Destinations & Things To Do
Day 90: Anothet Time Capsule: From the Trail to the Nation’s Capital
- Halfway Hideaway Hostel, Harpers Ferry (1025.7) to Washington, DC
- 0 feet ascent, 0 feet descent
Going from the Appalachian Trail to the Nation’s Capital was yet another time capsule for us. For 20 years, from the 1990s to the 2000s, both of us worked in and out of Washington, DC. The Historian lived there for a time, doing research in the National Archives. I went back and forth multiple times a month for years serving on national committees to improve access to healthcare for people in rural and underserved areas, including civil violence and war zones.
We love Washington, it is the city of our hearts. We never really lived in a city for long, but if we ever chose to move from a rural area to a city, it would be DC. We have not been back since we retired in 2012, so like the Appalachian Trail from 1975 to 2025, it was both familiar and unfamiliar.
An Easy Walk to the Train Station
This mornong, we arose early, but did not move around too quickly. Both of us enjoyed pancakes and real coffee for breakfast, courtesy of the Hostel. After a bath we finished packing and took off for our 1 1/2 mile walk to the Harpers Ferry Train station. I urged us to leave in more than plenty of time because I did not want to stress over being late for the train.
We dropped off at the post office and mailed our bounce box to our friends in New Hampshire so we did not have to hand carry it. Packs were enough. Everyone at the post office was very kind. We talked with people about my 1975 hike and everyone was happy I was so close to finishing it.
As we walked down the streets, we looked at the historic buildings. It was easy to differentiate various historic periods. Some of the architecture was Georgian (early 18th to early 19th century).
There were also homes that reflected the pre amd post Civil War era, largely Victorian in type (1840 to 1900). A few buildings were more modern but mostly, it looked like the buildings had been there a long time. Several blocks were being demolished to build a “looks old” building.
Harpers Ferry Train Station
We got to the train station early, as expected. We meet several nice families who were from the region and had ridden the train for a short visit to Harpers Ferry. The arrived and we were quickly boarded.
Arriving at Washington Union Station
The ride was short and we soon arrived at Union Station. We were surprised at how unbusy the station was, and also pleased that the train debarked in a part of the station we knew well. There was a concert going on and we stopped to listen for a few minutes.
I had a hard time being in the station. Most of my trips through the station were filled with expectation that we could make a difference in the world. I worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as the State Department’s efforts with war recovery and terrorism prevention. I always worked in a non-partisan way and spent a great deal of effort trying to understand how to help the world be a kinder and safer place. The constant bickering that is a hallmark of our current world makes me very sad.
The Roads are Changed but the Buildings are the Same
When we left the Station, I had a little trouble figuring out where we were. All of the traffic patterns were different. I had a good sense of where we needed to go, but a little unease about how to get there. Finally, I spotted a building I knew and I was certain of our location. We walked flawlessly to our hotel.
The Historian checked us in on his phone and got an electronic key. We sailed into the building and right to our room. It was a strange thing. I felt a little like someone was going to think we were breaking in or something.
Settling In for the Evening
Our room was quite opulent. The bathroom was larger than a lot of trail shelters. We wandered around a bit, still caught in the wobbly confusion of trail-we-know-to-city-we-know but it is all different too.
Dinner and Bed
We needed to be up at dawn, like a regular trail day to make sure we had time to walk back to Union Station and locate our train. It was a Saturday train and the Sunday train had been canceled so we could not really afford to make a mistake.
Both of us were hungry but felt too overstimulated by the city to go out to dinner. We looked at some menus online and decided to order Peruvian food as it was generally new to us. We have a few recipes we have discovered but never have eaten properly prepared food from knowledgeable Peruvian cooks.
I got carried away with excitement after studying the menu. There was a family meal of chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) served with beans and rice that formed the basis of the meal. I also ordered Aguachile, a type of ceviche as well as pupusa, brussels sprouts, and fried plantains. This large meal would also provide food for our travel tomorrow.
The food arrived around 4 pm and we ate with great joy for over an hour. After finishing our feast, I repackaged the leftover food into smaller containers and placed it in the refrigerator. First and Second lunch tomorrow will be hearty. We ate forever and there was still a lot of food left.
