Early autumn 2023, I made a long road trip to explore some mountain states at the beginning of the foliage season. This post would be the first (two) days of driving when I reached Kadoka, South Dakota, the eastern gateway town of Badlands National Park.

The final days of my July 2023 trip to western United States. After spending the weekend in Seattle, I flew to San Antonio to finish some other errands, before flying back to Washington DC. This post would be about the flights, and the few missions in the San Antonio area that I checked out in my spare time.

Second day of my July 2023 trip to western US. I climbed Snoqualmie Mountain today. Located in the center of Cascade Mountains, it is the tallest peak in the immediate vicinity of Snoqualmie Pass and Interstate 90, with a very steep approach to its summit.

First day of my July 2023 trip to western US. I climbed Mount Si, a prominent mountain on the western flank of Cascade Mountains, overlooking Snoqualmie Valley.

Towards the end of July 2023, I had some personal errands to run in the western states. This post would be about my flight on Wednesday July 26 from Washington DC to Seattle that commenced the trip.

Final day of my July 2023 trip to North Carolina. Today I drove from Asheville back to my home near Washington DC, while checking out Hanging Rock State Park along the way.

Third day of my July 2023 trip to North Carolina. Today I checked out the portion of Blue Ridge Parkway between Beech Gap and Asheville, including some great hiking trails around Black Balsam Knob. Unfortunately, some unexpected events meant I was caught in a late-afternoon rain.

Second day of my 2023 Independence Day trip to North Carolina. Today I hiked a trail to Shortoff Mountain, located on the southern part of Linville Gorge, before making my way to Asheville while checking out Mt Mitchell, the highest mountain in eastern US.

During Independence Day 2023, I made a trip to North Carolina. This post would be the first actual day of activities where I had some fun hiking/climbing in Grandfather Mountain.

Fourth and last day of my 2023 Memorial Day trip to West Virginia. I checked out of the hotel in Beckley this morning and started my drive back home to Washington DC, stopping at Sandstone Falls of New River Gorge National Park and Roaring Run Furnace in Virginia along the way.