The date above reflects the last update of the diary:
Results, so far – with no dieting, after 6,835.25 miles – lost some weight and body fat and in general am staying in great shape due to regular Nordic Walking.
This diary was started on May 16, 2005, as a way to keep track of my walks both publicly and for my own, private reference. Just think what kind of results YOU could achieve with Nordic Walking and a rational diet!I have also gotten faster, as proven by steadily tumbling personal records.
My Nordic Walking Diary, Part I
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Starting with the November 08, 2010 entry, I am reversing the chronological order of the Diary posts. From now on, the latest ones will be on top. The rest, dating all the way back to 2005, will remain in their original form.
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June 16, 2013 Father’s Day and my birthday! Messing around with my boat. Tightening engine mounts, scrubbing the deck, etc, etc.
June 15, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses, along the Difficult Run, to Lawyers Road and return. Nearly 3.25 miles. With Ania. Beautiful, sunny day.
June 14, 2013 An after dinner/before movie walk with Ania, along the Accottink Creek (a section of the CCT). Nearly 1.75 miles. Very nice evening.
June 9, 2013 Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. With Ania. From Town Point Marina in the north extreme of Herring Bay, south across the Bay (that’s where the channel lies) and east into the shipping lanes. Nearly half way accross the Chesapeake. Beautiful, sunny day, with relatively light, but sailable winds – perfect conditions for Ania, who has had limited sailing experience. As always, quite a workout, as I had to do all the heavy lifting, so to speak 
June 8, 2013 Parks and streets of Vienna. Almost exactly 2.75 miles. With Ania. Sunny, somewhat humid and 70F (21C).
June 5, 2013 Working on my boat (which invariably is a workout), then doing Cheseapeake Bay’s Herring Bay, N-S and return. Beautiful, sunny day, low humidity, around 80F.
June 2, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), starting at Vale Road in Oakton, just past mile marker 14.5 and return. A bit over 4.5 miles. With Ania. Not as hot as yesterday, but still very humid. Saw a bunch of cyclists, participating in the Nova Epic, a 65-mile challenge from Lorton to Lake Fairfax.
June 1, 2013 Messing around with my boat. Maneuvering around the marina, docking, undocking, applying registration decals, etc, etc. With around 90F and high humidity, this was much more of a workout than doing 5 miles with Nordic walking poles, especially that I had to do everything alone. Yes, it was a Gatorade (or a reasonable facsimile) type of day.
May 16, 2013 A much better boating day. Warmer, still windy, but not as gusty as yesterday. A noticeable surf outside the breakwater. No running aground either. Did a circle around Herring Bay on the Chesapeake, under power only, since I was alone this time. All systems go!
In the evening, an after-dinner walk through the streets of Vienna with Ania. A bit over 1.25 miles.
May 25, 2013 Not strictly Nordic walking, even though I had several pairs of poles with me, but sort of a first, shakedown cruise of the year in my boat. With Ania, Monika and Jesse. It wasn’t all perfect, as we did manage do run aground in a badly marked area just outside the marina. Sunny and very windy. The high wind today didn’t make it the best choice for the first actual outing of the year, but still it was nice to be on the water.
May 19, 2013 Riverbend Park, Virginia, to Great Falls Park. A loop, starting through the wooded, hilly trails and returning along the Potomac River. 3.25 miles. With Ania. Warm and partly sunny. The predicted rain and storms didn’t materialize.
May 18, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses, along the Difficult Run and return. Two miles even. With Ania. Light rain, 65F.
May 13, 2013 Messing around with my boat, which required about a mile of walking and other activities. Have also watched the salvage of a motorboat, which sank at its mooring.
In the evening, an after-dinner walk through the streets of Vienna. Just about 2.25 miles. Beautiful, cool evening. With Ania.
May 12, 2013 Mother’s Day! Riverbend Park, Virginia, first upstream, along the Potomac Heritage Trail, to a pond and upstream start of the Bootlegger Trail, all the way to Great Falls Park, returing again along the Potomac River on the Heritage Trail. Nearly 5 miles. With Ania.
The river level is quite high (6.5 on the Little Falls gauge), with parts of the riverside trails flooded, but passable.
Great, sunny day, about 65F. Lots of people (including mothers). It was actually hard to find parking at Riverbend.
Its also been a while, since we have seen so many dogs, of all breads, sizes and ages.
A very nice outing and my leg allows me to nearly reach 4 mph now
May 5, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses, along the Difficult Run to Lawyers Road and return. Exactly 3 miles. Sunny and beautiful, just like the last several times, 63F.
Felt a bit like a trail guide, as three separate groups of people were asking me about the CCT, mileage and so forth, as well as about Nordic Walking.
May 4, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses, along the Difficult Run and return. Two miles even. With Ania. All kinds of attractions, including people, dogs and even a cat up a tree. Sunny, beautiful, 60F.
May 3, 2013 An after dinner walk with Ania along the W&OD Trail. A bit over 3.5 miles. Still light, about 60F and beautiful.
April 28, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses, along the Difficult Run and return. Nearly 2.25 miles. Light rain. With Ania. More people than on a sunny day three days ago.
April 27, 2013 C&O Canal path, on the left, Maryland side of the Potomac River, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. Nearly 5.25 miles. Although flat, unlike most of my walks, it was the longest since the injury. With Ania and Ewa. Lots of people, on foot, in kayaks and on bikes, snapping turtles, birds and noisily spawning carp.
Beautiful, sunny day, 71F (21C).
April 25, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses, along the Difficult Run, over a series of hills, around another horse pasture, with six more horses. About 3.25 miles. No people, but 8 horses, 6 deer and a beautiful, big Blue Heron. Sunny, 62F.
April 21, 2013 Streets of Vienna and Oakton, near my house. Nearly 2.25 miles. Concentrated mainly on training my injured leg to mimic the good one with different length steps. Sunny, a bit cooler than yesterday, about 56F. The cherry blossoms are in full, glorious bloom all over. Went to see my boat earlier, to check things out and carry out some minor maintenance.
April 20, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), between Vale and Lawyers roads. Extra loops both sides around the middle. Nearly 4.75 miles. With Ania.
Lots of friendly dogs, along with human friends. Had to do a detour around the Difficult Run rock crossing, as the water level was a bit too high after last night’s storms and rain. Also, a bit muddy in places.
My leg is getting better and better, thanks to well-done surgery in Poland, physical therapy and regular, daily exercises. Unfortunately, I am told that full recovery can take up to a year.
The exercises take about an hour each day, but the gradual improvement is clearly evident. Well worth it, in my humble opinion.
Beautiful, sunny, windy day. Only around 60F
April 13, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a pasture with the usual friendly horses (yes, we did bring some carrots), along the Difficult Run, over a series of hills, by another horse pasture and completed the loop towards the left.
Nearly 2.5 miles. With Ania and Ewa.
Sunny and very nice, about 68F (20C).
April 8, 2013 Trails within MacLean Hospital, in Belmont, Massachusetts. With Ania. About 2 miles. Great, sunny day, nearly 70F. Some sections of this very large parcel of land, owned by the psychiatric hospital, founded in 1811, have been sold and subdivided by developers. Apparently Mitt Romney got himself an expensive apartment there, which includes a car elevator . Anyway, there are still enough woods and trails left for a nice hike.
April 7, 2013 Prospect Hill in Walthan, Massachusetts. With Ania, Wojtek, Sherry, Lynn, Mel and Weston. Climbed up the steep slope of the runs of the former ski area, descended on of the park’s roads.
Nearly 1.75 miles, but a very good workout.
Mostly sunny, but a bit chilly, around 50F.
This a 250-acre park, which formerly housed a small ski area and still has two huge water tanks and an antenna tower, along with some paved and dirt roads and numerous trails, abutting the famous Route 128 Technology Corridor. Good views of the Cambridge Reservoir and what’s left of the largest of Polaroid’s research facilities.
March 30, 2013 Riverbend Park, Virginia, to Great Falls. Nearly 3.25 miles. A loop route, partly through the wooded hilland returning along the Potomac River. With Ania and Ewa. Beautiful and sunny, nearly 60F.
Lots of people, mainly with dogs on the trails and in both parks. My leg is not 100 percent well as yet, but have little difficulty tackling almost any trail now.
The physical therapy and the daily exercises are proving to be very effective.
Too bad that the insurance companies in most cases only pay part of the PT costs for two months, even though recovery takes much longer.
March 24, 2013 Clark’s Crossing Park, next to the W&OD Trail, in Vienna, Virginia. Only about 1.75 miles, but went there because of the hill, criss-crossed by trails, some fairly steep and walked repeatedly up and down and around the hill. Great workout for my injured quad. Mostly cloudy. some rain, sleet and snow is predicted for later in the day.
March 23, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). This time all the way to Lawyer’s Road and return. Just over 3.25 miles. The usual friendly horses (brought carrots) and dogs. Nordic walking poles. With Ania. Sunny and almost 60F.
March 17, 2013 Same area as the last two times, but a slightly different route, Started by heading through Camp Crowell, to Vale Road and then back, along the Cross County Trail to the first stream crossing and return. Again, nearly 3.5 miles, 1:20. With Ania, a bit cooler, but besides very sparse snow flakes, none of the precipitatcion forecast for this weekend has meterialized.
March 16, 2013 Nearly the same route as last time, but this time with Ania. Nearly 3.5 miles. The predicted rains didn’t come (maybe later . Partly sunny and 55F.
Have less time for Nordic walking, as I spend over an hour a day doing the prescribed exercises for my leg. The good news is that they are effective and the injury is mending well. Unfortunately, full recovery takes several months.
March 10, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). Nordic walking poles. Included a loop around one of the stables and pastures, with another batch of horses. 3.25 miles. A varied, partly hilly route.
It is obvious that the physical therapy, along with all of the exercises is bearing fruit. I can literally see and feel the improvement to my leg from week-to-week.
Another gorgeous, sunny day with over 60F.
