15-mile White Oak Canyon Trail, Hawksbill and down Cedar Run Trail hike

10 hikers enjoyed a cool hike (75f) up White Oak Canyon Trail, Hawksbill and down Cedar Run Trail for 15 miles with 4000 feet elevation gain. The natural water slide on Cedar Run Train had > 20 people lining up, but we discovered a wonderful waterfall right downstream to escape from the crowd. There are many wild flowers and bees in the mountains, and two hikers got stung by yellow jackets.

Farm Credit Marketplace in the Library of Congress

After a hot week, I seized a cool day to go into DC for some congressional receptions. I met up with Darrell for a while, then headed towards the Farm Credit Marketplace in the Library of Congress which was full of agricultural products to take home and sample! I had to wait for the thunderstorm to pass via then walked to the Metro with 40+ lb of products (glad that I workout regularly to carry such weight).

Two UI meetups in one night

I attended two user interface meetups @ Tyson’s tonight: one on Custom UI Development in Flutter, the other happy hour. It was interesting to know how much thought, efforts, and details invested in one smartphone interface screen.

wild mushroom hike in hot summer

10 hardcore hikers took 14 mile hike over Brown Mountain to the bridge over Big Run and then the AT in 80-85f under the shade and with breeze most of time. Sorry for the fellow hikers in the meetup group who dropped off the hike based on the 100f weather forecast. We enjoyed the great views, picked edible wild mushrooms, and, of course, drank a lot of water on the way. Thanks to the hike leader for not cancelling the hike due to heat and provided icy cool bottle water at the end of the hike.

Ushered at 3rd Annual Logan Festival of Solo Performance

I ushered at the First Stage in Tyson’s for the 3rd Annual Logan Festival of Solo Performance: “The Happiest Place on Earth”, “The Things They Carried”, and “Joy Rebel.” I was especially moved by the first play and expressed my appreciation and photoed with the actress. Watching plays in AC on such a hot day was quite pleasant, therefore many patrons came today and kept the concession busy. I worked non-stop via breaks among the three plays. Watching three plays in a roll was a bit much even for me.

Alexandria’s 270th birthday concert and firework

I celebrated America’s 243rd birthday and Alexandria’s 270th birthday in front of the Potomac River waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park. I walked 3 miles with a friend to the park to catch up with the live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks, and then walked via the old town Alexaindria for the same 3 miles back.

volunteered with Dreams For Kids DC annual water sports event

This was the 5th time I volunteered with Dreams For Kids DC annual water sports event, so kids with disabilities can enjoy adapted water sports. I was with Jake and his family for water skiing in the morning and then Skitt and his family in the afternoon for water tubbing, in between I took two groups of kids on kayaks. At the end of of day I solo kayaked one hour to check out eagles nests. It was a lot of sun, water, and fun. I have been worked with this organization for a few year, and they gave me 2018 Volunteer of the award which I almost forgot until the director asked me today if I received the plaque via mail.