congregational reception

 

Three years after COVID, I finally attended a reception in a congregational building today. Quite low attendance comparing with the good old days. 

 

Later, I attended a Counterintelligence meeting on the way out of DC, yet disappointed by dodging around answers to hot topics in the event description such as Chinese spy balloon over the United States, Russian spies, TikTok collecting data, foreign governments interfere in U.S. politics, etc.

Sushi on Fair Oaks Mall.

 I invited my high school classmates and her kids to a nice seafood buffet for Sunday lunch. As expected, we over-ate.

14-m Pine Hill Gap, Catlett Mountain hike

 

I hiked with a meetup group today over Pine Hill Gap, Catlett Mountain, and Pinnacles Overlook I the Shenandoah National Park for 14 miles with 3900 feet elevation gain. The snow forecast turned out to be sleet for over 3 hours, and it was freezing on the skyline drive. I was hiding in my plastic poncho during lunch to stay warm and keep my gears dry.

Some of us stopped by a winery after the hike. It was still cold back in town, so I delayed my run.

in-person Symposium

 I attended an Antitrust Symposium at Geogia Mason Law school. One of the FTC commissioners was there. Nice to get back to in person events.

20 miles hike on AT in southern Pennsylvania

 

I joined a meetup group to hike from Pen Mar, Maryland to Buzzard Peak in Pennsylvania along the Appalachian Trail for 20 miles with 4000 feet elevation gain. I barely slept the night before, it was hard to get up 4:30 am for carpool, and the started the hike in 21f feel like 14 f with wind around 7:20 am and finished by 3:00 pm.

The weather then warmed up to 40 f on the way back, so it got hot to hike in my insulated pants. Nevertheless, the hike was easier the roller coaster section in Virginia (20 miles with 6000 feet elevation gain), and with nicer facilities such bridges, shelters, signs, etc.

This was the 2nd time I visited Pen Mar. I was there last time in 2018 to take the MAHG 41-mile cross Maryland AT day hike.

hiked in Cool Springs Battlefield

 

I hiked with a group of friends in 40f windy yet sunny day near the Cool Springs Battlefield where in July 1864 the largest and bloodiest Civil War battle fought in Clarke County. We then reached Ravens Rock on the Appalachia Trail.

The hike was 14.5 miles with 2250 feet elevation gain. The group then stopped by the Bear Chase Brewery for beers.

I shopped some grocery then ran 5.5 miles to complete my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal.

cool hike on AT for 12.5 miles with 4000 feet elevation gain

 

I had a cool hike (20f/-7c) with friends from Panorama to Marys Rock on AT continuing down Meadow Springs, Buck Ridge and back up Buck Hollow for 12.5 miles with 4000 feet elevation gain in the Shenandoah National Park. We started the hike in 8f (-13c). It was so cold that I only used lunch break to take some photos.

As usual, we stopped by the winery after hike. Plus grocery shopping, it was pretty dark when I got home. I decided to spread my weekend 20 miles into weekly 26 miles training goal in winter, so I can run in sun light.