volunteered with Dreams for Kids DC (DFKDC) @ Simple Changes Farm

 

I volunteered Sunday afternoon with Dreams for Kids DC (DFKDC) @ Simple Changes Farm so these kids can try Therapeutic Horse Riding. DFKDC provides life-changing activities that empower children with physical and developmental disabilities to meet their peers and realize their potentials.

My task was to engage the kids and parents, as well as encourage the kids to stabilize on the horses (via supporting one knee on the side and walking along), while a lead volunteer leading the horse. My first rider Elena was experienced and very easy to work with. My second rider Antonio hadn't ridden on a bicycle or horse so needed more attention yet he learned quickly and enjoyed the ride.

I rode horses in many countries when traveling, and even horse-hiked in Kyrgyzstan, but volunteering this way for the first time. It was nice to walk outdoors in sunny 50f weather, while helping some kids to enjoy life.

Buck Hollow, Hazel Mountain and Buck Ridge hike

 I joined a meetup hike for 14 miles with 3100 feet elevation gain along Buck Hollow, Hazel Mountain and Buck Ridge in the Shenandoah National Park, shared Wanda’s homemade banana bread at the end of hike, went to a winery on the way back from the hike, and then ran 6 miles to finish my 20 hike/run mile weekend goal.

Shamshiry Persian Restaurant @ Tysons Corner

 Lunch with a friend @ a Persian restaurant at Tysons Corner. I guess Ukraine invasion will settle in 20 days, and the stock market will bounce in one week. Let’s wait and see.

1st Stage theater: The Phlebotomist

 I ushered @ First Stage theater at Tysons Corner this Sunday afternoon. My task was checking patrons vaccination cards and photo IDs. This dark, gripping science-fiction romance story has an ending that wet my eyes. You can read its review here: https://www.broadwayworld.com/.../Photos-Inside-Look-at...

14 miles hike along Pine Hill – Broad Hollow Loop

 

We hiked 14.1 miles with 4050 feet elevation gain along Pine Hill – Broad Hollow Loop in the Shenandoah National park. Super windy and cold when reached Skyline Drive yet dry and calm the rest of the hike.

Although my insulated pants was hot when uphills (so I stripped down to t-shirt), it kept me warm in the wind and when stopping. 

 

I skipped grocery shopping to run 6 miles after the hike and before dark, to complete my 20 hike/run weekend mile goal.

13-mile Overall Run Long Version hike

 

27 of us took Overall Run Long Version hike for 13 miles with 3100 feet elevation gain in the Shenandoah National Park. It was 65f on Friday so most trails were clear with little snow while some muddy.

Stream crossings were not a problem yet my trail runners got wet, so I hiked in wet sock for 2-3 hrs (bearable in 50f weather).  I ran 7 miles after grocery shopping to meet my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal, since it will snow tonight.

Robertson Mountain/Corbin Mountain/Nicholson Hollow hike

 

I hiked Robertson Mountain/Corbin Mountain/Nicholson Hollow for 12 miles with 2900 feet elevation gain with a new meetup group on this sunny yet cold day (25-30f).

The worst stream crossing was 1.5 miles from the end, and pretty tough due to high water level and freezing cold water. I used booties but water flooded into them, so that my winter boots and insulated pants were soaked. I changed socks and shoes in the car then joined some hikers at a nearby winery after hike.

Since the bottom of my insulated pants were still wet, I went home as soon as I could to change into running outfits. But I only ran 3 miles as it got dark and cold quickly, then I ran 5 miles on Sunday.