Nostalgia trip...

I've written recently about myself when I was a kid, and it sparked my curiosity. A few minutes on the internet and I found an old memoory... a really good one.

I had this exact bike. The Western Flyer Buzz... same color, same seat, same everything! That beauty took me everywhere! It even has the original wheelie bar on the back!

A beautiful (windy) day for a walk

I decided not to go too far today. I chose a service road, an FAA installation, and a hike back down Dickey Hill. I love watching the green bursting from the trees!

Pass Mountain and Mary's Rock

I huffed and puffed my way up Mary's Rock from the parking lot AT Trailhead at Panorama. Rehydrated at the bottom, and then I set off on the Pass Mountain Loop using the AT and Pass Mountain Hut Road to return. What a way to spend the day. I stopped at Pass Mountain Hut and talked to a SoBo hiker for a little while. He was 74 years young! How awesome and inspiring! The spring behind the Hut was flowing so I took the time to douse my head and filter a couple liters of water for the return trip.

Another day, another adventure!

I'm to beat to describe my hike... knees, feet, arms... sore.

💀 The forbidden trail 💀

I hiked a short, but permanently closed trail today. I did it because it is still on the maps and GPS... so up I went. I found out at the top of the trail there were 🛑 signs... but there were no signs at the bottom where I started. I guess my first clue should've been that there were no signs at all. I spotted what looked like a possible trailhead that was partially obscured by debris, but further ahead I saw a tell-talke trail marker on a tree. These markers should have been removed when the trail was closed. Other clues are in the pics!

A long walk on the Appalachian and Bluff Trails

I got out early this morning and made my way to Gravel Spring Gap for a 13.25 mile loop around the Appalachian Trail and Bluff Trail. There was 2K+ in elevation changes... my calves are ridiculous tight! Along the way I was able to knock out two summits! I made it up South and North Marshall Mountains. All in all - an excellent adventure!

A short, but fun walk...

This was shorter than I'd anticipated- A walk along Moore Road and onto the AT. A few rock hops across creeks was a highlight. Then I picked up the connector trail leading back to the Northern Virginia 4H center.

Bandana #4

I have a knack for finding cool bandanas along the trails (... a very popular multi-use trail tool). Today I found a PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) bandana along the side of the trail. That is a really neat find here in the Appalachians! Unfortunately it is suffering from a case of "rotten cotton" from being in the elements for so long. Perhaps I can make a wall hanging out of it?

The sun came out today...

I found a big hole in the trail from a blow down... it was awkward sidestepping around it.

Gear Review #01

Today I hiked in George Washington National Forest for two reasons. One being I love the trails there, and Two the trails are very rocky! I was test driving a pair of Lowa Malta Gore-tex Mid hiking boots. Generally I wear Altra Lone Peak trail shoes... which are wonderful, but sometimes I find myself wanting a bit more support. My overall impression - I like them... a lot. the ride is completely different than the trail runners. Being brand new the shoe was a little stiff, and I'm assuming there will be a break in period, but my feet feel fine after 5 miles up and down the trail. My heel stayed securely planted in the heel cup. I wore only a pair of sock liners so I was watching out for hot spots... there were none. I'm really happy with these boots!

Here's some of the trails and terrain i was on today...