It's a New Year - Almost

I'm a terrible blogger. If I just blogged more often it would help matters immensely. It's New Year's Eve and time for another new beginning.

I got a pair of Vibram Fivefingers shoes for myself for Christmas. I've only run in them twice - once on the treadmill and just a few minutes ago outside. It's a beautiful night. Not too cold. I ran two quick miles (that were supposed to have been run yesterday) in my new shoes and I just love them. I can feel my legs and ankles getting stronger. The muscles and supporting structures in my feet feel revived.

We live in the most amazing place. Poolesville is so small that finding a route that takes you a whole two miles through town is kinda hard. I ran past Selby's grocery and the skate park, past Bassett's Restaurant (they're drunk in there already), past the post office, McDonald's, the auto garage, the House of Poolesville (the seedy restaurant/bar where they're even drunker), past the elementary school and back into my neighborhood. I passed several people, all of whom said hello and Happy New Year.

My legs feel strong and I feel alive. I turn 40 this year but I've never felt better in my life. Bring it on!

Trail Run, or not...

I mapped out the most perfect 6 mile out and back run on the C&O Canal Tow Path but arrived at Pennyfield Lock to an icy trail. Spring cannot arrive soon enough.

Pennyfield Lock is 15 minutes from Poolesville. There are 24 properties available in Poolesville starting at $190K. The homes in Poolesville are as expensive as $4M with every price point in between. A typical commute to Bethesda at 8am takes 45 minutes.

Call me to see what is available in your price range :)

Edwards Ferry on the Potomac River

One of my favorite things about living in Poolesville is visiting the historic places along the Potomac River. From my house in town it takes less than 10 minutes to drive to Edwards Ferry. I know that there's a ton of Civil War history surrounding this place, but my fascination with it lies in the use of the C&O Canal and the people who lived in the Lock 25 House.

Locktenders lived with their families in the Lock Houses along the C&O Canal. No matter what time of day or night, when a barge came along the Lock Keeper had to come out to raise or lower the barge in the Lock.

I can imagine the Locktender early in the morning coming out to greet a passenger barge, lowering them as they descend on their way to Georgetown. I picture the Locktender's children looking at the passengers, wondering where they're from or where they're going.

Today I go there with my children to kayak on the Potomac and we look at the old Lock House and wonder about the families that once lived there.

More about Edwards Ferry: "An Ideal Crossing - The Potomac River is calm and narrow here, making it an ideal location for a ferry crossing. In 1791 Edwards Ferry began to operate here, connecting Maryland farmers to the Goose Creek Canal in Virginia and to Leesburg markets. The ferry closed in 1836 but the community that grew around it continued, carrying on the name. Over time, a general store, a warehouse, and 36 residents composed the Edwards Ferry community. With the coming of the C&O Canal the small village prospered from the increase in commerce.