Roosevelt Island Path

We like to visit Roosevelt island every few months. It’s a hidden gem in an unexpected place in the Potomac River - across from Georgetown, the Kennedy center, and Arlington. We always go during the week because on weekends the parking lot is packed. We always take the bridge across and walk around the island to see what has changed from season to season. Lately, before heading back to the car, we’ve been taking the foot path the takes you to either Washington or Mount Vernon. Because it is a bike path I don’t like it as much. So we stay on the left side to avoid getting hit. Either path takes you under the Roosevelt Bridge, which is undergoing some repair work. It makes for interesting views to see the underbelly of these structures. And along the way is the Potomac River and all it has to offer. We usually put on about two miles for a morning walk. This additional bit gets us to that mark. My husband really likes this destination - which is why we like to visit. 

Bridges of Rock Creek Parkway

Several days ago we thought it was time to make the butterball in bone turkey breast with all the fixings. But it would be too much for my husband and I. So we split everything in half, packed it up in containers, and drove in to DC to drop off this surprise special “touchless” delivery to my brother and sister in law. It’s been a while since we have seen them, and even longer since we drove back home riding along the Rock Creek Parkway. We used to travel this way all the time when we lived on Capitol Hill heading to any NW DC destination. What is notable all along the way are the many bridges and overpasses along the route. Several of the structures are quite old and very ornate. Others are covered in vines and graffiti. Some are clearly walking bridges. Heading toward the Kennedy Center we were diverted to Virginia Avenue and then on to 66. The next time we should just continue along and take Memorial bridge over in to Virginia. Regardless, either path gets you on the George Washington Memorial parkway on our way home. It is one of my favorite rides along the Potomac River. It’s funny how my family all ended up in the same general area - one in DC, one in Maryland, and one in Virginia. It was a fun excursion. 

Tunnels, Bridges, and a Lot of Water in Virginia

The real reason we drove to Norfolk Virginia was to surprise our grandson and his mother by showing up to watch his state wrestling tournament. It was also our daughter in law’s birthday so we would have an opportunity to catch up and celebrate. We have never been to this end of Virginia - or Seven Cities - so it was a great way to spend the weekend. We have been to Williamsburg and Yorktown, but we never went all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Having grown up near and around water all my life - Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Michigan, and the Potomac River - the area seemed familiar. But I didn’t care for all the combination tunnels and bridges along with the obvious military influence. There were shipbuilding facilities, a huge international port with millions of containers, passenger trains, and noisy aircraft flying overhead. But there was just too much water! We rode along the coast and the Atlantic Ocean which seemed really spooky observing it at night from eleven stories above. A statue of Neptune shone in the night sky. I’m sure the place looks different in the summer months. I’m glad we went but have a feeling we won’t be going again - unless there is a really good reason.