Triple Robertson hike 17.2 miles 6010 feet elevation

 

I organized this strenuous triple Robertson hike with 6 friends. One had car issue on the way to the trail head, and the other had heat exhaustion issue to bail out at the 2nd loop. Finally, four of us finished 17.2 miles 6010 feet elevation gain hike in 7.5 hours. Super hikers Hunt, Brian O and Hiromi could have finished in 6.5 hours but for waiting on slow me.

I did 1st loop with good time, 2nd loop got hot and slower, yet the 3rd loop was in pain from leg, toes, and even arm cramps. I tried everything I had like energy blocks, fig newtons, electrolyte drink, pain killers, water, protein bars, but cramps came back every 200 feet so I was very slow at the 3rd loop. But I toughed it out, and even ran downhills with cramps to catch up with the super hikers.

Anyway, l felt better after 1.5 hr carpool ride back in town, went grocery shopping, and magically ran 3.25 miles in Reston without cramps (so I still finished my 20 ran/hike weekend miles goal). I will rest well at home on Sunday, while the three super hikers taking a 20-mile hike. They are hiking machines!

15-mile hike Duncan and Strickler Knob

 

I hiked with friends in the George Washington National Forest today on Massanutten Trail & Scothorn Gap Trail, first to Duncan and then Strickler Knob for a total of 15 miles and 2500 feet elevation gain. I skipped rock scramble up to the tip of Duncan. A lot stream crossings, flooded trails, windy and temperature fluctuated between 35-50 f. We managed to get via all those, and then had drinks after the hike.

I went shopping items for next weekend Triple Robertson mountain hike, then ran 5 miles to complete my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal.

TCO 2022 Innovation Competition & Servant of Two Masters

 

I went in DC to attend TCO 2022 Innovation Competition @ GW university. 1st professional event after COVID. 

 

I then met an old friend for a play Servant of Two Masters (dance without dialogue) by Synetic Theater.

Cherry blossom picnick in Kenwood

 

I picnicked in the Kenwood neighborhood with my old friend just moved to DC, to pair with the beautiful cherry blossom and wonderful conversation. 

 

Forgot to mention Ariake Japanese restaurant 0.5 mile away from my house where I had lunch with another friend on Friday.

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).