After finishing our chores, we packed our packs and chilled out for a while. Soon, the sunset on Washongtin. HIker midnight arrived and even though we were in the city, we observed the tradition and were asleep by 8:30 pm.
Tomorrow the alarm will ring early and we will walk to the train station for our 10 hour train ride to New Hampshire. Today, traveling from the Trail to the Capital was another time capsule we now have unpacked.
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This morning when I woke up in my little studio apartment, it was incredibly hard to leave. I’d stayed up pretty late getting work done last night so I didn’t get amazing sleep. And then when I finally did wake up this morning, the bed was just so comfortable. Last night Tami had told me that if I wanted to stay again, I was more than welcome to. Which was such a dangerous statement to make.
I would’ve absolutely loved to spend another night there. My body sure could use the rest. And I could definitely use the time working on editing and things like that. But if I take another day off today, then I really can’t afford another zero anytime soon. Maybe even until after the PCT. So instead, I got packed up and ready to go. I had some toaster pastries left over from last night which I had for breakfast and had way too many drinks left over. I think I had two extra Pedialyte, a coconut water, and vitamin water. But I wasn’t about to waste all that. So I loaded all of it up into my backpack. I’ll be drinking delicious town drinks for the entire day.
Once I was ready, Tami gave me a ride back to the trailhead. And I was hiking north right around 7:30 AM. Which once again isn’t so bad considering the fact that I spent last night in town. Anytime I sleep in town and get back to trail before 8 AM, it feels like a win. Then it was back into the never-ending burn. I had never had a chance to talk to my mom yesterday when I was in town so I gave her a call this morning. I actually had service for the first couple hours of the day which was amazing.
My mom and I got caught up for a long time which felt really great. And over the course of the morning I had a really gradual climb to make my way up. Then it was just going to be a lot of rolling hills over the course of the day. The trail over the next couple of days is some of the best in all of Northern California. These will be some of the easiest miles in a long time.
As I walked, I ate a bunch of food and finished up on the phone. Then while I still had service, I actually watched a little bit of YouTube while I walked. It’s always such a treat to get to distract myself like that. And after a few hours, I entered into Lassen national park. Which I had honestly kind of forgotten about. The national park is one of those sections of the trail that has camping restrictions. You actually need to carry a bear canister if you want to camp in Lassen. Of course I don’t have a bear canister, which means that I have to do 34 miles today no matter what.
I had kind of known that in the back of my head, but hadn’t really paid a ton of attention. Fortunately, 34 mile days have become the norm. So the idea of doing that much wasn’t actually that daunting. And I’ll probably still be done well before dark. Lassen national Park has some really cool features like sulphur pools and geysers. The trail goes right past a couple of them and some are only short side trails. The trail also goes by some designated camping with trash cans and privy’s. So that’s always cool.
In the afternoon, a hiker wound up passing me when I was pulling some snacks out of my backpack. And then as he was walking away, I hollered over to him. I hadn’t really seen anyone all day long and knew he had to be going fairly far for the day in order to get past the national Park boundary. So I figured I would ask him his name and where he was going. He stopped for a second so I could catch up and then we wound up walking together. And I was so glad that I hollered to him , because we wound up walking together for the entire rest of the day.
His name was Green Machine and he was doing some bigger miles today to try to catch up to his friends. They had wound up leaving town late last night when he wasn’t really expecting it. So he fell a bit behind the group. Now today he’s just going as far as he has to to get past the boundary and reconnected with his friends. Which sounded great to me! I was planning on going a little bit past the boundary to get to the next water source. But was hopeful that we might be able to hike together for some of the day. He had a really good pace so when we were walking together, we made great time.
The Dixie burn continues through lassen national park. But soon I will be through and out of the burn.
The two of us just walked and talked for the next few hours. It was actually really delightful. There was just a perfect rhythm to it and the time was going by really quick. Then after a little while he stopped off to grab some water and I continued along. But I planned to stop in a little bit to grab something out of my backpack so I figured he would catch up to me. Not long after that I went by a group of a few guys and figured they might be his friends. And eventually, he wound up catching back up to me and so did all of those other guys.
