Bristol, NH (USA)

The weather was spectacular when I woke up this morning!  However, just like all the other weekends in April, the White Mountains were still covered with snow (and, in fact, had received several new inches in the previous 24 hours) when I checked my online sources.  Was a bit slow in getting out of my condo because I didn't really know where to go on such a great day...  Fortunately, one of my friends recently told me about a hike he did from Mount Cardigan to a place called Newfound Lake - by the time I got in my car, I decided it might be a good place to visit.  I used a "northern route" to enter the area (US-4, NH-118, NH-25 and NH-3A) and reached the north end of Newfound Lake by about 1030.  Google Maps was loaded with the boat launch at Wellington State Park (on the southern end of the lake) but I ended up getting distracted several times along the route.  My first stop was at the Newfound Audubon Center which, although closed, had a great set of well-marked walking trails.  I was treated to some amazing views of the lake and surrounding hills.  After about 45 minutes along the water there, I drove a short distance into the town of Hebron and found another set of trails at the Grey Rocks Conservation Area.  This park was adjacent to the town beach, which I visited via a closed gravel road.  The location was nice for views but the wind was very strong on the exposed peninsula there.  Backtracking, I explored a marshy area closer to the town and was very impressed by the local Parks and Recreation's efforts (nice bridges, well placed blinds, gravel on the trails and many benches).  Back in the car, I saw some signs that directed me to a place called the Sculptured Rocks - this seemed intriguing so I continued west through the town of Groton until I found a parking lot for it.  At first, I was confused about where to go because the arrow on the sign pointed at the Cockermouth River.  There were no interpretive stations or maps, so it took me a bit to realize that the attraction WAS the river.  The water had eroded the rocks in the little gorge into amazing shapes and there were plenty of places from which I could observe the eons-long process...  I backtracked in my car to Hebron and then continued south along the west side of Newfound Lake.  There were lots of pretty vacation homes and private beaches/launches - I also passed Camp Berea, which looked like a good place to get away from civilization with some of the comforts of home.  Eventually, I encountered a sign for the Sugarloaf Ridge-Goose Pond Conservation Area (across West Shore Road from Wellington SP) - this was the place my friend had mentioned.  After parking, I checked the map (lots of options!) and decided to hike over to Goose Pond.  I soon saw a sign that said I was only 12.5 miles from Cardigan.  The walk wasn't too strenuous so, after I reached the pond, I backtracked to a side trail so I could climb to the top of Little Sugarloaf Mountain.  This also wasn't very difficult (the summit was just barely over 1000 feet above sea level) but the steepness of the cliffs I was on required a lot of caution.  The views were tremendous and I could see the southern end of the Whites (snow capped), Cardigan (in the other direction) and almost the entire length of Newfound Lake.  Because it wasn't too windy, I spent a good amount of time up there, not wanting to leave the nice views.  Eventually, I made my way downhill to my car and encountered the only people (middle aged couple with a lot of knowledge of the area) I'd seen on any of the walks all day.  In my car again, I quickly explored Wellington SP (didn't get out of my car), the town of Bristol (at the southern end of the lake) and the town of Alexandria (I sent pictures to the kids).  From there, I was going to drive over to visit New London but, again, got distracted.  This time, it was because I saw signs for the AMC Cardigan Lodge - I followed them all the way to the end of a dirt road and found the lodge nestled just below the peak for Cardigan.  The parking lot was packed with cars but there was only one person inside (the Caretaker).  Apparently, there was a big AMC event today and I barely missed seeing everyone before they went on a hike.  I didn't feel like I really "missed" anything, though...  I backtracked to Alexandria and used some back roads to find NH-104 and, eventually, US-4 (Danbury).  Then got on NH-11 and used NH-114 to find New London.  I'd heard all kinds of good things about the ambiance, Colby-Sawyer College and some restaurants.  However, I didn't think it was "exciting" enough to warrant a stop.  Instead, I continued west until I could get on I-89 and head home (arrived at 1545).  Like many other great days I've had since moving to the Granite State, today was full of discoveries, amazing views and lots of Vitamin D - loving the fact that New Hampshire hasn't lost the "newness" since I got here!

