Roosevelt Island

We hadn’t been to Roosevelt Island since last summer so it was time to make a return visit. The 52frames photo challenge for the week was “trapped” so I thought maybe we could find something of interest. It was very busy for a Monday as it was a beautiful day and part of a long weekend for many. Rather than take the uninhabited route along the island edge, we walked the more traditional paved path around the island. It was still pretty “wintry” looking - more sticks than leaves and spring flowers. Along the boardwalk we went off the trail and found a bunch of sticks piled to make a sort of “cave.” That was a good excuse to create something trapped. My husband is always a great participant. Then we made our way around to the other side - no deer this time. By the end we headed to the center where the very large sculpture of Teddy Roosevelt stands. The water works weren’t turned on yet so it wasn’t as lovely. Back over the bridge crossing the Potomac River we decided to turn left rather than right to the car and parking lot. The pathway heads in to DC or to Mount Vernon. We stopped there and turned back as we had walked enough to the day. Perhaps we might try one of those walkways in the future. It has a lot of bike traffic so it’s not my cup of tea. I much prefer the flat, primarily pedestrian walkways. The urban jungle is so much more interesting. 

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. 

Doris Kearns Goodwin Talks About "The Bully Pulpit" at the Library of Congress

I have read several Doris Kearns Goodwin books. When we first moved to DC she signed one of them at the annual book festival sponsored by the Library of Congress. A notice was sent to Library employees that she would be talking about her new book. One of the perks of working at the Library is a last minute call to fill the seats in the Coolidge Auditorium regardless of the reason. So rather than take a coffee break I walked over through the underground tunnel to the Jefferson Building from my office. The presentations are typically filmed for later viewing. It was very well attended. I think some folks were pleased to be in an air conditioned space given the high heat and humidity this week. After the very enjoyable Teddy and Taft talk was done, I really liked the anecdotal comments about Daniel Day Lewis and Steven Spielberg as she spoke of Lincoln and the movie. She has the rare gift for story telling as she took us through her visit to the White House to see all the places so many well known figures have stayed that she has written about. She has a way of making history all so very interesting, and it was a treat to see her tell us about it in person - on a work day - during an extended "coffee break/lunch."