Greenbrier Hike

I drove up after work Saturday so I could be in Burke in time to help scout an upcoming wanderbirds hike. We headed to a section of the AT in Maryland, near greenbrier lake. 

View from the first Washington

Monument. Apparently George was really big around here. 

Mom and I and her "hiking daughter" Rennie. 

The monument was cordoned off as it had been struck by lightening. 

The lake was quite pretty but the beach side was absolutely mobbed. We quickly left the crowds. 

Looking across at the beach. We could still hear the commotion!

Back up to the AT. almost exactly in the middle. We didn't see any thru hikers, as they are meant to be much farther north by now. 

I hadn't realized the AT crosses a major highway. Nice bridge though! 

Afterwards we went to Middletown, and random town hear the trail. We had an excellent lunch at a place called the main cup. 

And the town was super cute and well landscaped. Sunday fun day! 

A few days in Virginia

Last week I was up in Nova for a few days and looking for daytime activities. I convinced Mom and Jeannie to go to paradise springs vineyard. The day was a little overcast but the wine was excellent. 

They let you bring in your own food, so it worked out quite well. We sat outside next to the barn despite the humidity. 

After two bottle of wine I decided we needed a walk before driving home. Hemlock park is just next door. Slightly buzzed we wandered down to th trail in our tevas. A little bit of mud but very passable. 

Going along bull run. 

Post vineyard hike!

I also got to participate in Eve's first birthday.  I was in New Zealand for her birth, but I think the birthday party was way more fun than just seeing her as a neonate! 

She agreed. Mmmm cupcake!  Hannah just ate the frosting. 

She makes an excellent model. 

As does Hannah. 

Great few days and then back again in less than a week!

Random Summer photos

Something I've noticed about the village of pinehurst is that there are always flowers blooming. They must replant every few weeks! 

I've also found a new favorite coffee shop in the village. And have converted to the iced version of the flat white with the heat. 

Pathways around the village from the original walkways. 

Above is a typical evening run in my neighborhood. And below is freedom park in Charlotte. 

Just another night of growlers at my apartment. I have since redone my table to display all of the momentos I collect. 

Moonrise from my balcony. 

I got a rare afternoon in pinehurst not having to work that night, so enjoyed a trip to southern pines brewery. 

Hemingway enjoys the TV. 

And a few more sunsets of course!

Harris Lake

With 24 hours off this past weekend I decided to head up to wake forest for some beers and books!  The $1 Raleigh book sale was Saturday morning. Fantastic event. 

20 books later I was headed back south. On my way I stopped to check out Harris lake, a man made lake for the power plant. 

They have some really nice trails. I had a birthday party to get to so I will have to come back and run the whole 5 mile loop. 

A small sampling below. Enjoy!