Long Walks On Leafy Streets

8/18/2013 Mount Vernon trail, VA
Yesterday Nicole and I went on a long walk from the National airport to Georgetown along the Mount Vernon trail. This is a trail that starts near Roosevelt Island and goes all the way to George Washington’s house in Mount Vernon, mostly along the Potomac river. It is paved and well maintained. It is very popular among runners, bikers, skaters and people just going for a walk. I used to bike on it almost every week when I lived in the previous house, because it would only take me about 20 minutes to get there. For us it is even more special because our first two dates were spent along the Potomac river, either on the Mount Vernon trail or in Georgetown. It was a very pleasant afternoon. The rains that were forecast to arrive held off until late last night. The sun was in and out of clouds and it was just perfect, with a cool breeze added.There were a lot of people out and about, biking, running or just out for a walk or picnic.
Near National airport we could see the planes landing or parking on the runway. I never get tired of watching planes land. It brings out a child-like joy and sense of wonder to see these huge birds take off or land at such a close range. When I was growing up, near Kochi in Kerala, India, my dad used to say how Kochi was one of the few places where you can see a train, a plane, a bus and a boat all at the same time. Yesterday from Mount Vernon trail we could see at one place planes landing, boats on the Potomac, the metro train and finally cars whizzing by on the George Washington parkway.
About a mile into our walk we reached Gravelly point. This is the closest thing to a beach we have in Washington. There were a lot of people picnicking with their families, watching the planes land. This is also a popular spot for rugby, football and soccer games. I used to often end my bike rides here, spend some time sitting and watching the planes land and also eating mulberries from the trees along the Potomac in the summer.
The river was full of people boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding or water-skiing as well as ducks and Canada geese enjoying the beautiful day. There were a few people fishing, although I am not sure they encourage it on the Potomac. We talked about how it would be nice if the Potomac were clean enough for swimming and fishing. With the new tunnel project of the DC water department it may happen soon.
We didn’t see any turtles or fishing birds such as the heron or cormorants, though. It was on this trail that I once found a little turtle of the red-eared slider variety. The story of how I took it home and then brought it back is on my website. Click on the little photo at the top of this page and then click on “Writings.” It is under “stories” with the title “Bullets in the Backyard.” The trail was lined on both sides with very green trees and bushes. Nicole especially liked the weeping willows. Soon it will be fall and the leaves will turn yellow and red. Fall brings its own beauty. But it is always a great time to walk on the trail, any trail.

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