish up my househunting during the lunch hour.  After I got back into New Hampshire (1100), I got off at NH-12A and found that there was no one at the drive through for the KFC/TacoBell.  Got my lunch there (1110) and then drove over to meet the landlord of a condo nearby (off Mascoma Road).  Took a tour of the property (1135 to 1205) - it was a pretty good location.  Ended up walking around nearby afterwards (still not raining) before getting into my car.  John had tried a couple of times so I called him back while I was driving back to my hotel.  Arrived at my hotel room by 1300 (still on the phone) and then spent the next 30 minutes catching up on some "short fuse" work (with John).  Finished my lunch and then resumed my normal teleworking activities.  Worked until 1630 and then took some time to recap some more of my househunting observation.  I then (re)reviewed all the materials I'd found during the week.  Ate dinner (snacks) in my room.  By then, there was a huge storm outside and I didn't leave the hotel for the rest of the evening.  Instead, I watched TV and read a lot.  Went to bed at 2200.

Househunting Trip - Day 5

Woke up early and started my teleworking in the early AM.  Ate breakfast (snacks) in the room and planned to work longer.  However, some of my meetings were canceled, so I called one of the apartment complexes to move a scheduled viewings (earlier) to 0930.  When this was successful, I went to Timberwood Commons and took a tour with one of the leasing agents.  We walked around between buildings and the weather felt great!  After we finished, I went back to my hotel to do some more teleworking.  Finished up some calls at around noon and ate lunch (snacks) in the room.  By that point the pull of the outdoors was overwhelming - so I closed up my computer and left the hotel.  After almost a week of research on places to live, I decided it would be a good idea take a walk on a section of the AT (since it was close!).  During more than two months of isolation due to COVID-19, I've been able to get a lot of interesting walks in near my house.  But there is no substitute for a day on a real trail.  And today was an awesome day get "get back out there."  The sun was shining, it was dry and the temps were in the low 60s.  I drove across the Connecticut River into White River Junction (VT) and took US-4 to Old River Road just north of town.  This road paralleled the west bank of the White River all the way (part of it was gravel) to the western edge of the town of West Hartford.  I had visited the place before (see JUL 2019) and quickly located the trailhead at the corner of Tigertown Road and Podunk Road.  Decided not to carry any hiking gear, so this excursion should probably be classified as a "walk", rather than a hike.  Starting at around 1230, I walked back (SOBO) towards the White River, crossing under I-89 and walking through West Hartford on VT-14.  There were a lot of pretty farms and people out working in their yards.  The river was calm and had a lot of cool stone/sand bars.  The light breeze was filled with pleasant smells of grass and spring flowers.  The first part of the section took me on paved roads and I passed several historic buildings.  I even saw someone's home with a sign that indicated their location on the AT (1722 miles from Springer).  Turned around at the bridge that crossed the river (Quechee - West Hartford Road) and backtracked to my car.  The woods were beckoning, so I headed NOBO into the trees.  This part of the section took me into a climb of about 500 feet.  Even among the warmly lit pine groves, though, Vermont once again showed its true colors as "Vermud"...  I didn't see any people on the trail all day but I spotted another hiker (with a backpack) who was walking on the gravel portion of Podunk Road when I came out of the woods at my turnaround point.  I immediately headed back towards my car on the gravel (later paved) surface.  All the way back, I was really digging the warm sun and pleasant scenery.  Finished my walk at around 1345 after about three miles.  Headed out of town to the north (on VT-14) until I was able to get on I-89 - then drove back to Lebanon.  At the hotel, I did some more telework (between 1430 and 1630).  I took another break to get some gas and supplies at the nearby Irving gas station (1655) and then did some more telework after that.  Ate dinner (frozen meal) in my room and wrote up a recap of my househunting.  Read and watched TV for the rest of the night.  Went to bed at 2300.  Very glad I was able to get out in such a great day in New England - I'm know I'm going to love living in the area!  AT Today = 1.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 1558.56 miles