We were in a train about five hikers walking down the trail. Green Machine made a joke about all the guys following behind me and that it was kind of like in the movie Forrest Gump when he’s running down the road. But they just liked the pace that I set and we all just hike together well. Our little group hiked together for the entire rest of the day and probably did about 8–12 miles together. And Green Machine and I hiked even further together. The guys had decided that they were going to go to that water source past the boundary as well. And it was so cool to be able to hike some major miles with other people.
This was also just one of those days where I sort of needed the companionship. I was planning on going pretty far for the day, even though I just left town this morning. And the conversation just made things go by a lot faster and easier. Yesterday when I was in Chester OutsideJay messaged me. He recommended that I try to stay at Burney Mountain guest Ranch in a couple days. The ranch is about 80 miles north of Chester.
I walked past this beautiful lake and even decided to stop off on a log for a bit to enjoy the view.
He said that the place was amazing and then I just could not possibly miss it. But I told him that I would have to do two 40 mile days in order to get there. So it didn’t seem super likely, especially because the first day, today, I would be leaving town late. But with my newfound friends, I cranked out the miles today.
By the time we got to camp just before dark I had gone about 39 miles for the day. It was hard to believe that I woke up this morning in Chester. This also meant that tomorrow I was only 41 miles from Burney Mountain Guest Ranch. And this is one of those rare sections of trail where the terrain is incredibly flat and easy. If there is ever a day to make big miles, it’s certainly tomorrow. And considering how late of a start I got today and how far I went, I think it’s pretty likely that I could get to the Burney Mountain Guest Ranch fairly early tomorrow. Maybe before 8 PM. Any opportunity to sleep in a bed and eat some food is something that I take very seriously. So tomorrow, I’ll reach out to Jay and see what the deal is with staying at the ranch.
There were a couple other tents set up when we got down to Hat Creek for the night. I grabbed water and then got my tent set up. Then I just ate and laid in my tent for the rest of the night. I did wind up saying goodbye to the guys who I met today. Other than Green Machine, I only remember one of their names, which was Raw Dog. A pretty hilarious trail name and quite the memorable one. But for some reason, I just cannot recall the other two guys names. They were all super nice though and I had so much fun hiking together. There’s a good chance I’ll leave tomorrow morning before everyone gets up so it was nice to get a chance to say goodbye.
This uprooted tree was so enormous, that you could really only gauge its size when someone was standing beside it.
Today was quite the success! Even after leaving town and not getting back to trail until 7:30 AM, I still hiked 39 miles before it got dark. It doesn’t get much better than that. Now I’ve set myself up to potentially sleep in a bed tomorrow night! And apparently stay at a place that Jay says is a no miss. And if Jay tells me that I should be staying there, then I should probably be staying there. I’m excited to get a nice early start tomorrow morning and make my way to Burney Mountain Guest Ranch.
And tomorrow I’m only about 9 miles in the morning from old station. A super small town with a gas station and a couple other things. I’ll be able to grab some breakfast and goodies to fuel me up for the 41 mile day to Burney Mountain Guest Ranch.
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to support my hike by buying me a soda or a snack along the way, there is a “Tip the Author” button below! It links directly to my Venmo. Any and all support is incredibly appreciated!
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Today I hiked the Fisherman’s Trail from Arrifana to Carrapateira 0 a solo stretch I’d been craving since the beginning of this trip.
Distance: 20 km
Trail Section: Arrifana to Carrapateira
Conditions: Sunny skies, warm temps, ocean breeze
Highlights of the Fisherman’s Trail Arrifana to Carrapateira Section
This morning started in a 6-bed female dorm room at Lighthouse Hostel – and let’s just say it wasn’t my best night of sleep on trail. Nothing terrible, but definitely the low point sleep-wise. I think it’s safe to say: my hostel dorm chapter might officially be behind me. I’m too old for this, haha.
I grabbed breakfast at a local bakery and stocked up on bread and trail snacks – packed out a couple of croissants (which later became the perfect hiking treat). I decided to solo hike today and meet Orion, Sandra, and Oliver in town tonight. So around 9:30 a.m., I set off on my own.
For the first time on this trail, I decided to hike solo. I’ve been absolutely loving the laughs and connection with my trail crew, but I was craving a little space to just be with myself – reflect, move at my own pace, and soak up the quiet.
All smiles and solo vibes. Day 7 started with sunshine, croissants, and a little space to just be with myself. Let’s go!
