Car Rear Ended on the GW Parkway

If only you could restart the day and make other decisions. We weren’t going to go in to town this morning for a walk but decided to at the last minute. We got on the GW Parkway as usual and soon after saw the “merge left” signs. We always merge before getting to the end. So the blinker was on and we moved left in to the lane that was already stopped up and crawling along for the ongoing road repairs that have been going on for the last several weeks. Then I heard the brakes squeal and a car hit us from behind. We called the police and the park police who told us to move along if there wasn’t serious injury or damage. At least it was reported. To make a long story short the day was ruined. Her front end was affected and our rear end was messed up enough that it is going to require body work. So the rest of the morning was spent talking to her insurance company to figure out next steps. Now we need to wait to hear from them and get the car repaired. We are not anticipating a hassle but one never knows. I just feel very shaken and out of sorts - my neck, knee and shoulder feel a bit odd. Having not been in an accident we weren’t sure what we needed to do. I took photos of everything but it wasn’t easy during rush hour on this very busy parkway. Rather than continue the ride to town we came home. No walk after all. If only we just stayed in the neighborhood today. 

Buzzards and Brides on the GW Parkway

We haven’t taken a ride that way for quite some time. So after our morning walk in the neighborhood this morning we got in the car and drove towards DC. But instead of turning off, we kept going towards Alexandria. Instead of turning off there, we continued on along the GW Parkway to Mount Vernon. I always love to drive on the GW Parkway. Unfortunately 

we came across a few deer and a fox who didn’t quite make it crossing the street. Otherwise at this time of year it is particularly beautiful driving along the Potomac River. We used to stop at the restaurant on Lucia Lane that sits across from the river. Today in the 46 degree weather there was an outdoor wedding in process. The view from the restaurant is exceptional. Up the street was a flock of Turkey buzzards feasting on something. When we reached Mount Vernon the parking lot looked quite full. It’s a great place to walk any time of the year. We then circled around the entry to Mount Vernon it would be 14 miles to DC on the way back, then 8 more to our house. We usually take a ride to Vienna on Sunday, but wanted to do something else today. It was worth it. 

Scenic Overlooks Along the GW Parkway

Last week we ventured out to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove. It is located along the GW Parkway. I wanted to get some images for the weekly photo challenge that called for “horizontal lines.” From that vantage point was the Washington monument and the Potomac River. After we walked along the trails, stopped at the Marina, saw the Pentagon and geese, I wanted to try a couple more places before we drove back home. There are two scenic overlooks that “overlook” the Potomac River. On the way there was a view of Georgetown. Further down the road was the first stop. We always see cars parked at these places, but have never been to them ourselves. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed because I was just expecting something else. Maybe it was the season, the weather, the clouds, or maybe the images I tried to capture just didn’t do anything for me. Using an iPhone for my camera does have its limitations. A helicopter flew over but it didn’t really add to the photo. In one direction was Arlington and the tiny Washington Monument beyond and right across was Palisades. I’m glad we stopped, but it certainly didn’t contribute to the horizon challenge. 

52Frames_Horizon

At the suggestion of a friend, I joined the 52Frames weekly photography challenge. It’s been eleven straight weeks. I’m not really a photographer, but I enjoy taking photos. The iPhone is my camera of choice since I don’t own a “real” camera. And If I was to upgrade, it would be the latest iPhone. Right now I’m using an iPhone 8plus. So to find some “horizon” shots we drove down the GW Parkway to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove that is located near the Pentagon. There were boundary channel photos where we walked over the foot bridge to the grove. Then we walked along the foot path next to the GW Parkway and I tried to get a clear view of the Washington monument. It was difficult because of all the traffic. Then we walked towards the Marina. Across the way is the Pentagon, but before we got there we saw a bunch of geese near the outdoor closed restaurant/shack. I would have loved to run in to them, but they are mean and ornery. On the way back we stopped at the memorial grove. We had been there a couple of times before, but never in the winter. In the spring the place is filled with daffodils. On the way home we stopped off at two scenic overlooks, but I wasn’t impressed with the views or the photos. I ended up selecting the view of the Washington Monument from the GW Parkway because it actually captured six to seven “horizons” with some greenery to frame the image. The quality of the photos isn’t the best, but I gave it a try and did my best. My husband is a great photo assistant. His opinions and suggestions are extremely helpful. It’s a way to spend some time every week doing a bit of creative activity - something we can all use about now. 

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove

After the icy, snowy and wet weather yesterday, we thought today would be the best day to take a ride in to town. Every week I need to find an image that meets the 52Frames photo challenge. This week is “horizon” so that made me think of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove. From that vantage point I could try to get a photo of the Washington Monument, or may be the Pentagon. But as is always the case, something else usually ends up being the final selection. I’m not really a photographer, but rather someone who likes to take photos. The memorial grove is located off the GW Parkway and we got there by driving by the pentagon parking lot. It was a nice change of scenery since we hadn’t been there for quite a while. First, you cross over a foot bridge, and then you can stroll along the trail that eventually leads you to a marina. Along the way there were geese and views of the monuments, as well as the actual stone monument dedicated to Johnson. On the way home we stopped at the two scenic overlooks hoping there might be other interesting options. An iPhone camera can only do so much, but it’s the best I can do. The idea is to keep up with the challenge every week even if the image isn’t always very remarkable. It was a nice ride, walk, and time to spend the morning away from home. It’s just what we need right now. 

Navy and Marine Memorial

This week we took a ride along the GW Parkway for a change of scenery for our morning walk. Rather than stroll in the park by our house or around the neighborhood, Gravelly Point was our destination. We drove by it many times when we lived in DC for thirteen years. The park is right next to Reagan Airport and has a bike/walking path that goes all the way to Mount Vernon in one direction and to Roosevelt Island in the other direction. And there is a spot to watch the planes land and take off over the parking lot. After walking along the path for almost two miles we came upon the Navy Marine Memorial. I’ve seen it a million times when we turned on to the parkway from I-395 and was never sure what it was. Before getting there we crossed over a bridge where you can see the Johnson Memorial, boat marina, and Pentagon located across the street. There were willow trees and the Washington monument in the background along the Potomac River. The memorial’s waves and seagulls represent our love for the water, and memorializes all who use or have been lost at sea - through commerce, war, or any purpose one uses the water. We were between seasons because the flowers were scant and we were the only people near it, aside from the fewcbikers who passed through. There are a lot of interesting sights along the parkway. It was about time we saw this one.