Cedar Run/Hawksbill/White Oak Canyon (WOC) for 15 miles with 4000 feet elevation

 

I joined a meetup hike Cedar Run/Hawksbill/White Oak Canyon (WOC) for 15 miles with 4000 feet elevation gain in such great sunny and cool weather. We waved hands to a small plane flew near Hawksbill, and the pilot rolled the plane slightly clockwise and counterclockwise a few time to wave back to us! The coolest wave ever seen!

However, my feet were really hurt by the rocky surface. Nevertheless, I ran 5 miles after hike to complete my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal.

Cool Springs Battlefield via Perimeter trail

 

I hiked with friends today in Cool Springs Battlefield via Perimeter trail and passed Ravens Rock for 15 miles with 2200 feet elevation gain in 40sf. We saw a lot of blue bells ready to bloom, mushrooms, three mountain bikers, and a girl rappelling down the Ravens Rock. Kind of cold day.

After hike, we stopped by the Bear Chase brewery which was not as impressive as its website but crowded.I ran 5 miles afterwards to complete my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal.

Celebration of Life gathering

 

We had a Celebration of Life gathering for a hiker today in Reston, whom I knew maybe back to 2003. I always liked to play with his bigger-than-me dog Kane on the trail. Like person like dog. He was 6’7”, very mild and quiet giant. 

 

I only attended my parents’ funerals, and first time for such Celebration of Life gathering. Life is short. Seize the moment while we can!

Little Devil Stairs Long Version

 

I hiked with a meetup group in great weather today taking the Little Devil Stairs Long Version for 13.4 miles with 3000 feet elevation gain. I was too sleepy from Friday lack of sleep and skipped the after-hike winery stop. Yet I got all my groceries and gasoline, as well as ran 6 miles to almost complete my weekend 20 hike/run mile goal (I was too thirsty to run another half mile).

play “NATHAN THE WISE” @ Theater J

 

After two years, I finally got in DC to watch a play “NATHAN THE WISE” with an old colleague. I thought I watched all Shakespeare's comedies, but I watched this one for the 1st time last night, in 12th century Jerusalem, Jews, Christians, and Muslims living side by side in peace.... Totally worth the trouble to travel in DC to watch it.

 

The METRO stations and trains were quite empty. I knew after wasting 20 minutes that silver line only runs between Ballston and Reston after 10 pm. I almost got Uber from East Falls Church with three others met in the East Falls Church station, yet we manged to get the info from the station staff and got on the subway there.

Pass Mountain-Rocky Branch-Neighbor Mountain Trails then a play: A Delightful Quarantine at Reston Community Center

 

I hiked with friends on Appalachian Trail-Pass Mountain-Rocky Branch-Neighbor Mountain Trails for 15.3 miles with 3400 feet elevation gain. My sprained left ankle swollen to a golf ball size 3-day ago miraculously healed during first hour of the hike. I didn’t know how the ankle was sprained, yet applied ice and stretched based on online remedies. I even ran 4.7 miles after the hike on Saturday to complete my 20 hike/run mile weekend goal. 

 

On Sunday, I ushered a play: A Delightful Quarantine at Reston Community Center. "It follows seven households' attempts to cope with their unexpected situations as well as with each other. In one household, we find a man with a secret that upends his marriage, in another, a foiled house burglary and in yet another, a woman who introduces her blind date to her 14 invisible cats."

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.