March 3, 2013 A loop trail, from the W&OD Trail, to Lake Fairfax Park. About 4.25 miles. My longest since the injury. Not a problem, but fairly challenging in places, because of some steep sections, mud and general elevation changes. With Ania. About 39F.
March 2, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). The usual friendly horses and dogs. Nordic walking poles. With Ania. Did a more challenging and hilly part of the trail, with no problems. Nearly 2.5 miles, mostly cloudy and 33F.
February 24, 2013 Streets and parks of Vienna. Nearly 1.25 miles, with Nordic walking poles. Days are certainly getting longer, as at 5:30 pm the sun hasn’t gone down yet. Partly sunny, 38F and quite windy.
February 23, 2013 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), south from Vale Road (mile 12.25), to mile post 13.5 and return. About 2.5 miles. Not only the longest walk since the injury to my knee, but for the first time since early December, I used Nordic walking poles . Drizzly, 35F and slippery, which added to the difficulty level, but very nice. Ania did about 3 miles.
February 20, 2013 Foxstone Park, Vienna, VA. About 1.25 miles. Beautiful, sunny day, but only 32F (0C).
February 17, 2013 Riverbend Park, Virginia. First an upstream stretch along the Potomac, then uphill to the nature center and back down to the visitor center, plus a shorter walk along the marina and the Potomac Heritage Trail downstream. Total, about 1.75 miles. Ania went to Great Falls (about 4 miles). Partly sunny, windy and chilly, 29F (-1.5C).
February 16, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). The usual friendly horses. Walked about 1.25 miles to Vale Road and back. A few snow flurries, 38F.
February 14, 2013 – Valentine’s Day A walk in Vienna’s Nottoway Park. A bit over one mile. Sunny, beautiful and 55F. Not a sign of last night’s tiny bit of snow.
February 13, 2013 Shopping at Tysons Corner Center + a walk through Peterson’s Lane Park in Vienna. About 1.5 miles in total. A bit of freezing rain, with an insignificant coating of snow predicted for later. About 43F.
February 10, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). Once again met some friendly horses, which got a few carrots in return and a lot of equally friendly dogs and people. Ania and Ewa did about 2.5 miles, I did about 1.75, walking downstream, along the Difficult Run and back. A bit muddy in places, but sunny and 39F.
February 9, 2013 Riverbend Park, Virginia. Upstream, along the Potomac Heritage Trail, then uphill (good workout for my leg) towards the Nature Center and back down through a trailless area to the Visitor Center. About 1.25 miles, 0:35. Walking mostly without crutches, but still keeping one ready, in case of need. It was good to have it during the descent where there was no trail.
February 6, 2013 A walk through the streets of Fairfax City. About 0.5 mile. Sunny, but windy and 44F.
February 4, 2013 Nottoway Park, Vienna, Virginia. About 1.25 miles, along the Parcourse. Partly sunny, 34F.
February 3, 2013 The same routine as on January 27. A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). Once again met some friendly horses, which got a few carrots in return. Ania did about 2.5 miles, I did only 1.25, walking downstream, along the Difficult Run and back. Very light snow, 32F (0C).
January 29, 2013 Was finally able to go and see how my boat is fairing. Thin ice covers the marina, but everything is fine. Did a few, small maintenance chores. Sunny, nearly 70 F.
January 27, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). Once again met some friendly horses. Ania did about 2.5 miles, I did only 1.25. Sunny, beautiful, 32F (0C), with some patches of snow and partly frozen streams.
January 23, 2013 Nottoway Park, Vienna, VA. About 0.75 mile along the Parcourse. Sunny, but windy and only 22F.
January 20, 2013 Burke Lake Park, Virginia. From the marina parking lot, to the end of the main dam and return. Two miles plus. My longest walk, since the injury. Ania did the complete 4.5-mile loop. Sunny, over 50F. Lots of people on the trail.
January 19, 2013 Riverbend Park, Virginia. Walked nearly half way downstream to Great Falls Park and return.. A bit over one mile. Ania went all the way to Great Falls. Beautiful, sunny day, 50F+.
January 18, 2013 Peterson’s Lane Park, Vienna. About 0.5 mile, mostly without crutches. Fairly cool, 34F.
January 17, 2013 Nottoway Park, Vienna, Virginia. Just over a mile on the Parcourse. Had two physical therapy sessions so far. Walked most of the time with a nearly normal, abbreviated stride, with the elbow crutches hovering above ground – just in case.
January 14, 2013 Over an hour of forceful (maybe too forceful?) physical therapy. My first session. Everything seems to be in order, but the range of motion and muscle strenght must be increased back to normal. A quite an unexpected workout. Ooff!!!
January 13, 2013 A section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). Once again met some friendly horses, for which we had some carrots. Did a mile walk. Ania, Monika and Jesse went for a longer trek in the opposite direction. A bit damp and foggy, about 50F.
January 12, 2013 Great Falls Park, Virginia. Ania and Ewa did 3-4 miles, I only about one – a falls overlook and part of the destroyed village of Matildaville. Sunny, 58F and very nice.
January 11, 2013 A loop around Peterson’s Lane Park in Vienna. About 0.5 mile. A few sprinkles of rain.
January 10, 2013 Foxstone Park, Vienna, VA. About 0.5 mile. Beautiful, sunny day, about 50F (10C).
January 9, 2013 Nottoway Park, Vienna, Virginia. Did more than half of the Parcourse trail, meaning: one complete circuit and a shorter, different, second one. Over a mile. Longer again . Mostly cloudy, 47F.
January 8, 2013 Burke Lake, Virginia. A short (long in my condition loop from the railroad station, through the marina, with some asides. A bit over one mile, which is the longest (again) so far. Sunny, 50F (10C).
January 7, 2013 Nottoway Park, Vienna, Virginia. Did slightly more than half of the Parcourse trail – without the exercises, of course. About 0.75 mile. The longest walk so far. Beautiful, sunny, 45F.
January 6, 2012 A short walk with elbow crutches in a section of the Fairfax County Cross Country Trail (CCT). Once again met some friendly horses,which wanted to be petted and insisted in playing with my crutches. This time had some carrots for them. Ania did about two miles on the CCT. Over 0.5 mile. My longest walk since the injury. Sunny and about 45F
December 9, 2012 Suffered a leg injury – probably not Nordic Walking-related. Will be posting new entries in the Diary, as soon as my recovery is complete. In the meantime, those, who are able – keep on walking!
December 5, 2012 Streets and parks of Vienna, near our house. Nearly 3 miles, 0:42. Finished at dusk. Fairly warm 50F (10C).
December 1, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). Both sides of the Difficult Run stream, from the horse farm about a mile north of Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. Nearly 3 miles, 1:25. With Ania. Mostly sunny, 46F (7.5C).
November 26, 2012 Streets and parks of Vienna. Nearly 2.5 miles, 0:35. With Ania. Sunny, 50F (10C).
November 25, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), tried a slightly different route, which took me way east, along the Difficult Run, to Lawyers Road. Required about a mile of walking along the shoulder of the road, until I got back to the CCT.
Nearly 4.75 miles, 1:22.
Partly sunny, less windy, but still cool, 40F (4.5C). Met a few very friendly dogs and bored horses, which more than welcomed a little petting.
Getting some mileage under my belt this weekend. Will try to do some more walks during the week as well. The boat will have to wait another week
November 24, 2012 Most of Riverbend Park, Virginia and a section of Great Falls Park. Did a large loop through the hills and woods, encountering a few hikers and runners, with and without dogs. Five solid miles, 1:33. The Potomac is pretty low. Hopefully this winter we will get some snow for a change.
Partly sunny, but after last night’s cold front definitely chilly. Only about 40F and quite windy. Was glad to be wearing a hat and gloves.
Had to backtrack a bit, in order to find the lens shade of my camera, which fell off. Fortunately, located it fairly quickly
Have been Nordic walking a bit less lately, dedicating some time time to work on my boat and I felt it. Time to get the mileage up again!
Of course sailing and even working on a boat constitute exercise as well, but there’s nothing like Nordic walking, or cross country skiing.
November 18, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), between Vale and Lawyers roads. Extra loops both sides around the middle. Just over 4.5 miles, 1:20. Sunny, a bit cool 55F. A number of hikers, runners, horses and dogs.
November 17, 2012 Walking around, fixing and arranging things on my boat and finally taking her out for a bit of a spin just outside Chesapeake Bay’s Herring Bay. Beautiful, sunny day, but a bit chilly 55F.
November 11, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), south from Vale Road (mile 12.25), to mile 14.25 and return. Sunny, beautiful, 62F (17C) again.
November 10, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), between Vale and Lawyers roads. Just over about 3 miles, 1:10. With Ania. Beautiful, sunny day, 62F (17C). Horses, dogs, people. Have done less Nordic walking lately, but instead worked on winterizing my boat, which can also be a bit of a workout.
October 28, 2012 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), between Vale and Lawyers roads. Just over 3 miles, 1:08. With Ania. Cloudy, 56F (14C). Battening down for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. Did what I could to my boat yesterday: double, but fairly loose dock lines, because of the anticipated storm and tidal surge, etc, etc. Keeping out fingers crossed for everyone.
October 20-23, 2012 Not Nordic walking, but a 3.5-day sail north up the Chesapeake Bay, from Deltaville, Virginia, to Tracy’s Landing, Maryland in my new/old 30-foot, 1969 vintage French Dufour Arpege sailboat.
The boat scored a perfect A. The weather was beautiful and sunny, but the winds unfortunately were contrary, largely northerly, which required quite a bit of beating upwind and extended the trip by nearly two days. Have had winds up to about 20 knots and fairly steep waves at times, with spray reaching all the way into the cockpit.
Also had to use the Yanmar diesel almost constantly. The efficiency of these motors is incredible. Approximately 25 hours of use at cruising speed and only some 10 gallons used.
Several miles of walking in places along the way, where we docked for the nights.
Loved it!
October 16, 2012 Streets of Vienna and Oakton, near our house. Almost 2.25 miles, 0:33. Sunny, windy and 58F (14.5C).
