Roosevelt Island to Arlington

We have visited Roosevelt island in all seasons. It’s an interesting spot for a morning walk. One wouldn’t expect to see the wilderness in the middle of DC, in the middle of the Potomac River, in between Arlington and DC. After we crossed over the bridge, we walked around the island and back - skipping the midsection that has the huge Roosevelt memorial and pools - and back over the bridge. The planes flying overhead were quite distracting! Rather than get in the car we kept walking towards the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the GW Parkway over to Arlington. We had never been that way before so we decided to explore what was on the other side. Along the way we came across a sign for the Potomac Heritage Trail. It takes you along the Potomac River all the way to the chain bridge and American legion bridge - 4 and 10 miles down the way. We saved that route for another time. So we proceeded across the bridge to Arlington. The end result was unremarkable. If you kept walking it would take you in to town - not something we were interested in. So we finally found out what was on the other side of that bridge. It’s probably not something we would visit again, but worth the time to satisfy our curiosity. 

The Not So Golden Arches

All around Washington are bridges that have a similar style. It is probably not that much different in other places, but I don't remember seeing these arches in Milwaukee. As usual we went for breakfast at our favorite place in McLean - McLean Family Restaurant. The drive there takes us along the George Washington Parkway. At any time of year it is a beautiful path, and more particularly at this time of year when the leaves shine against the bright blue sky backdrop. Passing through Arlington, Georgetown, Spout Run on the way over and then back through Independence Avenue on the way home, one passes under several arched bridges. I wanted to take an even further ride out towards Mount Vernon where there are more of these architectural gems along the way,  it we opted rather to get home and take a brisk walk around the Captiol Building. As for those other Golden Arches, I like those just as much. And when people say they prefer not to go to Macs, I don't believe a word of it. 

Washington DC From An Arlington Vantage Point, A Rowhouse, and Clara Barton

I always have my iPhone with me. You never know when you might come across an interesting scene. But I always carry it around to help me maintain my daily blog about living on Capitol Hill. A couple years ago we took our visiting friends to Arlington Cemetery. From the Lee House, the view is simply magnificent. It was an early spring day, and the blossoms were just emerging. But the best part is that you can see all the major monuments in the city that makes it one of a kind. Memorial Drive to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building can be clearly seen. Every once in awhile I will add my favorite photos and artwork to my Fine Art America website. And it is such a joy to know someone likes it as much as I do. A print of this view was purchased yesterday. Last week someone else purchased a downloadable digital artwork of Capitol Hill House and Clara Barton House. I really love taking photos and creating digital art. I feel so honored that someone else likes it too... And they are such wonderful scenes in this town we now call home!

Teddy Roosevelt Island

Just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Arlington/Clarendon is the exit for Teddy Roosevelt Island. We missed our exit coming home from lunch this afternoon so we decided to make a stop there on this simply beautiful day - plus it is a lot less busy during the week than on the weekend. We have been here a few times before. It's such a great unexpected hideaway right outside the busy city and freeway. There is a long history about this place, and it includes a 1.3 mile "swamp" hiking trail around the island. Since we just watched the Ken Burns special about the Roosevelt's, I wanted to see the "memorial" to Teddy again anyway. Views from the bridge offer Georgetown, turtles, kyakers, and the city of Clarendon/Arlington. The path to the main event located in the center is quiet and peaceful...very serene. Then you come upon his huge personality represented as a giant surrounded by pools of water, huge trees, and key elements about the man, including nature. My husband prefers the city scene to the country. Once in a while it feels good to get away from that. We had Grant Park in Milwaukee, but we have Teddy Roosevelt Island here. 

Potomac Yard and Notch 8

Not too far from Washington is Alexandria. We usually take the George Washington Parkway on our way to and from there, but we needed to stop at PetSmart along Route 1.  My goodness! It's been awhile and things have really changed from just last year. Starting from the $600's, you can get yourself a condo at Potomac Yard. Next to that will be Notch 8. It looks as though every completed unit is already inhabited. I am certain the merchants are thrilled with this massive housing explosion. The traffic is already congested as work is also underway to widen the street. When we visited Washington fifteen or twenty years ago we landed at Reagan and rented a car on Route 1 and then drove in to Alexandria to Morrison House. It is unbelievable how the landscape changed. I much prefer our location on Capitol Hill, but I envy the modern construction and updated materials - especially the infrastructure water pipes. But at least I don't have to drive in that mess every day. Not many folks can say they walk to work. You better believe I can really appreciate that!

Palisades Salt & Pepper

One reason we travel along the Whitehurst Freeway in Georgetown, up along MacArthur Boulevard past Canal Street in the Palisades is to go to Sibley Hospital. It reminds us of Elmbrook Hospital in Brookfield in Wisconsin- away from the huge medical centers and nonsense. But today we drove that way to try out the brunch at Salt and Pepper. Along the way is Georgetown, the Urban Ecology Center, and an interesting neighborhood. As the city slopes its way toward the canal, the houses either sit atop hills with huge stone walls in front, or are built below the sidewalk level with a bridge of sorts to reach the house, depending on which side you find yourself. We enjoy the ride back and forth, and are glad we can avoid the Georgetown traffic by taking the Whitehurst freeway, even though it is an extremely ugly structure. The brunch was good, but I think we like the dinner more. But nothing beats Alexandria as far as I am concerned.

Arlington, Va. across the river

The Bridge from Arlington in the distance; Georgetown on the right
along the Whitehusrt Freeway

M Street- right to Georgetown; the Exorcist steps on the right;
an inflatable balloon atop a hockey fan's house 

Georgetown University Hoyas

The Palisades

Not sure what this is but it reminds me of a sludge plant we saw
in a biology class

 

Salt and Pepper Restaurant

Matching coffee mugs

Perched up on a hill behind a wall

Hope they have another way of getting in

 

We've tried the Boat House a couple times -it's "ok"

Or below the sidewalk with a gangplank of sorts

Some really interesting architecture

Part of the "sludge" plant or ecological center

Some really old homes

Along the canal back to Georgetown

  T

Back on the Whitehurst- Kennedy Center on the R

Potomac River scene

One of the worst intersections in town - but a great view