Canaan, NH (USA)

This morning, I teleworked for a few hours before driving across the Connecticut River (to White River Junction) so I could finish my New Volunteer Orientation at the VA Medical Center (0845).  I then drove a short distance to the Upper Valley Aquatic Center so I could do three volunteer hours (mulching the flower beds) that would count towards my new Volunteer Membership.  Just after noon, I departed for Lebanon and picked up my dry-cleaning (first time I've had to do that since March 2020).  Omer and Bob's (across the street) was having their annual Bicycle Consignment Sale so I explored the many bikes they had while I was in the area.  After some Q&A with the staff, a short test ride and getting over a surprise that I found something I liked so quickly, I pulled the trigger (1230).  Like “Ol’ Reliable”, the Diamond Back Response Elite (mountain bike) I chose was first produced in the 1990s.  Regardless, this bicycle is much more sophisticated (and better maintained) than anything I’ve ever had and I look forward to many years of fun on the trail with it!  I needed my bike rack to get the new cycle home, so I went back to my condo to get it.  After a quick turnaround, I resumed teleworking and closed out my work week with few more hours.  I had promised Michael H that I'd meet him in Enfield for a walk at the Lower Shaker Wildlife Management Area and I barely made it there by the agreed time (1600).  We took a circuit of the trails and ended up logging about 2.5 miles in just under an hour.  Afterwards, we drove over to his house in Canaan and his wife, Camille, prepared a delicious dinner for us.  The three of us spent the rest of the evening having a nice conversation, eating good food and laughing.  I didn't actually leave until almost 2130.  I was able to drive home in the length of time it took me to listen to Genesis sing "Supper's Ready"...  Great day!

Wilder, VT (USA)

[teleworked in the morning - went to New Volunteer Orientation at VA Medical Center in White River Junction (1300-1500) - afterwards, went walking in Kilowatt Park on the way home - resumed telework]

Lyme, NH (USA)

After teleworking all morning, I drove up to Lyme (left at 1130, arrived at 1200) to spend the afternoon with my friends from Connecticut River Conservancy and NorthWoods Stewardship Center.  Together, we planted trees intended to stabilize the eastern bank of the Connecticut River.  Unlike my experience with them in Piermont last Fall, today’s planting in Lyme (just north of the Thetford Bridge) was dry and pleasant.  Working with a team run by Meg and Ron, we dug holes for many more types of trees than I’d seen before: elm, dogwood, cottonwood, willow, oak, etc. (see photos).  After we finished establishing the saplings in new homes, I tried out a new water bucket yoke - it took some practice but definitely helped move the water!  After finishing my volunteering (1530), I drove across the Connecticut River and headed home via Thetford and US-5.  Arrived at my condo by 1600 and completed my work day (more teleworking).  Felt pretty good after several hours along the River because my colleagues were energetic and upbeat - it was infectious.  Bonus: I’ll be able to check on the trees when I resume my paddling someday!

Norwich, VT (USA)

[Mass in Lebanon at 0800 - got gas at Irving in West Lebanon (0910) - drove across the Connecticut River to Vermont (used US-5) and stopped for a hike at the King Arthur Trail in Norwich - explored woods, Dresden sports fields, community garden - met Peter and Kate (bikers from the area) - talked to Mollie - dodged rain showers - arrived home by 1300]

Carrabassett Valley, ME (USA)