October 14, 2012 C&O Canal towpath, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. Just about 5.25 miles, 1:41. With Ania and Ewa. Beautiful, sunny day, 68F (20C).
October 13, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road with an extra loop to visit some friendly horses. About 4.5 miles, 1:25. With Ania. Sunny and in the mid 50′s F.
October 11, 2012 Three stream valley parks and streets of Vienna. Nearly 3 miles, 1:46. Fairly leisurely pace, sunny, 54F (12C).
October 9, 2012 Streets of Vienna and Oakton, near our house. Just over 2 miles, 0:32. Cloudy and a bit chilly, 50F (10C).
October 7, 2012 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. Nearly 5 miles, 1:20. With Ania. Despite dire predictions, only an extremely light drizzle, but much cooler, 50F (10C).
October 6, 2012 From Riverbend Park, Virginia, to Great Falls Park, along the upper, hilly and wooded trail. Return along the Potomac River. About 3.25 miles, 1:10. With Ania. Beautiful, sunny fall day, 70F (21C).
October 3, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. About 2.75 miles, 0:53. A varied, wooded route, with hills and stream crossings. Mostly cloudy, humid, 73F (23C).
September 30, 2012 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT) close to our house. Just over 1.75 miles, 0:40. With Ania. Made it just before the rain. In the early evening. About 60F (15.5C).
September 28, 2012 A loop through the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. Nearly 4 miles, 0:57. Mostly cloudy, 71F (21.5C).
September 27, 2012 A loop of streets and parks near our house. 2.25 miles, 0:36. Sunny, much warmer and more humid, 77F (25C).
September 25, 2012 Nottoway Park in Vienna. Giving a Nordic walking lesson. About 2 miles. Beautiful, sunny and cool day.
September 24, 2012 Streets near out house. Two miles, 0:32. Beautiful, sunny and cool, 60F (15.5C).
September 23, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Through Camp Crowell, to Vale Rd. and back to Lawyers Rd. A bit over 3.75 miles, 1:29. With Ania. Gorgeous, sunny, dry day, but only 58F (14.5C). Got reacquainted with a young horse, munching on grass in a pasture with two others.
September 22, 2012 Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia. With Ania. South Ridge, North Ridge, Appalachian Trail, Ambassador Whitehouse trails. A bit over 5 miles, 2:15.
Mostly sunny, with some clouds. Temperature in the 80s and a bit humid.
Quite a few hikers, including a troop of Boy Scouts, camping overnight in the park.
Several new trails and hiking areas laid out, since our last visit. It seems that earlier budget problems have been resolved
September 15, 2012 Beach, heading south from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and back. About 2.5 miles. With Ania. Windy, but nice, sunny and warm and no rain. The surf required going far from shore with fins on, alongside the “regular” surfers.
September 14, 2012 South along the beach, from Beachcomber Drive in Avon, North Carolina, to the first National Seashore entrance station south of Avon – round trip. Nearly 6 miles, 1:50. Ania did a shorter, 4-mile route.
As it is well-known, the Outer Banks are known for changeable weather. Today was no different. After a morning rain, it has cleared up and the beaches filled up with people. About half way through my walk it started raining, first lightly, then a real downpour started.
As I write this, after a shower, the sun is out again.
September 13, 2012 Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on the northern end of Hatteras Island. Nearly 2 miles. With Ania. Probably the biggest concentration of egrets that we have ever seen. Mosquitoes as well. Very changeable weather all day long. Rain, sun, rain, etc. We actually spent a few hours on the Cape Hatteras beach in the afternoon and went through several periods of rain and sun. The Sunbrella kept us reasonably dry and we wouldn’t miss the boogie-boarding for anything, rain, or shine
September 12, 2012 Beach, heading south from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and back. About 2.5 miles. With Ania. Surf is quite a bit milder than two days ago, but still – as usual on this beach – pretty good. Nearly 10 windsurfers joined the usual surfing crowd today.
September 11, 2012 Ocracoke Village, including the Springer’s Point Wildlife Preserve. About 3 miles. With Ania. It is always nice to visit Ocracoke – a pretty unique place. The navigation channel through the Hatteras Inlet has been so messed up by Hurricane Irene and subsequent storms, that it resembles a slalom course right now. We could actually see the bottom on the port side of the ferry, only about 30 feet away.
September 10, 2012 Beach, heading north from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and back. About 2.5 miles. With Ania. Strong northerly wind, awesome surf, of which we did partake with our boogie boards, but withing limits, as both the waves and the riptide were very strong. Sunny, in the 80s (F).
September 8, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Headed south until mile 14.25 and back. Exactly 5 miles, 1:49. With Ania. Sunny and humid, 81F (27C). Severe thunderstorms predicted for later.
September 4, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Nearly 3 miles, 0:50. Mostly cloudy, humid, 79F (26C).
September 3, 2012 Three stream valley parks near our house. A bit over 2.5 miles, 1:46. With Ania. Partly sunny, 78F (25.5C) and very humid.
September 2, 2012 Riverbend Park, Virginia. Upstream on what used to be called the Potomac Heritage Trail which seemingly got renamed the North River Trail, to the Bootlegger Trail, all the way to Great Falls. Return along the Potomac. About 4.5 miles, 1:45. With Ania. A very light rain, and very humid. The river level is very low and some of the smaller ponds and water features are dry.
September 1, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Through Camp Crowell, to Vale Rd. and to Lawyers Rd. Four miles, 1:30. With Ania. Have seen horses, dogs, people and also a fox, having a drink at the stream. Partly sunny, 85F (29.5C) and very humid.
August 28, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), south from Vale Road and return. About 3.75 miles, 1:01. Sunny, humid, 82F (28C).
August 27, 2012 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. Just over 2 miles, 0:33. Sunny, a bit humid and 78F (25.5C).
August 26, 2012 Circuit of Burke Lake, Virginia. About 4.5 miles, 1:15. Part way with Ania, who decided to do a shorter route. Walked most of the trail alone. Many walkers, runners and cyclists. A very slight drizzle, but mostly partly sunny and humid 78F (25.5C). There were strong storms before and some continued in the outlying area, but we were quite lucky.
August 25, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Nearly 3 miles, 0:50. Humid, with a light and intermittent drizzle, 75F (23C).
August 20, 2012 Parks and streets of Vienna – my “Salsbury Spring Loop”. About 2.25 miles, 0:34. Cloudy and damp, 70F (21C) and quite humid.
August 19, 2012 Around Lake Fairfax Park, from the W&OD Trail, at Skatequest and around the park. About 4.25 miles, 1:28. With Ania. Many mountain bikers and other people on the trails and a huge number of picnickers in the park. Wonder how they fared, after the heavy downpour, which caught us on the way back… Cloudy, 70F (21C).
August 18, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Through Camp Crowell, to Vale Rd. and to Lawyers Rd. Four miles, 1:35. With Ania. Numerous and pleasant encounters with horses big and small and many very happy dogs. Quite a few mountain bikers also. Sunny, much less humid, 77F (25C).
August 16, 2012 Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. About 3.25 miles, 0:50. Cloudless sky, 80F (26.5C) and a bit less humid.
August 12, 2012 Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park, from Milam Gap, to Lewis Mountain. Just over 6 miles, 2:45. With Ania. Very nice weather. The terrible heat and humidity seemed to have taken a break. We thumbed a ride back.
Unfortunately, the park’s Skyline Drive was plagued by the noise from way too many Harleys, ridden mostly by hairy and heavily tattooed characters, with an abundance of body and facial hair. How about regulating the noise of those bikes, eh?
August 11, 2012 C&O Canal path from Violette’s, to Pennyfield Lock and return. With Ania. About 5.25 miles, 1:55, including all the stops to watch the numerous snapping turtles and blue herons. Sunny, less humid and 84F (29C).
August 10, 2012 Streets of Vienna and Oakton, near our house, return through three stream valley parks. About 2.75 miles, 0:40. Light rain (more supposedly on the way), 74F (23.5C).
August 7, 2012 Streets of Vienna and Oakton, near our house. 2 miles, 0:31. Sunny, 80F (26F) and still humid.
August 6, 2012 A familiar circuit of three parks and some streets near our house – 2.75 miles, 0:41. Partly sunny, only 80F – 26C (courtesy of yesterday’s storms and cold front), but still very humid and sticky.
August 5, 2012 Cunningham Falls State Park, which abuts Catoctin Mountain Park, where Camp David is located. The fairly steep and rocky Cliff Trail, to Cunningham Falls, from hunting Lake – return via the easy Lower Trail. Only about 1.25 miles, 0:30, but with the heat and humidity (90F-32C) it was a real pleasure to take a dip afterward in Hunting Lake. The water was clear and just at the right temperature.
Saw a patrol helicopter take several low passes over the lake and shortly later two large Marine Helicopters flew over. We can only assume that President Obama was returning to the White House from Camp David. Happy belated birthday Mister President!
The return drive was sort of exciting, due to very violent storms and incredible downpours.
August 4, 2012 Riverbend Park, to Great Falls, Virginia and return. About 3.25 miles, 1:17. With Ania. Sunny, hot and humid, 90F (32C), but with a pleasant breeze from the direction of the Potomac River.
August 2, 2012 Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. From the large, NPS, lower parking lot (the, small, upper one is closed now), requiring about two extra miles of walking both ways. Ridge Trail, Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road. About 8 miles, 3:45. As usual a great hike, particularly the bouldering section on the ridge.
Mostly sunny, with a few sprinkles, hot (91F – 31C) and very humid. A real three-water bottle + two small cans of tomato juice (for the salt content) hike.
August 1, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. Through Camp Crowell, to Vale Rd. and to Lawyers Rd. Four miles, 1:17. Sunny, humid, 88F (31C).
July 22, 2012 Badesi Mare beach in Sardinia, towards Isola Rossa and Return. About 4.5 miles. Sunny, warm, but not too hot.
July 19, 2012 Konstancin Jeziorna, through the old villas and along the streams and ponds. Also through the park and health spa. About 4 miles.
