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. 

Roosevelt Island Paths, Flowers, Marsh and Deer

After getting “lost” on the uninhabited path on Roosevelt Island, we ended up under the route 50 bridge and a lot of graffiti. So we backtracked and reached the main path, then headed toward the south end of the island. The native island dwellers did not include deer, so we were surprised to see and mom and  fawn sipping a drink of water from the muddy path. She looked quite thin and must have snuck on the island from the parkway when no one was looking. Before we saw them we strolled along the boardwalk that meandered through the marsh. There were three white herons nestled high in a tree across the way. We couldn’t get a good look at them and they weren’t moving from their comfy spot. You can look across the way to Georgetown when you are on the northern side; and then the tall buildings of Arlington pop out on the west side along the Potomac River. It’s hard to believe there is such a lovely place to stroll in the middle of the city. There is a bit of history to this place which is worth reading about. Anyway, it gives us options to have a morning walk outside of our neighborhood. We would only come here during the week to avoid all the crowds. We used to walk the malls whenever it was too hot or rainy. So far we have survived the heat and humidity. I’m not sure about the ice and snow. 

 

The Navy Yard

Along the Anacostia River the Navy Yard is located. It's been there for quite some time - it is the US Navy's oldest shore establishment, in operation since the first decade of the 19th century and is home to the Chief of Naval Operarations. I think John Wilkes Booth rode over a bridge around this area in to Virginia on a long ago April evening. The boardwalk was opened along the river a few months ago. While at the concert on Friday evening, we walked along it. An old ship is in port for tours and such, along with a swift boat that is on display from the Viet Nam era. We used to climb aboard all the ships my Dad was stationed on during his 21 years in the Coast Guard. That huge grey steel hulking mass reminded me of those times. I think every city with a waterfront welcomes military and other ships for the common folk to explore. There's something about gazing towards the horizon and hoping to reach it one day... I never had that desire to reach it, but it's a good thing so many other folks did.

A walk along the waterfront

Display ship Barry

The front gate along M Street

Always a check point

The gated community behind the brick wall