On My Own: Reflecting During 12 Kilometers of Road Walking
I called my mum to wish her a Happy Easter and caught up with my family for a few minutes. It grounded me. Full-time travel means missing holidays and family dinners, and today felt bittersweet. I miss being with them. But I’m also really proud of the life I’m choosing – even when it means being far away.
The first 12 km or so were mostly inland road walking, which helped me move quickly but didn’t offer much in the way of views. Still, the time alone felt like exactly what I needed.
BTW – if you missed my blog from yesterday on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’d recommend checking it out!
Solo steps, steady pace. The road walk wasn’t scenic, but it gave me the space I needed to reflect and reconnect.
Peace by the Sea: Finding My Flow on the Fisherman’s Trail
When I finally rejoined the coast, I laid out my Therm-a-Rest pad (a.k.a. my yoga mat) and took a long break by the sea. The sun was shining, the waves were calm.
It always takes a few days to settle into the rhythm of hiking. That inner noise doesn’t just disappear. But today, I found it: the stillness, the flow, the presence I’d been craving.
Back at the coast and back in flow. I stretched out on my pad, listened to the waves, and finally felt that deep, quiet ease I’d been missing.
Saltwater + Laughter: An Impromptu Ocean Swim in Carrapateira
Just as the trail descended toward the beach, I caught back up with the group – and convinced Orion to sprint into the ocean with me. We dove in, fully clothed, crashing through the waves. It didn’t feel cold until we got out, soaked and towel-less, laughing and shivering on the sand.
We’re staying together tonight in a cozy apartment in Carrapateira. After showers and downtime, we wandered into town for what turned out to be my favorite meal on trail so far.
Soaked, salty, and smiling. Nothing like a cold Atlantic dip to feel fully alive. 10/10 would sprint into the waves again.
I cannot get enough of these rock formations—like just look how cool this is!! Nature really popped off with this coastline.
Easter on Trail: Seafood, Vinho Verde, and the Joy of Reuniting
We started with gooseneck barnacles (Portugal’s weirdest and most delicious delicacy) and shared a rich seafood casserole with potatoes. We ordered not one, but two pitchers of vinho verde – which of course led to even more laughter and joy. The perfect Easter celebration, trail edition.
Clams, shrimp, octopus, and potatoes all bubbling together in one dreamy seafood casserole. Shared this post-swim feast with Orion and it was hands down the best dinner of the whole trail. Coastal comfort food at its finest.
3 Things I’ll Remember from Today:
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Sometimes hiking solo is exactly what your heart needs <3
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Croissants make excellent trail fuel.
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Cold ocean swims + vinho verde = a very good day.
Tomorrow we’ll be hiking from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo. See you tomorrow for Day 8 on the Fisherman’s Trail!
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Destinations & Things To Do
Bangkok Soars To Top Five Global Tourist Destinations For Summer 2025, Driven By Visitors From China, Malaysia, India, Russia, And South Korea
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Bangkok has firmly secured its place among the top five global tourist destinations for the summer of 2025, marking a significant achievement for Thailand’s capital. This surge in popularity can be attributed to a substantial increase in visitors from key countries such as China, Malaysia, India, Russia, and South Korea. The city’s unique blend of cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and world-class hospitality has captivated tourists, making it a must-visit destination for international travelers.
Bangkok’s Rising Popularity: Securing a Spot Among the Top Global Tourist Destinations in 2025
Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, has once again proven its allure on the global tourism stage, securing a spot among the top five most popular tourist destinations for the summer of 2025. This milestone underscores the city’s enduring charm and its appeal to international travelers. As of August 5, 2025, Bangkok has already welcomed over 20.25 million visitors, reflecting a booming tourism sector that continues to thrive despite global uncertainties.
A Testament to Enduring Appeal
On August 6, 2025, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed the findings of Booking.com’s Summer 2025 tourism trend survey, placing Bangkok firmly among the world’s top tourist spots. According to the survey, the city ranks high on the list of global travel destinations, a testament to its unique appeal and the continued interest in what the Thai capital has to offer.
This achievement was made possible through Booking.com’s comprehensive data analytics, which monitors millions of searches and bookings made by travelers worldwide. Despite the unpredictable global economic climate, the demand for travel has remained resilient, with tourists showing a preference for exploring new, enriching experiences. One of the key trends for 2025 is the growing importance of sustainable tourism, with many travelers prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations and experiences that promote environmental conservation.
