I woke up, packed up and headed to Starbucks in Georgetown. There, I would work for nearly the whole day. I had wanted to visit the Smithsonian and some other sites along the Mall, but it just wasn't going to happen...
Again, like the day before, I became utterly worn out from writing and needed to rest my mind by walking. Traveling only a short distance down M Street, I took a left and made my way down to the edge of the Potomac, passing by a quaint canal...
Canal running through Georgetown. Seen from 31st Street, looking west.
Washington's canal system was a great boon for commerce when it
opened in 1815. Most of it was filled in after the Civil War.
This branch was left intact, and runs into rock Creek, which leads into the Potomac.
College rowing teams practiced along the Potomac.
This walk along the Rock Creek Park Trails is a five star display of how the other half spend their time. Foodies with extra deep pockets would find pretty much anything they wanted. The first place I passed by was Fiola Mare...
On the other end of this Washington Harbor complex building (which includes an indoor skating rink) is Sequoia DC...
Damn anarchists! Ha! On this map, "You are not here."
I passed the Swedish Embassy. And then of course, you can't escape this riverfront area without walking by the iconic Watergate Complex of hotels and apartments, a place Richard Nixon instantly made an eternally famous curiosity for travelers from all over the world...
I didn't have much money left, but after seeing all those people relaxing with their drinks I really wanted a beer for the night and singles are not sold within Washington DC (you have to buy at least a six pack of beer or fifth of liquor--too much booze for this night).
The decision to cross over into Arlington was an easy one. Virginia is cheaper in all ways and small amounts alcohol are more accessible. Plus I'd found a Starbucks on Lynn Street online and it was less than a mile back to my sleep spot to just cross back over to DC using the Francis Scott Key Bridge into Georgetown. Plus, I'd never really seen Arlington.
I didn't have a lot of time before sundown, so I headed to the Lincoln Memorial and crossed the Arlington Memorial Bridge. It was quite an experience to see the controlled chaos of Washington rush hour...
I skipped touring Arlington Cemetery, which would have been a great source of photos, but again, I just didn't have the time. Still I got a great shot of the Marine Corps War Memorial...
Good to have a photo of the map of the Rosslyn section of Arlington,
in case I couldn't get online for some reason.
Along Wilson Avenue.
After buying my beer, it was time to cross back over into DC. The District of Columbia actually begins on the Arlington side of the Potomac. So, I was technically back in DC before I even reached the FSK Bridge...
Crossing the Potomac on the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
A look back at where I had walked along the Rock River Pathways.
My timing was perfect. It was just dark enough to get into my spot. The temperature was really high, near 70 degrees F, and the air was humid. I set up the tent and hung up my shirt to dry. Cracking my precious beer, I enjoyed that sucker immensely. You think having a frosty one after mowing the lawn is nice, try walking ten miles crossing the Potomac and camping in Washington DC for a third night! Ha! Satisfaction guaranteed. Worked for me at least.
The shirt didn't dry very well in the warm damp air. I took it into the tent with me and hung it from the tags there, hoping to have more success over night. As I lay in my sleeping bag, I resolved to buy a bus ticket to Maryland the next day. Sleep came quickly.
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