July 17, 2012 Konstancin Jeziorna, south of Warsaw, Poland, along the Jeziorka River, towards the Vistula and return. About 3.5 miles, 0:52. Warm and sunny.
July 13, 2012 A circuit of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. Nearly 2.5 miles, 0:39. Sunny, 86F (30C) and quite humid.
July 9, 2012 Parks and streets of Vienna. Only 75F (24C), but very, very humid. The temperature has come down after last night’s storms. 2.25 miles, 0:36.
July 8, 2012 Riverbend Park, to Great Falls, Virginia and return. About 3.5 miles, 1:14. With Ania. Super hot and Humid, 96F (35.5C).
July 6, 2012 Parks and streets of Vienna. Nearly 3 miles, 0:46. Sunny and super hot and humid, 95F (35C).
July 1, 2012 Parks and streets of Vienna. Nearly 3 miles, 0:53. With Ania. Sunny, humid and hot, 88F (31C).
June 30, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), south from Vale Road for about a mile, then turned around – there were just too many downed trees after last night’s vicious storms. Several people were killed in the area, hundreds of thousands are without power and phone service. We are fortunate to have power and A/C, as well as Internet, but no phone service, land line, nor cellular.
In any case, walked back across Vale Road and over two miles north along the CCT. There were some downed trees, but fewer than on the other side. Total: nearly 4.75 miles, 1:27. Sunny and humid, but better than yesterday, 90F (32.5C).
June 25, 2012 Street loop close to our house, 3.75miles, 0:55. Sunny, 80F (26.5C) and a bit more humid.
June 24, 2012 C&O Canal, from lock 7, to lock 11, 4.25 miles, 1:57. With Ania. Saw many catfish in the very shallow waters of the canal, snapping turtles, blue herons and even a deer on one of Potomac’s islands. Quite a few cyclists, walkers and runners. Sunny, fairly dry 86F (30C)
June 23, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. An alternate part-loop route, 3 miles even, 1:08. With Ania. Sunny, less humid, 80F (26.5C).
June 22, 2012 Parks and streets of Vienna, near our house, 2.75 miles, 0:43. Sunny, not as hot as the last two days, but still a very hot and humid 84F (29C).
June 18, 2012 W&OD Trail, from Maple Avenue in Vienna (mile 11.5), to Cedar Lane (mile 10-) and return. 3.5 miles, 0:50. Light off-and-on drizzle, 63F (17C). Most of this section of the trail has been recently repaved, making it rougher and more pole rubber tip – friendly in wet conditions
June 17, 2012 From Riverbend Park, along the hill trails, to great Falls Park, Virginia and return along the Potomac. Nearly 3.25 miles, 1:08. With Ania. Another gorgeous, sunny and dry day, 77F (25C). Lots of people on the trails, river and the picnic areas of both parks.
June 16, 2012 – my birthday! Once again the Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road (about mile post 11.75), south to Miller’s Heights Road (mile 15) and return – 6.5 miles, 1:57. Sunny, dryer and 78F (25.5C).
June 15, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. An alternate part-loop route, 3 miles even, 1:16. With Ania. Sunny, 78F (25.5C).
June 14, 2012 Cape Henlopen beach northward and return. About 1.5 miles, then a walk to Herring Point and return. About 3.5 miles. With Ania. Very strong waves both today and yesterday. Several interventions by the young lifeguards. Yesterday, a person was carried off the beach and to the hospital with head injuries…
June 13, 2012 A stretch of beach southward, from the main ocean beach in Cape Henlopen State Park, in Lewes, Delaware. About 2.5 miles. With Ania. Strong waves. Boogie boarding tricky and exhausting.
June 12, 2012 A 2.5-mile section of the Junction&Breakwater Trail, from the outlet malls, towards Rehoboth and return. The whole trail is 6-miles-long. With Ania. Earlier and upcoming rain and storms kept us from the beach today.
June 11, 2012 Beach walk, from Lewes, to Herring Point and return. About 3.5 miles. With Ania. Beautiful day. Less hot than yesterday. In the evening, the Rehoboth boardwalk again. Total: 4.5 miles.
June 10, 2012 Delaware Bay beach, in Lewes, Delaware. About 1.25 miles. Hot and sunny. Later in the day, the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, about 1.25 miles. Both with Ania.
June 9, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road in Oakton, to Lawyers Road in Reston and return. Just about 4 miles, 1:34. With Ania. Sunny, warmer, 83F (28.5C) and more humid.
June 8, 2012 A combination of three stream valley parks and streets near our house. Nearly 2.75 miles, 0:42. Beautiful day, 76F (24.5C).
June 3, 2012 C&O Canal, from Violette’s Lock (23), upstream past Riley’s Lock (24) and aqueduct over Seneca creek, to just past Algonquian Park, on the opposite side of the Potomac. 5.5 miles. With Ania and Ewa. Another gorgeous, sunny day, with low humidity, 73F (22.5C).
June 2, 2012 Riverbend Park, Virginia, to Great Falls Park and return, largely through the higher elevation trails, but also close to the rain-swollen Potomac.
Last night’s storms really put a lot of water into the rivers and streams. About 4.75 miles, 1:57. With Ania. Great, sunny weather, 68F (20C). Low humidity made it very nice.
I’m sure it was also appreciated by the numerous runners, participating in the The North Face Endurance Challenge – five categories: full marathon, 50k, Gore-Tex 50k, marathon relay and a kid’s run.
The races continue tomorrow. The races started at Algonquian Park, upstream and considering the hilly, muddy trails and the sheer distance covered, it was no wonder that many of the participants looked very-very tired, when we saw them. Congratulations to all!
In the evening, an after-dinner walk along the W&OD Trail in Vienna, 1.5 miles, 0:26.
May 27, 2012 Once again, starting at lock 7 of the C&O Canal, but this time upstream, past lock 14 and about half a mile past the exit of the Billy Goat Trail, part C and return. Total: 7 miles, 2:20. With Ania. Just as hot, humid and sunny as yesterday. Deer, birds, snakes and turtles, along with some cyclists, walkers and runners.
May 26, 2012 C&O Canal, from lock 7, to about half way point between lock 5 and Chain Bridge. Nearly 5 miles, 2:15. With Ania and Ewa. Mostly sunny and very humid, 87F (30.5C). Lots of birds, turtles and fish in and around the canal.
May 20, 2012 Potomac Heritage Trail, from Riverbend Park, Virginia, upstream for over 3 miles and return. About 6.25 miles, 2:38. With Ania.
When thinking of a riverside trail, one usually imagines a fairly flat walk, but not in this case. This stretch of trail is actually quite hilly and with great views of the Potomac and its islands. The graph above shows the elevation changes. A bit more humid than yesterday, but a mostly sunny 77F (25C).
May 19, 2012 Great Falls Park, Virginia. Swamp, Ridge Difficult Run, Ridge again and Matildaville trails. A bit over 4 miles, 1:40. With Ania. Gorgeous, sunny and dry day, 78F (25.5C). Lots and lots of people.
In the evening, about a mile along the W&OD Trail in Vienna – in the dark.
May 13, 2012 Shenandoah National Park. The Appalachian Trail from behind the Big Meadows lodge, to Milam Gap, then Mill Prong and Mill Prong Horse Trails, to the Rapidan Road and the Big Meadows Wayside. About 6.5 miles, 2:08. Considerable elevation changes and a good workout.
Ania and Monika did a shorter version of the route. The weather held, although there were some sprinkles, before we reached the trailhead.
May 12, 2012 Pimmit Run Trail, from Marie Butler Preserve, to Chain Bridge and return. Just over 5 miles, 2:20. With Ania and Ewa. A fairly leisurely pace. Gorgeous weather. Sunny, warm, but not too hot.
This a very varied terrain, from partly residential areas. to sometimes precipitous routes, above the stream. Not really such a wild place, as in many places one can hear cars on the George Washington Parkway and even passes under one of its large bridges, covered on the bottom sections with rather elaborate graffiti.
May 11, 2012 A circuit of Burke Lake, in Burke, Virginia 4.5 miles, 1:03:15. Fast pace, but couldn’t beat my record of 1:00:18.
Beautiful, sunny day, 70F (21C). Lots of walkers, runners and cyclists. Used shorter, fairly fast steps throughout.
May 6, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road. An alternate route, nearly 4 miles, 1:30. With Ania
Partly sunny, only 68F (20C), but quite humid.
May 5, 2012 C&O Canal path from Violette’s, to Pennyfield Lock and return. About 5.25 miles, 1:40. Then about 1.25 miles in Blockhouse Park, from River Road, Maryland, almost to the C&O Canal and back. 1.25 miles. Total 6.5 miles. With Ania.
Warm, humid and partly sunny, 78F (25.5C).
April 29, 2012 Riverbend Park, Virginia. Starting at the entrance, since the parking lots by the Potomac were full, the Bootlegger Trail, upstream, then the Potomac Heritage Trail downstream, almost to Great Falls Park, up to the Bootlegger Trail again, then to the Visitor Center and returning near the park’s Nature Center.
Nearly 6 miles. With Ania.
Beautiful, sunny day, 68F (20C). Lots of people pursuing all kinds of activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, etc.
April 28, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park. An extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, and two extra trail loops, nearly 5 miles, 1:25.
It seemed like a rain was coming, but at the end the sun came out. 50F (10C).
April 25, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), south of Lake Accotink, in Springfield, Virginia. Nearly 4.75 miles, 1:24.
Badly blazed and marked in many places and too many unnecessary markers in others.
This section obviously doesn’t get nearly as much care and attention as some of the “more upscale”, northern parts of the CCT. Had a hard time finding the trail in several sections.
Obviously not as heavily traveled as the northern sections. Still, some nice spots along the Accotink Creek.
Mostly sunny, 68F (20C).
April 22, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). An abbreviated and slightly different version of yesterday’s route. About 2.25 miles, 0:42. Steady rain, with some trails turned into small streams, 44F (6.5C). No people in sight. Just some deer and quite a few horses.
