We take a Circulator tour of town on a beautiful Sunday.
Sunday, May 7
We headed out and walked down to Eastern Market first. There's a large farmer's market there on Sundays. Mike got some delicious Greek olive oil, I got a coffee, and Hollis found a cute bracelet. A good trip down 8th Street I'd say. We proceeded to the Circulator pick up to make our way down to Yards Park.
Archer has been wanting to go swimming since they got here and I saw the park has a splash pad. What kid doesn't like a splash pad? Also, it's a gorgeous day out and a park sounds awesome. Yards Park is pretty empty, however, and the splash pad isn't on. But it's nice to walk the boardwalk and see several sailboats in the river. A couple of beers went down easy at the Salt Line next to Nationals Park. A great view of the water, the baseball stadium, and gorgeous weather made this a perfect afternoon stop.
Hopping back on to the bus, we made our way down to the Wharf and finally found a splash pad for Archer. Several little kids were running around and he had a great time. We cruised the riverwalk for a while and made our way to the next Circulator to get to the other side of the Mall. Hollis was craving sushi and I found a place a little northwest of the White House. Toryumon Japanese House was a fine combination of sushi and hibachi. We all had some rolls and scallops, well earned after a lot of walking.
I am not the best judge of how far things are. I'll walk for miles and miles without care. So probably not the best idea to leave me in charge of where and how we get around town. Everyone's step counts are through the roof again. Good crowd though, minimal complaints. And I had a plan after sushi. Mike had to fly home to Atlanta for work Sunday evening. He got an Uber as the rest of us walked back to the White House for a quick peak before taking a lot of tired legs back home. Bye, honey! Safe flight!
The Hold family and I hopped up to K Street to grab our third Circulator line back to Capitol Hill. Back at the house we looked for a movie. You know we love to watch DC tv and movies while we're here, and what better than Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian! This was a lot of fun for all of us since there are several scenes from Air and Space from before the renovation. It was great to compare and the callouts of "We were just there" are always awesome. I called it a night after the movie. Early rowing...
Monday, May 8
After a good row Monday morning, the Holt fam was getting up as I got home. After a quick breakfast and packup, they made their way back to Virginia around 930a. I spent the rest of the day working with plans to meet Melanie for an early dinner. We met up at the Roost a food hall down on Pennsylvania at 14th. We have corresponded the last several months, but I haven't seen her since I was in town in June last year. I was happy to hang out, share some food, and catch up on life. Melanie paddleboards on the Anacostia and Potomac. I love discussing the water and watersports with someone who doesn't row. She has a different perspective yet the same love and reverence for the water.
After dinner, Melanie had to go to pick up her car from the shop. I made a quick pass through the grocery and headed home. A quiet night with the kittehs was exactly what I needed after days and days of walking.
Tuesday, May 9
This week is rather quiet with Mike out of town a few days. I'm focused on rowing, working on technique. Today I got to row in a double with Emmie. Sitting stroke I was able to work on my catch and the boat was fast. It was a lot of fun. Hoping we can race together sometime this summer. After work, I went out to find some CaBi points and see some parts of town I wouldn't normally venture to. I walked for a bit, took a bike to South DC and found that the Wharf is where all bikes end up. Huge points to take a bike from there. I rode back across the Mall and up to K Street. I hadn't talked to my Dad since before we left Atlanta, so I walked home and chatted with him. Always good to talk to you Dad. I was asleep on the couch when Mike arrived home from the airport. Glad he's back!
Wednesday, May 9
This week is all about rowing. I have an erg test for Atlanta Saturday and until then, I'm working on blade placement. Bob sent me another video this morning. My flip catch is getting better. I'm still missing water, but not nearly as much. Also, there was a beautiful red sun this morning. Backed by an overcast, grey sky, it reminded me of the Ocean Pacific shirts I had as a kid. I've had Red Red Sun by INXS in my head all day.
I haven't had Mexican food in a few weeks. I found a place called La Lomita at Pennsylvania near 13th. It doesn't have a website, was described as "no frills" on gmaps, and was exactly what I was looking for. We both ordered specialties that were delicious if not normally considered Mexican at a lot of restaurants. I had shrimp in garlic and white wine with black beans and rice while Mike had a duck dish. Both were delicious, and we went home on a little early with full bellies. We'll be back at it tomorrow evening, so more to come!