Today was a beautiful day!  Thinking I might be able to do some hiking, I left the house (0830) for a Recce of the AT in the Whites and western Maine.  Drove north (I-91 to VT-25 in Bradford) and then re-crossed the Connecticut River.  Used NH-25, River Road and NH-10 to reach Woodsville and then took US-302 to Littleton.  Drove on NH-116 until I reached US-2.  The Presidentials and eastern Whites were covered in snow but everything lower seemed OK.  Temps stayed in the 40s for most of my drive in New Hampshire.  Continued into Maine on US-2.  Didn't see any snow so started to get hopeful that I'd be able to hike.  Stopped for lunch at McDonalds in Rumford Falls (1055) and checked out the (raging) falls nearby.  Cut across the river to Mexico and then resumed my drive on US-2.  Reached Farmington and decided to drive up to Sugarloaf .  Along the way through the Carrabassett Valley on ME-27, I noticed a lot of snow on the Bigelows.  When I reached the ski resort, it looked like all the trails were completely covered in snow.  Decided not to stop and just continued to Eustis.  At around this time, I started wishing I'd brought my passport so I could have driven the roughly 30 miles to the Canandian border... Instead, got on ME-16 and headed towards Rangeley.  Just as I reached town, I saw that Saddleback Mountain was covered in snow and decided to stay on ME-16.  This allowed me to take a ride around the north side of the lakes, which were mostly frozen.  Encountered very little traffic in the area and didn't see any moose, unfortunately.  Drove through some rain and it didn't really warm up at all.  Eventually, I reached the New Hampshire Border and continued south on NH-16.  Wanting to take a break from being in the car, I stopped to take a walk in the Umbagog NWR.  I walked through (mostly mushy) trails near the Magalloway River unit and got close to my step-count for the day.  After about an hour, I resumed my drive toward home.  By that point, I'd concluded that there didn't look to be any promising places to hike the AT.  Also, snow was forecast for western Maine the next day...  I stopped to check out St. Anne's in Berlin (planning to come back there in a few weeks for a Knights of Columbus event).  Reached Gorham and got on US-2.  From there, I basically backtracked to Hanover via the exact route I'd used to go north (NH-16 to Littleton, US-302 to Woodsville, NH-10 to Piermont).  I had hoped to get some milk at Hatchland Farms (in North Haverhill) but they'd already closed.  A bit disappointed, I crossed the Connecticut River back into Vermont and used I-91 to get from Bradford to Norwich.  Arrived at my condo by 1800.  Felt a bit discouraged that I hadn't found a good place to hike or reason to stay in the Pine Tree State but it felt good to be home.  Final Verdict: too much snow still left on all the peaks I’ve got to climb… I still enjoyed the many hours of exploring and believe I’ll be able to hit the AT again soon!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[after starting my telework day early, I had my first chance to volunteer at the UVAC in White River Junction today - from 0930 to 1130, I cleared/cut branches and other debris on the outdoor walking trail - it rained a bit and was quite breezy but it was good to be outside - got back to my telework at the condo by noon]

Canaan, NH (USA)

[my dad was visiting for a few days - after teleworking all morning, I took him on a driving tour of my area - we stopped in Hanover to get gas (1115) and then drove across the Connecticut River to get some lunch at King Arthur's Cafe in Norwich - we had a nice meal (sandwiches) and then explored the gift shop - we then drove (via US-5) to Wilder and explored the area near the Dam (Kilowatt Park) - we then continued south to US-4 in WRJ and then took NH-12A to reach the Powerhouse Mall (we'd seen it the day before when we went to dinner at Lui Lui's) - Dad really liked the stores and ambiance and we got some exercise in the building while it was really rainy outside - we got on US-4 and drove to Lebanon (Dad recognized Colbourn Square) and then used NH-120, Etna Road and some gravel roads (some very mushy from mud season) to reach Goose Pond - the weather improved and my dad said he enjoyed the waterfront homes - after we reached Canaan, we retraced our steps to Hanover via US-4, I-89 and NH-120 - I then got back to work while Dad took a nap - after my work day was complete, we drove into Hanover - our first stop was the Library (my dad was impressed) - we then explored Still North, the Nugget Theatre and some of the other stores near Molly's - we ended up taking a brief walk on the Dartmouth Campus and were able to enter the Art Museum building - inside, we located a dining hall - we also explored the adjacent Performing Arts Center before heading back to my place]

Bellows Falls, VT (USA)