April 21, 2012 Cross County Trail. About 4.25 miles, 1:50 A slightly shorter version of the April 14 route, between Vale and Lawyers Roads. With Ania and Ewa.
Sunny, 75F (24C) and fairly humid.
April 20, 2012 Along the W&OD Trail in Vienna. From Church Street, through Eudora Hill and return. Just about 2 miles. An after-dinner walk with Ania. Warm, 68F (20C). Hope the weekend isn’t a washout, as the forecasters are predicting.
April 15, 2012 Riverbend Park, Virginia, downstream along the Potomac River, to the first falls overlook in Great Falls Park.
Returning through the upper, hilly routes, including the Bootlegger Trail and returning to the Visitor Center at Riverbend Park from upstream. 5.5 miles, 1:45.
Ania did a slightly shorter route. Sunny, 84F (29C). Lots of people everywhere.
April 14, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park through some side loop trails.
The same route as March 31, but counterclockwise. Five miles, 1:30.
Partly sunny, 72F (22C).
April 10, 2012 Streets and parks of Vienna, near our house. 2.25 miles, 0:35. Sunny, 58F (15C).
April 7, 2012 Fairfax County, VA Cross County Trail (CCT). About 3.5 miles, 1:10.
A variant of my usual route, between Vale and Lawyers Roads. Some old and familiar and a new loop, which took me through two different horse farms.
Seeing a cowboy-hatted rider made it seem like somewhere out west
Very nice, with blooming flowers, streams, people with dogs and horse riders. Sunny, 60F (15.5C).
April 6, 2012 Streets and parks of Vienna. 2.5 miles. An after-dinner walk with Ania. Nice, but only 58F.
A series of three neighborhood stream valley parks, which we visit quite often.
April 1, 2012 Shenandoah National Park. The Appalachian Trail from Skyland (Stony Man parking lot), to Big Meadows, close to Skyline Drive. 8.5 solid miles, 3:30.
A really good hike, with considerable elevation changes and nice weather. At first the cloud ceiling was hovering around 2,500 feet, which would mean that the entire route would be in the clouds, but the clouds cleared and the sun came out for the rest of the day
March 31, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park. The same route as March 24. Five miles, 1:24. This time instead of rain, it was nice and sunny, with dry, not muddy trails, 62F (17C). Saw a herd of deer, horses, both being ridden and in a paddock.
March 30, 2012 An after-dinner walk with Ania, along the W&OD Trail in the eastern section of Vienna. 1.25 miles.
March 25, 2012 Fairfax County, VA Cross County Trail (CCT), from Jermantown Road in Oakton, to Vale Road in Reston and return. 8.5 miles, 2:27.
A varied, sometimes hilly route, with several stream crossings. Quite muddy in places after the rains of the last 24 hours. Mostly cloudy, but the sun did peek out a bit towards the end of the walk, 55F (12.5C).
March 24, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park. An extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, and two extra trail loops, nearly 5 miles, 1:22.
Identical to the route from two weeks ago, March 10, but done faster.
Started during light rain, which intensified seriously, but only for a few minutes. 60F (15.5C).
March 21, 2012 A fairly leisurely evening walk through the streets of Vienna with Ania, who’s still nursing an injured ankle. 1.15 miles, 0:25. Pleasant, about 60F.
March 20, 2012 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. About 2.25 miles, 0:32.
Sunny, 68F (20C).
March 18, 2012 A counterclockwise loop around Burke Lake, in Burke, Virginia. 4.5 miles, 1:05. This is nearly five minutes over my best time. Train harder? Get younger?
Mostly sunny, 64F (17C). Many walkers, runners and cyclists, along with golfers at the park’s small, 18-hole course. Even a few fishermen and boaters on the lake.
March 17, 2012 Around Lake Accotink, Virginia (4miles), plus an extra loop. Total: 5.75 miles, 1:37.
Was actually searching for the continuation of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), but since the trail was rerouted, the blazes were so atrocious, that I didn’t locate this section of the CCT until after I finished my walk. Growl!
Beautiful, sunny day, 68F (20C).
March 11, 2012 Potomac Heritage Trail, upstream from Riverbend Park, Virginia and return. 7.25 miles, 2:20. In places this is a surprisingly hilly route, with great views of one of the prettiest sections of the Potomac River. Many people with and without dogs for the first mile, or so. Later just a few died-in-the wool hikers, like myself
March 10, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park. An extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, and two extra trail loops, nearly 5 miles, 1:31. Beautiful and sunny, 44F (6.5C)
March 7, 2012 Great Falls Park, Virginia. River, Ridge, Difficult Run, Carriage Road and Matildaville trails. Just over 4 miles, 1:24. A nice, varied, hilly route. Beautiful, sunny day, 68F (20C).
March 6, 2012 Streets and parks of Vienna and Oakton. Nearly 3.75 miles, 0:58.
Sunny, but only 40F (7C).
March 4, 2012 Pimmit Run Trail, from Marie Butler Leven Preserve in McLean, Virginia, to Chain Bridge, across the Potomac (which was very high and practically raging), left (upstream) along to the C&O Canal, to Lock 5 (mile 5) and return.
A fast, long walk of just over 7.5 miles, 2:22. Sunny, but considerably colder than yesterday, 40F (4.5C) and quite windy.
March 3, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park. An extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, and two extra trail loops, one for the first time. Nearly 6 miles, 1:58.
Beautiful, sunny day, 59F (15C). Run into some people riding horses and the usual assortment of hikers, runners and people walking their dogs.
For the first time, tried a pair of ProFoot insoles in my low-cut hiking shoes. A very nice feeling. The comfort in the toe area was greatly increased and there was also a noticeable improvement in stability, thanks to the heel design. Will post a fuller review soon, because although I do not suffer from foot problems, quite a few other people do and these might be able to help some of you.
February 26, 2012 Cross County Trail (CCT), from Hunter Mill Road, along the W&OD Trail, almost to Sunrise Valley Drive, back to the CCT, to Twin Branches Road in Reston and return. Nearly 4.25 miles, 1:31. With Ania. Beautiful, sunny day, with much less wind, 45F (7C).
February 25, 2012 C&O Canal, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. About 5.5 miles, 1:38. With Ania. Mostly sunny, but only 38F (3.5C) and very, very windy.
February 19, 2012 Almost exactly the same route as yesterday, except Ania joined me for about 4 miles. Five miles, 1:54. Less sunny and cooler than yesterday, 40F (4.5C).
February 18, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park. An extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, and “discovered” and walked another, extra loop. About 5 miles, 1:28. A good, fast pace. Sunny, 58F (14.5C).
Hard to believe that we have had only about 4mm of snow this winter, although they are predicting a dusting for tomorrow.
February 15, 2012 Great Falls Park, Virginia. Swamp, Ridge, Difficult Run/Cross County Trail, Ridge and River trails. About 4.5 miles, 1:38.
Beautiful, sunny day, 50F (10C).
February 11, 2012 From the W&OD Trail in Reston, to Lake Fairfax Park. A 4.25-mile loop. 1:12. The temperature dropped from 40F, to 32F during the walk. About 20 minutes of practically vertically-falling snow, but no accumulation.
February 5, 2012 Pimmit Run Trail in McLean, Virginia, from Great Falls Street, to
Mori Street and return. 6.5 miles, 2:10.
This was sort of the middle section of the trail and the first time for me. There are a few more miles upstream and a very nice, 5.5-mile section, which reaches the Potomac River at the Chain Bridge. This last part we have done several times before.
Partly, sometimes dazzlingly sunny, 42F (5.5C).
Met Ed Pickens, ex-President of the Fairfax Trails and Streams, which maintains the trail and a number of others.
February 4, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from a park about 3/4 of the way between Vale Road, and Lawyers Road, then to Vale Rd. and Lawyers Rd. and back to the park.
A slightly extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, and also explored another side trail. Nearly 4.75 miles, 1:35. Mostly cloudy, 42F (5.5C).
Several runners and also people with dogs. Some old acquaintances
January 29, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. A slightly extended version of the route, partly through Camp Crowell, a Girl Scout camp, 4.5 miles, 1:25. About 10F cooler than yesterday, but beautiful and sunny.
January 28, 2012 Chain Bridge – Key Bridge loop. Starting near the Chain Bridge on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, across the bridge, to the Maryland side, downstream along the C&O Canal towpath to Key Bridge, then upstream along the Potomac Heritage Trail, back to the Chain Bridge. About 8.75 miles, 2:58. All of the route descriptions say that this loop is 9.5-miles-long, but my GPS app clearly showed it as being 8.75 miles, so I am going with that distance here.
Sunny, and unseasonably warm, 55F (12.5C). The Heritage Trail has some interesting rock scrambles, even steel handrails bolted to the rock in one section. Lots of stream crossings and waterfalls and a heck of a workout.
January 24, 2012 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 3 miles, 0:41.
Sunny and 52F (11C). Encountered five deer in my backyard upon return. None in the parks, but of course, those do not have an abundance of azaleas, which they seem to delight in munching on
January 22, 2012 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. A slightly extended version of the route, 4.5 miles, 1:50. With Ania. About an inch of frosty snow, interspersed with muddy sections, mostly caused by mountain bike tires, 28F (-2C).
January 21, 2012 From the W&OD Trail in Reston, to Lake Fairfax Park. A 4.25-mile loop. About 1:25. With Ania. Got about an inch of icy snow last night. Very pretty. A great relief of the snow-less blahs, but not quite enough for cross country skiing. This is an alternate route for the Cross County Trail (CCT) now.
Mostly cloudy, 28F (-2C).
January 15, 2012 Fairfax County, VA Cross County Trail (CCT), from Lawyers Road (marker >10), to mileage marker 13, south of Vale Road and return. 5.75 miles, 1:50.
Sunny, chilly, 32F (0C), but with better gloves and hat than yesterday, it was just fine
January 14, 2012 C&O Canal, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. About 5.5 miles. Including everything, about two hours. With Ania and Ewa.
Mostly sunny, but only 34F (1C). Wish I brought warmer gloves and hat, but very nice. Watched some Blue Herons getting their lunch out of the canal.
