Fayetteville to Washington D.C.

This morning I said goodbye to West Virginia and headed for a very different environment, Washington D.C.

I did take the opportunity to stop at Seneca Rocks on the way. This property is operated by the Forest Service and is apparently one of the most well-known landmarks in West Virginia (although obviously I was oblivious until recently). Rain was predicted for the entire day, and, for once the weather forecast was accurate. A 2.6 mile trail (out and back) takes you up about 700 ft. to a viewing platform. Unfortunately, at the time that I reached the top, the mist had settled in the valley to produce white-out conditions. So no spectacular views of the valley, but some nice soft images of lichen covered rocks and dense forest. It was worth the hike in the rain.

I had planned to also stop at Dolly Sods wilderness , which is down the road from Seneca Rocks. By then, though, the rain had turned from light and pleasant to more of a downpour. Neither driving mountain roads or hiking the trails would have been much fun. So I made the difficult decision to proceed directly to D.C. I was grateful to make it to my hotel in one piece - not because of the rain, but because of D.C. traffic. I was pretty sure I was not going to come out unscathed from a requisite left turn with no green arrow. Somehow I made it through the intersection. Lucy II will stay firmly put in the very expensive valet garage for the week.

I have spent a fair amount of time in D.C. on previous occasions, so I am not starting from scratch. However, there is so much to see and do in this geographically small (and walkable!) area, that I will not lack for activities and destinations.