The weather still hasn't been nice enough for long walks in the mountains...  So, I decided to explore Southwestern New Hampshire!  I left the condo at 0800 and drove (via I-89, I-91 and US-5) to Bellows Falls.  It was sprinkling when I drove out of Lebanon but then got sunny as I headed south.  When I checked out the falls themselves, I was very satisfied.  Lots more water coming through town, compared to when I visited last Fall - what a difference the Spring Thaw makes!  Tried to find good camera views on both sides of the River (VT and NH) but it was hard... The town really needs to create a scenic viewpoint area...  After getting my fill of the powerful rapids, I crossed the Connecticut River (back into New Hampshire) and used NH-12 to drive south to the town of Walpole.  I was looking for a rail trail I had heard was nearby and eventually found a place (Hubbard WMA boat launch) where I could access it.  As a result, I was able to walk the northern three miles of the Cheshire Recreational Trail.  Unlike other rail trails in New Hampshire, this one seems to have limited parking access and is quite wild in places.  But it does go almost all the way from Bellows Falls to Keene, so there are a lot of miles for exercise.  Got lots of pretty views of the Connecticut River and saw several big farms.  Glad I found a place to walk that was dry on this rainy Saturday...  When I was finished, I drove south on NH-12.  After a little while, I switched to NH-63 and continued south.  In Hinsdale, I had to pass through covered bridge to get on NH-119 - I noticed that the numbers on the signs were close to 1 so I must have been near the VT/MA/NH border...  Explored access to the Asheulot Rail Trail and then drove east, looking for a way into Pisgah State Park.  Saw several hiking trailheads but there were a lot of signs about the trails being closed for mud season (through May 23).  Ended up on some back roads in Winchester and used Old Chesterfield Road to reach the park visitor center (closed).  Turned around and headed east to NH-10.  Then drove north and got on NH-12 on the south side of Keene.  Edged around the populated area and ended up back where I'd walked in Walpole.  Unfortunately, it started raining again...  My friend, Joe C, had seen a post I made on social media (about being in the area earlier in the day) and recommended that I stop at Walpole Creamery for some ice cream - what a great idea!  I made a quick visit to Shaws (to get a circular) and then had lunch (white chili, turkey panini and two scoops of ice cream) at the creamery.  I was done at 1400 and headed back to the south so I could use NH-123 to cross the Connecticut River.  This turned out to be a scary, narrow bridge but I made it across OK.  After I got back on I-91, I talked to Mollie to pass the time.  Made it to I-89 without much traffic or construction (yaay!).  Encountered more rain on the way home but it mostly held off until I reached my condo (1500).  The day was filled with driving but I also got some good walks, found some interesting parks and had a great lunch - not too bad for a Spring Day!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[telework in early morning - at 0730, I drove to WRJ so I could do some business at the VA Medical Center - done within 30 minutes - drove home via US-5, with stops at Cumberland Farms (for a free drink), Kilowatt Park (for a walk; lots of water coming through the Dam) and King Arthur Baking School/Store (to check out the course listings and gift shop; WOW!) - home by 0930 and back to telework]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked in the morning - then used my Veterans Day Guest Pass at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) in White River Junction this morning!  Lap swim, rowing machine, stationary bike, Freemotion weights - great workout (0730 to 1000), hopefully the first of many this year - teleworked later]

Goffstown, NH (USA)

