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Hey Super Troopers!!!

It's our lucky day, as we'll be going to a very special place - we'll be going to Mount Vernon, the plantation home of our nation's first president, George Washington. We're also lucky as our walk will coincide with the fall foliage season. It'll be breathtakingly beautiful and gorgeous (funny, that's how the girls describe me when I walk into the clubs, bars, etc).

We'll begin at the Ford Orientation Center with a 20-minute action-adventure movie, We Fight to be Free, which depicts a heroic and charismatic Washington at pivotal moments in his life. It's very, very, very good.

Then, we'll make our way up to the Mansion via the Upper Garden, we'll stop by the slave quarters, the blacksmith shop, and other structures as well. Then, we'll head to the crown jewel of the plantation -the mansion- and get about 20 to 30 minutes tour of the place and then take in the protected (and stunning) view of the Potomac River and Maryland shore, as George Washington would have seen.

After the mansion, we'll our way south visiting the stable, coach house, and Washington's Tomb. After paying our respects, we'll make our way to the banks of the Potomac River, then turn 90 degrees west and head for the 16-sided barn and slave cabin. We'll then make our way back via the Forest Trail - the trail will give us a glimpse of the wilderness of centuries long ago.

The 1.5 mile (2 hour) walk will conclude at the entrance of Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. I hope you'll take your time roaming the state-of-the-art facility, which in great detail tells the story of Washington's inspiring and incredible life, including his military and political careers.

Located just 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the plantation rests on the banks of the Potomac River at the southern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Parking is free and convenient. For more directions and information, you can go to: http://www.mountvernon.org/index.cfm?

What to bring: yourself (call me if you need a ride), $15 for admission, water, comfy walking shoes, and cool sunglasses. As you all know, we normally don't go to places that have an admission fee, however this $15 well be the best $15 you'll ever spend in your entire life.

Where to meet: you'll see me waiting (for my true love) at the entrance of the Mount Vernon Inn, which is the building closest to the street. If you have questions, going to late, or just feel like saying hello, my number (301-712-5880).

Hope to see you there -
- Albert

****Being locals we often miss what's right in our backyard. We miss what people all around the world come to visit. If you have not visited Mount Vernon, I strongly wish you'd come on this walk with us - not because of your awesome assistant organizer, or the normal great walkers, the loads of fun we have, and the sights we see, but because life is short, you may leave the DC area never get to visit this American treasure.****

Scenic Riverbend Park (see park map) is located just north and within walking distance of Great Falls Park (Virginia) (see park map). We'll hike from the Riverbend Park Visitor Center, following the shoreline and passing a dam on our way to Great Falls Park. Once at Great Falls Park, we'll spend a few minutes traversing the clifftop overlooks for dramatic views of the Potomac River (rapids), waving at our friends over in Maryland, and then taking in a portion of the River Trail (for more scenic views) before returning to the parking lot. This 5 mile-long hike has a dirt trail surface that is mostly flat, with a couple of short hilly spots, exposed tree roots and large rocks (easy stuff).

Meetup Point
Riverbend Park Visitor Center Parking Lot

Estimated Hiking Time
2 hours

What to Bring
Water, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with traction (trail may be muddy)

Park Entrance Fee
None

This walk is not metro accessible. If anyone wishes to carpool, please make a note in your RSVP and make arrangements as needed.

Hey Super Troopers!!!

What is an arboretum? An arboretum is a living museum where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes. With its 446 acres of meadows, rolling hills, and open spaces dotted with colorful gardens and weaved together with nature trails, the National Arboretum is a beautiful, peaceful hidden gem within DC, a showcase of American horticulture, and a must for plant and outdoor lovers, like us. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.usna.usda.gov/index.html

We'll walk/wander for about 2 miles (2 hrs) at an unhurried pace. We'll start at the Aquatic Garden, linger a little bit around the Herb Garden and Bonsai Museum, make our way to the Conifer and Asian Collections, swing south to the Fern Valley, pass through the National Grove of State Trees, and head northwest to the Perennial Collections via the Azalea Collection. For a map of our route, please visit: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/arbormap.html

Directions: The National Arboretum is located in the northeast section of Washington, DC, approximately ten minutes from the Capitol Building. The entrance is at the intersection of 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg Road. For additional directions, please visit: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/directions.html. There's ample free parking and admission is always free. We'll meet at the R Street parking lot at the Tram Kiosk.

What to bring: yourself (call me if you need a ride, but the place is Metro accessible via Metrobus), a pen and pad to jot down plant names (optional, of course), at least 2 bottles of water, comfy walking shoes, a hat, and cool sunglasses. As always, if you are lost, late, have questions, or just want to say hi, my number is (301) 712-5880.

See you there!
Albert

At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital.

After stopping by each of the three overlooks, we'll take the River Trail to Cow Hoof Rock and a make our way back via the Matildaville Trail. The River Trail is rated moderate. It starts out easy and gets more difficult as the trail progresses down river with some rocky, narrow, and high elevation points, but it has some awesome views of the gorge. Our return route, the Matidaville Trail, is much more easier and flatter. The whole walk should take about two hours or about 3 miles round-trip.

The park charges a $5.00 vehicle pass fee. We'll meetup outside of the Visitor's Center. For additional information, please visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm

Directions from the Beltway (I-495):

Take exit 44 for Route 193, Georgetown Pike.
At the top of the exit ramp, there is a traffic light. If you are exiting from I-495 South, coming from Maryland and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, take a right at the light onto Route 193 West. If you are coming from I-495 North (the Inner Loop) from points south or I-66, you will take a left at the traffic light onto Route 193 West. About three miles down the road, you will come to another traffic light at the intersection of Old Dominion Dr. At the traffic light, you will see a sign for the park. Make a right at the light. Old Dominion Drive will dead end at our entrance station, about one mile down the road.

What to bring: yourself (call me if you need a ride), hiking shoes, water, sunglasses, and a $5.00 entrance fee. If have questions, going to be late, or just feeling like saying hello, my number is (301) 712-5880.

See you there,
Albert

We'll spend about two hours wandering around the National Zoo.

Meetup Point
At the Connecticut Avenue entrance in front of the lion statue on the right.

Directions: Parking at the zoo is limited and expensive ($10-$20). The zoo is metro accessible (about a four block walk): Take the red line train to Cleveland Park. Take the escalator or elevator to bring you up to the east side of Connecticut Avenue. When you emerge at street level, you should be on the same side of the street as the Metro elevator and a parking lot. Walk down (south) Connecticut Avenue, over the bridge, and the Zoo will be on your left.

What to Bring
Water, comfortable walking shoes

Park Entrance Fee
None