Halloween SPOOKTACULAR hike/potluck

I enjoyed wonderful Halloween SPOOKTACULAR hikers potluck after 13 miles (21 Kms) 2000 ft (610 meters) gain hike along the Bull Run Occoquan Trail. Thanks to Karen kindly organizing the event and every hiker showed up with smiles, costumes, and delicious food. My bank robber costume was too dark to photo inside the picnic shelter.

seminar on company exit strategies

I rushed into Tysons Corner to attend a seminar on company exit strategies, especially What CEOs and CFOs Need to Know (and Do), sponsored by a business consulting firm, a law firm and a financial firm. 2/3 of company exits via private equity in 2018 so far. They suggested preparing for company sale: at least two years prior to selling a company, such as moving primary residence to a no income-tax state (e.g., Florida), using non-taxable benefits (e.g., equity appreciation rights, phantom stocks, etc.) to retain key-personals via the sale, asset sales instead of stock sale (unless government contact companies), appraising high value for goodwill for the buyer to amortize 15 years, getting buyer insurance cost @ 1-2% sale value instead of seller indemnification, etc.

biking in the cold for 26.5 miles

I was crazy enough to bike in 50f/10c (felt like 40f/4c due to 14mph wind) for 26.5 miles (42.5 km) from my doorstep pass mile post 29 where a roadwork is ongoing. There were more walkers than bikers on W&OD trail, and no one rested anywhere due to the cold. I only took a quick restroom stop and rushed via the ride. The benefits of such weather was biking fast without sweating, and very few people on the trail.

17 m hike via most beautiful AT ridges

I woke up 5:30 am to catch this 17.3 miles (28 kms) 4180 ft (1275 meters) elevation gain hike along the most beautiful AT ridges via Mary's Rock and Stoneyman to Skyland and Back. The weather was just perfect for hiking. David K organized this great hike, and Will kindly treated us fancy hot cocoa at Skyland dinner during lunch.

D.C. Cyberweek

I attended some D.C. Cyberweek events at Tysons Corner to catch up with the trends. Everyone knows how important cyber security is, but the dark force is always ahead. Several of my credit cards were compromised, and I get phishing emails all the time, not to mention all the fake news flooding over the internet generating political and social impacts. Clearly, the demand for cyber security professional is way higher than the supply.

hiked Kennedy Peak and Duncan Knob

I bundled up to hike Kennedy Peak and Duncan Knob in the George Washington National forest for 15.5 miles (25 kms) with 3000 feet (915 meters) elevation gain in a dry and sometime sunny yet cold (55f, 12c) day. Great views and brought home eatable mushrooms.

2018 Taiwan national day reception

Live from 10-10 Taiwan national day reception at Twin Oaks Estate. The Government of the Republic of China owns the property and uses it for official receptions. There were two items for tasting from Taiwan: top five Whisky in the workd by Kavalan and peanut ice cream in crepe. I am glad that I could still fit in the traditional dress bought in 1992.