It’s been raining for most of the week (and weekend) so big hiking plans were thwarted… This morning, I figured out that it was warmer and drier to the south and decided to head in that direction.  I left the condo at 0800 and used I-89 to reach NH-13.  From there, I drove through Dunbarton and used other back roads to reach Goffstown.  While hiking the town’s Rail Trail last year, I noticed some trails in the area of the two Uncanoonuc mountains - today seemed like a great day to climb one of them!  At 0915, I parked right next to the Uncanoonuc Lake and used the Incline Trail (very steep) to reach the summit of the south peak.  Up there, I got some great views of Concord, Manchester and much of the Merrimack Valley.  But it wasn’t until I circuited the summit a few times (trails and gravel roads) that I found a view of the Boston skyline (50+ miles away).  From another spot, I discovered I could see several NH mountain peaks - Kearsarge, Sunapee, Cardigan, Moosilauke; all the way to the southern end of the Whites!  The twin Uncanoonucs aren’t very tall (less than 1.5K feet) but are prominent above the flat farmland in the area.  Saw lots of people with their dogs and some locals talked to me about the meaning of the word "Uncanoonuc" (woman's breast).  After my adventurous climb and exploring at the summit, I was a bit disappointed to encounter LOTS of mud on the way back down (via Summit Trail).  Since I hadn't yet met my 10,000 step goal, I walked on roads around the lake - some were private but I met almost universally pleasant local people working in their yards (the temps were in the 40s and the sun had come out).  I got back to my car (and a packed parking lot) at 1115.  Great hike!  I wasn't done exploring so I decided to drive east towards Manchester.  Using back roads, I found a lot of interesting places and views.  Explored St. Anselm University campus and then continued into Manchester, crossing the Merrimack River near Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.  I tried to learn more about the Fisher Cats season but had no luck.  Instead, I walked on a bike trail that went along the river until I reached a foot bridge I'd used to cross the river when I last visited.  Back in my car, drove north through Manchester (without a map).  When I ended up on River Road, I started to see things that looked very historic.  Suddenly (1230), I found Stark Park and realized I'd have a chance to learn more about the famous Granite Stater who'd first said "Live Free or Die".  Walked around the property (pretty nice trails) and paid homage to our American Hero!  John Stark’s band of NH and VT volunteers won the Battle of Bennington, an engagement that sapped the energy of the British Army before their defeat at Saratoga.  From his farm on the Merrimack, I noticed that he used to have a great view of the Uncancoonucs...  In my opinion, it was a great park for walking, history and reflection!  After getting done (1300), I continued north on River Road.  Eventually, I passed through the University of Southern New Hampshire campus - fancy!  Continued north until I was on US-3.  Stopped at Shaw's (1330) to get free grocery items and then followed US-3 north again until I could cut west (Main Street) to NH-3A in the town of Hooksett.  After this circuitous route, I found myself in the 10 mile stretch I normally use to avoid the toll.  The drive north took me to Hall Street - from there, I got on Water Street for a short time so I could stop for lunch at McDonalds (I had a BOGO code).  Since I'd had such a long day of walking and driving, I ate inside the restaurant (1350).  After getting done with my meal (1410), I retraced my route and stopped at Litherman's Limited Brewery (arrived at 1420).  I enjoyed a flight of Pilsner, Limoncello, Mai Tai, Tenth Man - the best drink of all was the special "Tangled Up in Bruges With Limoncello", a limited pour.  I was done at 1500 and then drove west.  Once on I-89 again, I drove north towards home - arrived at my condo at 1600.  Great day of exploring!

Woodstock, VT (USA)

This morning, I attended Opening Day and Volunteer Ice Cream Social at Billings Farm in Woodstock.  I arrived at 1145 and participated in several events, including a Volunteer Ice Cream Social, during my lunch hour.  Lots of little kids on hand for free samples at the Creamery. Discovered I was the featured volunteer in the 2021 Annual Report… Before leaving (1300), I took a peak at some of the Baby Farm Animals that will be the big draw for the Public as the Billings Farm opens in earnest tomorrow morning.  Hope they have a great season!

