Old Town Waterfront

I decided to take a week off from morning walks until my foot felt better. It’s been about two months since this horrible plantar fasciitis attacked both feet out of nowhere - at least that’s what I think it is. Luckily the right foot got better, but the left foot is still very painful in spite of exercise, ice, walking shoes made specifically for this purpose, and foot splints worn during the day and night. So we decided to take a ride to Old Town Alexandria and sit on a shaded bench in front of a pedestrian path that overlooks the Potomac River. We thought we would enjoy the view for a half an hour or so before we went to Royal restaurant for breakfast. I thought I’d take the opportunity to get some photos for the weekly photo challenge too. So I held my iPhone in the same position and took several photos of whoever walked, ran, or rode by. I took many more photos than are shown here with the idea of eventually putting them all in to one composite image. I still haven’t been to see a podiatrist about this problem because everyone I’ve spoken to said it takes several months to heal. I do miss walking every morning and it can be most discouraging when you think it’s getting better and then it starts all over again. So we haven’t been going to our routine spots because of the extreme heat and now this. Between my husband and me we have been a couple of live wires since the pandemic. Our lives have changed - and I don’t like it. 

DC SE Waterfront

When we first moved to DC fifteen years ago the “other side” of the freeway was a bit worn. Then the nationals stadium was built and the neighborhood doesn’t look the same at all. It has become one of the most densely populated areas in the DC region. The number of high rises, condos, hotels, restaurants, and everything else is unbelievable. We drove over to our old Capitol Hill neighborhood and parked the car on Duddington Street, then walked over the the Navy Yard, Yards Park, and along the SE Waterfront. I was in search of photos for the weekly challenge. We hadn’t been to this area for a few months. The one thing noticeable was the constant noise. There is still constant construction and noise pollution. The river walk is always very pleasant so we strolled about towards the stadium and back to the Navy Yard. Someone was trying to catch fish at the Anacostia and a group of people were getting a boat tour. We really did enjoy living in our old neighborhood, but we are older and things have changed in a lot of ways. Capitol Hill had more of a suburban feel, but our 1890’s condo building had too many things wrong with it. So we still have the opportunity to visit and that seems to do the trick. It’s a great excuse for a ride and a morning walk. 

Old Town Alexandria Ducks and Geese

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Last week we went to Alexandria for breakfast and then drive down to the Old Town waterfront. The tall ship Providence was docked by the other large water craft and water taxis in the Potomac River and I wanted to have a look. It didn’t compare to the flotilla of tall ships we saw in Rhode Island a long time ago. It was a replica of John Paul Jones first commission during the revolutionary war. It will soon be available for tours and excursions. After we parked the car we walked along the river where the ducks and geese seemed to be taking over the place. On Capitol Hill we always looked out for the ducks in the Capitol reflecting pool, the American Indian Museum fountain, and in the botanical gardens. This was one time the geese and the ducks were sitting side by side - only because someone was feeding them. It was interesting to watch - reminded me of us collecting stale bread from the bakery and bringing it to the duck ponds in New England and Florida. I enjoy watching birds and animals anyway, so it was a treat. Then we walked further along the waterfront for a bit until it simply got too hot! It’s nice that we can still visit the places we like even though we moved to northern Virginia from DC four months ago. Alexandria is still a great place to see, but neither one of us would want to live there. 

Yards Park and the Anacostia River Views

Every once in a while we head south towards Yards Park, Navy Yard, and the Anacostia River for our morning walk. This time was because we needed to stop at the new Whole Foods store to pick up some lettuce and odds and ends. When we moved here twelve years ago, none of it existed except for the Department of Transportation and one Marriott Hotel. Nationals Park soon followed. The construction is mind boggling and it will become one of the must populated neighborhoods in DC. So we reached the Anacostia and saw all the pop art presidents portraits on one of the restaurant walls. The sun was in just the right spot - the river was sparkling and shimmering on a crisp clear day. The seagulls were hanging around the dock where a navy battleship used to moor. I had never noticed the sign by each of the manhole covers - “confined space entry by permit only.” Someone obviously tried to get into one so now we all need reminders. A rainbow was reflected on the gravel cement path and our shadows looked as interesting there as well as on the river by the tunnel. Passing the baseball stadium the construction was suspiciously quiet because of the holiday but the cranes were moving at a brisk pace overhead. My husband says whenever he walks this way it feels like “our” neighborhood compared to the National Mall that is “everyone’s” neighborhood. I suppose you could look at it that way. And it keeps getting better. 

Anacostia Riverwalk 

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Yards Marina 

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The Wharf SW Waterfront

We haven't been there for awhile. We were contemplating walking the couple of miles to reach the new SW waterfront area. This weekend is the grand opening of the Wharf. More hotels, apartments, condos, restaurants, shops, and scenic views to be had. So after lunch we decided to drive by the commotion - and we were not surprised by the congestion and the hubbub in preparing for the main event. From Maine Avenue the views were still pretty much under construction. It was a cloudy and dreary day compared to the last many weeks so it didn't seem as festive as it might otherwise. Apparently you can catch a water taxi on the river and head to Alexandria or Georgetown or the National Harbor and back. That might be a quicker route for those staying at the outlying areas. I'm sure the exciting new features are along the water as the Main Street is still quite the mess. We will probably wait awhile before we venture in to the new space. I'm sure someone would like to live, work, or play there. For me? I don't think so.