Great Scenery - Day 2 - June 18, 2026

With scenery like this, even I'm tempted to hit the trail. But I'm not interested in all of the other hardships Builder is encountering like rain, sore feet and a heavy pack. (I could do without the back of the guy's head in the third pic, but he doesn't have a lot of time, energy and internet to edit his photos -- and that's beyond my pay grade.)

Those of you who have seen (or been up into) THE Washington Monument in DC (which does NOT include me, as I was working the day Builder and his sister Donna went up -- but that's okay, I'm over it now...) may find this monument slightly less impressive. However, with the 250th birthday of our country, such as it is, approaching, I'm glad he captured the picture and the marker.

It should be noted that George Washington hung out in Alexandria, Virginia a lot, and worshipped there at Christ Church which was a fair ride away from his home at Mount Vernon. That also happens to be the place where Builder and I met and got married. And thus, we have a son named Alex. We have also danced at many a ball at Gadsby's Tavern, one of old George's hangouts and we have seen the other tavern nearby where he said he was going to run for president. Hats off to you, George. You did a great job. (Oh - and if you haven't watched The American Revolution on PBS yet - we highly recommend it.)

Builder managed another 15 miles on day 2, incidentally, so he's making good progress and is in between bubbles of other hikers. Check out www.wherearethehikers.com to see a heat map by day of hikers.

The weather on day two started off cool and misty and then turned windy when the rain stopped. It was a cool day though which helped. He said he had wet feet and added that he was "pooped but not bad." (Note my addition of the words "he was" lest you interpret his short sentence otherwise. No sickness - thanks to the prayer warriors worrying for him on this.

I must say I am enjoying the full creative license as his personal (unpaid) blogger to share whatever the heck I want to share. Welcome to my wacky, whimsical brain! I'm fine - really. : )

Until next time!