Splashin' around in Old Town

Although there's some rain in the forecast on Saturday, the temperatures should actually be up a bit from the sub-zero lows we're supposed to get during the week. Let's take an easy walk around Old Town, where we can stick to the sidewalks and stay out of the mud puddles.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/4/b/600_433059243.jpeg

The route: From the bike rack across Diagonal Road from King Street Station parking lot, we’ll walk southeast past the statue of the Edmondson Sisters to Duke Street, east for a block, and then south along Hooff’s Run to the north boundary of Alexandria National Cemetery at Jamieson Avenue. From there we’ll cut south through the cemetery to Wilkes Street to head east past the old southwest boundary stone and through the Wilkes Street Tunnel to the waterfront. From there we’ll walk upstream along the Potomac waterfront parks to Tidelock Park, where we’ll work our way west and south back through town, visiting landmarks like the Lee-Fendall, Spite, and Lloyd Houses and Christ Church Cemetery along the way.

The walk is just over 5 miles of smiles and should take about 2 hours. The surface is paved throughout and fairly level.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/onrgw29

How to get there:

• Metro: King Street Station is on the Blue and Yellow Lines.

• Driving: From I-395, take VA-7 / King Street east about 2.8 miles. Take the first right after passing under the railroad (Daingerfield Street), and an immediate right onto Diagonal Road. From US-1 / Richmond Highway, follow King Street west 0.5 miles, take a sharp left onto Daingerfield, and the first right onto Diagonal Road. Weekend parking at the Metro Station is free, as is some of the parallel parking around the neighborhood streets, particularly north and east of the station. Mind the signage.

Weather: The forecast is overcast and a high temperature of 54 degrees, with a slight (5%) chance of showers. Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/njo3ngq

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please).

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 allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers..

Administrative stuff: Before the walk, there are restrooms and drinking fountains in nearby commercial establishments, notably Embassy Suites. There are also restrooms and drinking fountains at the Torpedo Factory, halfway along our walk.