Alexandria, VA (USA)

It was quite chilly this morning (low 30s) so gave up on my plan to kayak at Mason Neck. Instead, I waited until the sun warmed everything up (low 50s) and drove over to Jones Point Park (under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a unit of the GW Parkway) in Alexandria. The gate was closed, of course, but there were already plenty of people parking along the access road and I joined them. It was sunny and breezy - quite pleasant - by 1130 as I walked into the park. There were SO many families, couples and solos with their dogs - walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, etc. About a quarter of them were wearing anti-COVID-19 masks and gloves but the rest of us just stayed safely apart. I explored a community garden, the ruins of the WW1 shipyard and the lighthouse and learned more about the history of this little piece of Virginia that used to be part of the District of Columbia. A bit later, I ventured north along the Old Town waterfront - there was a lot of new condo construction and city park building to inspect! I easily walked about four miles without realizing it and warmed up under my fleece. Would have stayed longer but the crowds eventually got to be a bit much. I then backtracked (on less traveled streets) to the car. More people were arriving by then (1315) so I skedaddled. I’m glad I was able to enjoy another nice Spring outing close to my home!