by elizabeth evans
Member since:
January 6, 2006

Kayaking the Potomac to See a Rough Rider ~ Washington Chronicles

July 27, 2009 07:20 AM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 31

After we left the Farmer's Market in Dupont Circle ladled with all our picnic supplies, we headed for Jack's Boat House, about 2 miles from my hotel.  As Will filled out our paperwork for the kayaks, we feasted on Starbuck's coffee and muffins.  A large group of George Washington freshmen were also at Jack's having a "bonding experience".  Both Will and Mel remembered their own freshmen orientations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not those peaches look scrumptious?

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For an old hippie, Jack has quite a business going here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The weather was a cool 70 degrees with no humidity...perfect for our trip.  Before heading over to the Teddy Roosevelt Island we decided to cruise the Potomac and view the Watergate Hotel as well as The Kennedy Center.

 

 

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The Watergate Hotel...the beginning of the end for President Nixon.

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The Kennedy Center

 

 

 

 

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Rounding the island, a blue heron flew in to make friends with a bunch of Canadian geese.

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Across the way we saw Rosslyn, Virginia and I spotted this little concrete cave...

"What could that be, Will" I inquired.

"That's the Cheney Troll Getaway, Mom....that's his hideaway."

 

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Landing on a sandy shore, we started hiking through the forest, eventually ending up on a boardwalk that circled the island.  As we headed up the trail to the Memorial, Will warned me that the bronze statue of Teddy Roosevelt reminded him of Stalin with a Hitler raised hand.  What do you think?http://media-files.gather.com/images/d523/d852/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

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After all that walking, it was time to cool off my aching feet in one of the many pools before heading back to the kayaks and paddling back to Jack's Boat House.

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Comments: 31

Kathryn Flynn Jul 27, 2009, 7:31am UTC
Such a lovely time you had. Yes, the statue of Roosevelt is remiiscient of Heil, Hitler. But...no matter...

I have never kayaked. I don't mind canoeing, because I prefer if someone else controls the boat. Rowing I also like.

Featured in the Triple Name Club.
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:39am UTC
Kayaking is much easier then canoeing...you glide over the water without much effort. Long ago we had canoes on the pond...but about 15 years ago we invested in kayaks for the pond. We could easily mount them on the CRV and go to Maine or NH.....or just over to Duxbury Beach or Wellfleet.
Kathryn Flynn Jul 27, 2009, 7:40am UTC
sounds lovely, but I don't want to be in a boat alone.
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:43am UTC
They have tandem kayaks....and you could let the person in front do all the paddling.
A lovely scenic tour that I enjoyed, Bob ... and without leaving my coffee and ciggy behind to go trudging,

I was looking for Hi-ya-watha, Mini-Haha and Professor Egghead McBoffin - but they must have been canoeing elsewhere.
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:09pm UTC
We did happen to see both Hi and Mini but they were at the Kennedy Center giving a performance on native dancing....as for Prof MCBofin he was checking out Cheney's Troll Hole.
That'd be right!
Roy ☯ Hilbinger Jul 27, 2009, 9:24am UTC
I've never done the lower Potomac. When we were kids we always canoed the upper stretches of the river, white water being so much more interesting to the young, you know! And once we floated on inner tubes down Antietam Creek to the Potomac. So this was a revelation; I didn't even know there was a Teddy Roosevelt Island! And I love the Cheney troll cave. Thanks for the tour!
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:12pm UTC
Hey, my kids floated down the Antietam Creek on inner tubes in '86 when we did our whirlwind 43 day camping trip of revolutionary and Civil War battles.