January 8, 2012 Riverbend and Great Falls parks, Virginia. With Ania. About 4.5 miles, 1:29. A combination of wooded, upland, hilly trails on the way downstream. All the way to the third, downstream fall viewpoint in Great Falls Park.
Return to Riverbend Park along the Potomac River. Mostly sunny, 50F (10C).
January 7, 2012 Mason District Park in Annandale, Virginia. About 2 miles. With Ania, Danuta and a cute, little Maltese dog. Mostly sunny, 62F (16.5C).
January 1, 2012 Potomac Heritage Trail, upstream from Riverbend Park, Virginia and return. About 6 miles, 1:56. With Ania, 58F (14.5C). We were planning an even longer walk, but off-and-on rains made us turn back. As it is often the case, the sun came out as we were approaching the Riverbend Park’s Visitor Center 
A very varied route, from flat sections right along the Potomac, to numerous hills, with wide and expansive views of the river and the many islands.
December 31, 2011 – last Nordic walk of 2011 – more coming in 2012! Streets and parks of Vienna, including more than a mile on the W&OD Trail. 5.5 miles, 1:22.
Sunny and unseasonably warm, 55F (12.5C).
In the evening, instead of mindlessly watching TV, walked with Ania to the center of Vienna and back. 2.75 miles. The only being, who was not in a car, or a restaurant, was a pretty, grey kitty, which seemed to actually be happy to see us
58.25 miles for December. Not really enough, but quite decent, considering the time-outs for the Holidays.
December 29, 2011 Fairfax County, VA Cross County Trail (CCT), from Jermantown Road, to Vale Road and return. 8.5 miles, 2:20. Good, fast pace. My best time for this route so far. A varied, sometimes hilly route, with several stream crossings. Quite muddy in places.
Considering the shortness of the winter days and my late start, had to finish the walk in ever-deepening dusk – almost darkness at the end. Conclusion: should have brought along a headlamp.
December 27, 2011 Salem, Massachusetts, with Ania and my 94-year-old Dad. About 1.5 miles. Partly sunny, but chilly and windy.
December 25, 2011 – Christmas Day Rock Meadow reservation, Belmont, Massachusetts. About 2.5 miles. With the whole gang. A bit frosty, but nice. Saw a fully-decorated Christmas tree in the woods, including lights and solar cells.
Went there in the dark, with a light, and it was an eerie sight, but the light setup works just fine . Since there are reportedly packs of coyotes in the area, I did not go alone, or unarmed…
December 23, 2011 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from Lawyers Road in Reston, to Vale Road in Oakton, once again. Nearly 4.75 miles, 1:28.
Had to find a longer route, in order to bypass the Difficult Run stream, swollen by last night’s heavy rain. Muddy in places, 42F (5.5C).
December 22, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 3 miles, 0:42. Partly sunny, 59F (15C). This is a nice, varied route, with some hills, streams, woods, etc.
December 21, 2011 Streets of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:35. Fairly warm, with a light drizzle.
December 18, 2011 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT) again. This time, from Vale Road in Oakton, Virginia, to Lawyer’s Road in Reston. Four miles, 1:28. With Ania. This stretch has become one of our favorite ones on the CCT. Large part of it goes along the Difficult Run stream and crosses it. There are hills, meadows, woods and horse paddocks along the way.
December 17, 2011 Cross County Trail, from the intersection of the W&OD Trail and Hunter Mill Road, to what I have been calling “dinosaur valley” in Reston, because of the vegetation and return. With Ania, 4.5 miles, 1:32.
A combination of different trail types, from the horse trail, paralleling the W&OD Trail, to hills, damp stream valleys and even a section of a paved path. Partly sunny, 35F (1.5C).
December 12, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna, close to our house. About 2.25, 0:32. Sunny, 38F (C3C).
December 10, 2011 Cross County Trail, from the intersection of the W&OD Trail and Hunter Mill Road, to Dulles Access Road and return. Nearly 4 miles, 1:07. Beautiful, sunny day, 45F (7C). Many really muddy sections, after heavy rains we had earlier in the week.
December 9, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. about 2.25 miles, 0:31. sunny, but chilly, 39F (4C). Just a quick romp before work.
December 4, 2011 Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland. Around 3 miles and two hours. With Ania, Monika and Jesse. Although this isn’t a very tall mountain, or hill ( just 1,283 feet) and which can be actually reached by car to an area fairly close to the summit, we took in on foot from the 500-foot base, to the top. Some steep and rocky parts. Great weather.
December 3, 2011 CCT, from Jermantown Road, near Oak Marr Park, approximately mile 16.75 – which denotes the distance to the Potomac River, just below Great Falls – to the mile 13 marker and return. Nearly 7.75 miles, 2:36. With Ania.
Beautiful, sunny day, 45F (7C).
November 27, 2011 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from the intersection of Twin Branches and Glade Roads in Reston, to Vale Road and return. Nearly 5.75 miles, 1:55. With Ania.
Absolutely beautiful, sunny day, 68F (20C).
November 26, 2011. Riverbend Park, Virginia. The usual assortment of trails, including Madison’s Escape, Bootlegger’s, Potomac Heritage and part of the Follow the Hollows trails. Nearly 4.5 miles, 1:35.
With Ania. Beautiful, partly sunny day, 60F (15.5C).
Lots of people hiking, running and even Nordic Walking. Quite a few dogs in attendance as well
Tomorrow is supposed to just as nice. Looking forward to it.
November 20, 2011 Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, Virginia. About 3 miles, 1:35. With Ania and Ewa. Warm and a bit humid, 64F (17.5C).
A varied collection of trails, mostly through wooded hills, old homesteads, all the way to the Potomac River and the very pretty waterfalls on Scott’s Run, right next to the Potomac.
Quite a few people with and without dogs on the trails.
The Potomac’s level is fairly high, so the riverside trails are sometimes difficult to walk on. Lots and lots of leaves everywhere.
November 19, 2011 Potomac Heritage Trail, upstream from Riverbend Park, Virginia and return. About 6.75 miles, 2:43. With Ania. Sunny, 50F (10C). A very varied route, from flat sections right along the Potomac, to numerous hills, with wide and expansive views of the river and the many islands.
November 15, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. About 2.25 miles again, 0:33. Mostly cloudy.
November 14, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:34. Sunny and surprisingly warm, 66F (19C). This route offers a fairly varied terrain, with some hills here and there.
November 13, 2011 Shenandoah National Park, with Ania. From the Little Stony Man parking lot, through the Appalachian Trail, Little Stony Man Trail, by Skyland, up the Stony Man cliffs (where it was very windy and at 4011 feet, quite a bit colder than at lower elevations), then down the mountain and back to the parking lot through the AT. About 4.5 miles, 2:15 total. Patches of snow were still visible in places from the freak snowstorm two weeks ago,
The two highlights of the trip were two black bear sightings – both going up and down – the road leading to Thornton Gap, and an even more exciting moment, when as we were approaching Skyland, literally a few feet in front of us we spooked a hawk, which was feeding on a squirrel. The hawk flew, with the (most likely) dead squirrel in its talons just a couple of feet off the ground and five, or six feet in front of us. I did managed to snap a photo, but it was so quick and sudden that it isn’t nearly as well-focused, as I would like it to be. But it was definitely a pretty exciting and unexpected event.
November 12, 2011 C&O Canal, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. About 5.5 miles. Including everything, a bit over two hours. With Ania and Ewa.
Have seen quite a a few birds, including Blue 
Herons and a Copper’s Hawk, eating something, comfortably perched on a branch over the canal.
Beautiful, sunny day, 62F (16.5C). We were fortunate enough to be able to tour the recently renovated lockkeeper’s house at Pennyfield Lock, with one of the volunteer National Park Service Canal stewards.
November 11, 2011 – 11/11/11 Streets of Vienna. About 1.25 miles. With Ania. In the evening, after dinner. Chilly, but with a beautiful, full Moon overhead.
November 7, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Lakevale. About 4 miles, 0:56. Sunny, 58F (14.5C).
November 6, 2011 Riverbend Park, Virginia. 
Potomac Heritage, Bootlegger, Follow the Hollows, back to the Bootlegger Trail, Madison Escape Trails. About 4 miles, 1:37. With Ania, Monika and Jesse. Sunny and beautiful. Unusually large number of people on trails.
November 5, 2011 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. With Ania, 4 miles, 1:35.
Beautiful, sunny day, 50F (10C). A few walkers, with and without dogs, mountain bikers and runners. A beautiful, four-point buck shadowed us for a while.
October 31, 2011 Parks and streets of Vienna, 2.25 miles, 0:35. Sunny, 50F (10C).
October 30, 2011 Riverbend Park, Virginia. Potomac Heritage, Bootlegger, Follow the Hollows, back to the Bootlegger Trail and return along the Potomac River on the Heritage Trail. Nearly 4.75 miles, 1:50. With Ania. Sunny, 49F (9.5C).
October 23, 2011 Belmont, Massachusetts, Rock Meadow Reservation. About 1.5 miles. With Sherry, Lynnea, Melina and Weston. Partly sunny and nice, about 65F.
October 18, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. 2.25 miles, 0:34. Sunny and beautiful, 67F (19.5C)
October 16, 2011 Riverbend Park, Virginia. Potomac Heritage, Bootleggers, Madison’s Escape trails. Just over 3.5 miles, 1:30. With Ania.
Another gorgeous, sunny day 68F (20C). Quite a few people on the trails. Dogs too. The Potomac River is running rather full and fast. Very nice day to be outside. Hardly any of the mud and wet patches, which I encountered yesterday on the CCT.
October 15, 2011 Fairfax County, VA Cross County Trail (CCT), from Jermantown Road, to Vale Road and return. 8.5 miles, 2:27. A varied, sometimes hilly route, with several stream crossings. A bit muddy in places today. Sunny, 68F (20C).