Smokies Hiking Trip - Day 10

After yesterday's marathon drive, I slept later than I usually do (0700).  Fortunately, I managed to make it down to breakfast in the hotel lobby.  Spent some time organizing, planning and journaling before departing Binghamton (0830).  It was raining in town but the precipitation turned to snow as I got on I-88 and headed east.  I'd wanted to stop for a hike in Catskill Park but it soon became clear that I'd be lucky to make it safely to the Albany area.  There were almost no plows on the road and I had trouble in a few places keeping my Chevy Malibu on the road safely.  Listened to audiobooks on the way.  Fortunately, I made it OK to Rotterdam and switched to NY-7.  Google Maps suggested this road (and some other back roads, including a long train crossing) to help me cut across the north side of the Capital Region.  As a result, I entered Saratoga at around the same time I reached I-87.  From there, I drove north until I reached the Adirondack's Welcome Center - I stopped there for information.  It wasn't raining in the area so I checked out the town of Glens Falls.  I couldn't find a place to view the eponymous falls so decided instead to head over to Lake George.  I used US-9 and it didn't take long to get there.  At first, I looked around town (on the south and west side of the lake), hoping to find something to do.  However, I figured out that parking was expensive so I didn't stop anywhere.  After a while, I realized that I could (finally) visit the Adirondack Pub and Brewery!  That place wasn't hard to find and I was soon sitting on a bar stool.  While relaxing inside the pub, I sampled four beers and met lots of really nice people.  I talked to two young guys who'd recently moved to Lake George (one worked for a company that explored pipes with remote vehicles and the other worked at a Glamping tent company).  Overall, the whole experience was great!  After leaving the brewery (1350), I drove over to the outlet mall on the corner of US-9 and NY-149 and took a walk on the western end of the Warren County Bikeway.  I had a feeling of deja vu for a few minutes until I realized that I was actually finishing the trail that I'd started in October 2014...  The weather was nice for most of my walk but it started to rain in the area just as I was finishing.  Got back in my car at 1600 and then left town.  I used NY-149 to reach US-4 and continued east into Vermont.  After that, I made pretty good time (not much traffic and only a little rain).  Stopped for gas at Irving in Rutland on US-7/US-4 (1655) and then continued east on US-4 (sleet).  Before long, I found myself on I-89...  I made it home by 1800 and sent the kids a Smurfey picture to let them know I'd completed my long journey.  Very glad to have gotten away for such a great trip!

