Friday Flyover at Jones Point Park

A couple weeks ago one of our more alert members tipped me that there will be a flyover of vintage World War Two aircraft taking place in the skies above Washington DC starting at 12:10 pm. However, fighting DC workday traffic to hang out with a crowd in the noontime heat on the National Mall sounds kind of unpleasant, doesn't it?

Let's take in the view from a more comfortable venue: After circling the National Mall, all the aircraft will fly down the Potomac River and over the Wilson Bridge, so we should be able to get a bird's eye view from there!

http://ww2flyover.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Flyover-Image-Slide.png

The route: From the old ship’s rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk west along Mount Vernon Trail to the west entrance to Wilson Bridge, and the east along the bridge footpath to the first observation point on the bridge. After the planes have passed over, we'll return to our start point along the same route.

This is an out and back walk of about 2 miles. It will only take 40 minutes or so to walk (20 minutes each way), but of course we'll hang out at the observation point long enough to see the planes, and I'm not sure how long that will take. Plan for around an hour and a half. The surface is fairly level except for the incline onto the bridge and back, and paved throughout.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/osj4ycm

How to get there: The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 100 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314.

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Binos and/or a camera might be handy. You should have time to set up a tripod, if that's your bag, baby, yeah.

Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and high of 85 degrees. Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/njo3ngq

Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is permitted in this group.

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and water fountains at Jones Point Park. Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars.

Notes:

• Jones Point Park: http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733

• Arsenal of Democracy Flyover: http://ww2flyover.org/

• Military Times article with the full flight path: http://tinyurl.com/mbafome

Image source: Arsenal of Democracy

H/T to Susan C. for the great suggestion!