Washington, D.C

AT Day 52 – Harper’s Ferry And The Washington DC’s – The Trek

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2022

4 Mile Camp to Harper’s Ferry, WV
Remaining Virginia Camp to DC Sofa Camp
AT miles: 4.3
Whole miles: 1034.3
Elevation change: 741ft achieve, 1421ft loss

Will that subsequent view be cool? How clean is the path going to be? When will I get my subsequent contemporary apple? Questions and hypothesis abound throughout a protracted thru-hike, like what’s going to it really feel like to succeed in West Virginia? On the subject of ending the Virginia part of the AT and reaching Harper’s Ferry, the non secular half-way level of the path, I used to be cautiously optimistic that it might imply one thing, that it might really feel good. I need to admit, that my last week+ in Virginia had changed into a grind at instances. That was actually influenced by some moist climate, however I inevitably questioned whether or not I used to be pushing myself tougher than I wanted to. By blitzing by resupply stops, was I skipping an necessary, rejuvinating a part of the thru-hike expertise? Was I grinding myself down, or was my tempo sustainable? Whereas I didn’t look forward to finding all of the solutions on the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, I hoped to search out one thing, a sense, a shift. One thing to point that there was a milestone someplace between Springer and Katahdin that would give me a lift. If climbing the primary half of the AT didn’t really feel like a giant achievment, then would climbing the entire thing? Thankfully, what I did really feel as I stepped down the historic stone steps right into a quaint preservation of the previous, was highly effective. Harper’s Ferry was the correct instrument for the job, and I felt the increase that I used to be searching for.

With an necessary day forward, I didn’t waste any time this morning. No time to really feel groggy or drained, it’s Harper’s Ferry Day. My pleasure was mirrored within the shiny sky and shimmering droplets hanging on the bushes and bushes. I gulped down the dregs of my dry granola and packed up, post-haste. My backpack felt empty, and it almost was. Someway I had nearly completed the appalling quantity of meals that I had purchased in Entrance Royal. I’d thought it might be means an excessive amount of, however it was truly the proper quantity. Astonishing.

Nothing left to do, however smile. It’s both that or cry.

Some extremely rocky path to start the day’s strolling painted a wry smile on my face. Dry humor was my solely remaining coping mechanism for this punishing tread. My others have been as worn ineffective because the cushioning in my sneakers. Nonetheless, the rocky shuffling was short-lived, and the nearer I obtained to city, the broader and smoother the path turned. I met a couple of flip-flop hikers coming within the different course, and their cocktail of contemporary enthusiasm blended with sobering realizations about what that they had signed up for put my discomforts into perspective. I felt like a hen in a room of rabbits, so I unfold my wings and flew. In actuality, I ran, however it felt like flying.

Street noise blended with the enveloping rumble of the mighty Shenandoah River, swollen and brown with the wet remnants of the day gone by’s storming and raining. I needed to test my map to substantiate its title. It appeared too huge and stressed to be the identical river that looped meandering turns by the peaceable Shenandoah Valley. But when it wasn’t the Shenandoah, then I used to be not the place I used to be purported to be, so it will need to have been the Shenny itself.

I crossed the mighty torrent subsequent to screaming site visitors on a pedestrian walkway throughout a protracted concrete bridge. Historic properties dotted the minor ridge forward, and except for the Tesla’s and massive rigs, I imagined that the view hadn’t modified an excessive amount of over the earlier two centuries. A whole lot, or perhaps 1000’s, of swallows banked and dove over me, snatching a buggy breakfast, or perhaps simply having enjoyable. Now that was flying. I ended to look at them and take a look at the combination of solar and cloud hanging above the horizon. Heat gentle bathed my face and open palms, the river’s breeze rustled my hood and pinwheel. I stood over the river that marked the tip of Virginia and the start of what got here subsequent. The load of the previous lifted, leaving only a sip of water and my baseweight hanging on my shoulders. The heavy moods and recollections of moist climate would do me no good forward, so I left them behind. Perhaps the water would carry them to the ocean, or perhaps they’d get snatched up by a hungry swallow. Feeling a lightweight excitment, I completed the traverse again to strong floor, whispers of ‘favourite second of the day’ making their rounds.

Climbing into the historic heart of Harper’s Ferry.

The ultimate hike into city wasn’t a complete stroll, however it felt straightforward immediately. Inexperienced was as considerable because the guests flocking to the historic downtown on this nice Saturday. The outdated buildings have been cool in a means that I didn’t anticipate, and I immediately fell in love with Harprer’s Ferry. With deep roots in historical past, there was all the time an informational signal to assist convey the previous to life. It was a residing museum. On the snout of the city, the place the 2 rivers divided three states, I halted my progress on the AT. It was time to push pause on my march northward. Time to disconnect in order that I might reconnect. I turned west into the center of the historic city, and began strolling.

