Charlotte

For the second half of my Memorial Day week, I headed first to Charlotte for my first river jam since 2013.  While it was a monsoon uptown, usnwc was untouched by rain. 

Amazing how sitting on a rock, covered in sweat and dirt, can be the happiest place in the world....

Another nice brew in the sunshine. 

And some pics from my run modified with my new be funky app. 

My financial planning group happened to be having an event at usnwc that night so I got to enjoy that and catch up with good friends. A few threatening clouds but perfect weather!

Before leaving the Queen City, I checked out some new spots that had popped up since I moved in 2013. The new ballpark is quite nice. 

And a new park just across the street. Gorgeous in the middle of all the buildings!

More fun with the app :) 

Memorial Day Weekend

I had arranged my May schedule to have 10 days off at the end of the month.  And as usual I have packed plenty in!  First day I wandered about pinehurst including a visit to the clubhouse and gift shop. I figured out I can just walk in here and hang out on the porch without anyone really caring....

Thursday evening was the Raleigh beer mile. Drink 4 beers and run 4 quarter mile loops to make up one full mile. I was a little apprehensive at the start but it actually went quite well. 

Finishing up the last beer. 

Home stretch. Made it sub 10 minutes!

Minimal spillage. I actually figured out on beer 3 that spilling was ok because it meant drinking less....

After the beer mile we headed to cloud brewery where they have a serve yourself beer bar, complete with magical bracelet to swipe before pouring (and therefore get charged)

Figuring out the swipe technique.  

The next day I headed north to Burke to spend the weekend with the Neumann clan. Eve was ridic cute as per usual. 

And we had beer Popsicles! 

Between Hannah and Eve I was overwhelmed by cuteness.  And energy...

Anne and I got a night out in Fairfax town centre. Rei, coastal flats, Ben and jerrys, and a fountain....

For Sunday mom and I headed out with the wanderbirds for a Maryland hike near camp David. Apparently when POTUS is around some of the trails are closed....with armed guards...

A random guy climbed out to the far rock just after I took his and had me take his picture using an old school disposable camera. Cool shot and I was glad I didn't take a picture of him falling to his death....

I stuck to the closer rocks. 

Brief vista about a mile from the end. 

And excellent beers at the finish. The hike leaders,Kiko and Susana, used to homebrew and have great taste! 

Monday mom and I headed to a Memorial Day run. Wear blue: run to remember is an organization that has runs all the time remembering fallen soldiers. This one was particularly poignant. A great race and a great way to remember what the weekend is about. 

Pictures of fallen solo doers along the course. 

I also got a new shirt of course. 

Finished up the weekend with drinks by the pool and a great cookout. 

With vintage Hannah in her potty training celebration dress (which she later peed on, but what can you do) 

Unfortunately that night I finally caught the stomach plague that has been circulating northern Virginia day cares. Tuesday was pretty much a wash, with me lying on the couch and drinking sprite. But it came at the best time if I had to get sick. Before I headed out for the rest of my weeks adventures! 

Lake Busbee SC

After my day trips down to Conway SC to visit Grandma, I try to find new places to run. During the summer driving towards the ocean is out of the question with all the crazy traffic. Lake busbee is a reservoir by the power plant that I have driven over literally for 16 years going to Conway. I just figured out there's a trail around it. 

It's a half circle around one side of the lake. A loop could technically be formed by running back along the highway but that seemed like a poor choice. No alligators seen! 

The trail was nice and wide, mix of gravel and dirt. It was crazy hot around 92 degrees. There was luckily some gale force winds here and there to make it bearable. 

Fun with my new photo app changing the colors of the foliage. Or I could just blame it on crazy power plant radiation....

Despite the scorching heat I had a good 4.4 miles. After dousing myself with water and changing in the car, it was time for the 2 hour drive home! 

Random runs

A few of my runs during my 10 day work week back in pinehurst. Around the village arboretum, some gorgeous flowers and a cute wee chameleon or anole or whatever :) 

Long run for the week was at reservoir park. Got 23k in without any trouble. Love all the side trails around the lake. 

Then Christina introduced me to the be funky app. Basically photoshop for your phone. Fun with sunsets!