Househunting Trip - Day 4

I got another very early start (because of a client meeting).  Ate breakfast (snacks) in the room and continued teleworking until 0945.  I then drove over to Stone Farm Apartments and met with the manager (1000).  We toured one of the units and I got packet of information about the complex.  As soon as I got back to my car, I had to take some work calls.  Fortunately, I was able to drive over to West Lebanon (NH-12A) during this time to pick up lunch at Wendy's (1110).  I then went back to my hotel room and teleworked for about an hour (more calls).  I had another appointment in the Gile Hill neighborhood in Hanover at 1230, so I headed there next.  The condo owners met me on time and we toured the available unit.  I learned a lot about life in the area and got a better idea about what utilities cost during the cold winter months.  Afterwards, I went back to my hotel room and teleworked for a few more hours.  I left the hotel at around 1700 and drove over to visit Prospect Hills again (after the owners had told me more about the location).  I backtracked into the old part of Lebanon and looked around near Emerson Place (was not really impressed by the location).  At about 1730, I decided to take a walk on the Northern Rail Trail, starting near the Lebanon town square. The weather was perfect for this kind of outing (50s, sunny, light breeze) and I enjoyed the flat, cinder trail surface.  There was a lot of evidence of the old railroad tracks, including at the many river crossings (old bridges) and the historical railroad markers.  I turned around at the parking area at Riverside Drive.  On the way back, I took a detour down the road to look at an old Covered Bridge (it was closed for construction/repair).  There were a lot of people outside, including some rowdy kids who swarmed around me as they ran and jumped in the warm sun.  I walked just under four miles and felt really great to be outside!  Before getting back in my car, I also checked for river access (couldn't find any) and stumbled across a community garden near Emerson Place.  Finished my visit to Lebanon at about 1830 and then drove (via US-4 and NH-12A) over towards West Lebanon.  All the fast food places had huge drive-through lines, so I stopped to shop at Shaws (grocery store) and found some frozen dinners.  I then (1845) headed back to my hotel.  Spent some time writing up some notes about my househunting visits (to assist in making a final decision).  Ate dinner (frozen meal) in my room and then spent about an hour researching the local area a bit more (transit, dealership, tour/visit scheduling, etc.).  Once work was done, I relaxed and watched TV for the rest of the evening.  Went to bed at around 2300. 

Househunting Trip - Day 3

Started teleworking early in the morning (0530) and ate breakfast (snacks) in the room.  I looked outside and saw that it was sunny but cooler (40s all day).  At about 1200, I left the hotel and drove to the east side of Lebanon to check out one of the condo properties on my list.  I ate lunch (snacks) in the car and then drove over to West Lebanon to see two other apartment/condos on my house hunting list.  After that, I crossed the Connecticut River to visit the village of White River Junction (part of the town of Hartford, VT).  First, I explored the area near the VA Hospital and then I drove over to visit the Amtrak Station.  Even though the "Vermonter" schedule was suspended due to COVID-19, I could imagine a time in the future when I'd be able to use Amtrak for trips to DC.  There were some historic trains parked nearby and I took at look at them (and the associated information signs).  It was nice to stretch my legs in the crisp Vermont air!  After this nice lunch break, I headed back towards Lebanon.  I took a short detour into Hanover to see one more condo property and to find the AT crossing on the edge of town.  I'd been through the area a few times (2014 and later) and had often wondered what it would be like to have the time to explore more.  But the thought of actually living in Grafton County had not really materialized until the summer of 2019.  It was awesome to be getting close to making a dream of living near the AT a reality!  Back at my hotel (1400), I resumed my teleworking and kept busy until around 1630.  Brenna called to talk about new tires for the Chrysler and we worked through the details so she could get them.  At around 1700, I left my hotel and took a walk nearby, exploring two of the apartment complexes where I had tours scheduled during the coming days.  I walked across the footbridge into the old part of Lebanon again - it was another nice day to be outside.  I arrived back at my hotel at around 1815 and ate dinner (snacks) in the room.  I later researched some of the floor plans and photos of the condos that weren't available for a tour during my visit.  I relaxed for the rest of the evening, watching TV and reading, and went to bed at 2245.

