It's time to get outside

Welcome, everyone, to a blog that hopefully will show that I won't spend too much time the next three months like I am now — on a couch.

My goal over that time period is to get outside as much as possible and explore the surrounding outdoor wonders of the greater Washington, DC area. I hope to make short drives into Northern Virginia to take on the best hikes in the area — hikes that are both beautiful and as challenging as possible (note: I don't expect any of them to push me as hard as some of the ridiculous tramps I went on in New Hampshire last summer, some of which began with 2:30 a.m. wake-up calls; but the fact that they're in new territory for me should make them interesting and difficult in their own way).

I also anticipate getting out on the Trek 520 to explore the plethora of bike routes that dominate this area. Some are longer than others. Some are more scenic. But they're all enticing in that they are almost primarily on bike trails and easy to follow.

The last few weeks have been difficult for me, as I've thought about what I was doing a year ago — biking down the West Coast every day. It's not easy to think about that while sitting in an office nine hours a day. I hope that by getting out on these adventures whenever I can, I will at least somewhat satisfy my need to live adventurously on the road or the trail!

Finally, this is an interactive blog. So please let me know if you have suggestions for explorations I can go on in the area. I'd prefer to not drive more than an hour — two at most — for any adventure. Additionally, I wouldn't mind having some companions for these trips. So if you're in the area and up for an adventure, hit me up!

Peace and love,

— Jake