Harpers Ferry

Appalachian Trail

Jefferson Rock and the Shenandoah River

Blue bird

walking down into town

Point where the Shenandoah and Potomac River converge

Turkey Tail fungi

Once or twice a month I drive about an hour and a half out to Harpers Ferry to play some old time music and get a mountain fix. I think I've entered one of the most sedentary chapters of my life, and have not been hiking much at all lately. I could feel it this past weekend. I decided to hike an easy two mile (if that) loop from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters, down into Harpers Ferry, and then around along the Shenandoah River to the bridge and back up to the headquarters. My legs were wobbly and my left knee ached.

That being said, it felt great to step foot on the Appalachian Trail again, as it always does. The first half hour, my mind always plays an game on me. It's always an emotional experience of excitement, dreams of grandeur, thoughts on how to quit my job, etc. etc. As the pain of walking begins to kick in, the reality also sets in and it pushes out the foolish thoughts with more realistic ones. I'm not going on any long hikes anytime soon...

Final Fall Photos of 2018

The cold, grey days of winter are upon us, most leaves have just about blown off the trees except for a few oak trees. It's pitch black outside by 5:30pm. Fall is fantastic around here but it seems to come and go so quickly. Now is the time to embrace a world with a little less color and light. Here are a few final photos from around town the last couple of months...

First Snow of the Season

We had our first measurable snowfall of the season in the DC area on Thursday, the first measurable snow in November since 1989. The storm was worse than predicted, enough to close schools for the day all around the area. We had a couple inches of snow before it turned into a sloppy rain/freezing rain/sleet around noon.

I took a hike in the morning since schools were closed, while the snow was still falling. I've been hiking this little stretch of the Northwest Branch since I was a kid, and these humble woods always impress me year after year. Thursday was an exciting day because it was the first time I've ever seen a bald eagle along this particular section. I spotted two bald eagles last year further up the creek, so I knew there was a possibility. The eagles seem to be recovering and doing well in Maryland...

Turkey Run

Birch trees in peak color

Potomac River

I took a nice hike in Turkey Run Park on the Virginia side of the Potomac River yesterday. There's a joke among Virginians and Marylanders that we never cross the Potomac to do things in the other state, and in this case it was very much true for me, until now. I sure missed out. Turkey Run is a fantastic little park for those who love the forest. There was a nice loop trail through the forest, past streams, rocks, and the Potomac River. We've been blasted with a sudden surge of cold weather this weekend, so the temperature hovered around 40 degrees all day. Leaves have pretty much maxed out and are beginning to fall to the ground in abundance. Mushrooms are still putting on a wild display, although I don't know for how much longer. Beech tree leaves were in peak. The trail was a little difficult to follow with the fresh leaves covering the ground. Overall, a great day in the forest...

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge

Pete tossing the crab trap

Just before the sun set

Lone pine just before sunrise

Sunrise

Redwing blackbirds

Heading out in the morning

Pete setting the line

Caught half a bushel in three hours time

Toddville

Waterman boats: A historic, but dying profession on the Eastern Shore

I went crabbing with my friend Pete over the weekend near the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It was a perfect, brisk, fall weekend to hit the water. It is fringe living for folks who choose to live in this remote region. I'd imagine most everyone who lives there makes a living on the water in some form or fashion. Other than the occasional car passing by, or hardened stare from a waterman near the wharf, Pete and I hardly saw anybody out there. The day we went crabbing started windy and cold but, eventually warmed up and water became like glass. Crabbing was really fun and interesting. Pete learned from his father years ago.  We started catching crabs almost immediately, and it was a rush to see the first crabs snagged and brought into the boat via a bated line. We did run after run, bringing in about half a bushel in three hours, and losing quite a few in the process. Many crabs we had to throw back, due to being to small. It was a memorable weekend. I've been enjoying trying to capture pictures of birds lately and hope to return one day as the area is rich for birding...