Househunting Trip - Day 2

I woke up at around 0515 and started working for my job.  I ate breakfast (snacks) in my room and then got packed up in preparation for departure.  Left the hotel in Hazleton at around 0645 and drove north on I-81.  Switched to I-84 in Scranton, heading east, and later stopped for gas in Matamoras, PA (0810).  I had rain for most of the morning but the drive went OK.  Crossed Hudson River at around 0855 and continued on I-84.  I made some work calls and tried Mollie (she didn't answer because she was still asleep).  Switched to I-91 in Hartford and headed north.  Made great time all the way through Massachusetts - it stopped raining and the driving was easy.  Ate lunch (snacks) in my car and stopped for an internet break at the Vermont Welcome Center (closed).  Got on I-89 at White River Junction and crossed the Connecticut River.  Arrived in Lebanon, NH by 1245 and checked into the Quality Inn on NH-120.  I'd made an online reservation before leaving Alexandria but, with COVID-19 rules in effect and questions about a NH "essential worker" letter, I was told I had to wait to get into my room.  In the meantime, I drove around nearby, looking at some condos and apartments I'd researched online.  I also explored the smaller village of Etna and eventually ended up in the town square in Lebanon.  It rained a lot more - I had wanted to get out and walk around while I had the time but decided it wasn't worth getting drenched.  By 1400, I was able to get into my room at the hotel and continue teleworking.  I had several phone calls and projects and kept busy until after 1630.  I looked out the window and noticed that it had stopped raining.  That made me happy - so I took a walk nearby, checking out more of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center property and finding a footbridge across I-89 to the area where I'd been in my car several hours earlier.  I picked up some snacks and drinks at the Shell on Hanover Street (1730) and then walked back to my hotel.  Ate my dinner (snacks) in the room and then did some more teleworking (until 1930).  Finally caught up with Mollie on the phone and then helped her pay the matriculation fee for VT (she's officially a student there!).  Later, I organized in my room, made notes about the places I'd visited in Lebanon/Hanover and read/relaxed for the rest of the evening.  Bed at around 2230.

Househunting Trip - Day 1

I finally had enough of the shelter in place rules and decided to go north to look at potential new residences in New Hampshire.  During the previous months, I'd done a lot of research on apartments and condos and had several viewings planned for the week. I got a rental car yesterday (to save the engine on my Subaru) and was packed and ready when my time with Mollie ended.  I dropped her off at Nicky's and left Alexandria at around 1700.  Used I-495, I-95, I-195, I-83 (with a break at the Pennsylvania Welcome Rest Area) and I-81.  On the way, I called Bonnie and Brenna and had nice conversations with both.  There was very little traffic, compared to my usual drive north, but the people who were on the road were driving SO fast!  The weather was nice, though, so I focused on that.  It took a while to get used to the Chevy Impala I was driving but I eventually settled in OK.  As I approached Tamaqua (PA), I thought about staying in a hotel I'd used for AT hiking in Hometown (Pine Motel) - so I took PA-54 and looked for it.  I found the hotel on PA-309 (north of town) after a bit of searching but discovered it was no longer in business.  Disappointed, I went back to I-81 via PA-309 and continued north towards I-81.  A short time later, I decided to check out the lodging in Hazleton.  Fortunately, the Forest Hill Inn had rooms and didn't ask me a million questions about my travel plans - I checked in at 2035.  The room was nice and it got me thinking about how the hotel might be a good place to stop for the night when I actually move permanently...  I did some additional work for my job (because I knew I'd be driving early the next day) and then read and rested.  Went to bed at around 2200.

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[left my house at around 0800 - parked at NWR and walked to Mason Neck State Park - visited the shore of Belmont Bay (took a short walk on the Bayview Trail) and then went back to my car (finished at 1000) - drove over to Reza's and spent about an hour kayaking (paddled to Hallowing Point) - finished at about 1115 - drove home]