Isn't Will funny...you can tell he's a liberal despite the fact he makes money.
lynn a. Jul 27, 2009, 9:32am UTC
Fantastic essay! The first thing I noticed was that even the bridge looks monumental. How cool. Got a giggle about the students in that the first time we went kayaking, I went every way but the right way. However, it didn't take long to get the hang of it. Perhaps the pose reflects on the time period Roosevelt's statue was made, but sure wish the creator had thought about Stalin and Hitler's pose. However a raised arm can be a friendly sign, and I prefer to think his is one of greeting and friendliness. Moses will love knowing about being able to kayak there. And that was just too funny about the cave. Washington really has it all, doesn't it.
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:14pm UTC
That's exactly what Will said...that the pose reflects the period. You guys think alike. This can be the lure to get Moses excited about Washington.
Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Jul 27, 2009, 10:05am UTC
I really want to try kayaking myself, it looks like so much fun & I could go out by myself even.
Wonderful photos from your trip along the potomac!
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:15pm UTC
Kayaking is great fun...and EASY once you get the hang of it. You just glide through the water.
Nancy S. Jul 27, 2009, 11:38am UTC
I mostly remember Hitler saluting or with his arm straight out so never thought about this looking like him. What a great day you had.
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:15pm UTC
But the mustache, Nancy...I don't think I would want to kiss him.
What a great adventure...so kayaking isn't all that yard? And do you start to drift off when taking pictures...hahahaha...anywho
the statue of Roosevelt is a bit odd of a choice...but he was a man who liked to be with the people and speaking to them wasn't he...perhaps this was the way many people saw him ..lifting his arm up and gathering you in with the other one..or perhaps he just liked to look taller so he would raise his arm....
Great photo essay...very much enjoyed it
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:17pm UTC
That's the thing...when you kayak, the camera is very safe...and you drift a wee bit...but the river was really calm that day so little drifting.
Granny Janny Jul 27, 2009, 4:31pm UTC
The statue has a kindly smile and so it doesn't bother me. I want to go kayaking with you when I get there. Yes that was a gorgeous day. I still can't believe how much you all packed into that trip!
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:19pm UTC
Will and Mel had me going from morning till night but both days they let me have my "power nap" for an hour around 4 or 5. As long as I get that power nap, I'm good to go but if I don't I fall asleep at 8.
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:27pm UTC
And Teddy was a real Teddy Bear...I like the whole idea of him "poking around the West"....and being one of our first Presidents to realize how important nature is to the soul.
Michelle C. Jul 27, 2009, 7:17pm UTC
you take some of the most amazing pictures. i love the one by the bridge with the flags. great job. :)
elizabeth evans Jul 27, 2009, 7:26pm UTC
Thanks Michelle...I'm a visual person...I'm always looking for images...that bridge really fascinated me.
Alison H. Jul 27, 2009, 11:05pm UTC
Thanks for showing us more views of the other Washington! I am loving your excursions and pics.
elizabeth evans Jul 28, 2009, 7:58am UTC
You know Alison, when Will suggested kayaking the Potomac, I must say, I thought to myself, I only have 2 full days here aand I'm going to kayak? But I'm glad I didn't say it outloud because in the end, it was a GREAT idea...we were out in the sun, getting some exercise and seeing "stuff" too.
elizabeth evans Jul 28, 2009, 7:59am UTC
Wonder why Gather printed this comment twice?
Marge H. Jul 28, 2009, 7:54pm UTC
It does look like you enjoyed your outing and you got lots of great photos. Thanks for taking us along.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Jul 28, 2009, 9:14pm UTC
What a great day. I've never tried to kayak, it looks very hard to me. Beautiful photos and what a wonderful area and trip.
Sheila Deeth Jul 29, 2009, 12:56am UTC
This looks like a wonderful day. I haven't kayaked for quite a while now - used to go out on the ocean sometimes in Cornwall.
Charles A. B. Jul 30, 2009, 12:48pm UTC
LOoks like a you had a great time. I've never been kayaking before. Love the scenery shots that you took.
Wilma M. Aug 10, 2009, 9:36pm UTC
I just love kayaking, as I've mentioned before. I enjoy gliding amongst the lily pads, being able to sneak up on the birds, ducks, herons, deer, etc around the lakeside.
phil w. Aug 26, 2009, 7:05pm UTC
Thanks for the kayaking trip ,Elizabeth . I know it was great !

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