Ranking Among the Elite Destinations
The top five most popular tourist destinations for summer 2025, as revealed by Booking.com, include Hurghada (Egypt), Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), Tokyo (Japan), Dubai (UAE), and Bangkok (Thailand). These cities are known for their rich cultural histories, breathtaking attractions, and unique travel experiences. Bangkok, in particular, stands out as a prime example of a destination that blends the old with the new—offering visitors a rich mix of tradition, modernity, and vibrancy.
While regional tensions, such as those along the Thai-Cambodian border, may have raised concerns, Bangkok continues to thrive as a beacon of tourism, drawing travelers from both neighboring nations and far-flung corners of the world. The city’s reputation as a hub of culture, history, and entertainment remains steadfast.
Why Bangkok Continues to Captivate Travelers
There is no denying that Bangkok’s popularity is rooted in a variety of factors. The city offers a diverse range of experiences, from the mesmerizing temples of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace to the bustling markets and modern shopping malls like Siam Paragon and MBK. Visitors are also drawn to the city’s world-renowned cuisine, including the iconic street food, which provides an unparalleled taste of authentic Thai flavors.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Bangkok’s distinctive lifestyle and high-energy atmosphere make it a favorite among modern travelers. The city seamlessly blends traditional Thai culture with cutting-edge developments, offering both visitors and locals a dynamic environment. Moreover, Bangkok’s accessibility from various parts of Asia and beyond, along with its extensive transportation network, further solidifies its standing as a global tourism hotspot.
Beyond the city’s borders, Bangkok is also an ideal gateway to explore the wider wonders of Thailand. Whether travelers are seeking tranquil beaches in the southern provinces, historical sites in Chiang Mai, or adventurous activities in Krabi, Bangkok serves as a perfect launchpad for a variety of experiences.
Thailand’s Overall Tourism Surge
The country as a whole has also seen remarkable growth in international arrivals. As of August 4, 2025, Thailand has welcomed over 19.5 million international visitors since the beginning of the year. The top five countries contributing the most tourists to Thailand are China (2.73 million), Malaysia (2.70 million), India (1.39 million), Russia (1.12 million), and South Korea (918,000). The steady influx of tourists from these countries highlights Thailand’s diverse international appeal.
Despite challenges such as global health concerns, economic shifts, and regional geopolitical tensions, Thailand’s tourism industry has proven resilient. The country’s unique offerings, from its beautiful landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, continue to captivate travelers across the globe. Moreover, the Thai government’s focus on sustainable tourism and improved infrastructure has played a significant role in keeping the industry competitive.
Sustainable Tourism: A Growing Trend
As the tourism sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on sustainability has become a key factor in attracting tourists. Travelers in 2025 are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, seeking destinations that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Bangkok, with its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism, including the use of green hotels, eco-tours, and initiatives to preserve local culture, is well-positioned to meet this demand.
The city’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the growing number of green-certified hotels, the promotion of cycling tours, and the emphasis on preserving its natural surroundings, including the famous Chao Phraya River. The combination of sustainability and the city’s already impressive range of attractions makes Bangkok an even more attractive option for conscientious travelers.
Looking Ahead
As Bangkok continues to cement its place as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, its future looks promising. The city’s efforts to blend tradition with modernity, its rich cultural heritage, and its dedication to sustainable tourism are all key factors that will keep it at the forefront of global travel trends. With millions of visitors flocking to Bangkok every year, the city is well on its way to maintaining its status as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and meaningful experiences.
Bangkok has climbed into the top five global tourist destinations for the summer of 2025, fueled by a surge in visitors from China, Malaysia, India, Russia, and South Korea. The city’s rich cultural offerings, lively atmosphere, and excellent hospitality have made it a top choice for international travelers.
In conclusion, Bangkok’s rise to the top ranks of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for 2025 speaks volumes about its enduring charm and the city’s ability to adapt to the changing demands of the modern traveler. From its vibrant street markets to its cultural landmarks and eco-conscious initiatives, Bangkok offers a unique blend of experiences that make it an unmissable destination on any travel itinerary.
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