A Dublin Day Hike – Two Cliffs /Two Hills These 4 intriguing hikes in the environs of Dublin, along the coast of the Irish Sea, from Howth to Greystones, in aggregate, equal an extreme day hike.

Well, this was a different and rewarding experience, and certainly an extreme day hike – flying from San Diego to Washington DC to walk 100km (62.5 miles for you metrically-challenged) along the Potomac River.  The walk (hike, race?), sponsored by the local Sierra Club chapter, started close to the Watergate complex (yes, that one) in the Georgetown section of Washington DC, and ended up many hours later a couple of states away at Harpers Ferry.

This is the third in a series of articles about walking from your home in a highly populated area.  Pt Loma to Oceanside is an 11-hour 39-mile marathon kept interesting by the bay, beaches, and bustle of activity along the scenic coastline and Pacific Coast Historic Highway 101..   I walked this twice (returned by car) as a training hike for the 100km one day 100k trek along the Potomac River starting in Washington DC.

“Where are you hiking, I was asked a few years ago?”  I replied, “Croatia.”  I might as well have answered, “Phoebe” (one of Saturn’s moons), after hearing the next questions: “Why?” “Isn’t it dangerous,” and, “Where is that?”  Yes, the Balkans did have tragic times in the 1990’s, unwinding their pent up political and ethnic differences after the fall of Tito; and clearly, international travel is burdened with security concerns but not is Croatia.

London is a great city, has a fascinating past, and the ardent walker can see all of the traditional tourist sites in one day.   The historical buildings, relics, memorials, and museums provide intellectual stimulation; while eating establishments and pubs ensure hunger and dehydration are not an issue.  The goal is to go from sunrise to sunset and see a great City with all of its history imagined and present glory.