Smokies Hiking Trip - Day 9

It's the end of the "Era of Bessie"...  I was awake by 0600 and spent some time reading, journaling and organizing.  Later, I went outside and recleaned the minivan.  I tried to get Brenna up to help me jump start the car (0900) but she wanted to sleep longer.  At around 0930, I was able to get the van started again and let it run for about half an hour.  Last night, I'd reluctantly made the decision to try to sell our family's old Chrysler Town & Country EX to CarMax.  I remember buying the van near Dobbins ARB (Atlanta, GA area) to replace a Plymouth Voyager during the summer of 2003 - it had less than 100 miles on it then.  By the end, Bessie logged 270,274 miles for us.  Every family member drove this minivan and we have many, many funny stories about our adventures in what, to me, was the fanciest car we ever owned. Bessie took us on many long trips: up and down the east coast, back and forth to Meridian (MS), across Texas multiple times, on several long college tours in the Midwest and South, Appalachian Trail hiking trips from Georgia to New Hampshire, for Thanksgiving events (in Minneapolis, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Savannah, Charleston, etc.), to South Dakota, the Grand Canyon and one huge cross-country jaunt to Yellowstone National Park (2017).  She carried our belongings during over nearly 10 years worth of Navy moves and, all told, spent time in at least 42 states and parts of Canada.  Bessie had "power everything" but the best feature was a DVD player (with headphones) that kept our kids entertained wherever we went (Mollie scarred her sisters for life by constantly requesting replays of "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron").  Erin skillfully helped me navigate with an atlas from the front seat a few times - very helpful in the days before Google Maps.  For the last four years, the minivan was Brenna's college car and served as IVCF "small group" transportation in and around the Shenandoah Valley.  My appointment at CarMax Harrisonburg was scheduled for 1100 but I (somehow, without the car having any problems) got there early.  Even so, the representatives welcomed me inside, looked over my paperwork and appraised the car.  Before I knew it (1130), they made and offer that I could not refuse and I had to call Brenna to come and get me.  She didn't initially believe me but came over to join me for an almost tearful farewell of our old car.  What a legend - we are all going to miss the "Queen of Minivans"!  Since I didn't know when I'd next be in Harrionburg, I asked Brenna to drive me a short distance to the DMV and I was able to turn in the license plates for my car.  With the big task of the day completed, I suggested that we get some lunch and we then checked for wait times at Cracker Barrel, IHOP and some other restaurants (45 minutes or more).  I noticed the Applebee's on US-33 and Brenna agreed to try it.  Luckily for us, they had just opened before we got there (1215) and there was no wait at all.  We ended up having a delicious meal and spent a lot more time talking.  Brenna had been planning to do some work but, I think, felt better relaxing and taking it easier after we were done eating (1315).  While we were eating, I made plans with Erin to meet on the west side of the DC Metro area.  Before that, though, Brenna and I went back to her place and I finished packing up my car.  Since it had been such a nice (and unexpected) visit, I reluctantly said goodbye to Brenna (1325).  I believe she was really glad to see me, ultimately, because we got so much done during the few days I was in town.  She she promised to soon make plans to visit me in New Hampshire...  From Harrisonburg, it took me about an hour and a half to get to my next destination.  Along the way (I-81 and I-66 and some back roads), I listened to audiobooks.  At 1550, Erin and I met at Leopold’s Preserve (near Thoroughfare, VA on the west side of Prince William County) and took a nice walk on the extensive trail system.  There were plenty of pretty flowers and lots of birds.  Before leaving the area, we tried to visit the ruins of Chapman’s Mill (located next to I-66) but it was already closed.  Instead, we walked some more in the Bull Run Mountains Preserve.  It was a beautiful day!  We'd had a nice time walking and talking that Erin suggested that we drive over to Chick-fil-A (nearby, in Haymarket) for dinner.  I agreed and we used VA-55 to reach US-15.  When we got there, Erin treated me to my choice of food and we had a nice meal.  There was also lots of talking and laughing about Bessie memories...  Before we left the restaurant, Erin told me she wanted a photo of a cow she'd seen outside. After we looked at the selfie she'd taken, we noticed that one of my fellow Dads (eating inside with his own daughter) had decided to photobomb us!  This caused lots more laughs.  By 1800, I reluctantly told Erin I needed to get on the road again.  We said goodbye and I continued north on US-15, which took me all the way to Maryland (Point of Rocks crossing).  Got gas at Sheetz in Thurmont (1945) and then continued north to Harrisburg.  Talked to Mollie on the way and listened to more audiobooks.  Used PA-581, I-83 and I-81 to drive all the way to the NY-PA border.  Stopped at a rest area (2300) to make a hotel reservation in Binghamton (Comfort Inn) but, when I got there, found that they didn't actually have any rooms.  At first, I was quite upset because I was very tired.  Fortunately, I was able to find another hotel (Quality Inn) nearby and used some points to get a free night.  I also spent some time on the phone with Choice Hotels Customer Service, to get a refund on the first reservation (they helped me).  After midnight, I finally checked into the "correct" hotel.  They told me they'd had to clean up a room in anticipation of my unexpected visit...  I was able to go to sleep by 0100.  What a day - not only did I manage to sell our old car but I got to spend a lot of quality time with the Twins and drive all the way to New York!

