My 1st indoor fly @ iFLY Ashburn

My 1st indoor fly @ iFLY Ashburn was more exciting than I expected. I was a little stiff for the 1st session, and more relaxed and stable during the 2nd session (the instructor pulled me up and turned during the last 30 seconds). Not sure if I will ever fly outdoors.

office party in DC

I went in DC for my office party in a private room inside a trendy bar, and the food was amazing, such as truffle fries, Tuna Poke (Hawaiian Raw-Tuna Salad), curry shrimps, raw oysters, 8oz filet Mignon, and the baked Alaska Flambé (a dessert consisting of ice cream and cake topped with browned meringue set on fire).

Baltimore inner harbor for $1 day

I carpooled with a friend to Baltimore inner harbor for its $1 day of a lot of museums (including aquarium). However, we skipped the the 1.5-hr long waiting line for National Aquarium, and checked out the Top of the World Observation Deck for the 360 degree overviews of the harbor, the Jewish Museum of Maryland (including exhibit of Harry Houdini's magic technologies), and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. We bumped into a hanukkah party in the next door synagogue, and shared delicious potato latkes, quinoa salad, broccoli, strawberry and chocolate ice cream cakes. We were too full to execute the seafood buffet plan.

hike Pine Hill/Hannah Run/Broad Hollow Loop in 20f

I hiked with a Meetup group along Pine Hill/Hannah Run/Broad Hollow Loop for 11.8 miles (19 km) with 3200 feet (975 meters) elevation gain in 20f (-6c) dry day. Since the weather was dry, I felt warmer than last weekend hike in 30f (0c) drizzles. There was still snow on shady sides of the mountains, but too cold to take off my gloves to take photos.

Cyclocross Race in Lake Fairfax Park in Reston

I went to Lake Fairfax in Reston this morning to observe 2018 Capital Cross Classic Cyclocross Race Event #7, my very first one. Cyclocross racing was developed in Europe as a way for road racers to remain fit during fall and winter, and typical cyclocross courses are 1.5- to 2-mile loops on a mix of paved and off-road surfaces over flat-to-rolling terrain. Proceeds of this event benefit the Lake Fairfax Sustainable Natural Trail System program, to build new sustainable trails and restore existing trails in Lake Fairfax Park. I am tempted to try, but really don't like to get so muddy.

My shortest hike ever in Shenandoah National Park

Our meetup hike started from 17 m cut to 13 m then finally we did 10.5 miles (17 kms) with 2490 feet (760 meters) elevation gain in 30sf (> 0c) light rain day (my shortest hike ever in Shenandoah National Park). We had two causalities today: Jennifer and David fell over rocks.  Our hike leader Jennifer kindly fed us brownies at the end of hike. Our car stopped for Pete to pick up some wines at the beautiful Narmada Winery, a highlight of my day (although no drinking involved). BTW, I loved the 360F base layers for running and hiking. They worked prefect today in the rain to stay dry yer warm.