Hike + Hot Pot

 

On Saturday, l hiked with a few friends on the difficult run trail to Great Falls National park for 12 miles, and then tried the hotpot buffet at the mosaic district.

On Sunday, I ran 8 miles to meet my 20 run/hike miles weekend goal.

Social

 I enjoyed social life today with a Chinese lunch at Mama Chang and a meetup at Reston Town center.

Cedar Run, Hawksbill, White Oak Canyon Hike

 

On Saturday, I enjoyed a 10-mile 3100 feet elevation gain hike in the Shenandoah National Park (Cedar Run, Hawksbill, White Oak Canyon) with a meetup group today. The sunny 40f weather was perfect for winter hike, and we shared delicious banana bread and Puerto Rican eggnog prepared by Wanda at the end of the hike. What a wonderful day!

On Sunday, I ran 10 miles to meet my 20 run/hike mile weekend goal (I realized the wrong settings of tracking app after 2 loops then reset).

First Stage new play: Secret Things

 

I ushered at First Stage @ Tysons today for a new play: Secret Things. My main task was to check vaccination cards and photo IDs of the patrons. The play lasted 2hrs without intermission which was hard for me to keep my concentration for the story about Mexican-Americans claiming to have hidden Jewish roots.

As said in a review： Secret Things is a theatrical exploration of Judaism, mystery, and romance (a topic more likely for Theater J). I learned a new term: Crypto-Jews who secretly adhere to Judaism while publicly professing to be of another faith. The term is especially applied historically to Spanish Jews who outwardly professed Catholicism to avoid prosecution.

Little Devil Stairs Long Version Hike

 

I am glad that I did the 13-mile 3100-feet elevation gain hike of Little Devil Stairs Long Version in 30f on Saturday with ease (since I lost 10 lb during my 2-month west Europe trip). The weight loss made the hike much easier, although I did not hike for two months.

I am getting back to my weekly 26 hike/run miles ritual to stay fit. I ran 7 miles on Sunday. Hopefully, the ritual will defend me from holiday food weight gain, or even help to drop a few more pound to my ideal weight. Will see.

So happy to hike back home!

Seafood lunch buffet

 

Lunch at seafood buffet with a friend to catch up before my 3-month trip to west Europe. She bought a race horse recently, and invited me to see the race next summer.

The biggest gift I bought for myself was a baby grand piano which turned into a piece of furniture sitting in my house over 17 years after 6-month lessons. LOL

Cool Springs to Raven Rocks & Perimeter 15 miles

 

I took my last hike before 3-month trip to west Europe: Cool Springs to Raven Rocks & Perimeter 15 miles with 2100 feet elevation gain in 70sf. Hiker David found a pawpaw fruit and kindly gave me as a gift for my trip. My carpool stopped by a bakery Mom’s Apple Pie on the way back which has famous pies (including bourbon walnut favor). 

 

I ran 5 miles after the hike to complete my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal. I booked my flight to Lisbon, 1st night hostel, and Covid PCR test tonight.

Lunch at Dumpling Queen