Smokies Hiking Trip - Day 8

My morning started at around 0600.  I cleaned up (repacked) in my room and also took care of some work emails while waiting for Mollie.  Still feeling sore.  Mollie arrived at the hotel at around 0745 (she was able to walk from her apartment) and we had a nice time talking while we ate at the breakfast buffet.  We made plans for our next get together (hopefully, sometime in May) before she had to leave for her first class of the day (0825).  After saying goodbye to her, I went back to the room and did some more repacking and journaling.  At 0930, I got on the road and headed out of Blacksburg.  I used US-460 to reach I-81 and then drove through Roanoke (listening to audiobooks).  Got off on US-220 exit (Daleville) and filled up my gas tank at a station located next to where the AT crosses the highway (1015).  Then continued north on US-220 all the way to Clifton Forge (the I-64 crossing), where I stopped for a break Douthat State Park.  The weather wasn't very nice - it was spitting sleet and temps were in the mid 40s.  I spent some time walking on several trails and determined that the park is obviously a fisherman’s paradise.  The state stocks the lake and streams twice a week in the Spring and Fall.  During the Great Depression, the park was a CCC Camp and there are reminders everywhere of that time period.  With lots of campsites, swimming, boating and trails, it definitely seems like a good spot for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle.  I'm sure my friend, Stephanie (who likes to fish), would really like it...  After getting done with my visit, I headed east on I-64 until reaching I-81 again (more audiobooks).  Brenna called and we made plans to meet up at around 1600.  Since I had the time, I stopped for lunch at the new (to me) McDonalds in Greeneville (1405) and ate inside the restaurant.  They appeared to be short staffed (messy and overflowing trash cans).  After getting back on I-81, I decided I finally had enough time for a visit to the birthplace of the 28th President in Staunton (“Stanton not Stawnton”).  It wasn't hard to locate but parking was a bit sparse.  Still, I was at the entrance by 1500 and started a self-tour of the museum (it was located next door to the historic home).  The place wasn’t created along the same lines as modern Presidential Libraries and is more like the George Washington facility near Mount Vernon.  The big reason: Woodrow Wilson’s official papers reside at the Library of Congress and the only thing here is his personal correspondence.  But the residents in the town of his birth built a fine memorial, in my opinion, that celebrates the hugely consequential impact that their native son had on our Nation.  Wilson was a mix of Southern-Northern, religious-reason, academic-worker and preacher-politician.  Probably only elected President because of Teddy Roosevelt’s refusal to “go quietly into that good night”, he also made a lot of fantastical campaign promises that convinced people they needed change.  Ultimately, he did make many major reforms for workers that still protect their rights today.  This, along with the huge victory in World War I, kept the American Public on his side.  It seems, though, that his refusal to compromise (noted in several places inside the museum) also directly led to a major Republican landslide in 1920.  The stroke he had in 1919 prevented a run for a third term anyway, so we don’t really know for sure.  Wilson wasn’t the first Progressive but his style of trying save people, even against their will, foreshadowed the style of the left side of the political aisle that we know today.  This museum is a definitely a great choice if you are looking to stop in the Shenandoah Valley!  After getting done, I realized I'd be later than I'd originally told Brenna so I called her and updated my ETA.  It took a bit of time to get back to I-81 (busy town streets and lots of life).  Continued north (more audiobooks).  Encountered LOTS of traffic and a big accident near the US-33 exit but still managed to arrive in Harrisonburg by 1630.  I met Brenna at her apartment and checked on the Chrysler (battery dead again).  I'd been planning to spend time with my daughter but she told me she was really tired from work and wanted to take a two hour nap.  So, I left her apartment and headed southwest (used VA-42).  In the town of Dayton, I saw a sign for Fort Harrison and stopped to check it out.  It was a very well done site, with lots of historic markers.  Since I'd only used about an hour, I drove west on VA-257, looking for a place to take a longer walk.  I reached the town of Montezuma but never found a place.  Backtracked to VA-42 (more audiobooks) and drove all the way back to Brenna's.  By then (1830), she had woken up and we discussed going out to dinner.  I suggested we check out a new place (for us) near the Walmart and she agreed.  Our choices there were Qdoba, a Pho restaurant and an Italian place called "Vinny's".  After checking out the menus, we opted for the latter (1915) and enjoyed a delicious meal there (we also each had a glass of wine).  Brenna talked a lot about her job and I told her about my hiking trip.  We departed at around 2100 and went back to Brenna's to look for the spare key for the Chrysler.  This led to a "Spring Cleaning" project that took almost an hour.  We found a lot of other interesting things but not the key... By 2230, I was really tired and planned to go to sleep.  However, Brenna wanted to talk some more so we chatted for nearly another hour.  In the end, I didn't really get to sleep until just after midnight.  But it was a good day!