A few deer, a snake (not sure if it was even alive), as well as some walkers and runners. Pretty fast pace. Haven’t done one this long in a while
October 10, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna – my “Salsbury Spring loop”. About 2.25 miles, 0:34. Sunny, fairly warm and nice.
October 9, 2011 Harper’s Ferry, WV, to Maryland Heights and return. About 4 miles. With Ania, Monika and Jesse. A pretty good climb, with great views of Harper’s Ferry, the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, railroad bridges. Great, sunny day, with many people both in town and on the trails.
One has to appreciate the effort of both Confederate and Union soldiers, who have lugged heavy artillery pieces up and down these steep hills.
October 8, 2011 Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. With Ania, 4 miles, 1:37.
Beautiful, sunny day, 72F (22C)
October 6, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. 2.25 miles, 0:33. Sunny and beautiful, 60F (15.5C).
October 4, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:37. Finally sunny again and 59F (15C)
October 2, 2011 Great Falls Park, Virginia. Swamp, Ridge, Difficult Run (partly washed out in the last floods, requiring scrambling through a steep hillside), Ridge again and Matildaville trails. About 4 miles and 1:45. With Ania. 43F (6C) with off and on light rain.
We witnessed a rescue operation, involving a helicopter and at least two rescue boats. It seemed that someone has injured an arm on the Maryland side. The person was able to walk to the boats with assistance. Hopefully wasn’t too badly injured. I could be wrong, but somehow the amount of assets deployed seemed a bit excessive…
October 1, 2011 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 5 miles, 1:13. Ania went as far as Piney Run bridge (3m). Light drizzle and compared to recent temperatures, downright chilly, about 50F (10C).
September 27, 2011 Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house – what I have been privately calling the “Babcock, etc” route, due to the name of one of the streets. About 4 miles, 0:57. Light drizzle, 71F (21.5C) and needless to say – very humid.
September 25, 2011 Reston, Virginia. The NE shore of Lake Audubon and a complete circuit of Lake Thoreau. About 3.25 miles, 1:00. With Ania. Mostly cloudy, humid and still damp after an overnight rain.
September 24, 2011 Riverbend Park, Virginia. A loop of almost the entire park, starting at the Visitor Center, Potomac Heritage Trail, Bootlegger Trail and returning along the Potomac through the Heritage Trail. About 4:75 miles, 1:27. Ania took the south, shorter, downstream route. Mostly, but not completely cloudy, 72F (22C) and humid.
September 19, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. About 2.25 miles, 0:33. Sunny, 62F (16.5C).
September 18, 2011 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail ( CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 2:15. With Ania and Ewa. Fairly warm, partly sunny. Some of us had problems crossing Difficult Run, but all went well. Met several people with interesting dogs.
September 17, 2011 Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Vale Road (mile +12S), to Miller Heights Road (mile 15S) and return. About 5.25 miles, 1:29. Pretty fast pace. Partly sunny, but only 59F (15C). Fall is in the air…Broke the 6,000-mile mark today.
Many signs of the recent floods everywhere.
September 13, 2011 A loop through the Lakevale neighborhood, near out house. Almost 4 miles, 0:58. Sunny and 77F (25C).
September 12, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. 2.25 miles, 0:35. Cloudless skies, still humid, 73F (22.5C).
September 11, 2011 Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Vale Road, to the first downstream crossing of Difficult Run and return. About 3 miles, 1:15. The crossing was flooded. I managed to cross, but Ania opted out, not wanting to get wet in her non-Gortex shoes.
Sunny, humid, 79F (26). Many signs of the recent floods and of the strong currents that ravaged the valleys.
September 10, 2011 From the W&OD Trail in Reston, Virginia, to Lake Fairfax Park, around the park and return. With Ania. Just over 4 miles, 1:30. Sunny and hot, 79F (26C).
All kinds of damage, caused by recent rains and floods along the way. Damaged and destroyed bridges, downed trees. At the same time, there is a newly-created part of the trail, probably done by members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), which is based in Vienna and of which I’ve been a member for years.
September 9, 2011 An after-dinner walk along the W&OD Trail in Vienna with Ania. Almost two miles, 0:30. The weather finally cleared up – although it might still rain tonight – after the region got anywhere from 8, to 13 inches of rain. Was almost thinking of building an ark
September 5, 2011 Great Falls Park, Virginia. Part of the River Trail. About 2 miles. With Ania and Mirek.
Despite Tropical Storm Irene from last week, the Potomac is at a fairly low level. Made it just before some rain.
September 4, 2011 Cape Henlopen State Park. Boogie-boarding and a walk to the point. About 3 miles. The surf was uneven, but sometimes quite powerful. Got slammed onto a beach a few times. Thank God for the board
September 3, 2011 North-eastern peninsula of Lewes, Delaware, through Cedar Road and Avenue, to the Roosevelt Inlet, then along the Delaware Bay beach and return. About 3.5 miles, 0:56.
Sunny, warm. Lots of people and boats on and near the beach.
September 2, 2011 The beach at Cape Henlopen State Park. Boogie-boarding and a walk to Herring Point and back. About 3.25 miles. With Ania and Mirek.
September 1, 2011 The beach at Cape Henlopen State Park. Boogie-boarding and a walk to the point. About 3 miles.
August 31, 2011 The beach at Cape Henlopen State Park. Boogie-boarding and a walk to Herring Point and back. About 3.25 miles. With Ania and Sherry. At hight tide the waves are strong and relatively tricky. Half the beach has been chewed away by Tropical Storm Irene.
August 30, 2011 Walk around Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park. About 2 miles. With a whole family group.
August 24, 2011 Streets of Vienna. Basically a visit to a barber on foot, instead of going by car. Just over 2 miles, 0:32. Sunny, fairly low humidity, 82F (27.5C).
Later in the afternoon: Vienna’s stream valley parks, series of streets and over a mile on the W&OD Trail, heading East. Almost 5 miles, 1:26/
August 23, 2011 Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Vale Road (mile +12S), to Miller Heights Road (mile 15S) and return. About 5.25 miles, 1:50. With Ania. Beautiful, sunny day, with low humidity and 79F (26C).
We started the walk about an hour after a 5.9 earthquake hit Virginia. It was quite noticeable when we were at home. A hollow rumble, along with noises from the roof and other places. At first we thought that one of the trees has slowly fallen on the house, or that a nearby road construction crew has dumped tons of something out of a dump truck. A sobering experience…
August 22, 2011 The beach at Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Herring Point and return. Herring Point is dominated by the Herring battery from Fort Miles. Also with Ania and Ewa. About 3.25 miles. The weather was just about perfect, although the surf could have been much better.
August 21, 2011 A walk from the main ocean beach parking lot to the beach on Delaware Bay in Cape Henlopen State Park. With Ania and Ewa. About 2 miles. Made it back just before a thunderstorm and a huge downpour.
August 20, 2011 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail ( CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:50. With Ania and Ewa. Hot, Sunny and humid.
August 18, 2011 Streets of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:33. Sunny, humid, 82F (27.5C)
August 14, 2011 Streets of Vienna, including two stream valley parks and my “Salsbury Spring loop”. About 3.5 miles, 0:57. Mostly sunny and very humid, 80F (26.5C). Managed to sneak the walk in between torrential rains and storms, which have started yesterday.
August 10, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna, including a section of the W&OD Trail. About 3.75 miles, 1:00. At dusk, less humidity, 77F (25C).
Lots of people out walking, running, cycling, walking their dogs.
August 9, 2011 Similar route to yesterday’s, but in reverse. Explored still another section of the “newish” trail. Just over 3.5 miles, 0:57.
Run into a house fire, which turned out to be merely a routine fire department training exercise, as the house was about to be demolished, to make room for a new one. At least a dozen vehicles from different jurisdictions were present.
August 8, 2011 The Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. This is an extended route, as I finally had time to explore a newish trail, which is visible as a bulge in the west side of the map. 4.5 miles, 1:10. Sunny, 80F (26.5C) and still very humid.
Saw two beautiful, red foxes running across the trail into the woods from somebody’s back yard.
August 7, 2011 Great Falls Park, Virginia. Matildaville Trail, Carriage Road, CCT/Difficult Run, Ridge trails. Return through the Matildaville trail. About 4 miles, 1:30. With Ania. Mostly sunny, extremely humid, 86F (30C)
August 6, 2011 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail ( CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:27. With Ania. Hot and humid. This has become one of our favorite stretches of the CCT. It is just a few miles from home and it is quite pretty, with a varied terrain.
August 4, 2011 Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Hunter Mill Road and the W&OD Trail, almost (construction detour still in place) to the Dulles Access Road and return. Just over 3.5 miles, 0:59. Mostly sunny, humid and a supposedly “below average” temperature of 83F (28.5C).
August 2, 2011 Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Vale Road (mile +12S), to Miller Heights Road (mile 15S) and return. About 5.25 miles, 1:27. My best time so far for this route. Sunny, quite humid, but not too hot, 83F (28.5C).
A few runners, hikers and walkers and a box turtle in the middle of the trail, who gratefully lapped up some of the water that I poured on the ground from my bottle.
July 31, 2011 Riverbend Park, to Great Falls Park, Virginia and return. About 4.5 miles, 1:54. With Ania and Ewa.
Left the girls at about the half way point of my route and tried the recently opened Bootlegger Trail on top of the Upland, Potomac Heritage and other trails that we did earlier. Nice network of new (to me) trails, but only partially blazed. Sunny, hot, a bit less humid, 92F (33.5C).
July 30, 2011 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail ( CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:26. With Ania. In the early evening. Still about 90F (32C) and very humid.
July 26, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton and Peterson Lane, Tanglewood and Glencannon Community Parks. About 3 miles, 0:46, sunny and hot, but less humid, 80F (26.5C).
Ania next to a 155mm howitzer at Fort Miles
July 25, 2011 The beach at Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Herring Point and return. Herring Point is dominated by the Herring battery from Fort Miles. The huge 16″ Smith battery is about half a mile north and inaccessible at this point. About 3.25 miles, 0:50. With Ania. This time we were able to spend several hours body boarding, although the waves were much too small to my liking.
July 24, 2011 Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware. Since the beach was completely closed (and rightly so), because of thunderstorms, took a hike around the park with Ania. About 5.25 miles. Not only have seen some great views, numerous deer and other animals, but had the time to check out some of the remaining installations of Fort Miles, a WW II artillery base, protecting the entrance to Delaware Bay. The fort had numerous artillery pieces, from 3″ (75mm), to 16″ (400mm), many of which are still sitting around. The storm made it feel considerably cooler.
July 23, 2011 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail ( CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:20.
The whole region is broiling under the “heat dome”, with oppressive heat and humidity. The conditions on the largely wooded and bordering on the Difficult Run and other streams trail were a bit more pleasant, but still super-hot. Sunny, very humid and 92F (33.5C).
A few other die-hard hikers with dogs and a couple of runners. Have seen a few deer, with one standing in the water of the Difficult Run, shaded by the overhanging bank and vegetation. Wish I took a photo…
July 18, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:34. 83F (28.5C), sunny and very humid. Code Orange air quality. An intermittent, light breeze made it almost livable.
July 17, 2011 Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with Ania, Monika Maryann, John and Jesse in a Hunter 30.
Great day. Sunny, but not super hot. Got some pretty good wind for a while. Thank you all!
July 16, 2011 C&O Canal, on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. Just over 5.25 miles. 1;55. With Ania and Ewa.
Beautiful, sunny day, with lower humidity, 82F (27.5C). Lots of snapping turtles in the canal, along with blue herons, geese and ducks.
July 12, 2011 Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. About 4 miles, 0:58.
Sunny, very hot, 83F (28.5C) and humid. The temperature is predicted to reach 100F today. Code orange air quality.
July 10, 2011 Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia.
With Ania, Monika and Jesse. North Ridge, Ambassador Whitehouse, Appalachian and South Ridge trails. Almost 5 miles.
Beautiful, sunny day, but very hot and humid, 90+F (32C).
Although these probably will not be considered as “real” mountains by some, they are still sizable hills and the elevation changes are very noticeable. Just take a look at this chart:
July 9, 2011 Riverbend Park, to Great Falls Park, Virginia and return. About 4.25 miles, 1:43. With Ania. Went along the hilly, upper parts to Great Falls Park, to the 2nd observation platform. Return along the Potomac. Very nice, sunny summer day, with lower humidity, 87F (30.5C).
July 5, 2011 Streets of Vienna and three stream valley parks: Peterson Lane, Tanglewood and Glencannon Community Park. About 2.75 miles, 0:39. Sunny, very humid and 80F (26.4C).
July 4, 2011. An approximately 2.5-mile beach walk in the opposite direction from yesterday’s, then spent several hours boogie-boarding in waves fortunately better than on the 3rd.
July 3, 2011 Beach at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. About 3.5 miles, with Ania. Walked close to the edge of Rehoboth, watched a group of surfers and pretty skilled skim boarders, next to a stone jetty. Walked after a couple of hours of boogie boarding in fairly middling waves.
July 2, 2011 Riverbend Park, to Great Falls Park, Virginia and return. About 3.25 miles, 1:14. With Ania. Downstream through the hilly and wooded trails, including the Upland Trail, upriver, along the Potomac, on the Heritage Trail. Sunny, hot, 89F (31.5C) and it is also quite obvious that the humidity is making a comeback.
June 29, 2011 Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Vale Road (mile +12S), to Miller Heights Road (mile 15S) and return. About 5.25 miles, 1:35. In the evening (aren’t these long days nice?). Mostly sunny, warm, but less humid, 78F (25.5C).
June 28, 2011 Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. About 4 miles, 0:56. Cloudless skies, 80F (26.5C) and very, very humid.
June 27, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:34:30. Mostly cloudy, damp in places after an overnight rain, humid and 71F (21.5C).
June 26, 2011 Great Falls Park, Virginia. A variety of Trails, including Matildaville, Ridge and Difficult Run. About 4 miles. With Ania, Ann and George. Sunny and a bit humid, 80F (26.5C).
We made it just in time, as the access road to the park was absolutely jammed with waiting cars, when we were leaving the park.
Later in the day: picking blackberries along the W&OD Trail with Ania. About 1.5 miles. Lots and lots of the delicious berries, but only a few were actually black and ripe. Still, got about half a pint, enough for about four servings of lemon sherbet, blackberries and buckweet honey. Just wait ’till next week, when many more I’m quite sure will ripen!
June 25, 2011 C&O Canal path, from Lock 10, to Little Falls and return. Just under 6.5 miles. Time uncertain, as we stopped and talked to a number of people. With Ania and Ewa.
Partly sunny, 80F (26.5C). Much less humid than last time, but it did feel clammy nevertheless.
June 21, 2011 – First day of summer! Actually it seems like the summer has started here nearly two months ago. Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. About 4 miles, 0:56. Mostly cloudy and only 72F (22C), but very humid. Felt like an outdoor sauna, with sweat pouring out of me big-time.
June 19, 2011 A section of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail ( CCT), from Lawyers Road, to Vale Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:27. With Ania. Mostly cloudy and only 78F (25.5C), but very humid.
June 18, 2011 Great Falls Park, Virginia. The entire Matildaville Trail, section of Ridge Trail, unnamed, downhill trail to the Difficult Run Trail, unnamed and very steep cutoff to the Ridge Trail and the entire River Trail, along the Potomac River. About 3.75 miles, 1:11.
Sunny and noticeably more humid, 84F (39C)
June 13, 2011 Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. About 4 miles, 1:00. With Ania. Sunny, dry, 68F (20C). Gorgeous!
June 12, 2011 C&O Canal, on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, from Violette’s Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. Just over 5 miles. With Ania and Ewa. 1:00 one way, then after leaving the girls behind, I managed to get back in 0:40.
Sunny, hot and humid, 88F (31C). Lots and lots of kayakers, canoeists, cyclists and walkers. Many birds, including at least two species of herons, along with the usual snapping turtles in the canal.
June 11, 2011 A section of the the Fairfax CountyCross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:31. With Ania. Sunny and humid, 85F (29.5C). Met quite a few hikers, cyclists and runners, many with dogs, which enjoyed splashing around in the streams.
June 7, 2011 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 2.25 miles, 0:35. Sunny, 80F (26.5C) and humid. No sauna needed
June 6, 2011 Streets of the Lakevale neighborhood, near our house. About 4 miles, 0:55. Sunny, 77F (25C), with a bit more humidity.
June 4, 2011 A section of the the Fairfax County
Cross County Trail (CCT), from Vale Road, to Lawyers Road and return. About 4 miles, 1:30. With Ania. Nearly perfect, sunny day, 77F (25).
Although this route follows stream valley parks, mainly the Difficult Run, there is some climbing involved as well.
May 31, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. Two miles, 0:31:30. Once again, sunny, hot and humid, 85F (29.5C).
May miles: 66.
May 30, 2011 – Memorial Day Streets and parks of Vienna, including a section of the W&OD Trail. About 3.75 miles, 0:56. Sunny, humid and hot, 84F (29C). Went through a super-crowded section of the annual Viva Vienna festival.
May 29, 2011 Another circuit of Burke Lake, 4.5 miles, 1:24. With Ania. No attempts at breaking any records, but still kept a decent pace. Sunny and humid, 80F (26,5C).
Have never seen as many people in the park as today. Not only there were groups of every possible ethnicity, picnicking, but the trail around the lake was chock full of walkers, runners, fishermen and probably too many cyclists. The lake was also swarming with kayaks, canoes and lots of rental rowboats.
May 28, 2011 In the morning a Nordic Walking lesson at Nottoway park in Vienna, VA. About 2 miles, 1:20. Sunny and warm.
In the afternoon, streets of Vienna and three stream valley parks: Peterson Lane, Tanglewood and Glencannon Community Park. About 2.75 miles, 0:49. With Ania. Relatively leisurely pace. Sunny, humid and 78F (25.5C).
May 24, 2011 Streets of Vienna and Oakton. Two miles, 0:31:30. Sunny, humid, 80F (26.5C)
May 22, 2011 – World Nordic Walking Day Riverbend Park, to Great Falls Park, Virginia and return. About 4.25 miles, 1:40. With Ania. Started out sunny, got cloudy, there were even some light sprinkles at the very end, 75F (24C).
The Potomac River is very high, consequently, large parts of the riverside Potomac Heritage Trail were very muddy. We crisscrossed the parks through the upper, hilly and wooded parts and did trample through the mud along the river for a bit also.
May 21, 2011 – according to some fundamentalists, today was supposed to be the end of the world Fairfax County, Virginia Cross County Trail, from Vale Road (mile +12S), to Miller Heights Road (mile 15S) and return. About 5.5 miles, 1:55.
With Ania. Beautiful, sunny day, 75F (24C).
Seen several dogs enjoying the fairly clean waters of the Difficult Run. Looked like fun!
May 15, 2011 Circuit of Burke Lake, 4.5 miles, 1:03:30. Despite a valiant effort, my several-year-old record of 1:00:18 for this route remains unbroken. Could easily break it while running, but walking is another story altogether…
Mostly sunny, humid, 70F (21C). Very unsettled weather. Thunderstorms and heavy rain predicted. Lots of walkers, runners, cyclists and boaters.
May 14, 2011 Streets of Vienna and three stream valley parks: Peterson Lane, Tanglewood and Glencannon Community Park. About 2.75 miles, 0:38:30. About a minute and a half above my record, but a pretty fast pace notwithstanding.
Drizzle, 61F (16C). Hopefully the predicted storms and heavier rain will stay away from us.
May 13, 2011 – Friday From the W&OD Trail in Reston, to Lake Fairfax Park. A 4.5-mile loop, 1:15. About 15 minutes over my best time for this route, but wasn’t trying to beat any records today.
Slight drizzle, 60F (15.5C). More rain and storms predicted over the entire weekend and beyond. I guess that the stretch of nearly perfect weather had to come to an end sometime…
Thank you for this information! I used it for my diploma thesis =)