The outdated properties and blossoming bushes held my consideration as I wandered to the Appalachian Path Conservency headquarters. There, I met Dave, the friendliest volunteer, and checked in because the eleventh nobo thru-hiker of the season. The one factor that this quantity advised me for sure was that I used to be positively not the eleventh nobo thru-hiker of the season. I might record the names of some hikers forward of me who’s footage I didn’t see within the three-ring binder. Nonetheless regardless of the precise quantity, it was so much decrease than 252, what they wrote on my tag at Amicolola. The place did all of the hikers go? What number of of them have been nonetheless climbing north? What number of would have their footage added to the yearbook?

I jogged one other block to the put up workplace to gather my subsequent pair of sneakers. Once I emerged, there have been Didj and Karishma ready within the parking zone with the following greatest issues after a burrito, kombucha and fruit. Heros, huge time. My good mates had pushed from Washington DC to gather me from the path for the weekend, and it was nice to see them certainly.

They mentioned it might be too huge to complete. We completed it.

After a giant field of nachos on the native vegan eatery, they whisked me east to the nation’s capital with wonderful pace and ease. They tolerated my stinkiness like champions, however I didn’t push their limits greater than I wanted to, and jumped within the bathe as quickly as we arrived at their condo. It was my first correct soaping since Pearisburg, and the residual dampness of the previous week had me and my gear in a cool state. Even after my bathe, I used to be fairly positive that my toes nonetheless stank.

The US Supreme Court docket. Not your typical AT shelter.

Subsequent, after some peanut butter and apples, they handled me to a bicycle tour of the close by websites. Oh, you realize, simply the marble beacons of democracy and freedom that shine brightly in a world of darkness and disaray: the US capital constructing, supreme courtroom, washington monument, white home, and lots of others. As somebody who claims “The West” as my major residence, these locations nearly felt like a fiction. I’d seen them on the information, watched historical past unfold on their lawns and extensive steps on a display screen, and even visited throughout an unremembered eighth grade college journey. Seeing them in particular person as an grownup was awe-inspiring and humbling. For higher or worse, this was the place the shakers and the makers modified the world.

Hiker gone biker outdoors the US Capital.

After the cross-training session (Biking is quick, individuals. A means higher strategy to cowl distance than strolling.), we bundled up again at their place with heat blankets, scorching hommade enchiladas, and the most effective guacamole this aspect of the Mississippi. Sinking into the comfortable sofa with my toes up and a heat stomach, I felt days away from the path, although it had been simply 12 hours since I used to be there. It was a superb feeling. The psychological respite was clearly one thing I’d been missing. Not immediately although, and never tomorrow both. What was coming north of Harper’s Ferry? I had simply the slightest concept, however I wasn’t going to fret about that for a short while longer. No have to freak myself out but, or construct up unrealistic expectations. These would each come, however not earlier than a superb relaxation.

This put up was initially revealed on my weblog hikefordays.com. Test it out for journey reviews from my different hikes together with the CDT and Sierra Excessive Route.

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Washington, D.C

Could the 2027 NFL draft be coming to the National Mall?

Published

7 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Could the 2027 NFL draft be coming to the National Mall?

D.C.’s bid to host the 2027 NFL draft envisions staging a significant portion of the three-day event on the National Mall, according to planning documents and emails obtained by The Washington Post.

The correspondence, acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request to the National Park Service (NPS), provides insight into what local organizers have internally referred to as “Project Breeze.”

Representatives from Events DC — the convention and sports authority for the District — and the NPS, which administers the National Mall and monuments, have been in discussion with NFL executives for months about the possibility of holding the three-day event in the District, the emails show.

In an April message to NPS executives and Beverly Perry, a senior adviser to D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), NFL Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Brendon Plack confirmed that D.C. “made a bid for a big NFL tentpole event in 2027” and that “ideally” the NFL would like to hold the event on the National Mall.

The NFL, the Washington Commanders and Bowser’s office declined to comment on Washington’s effort. Events DC and the National Park Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The league, according to the emails, has proposed having the main stage for the draft on 4th Street between Madison and Jefferson Drives, near the National Gallery and the National Air and Space Museum. A portion could also be held on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, where attendees could flow to the Mall.

“As you can imagine this [is] very important to [the] District, and they are trying to put forth a winning bid proposal,” Marisa Richardson, an official in the NPS’s division of permits management, wrote to fellow NPS officials in January. “And we want to be good partners, but also realistic regarding our limitations.”

Local officials essentially revived their draft proposals from years earlier to relaunch conversations with the NFL before meeting with a delegation from the league in D.C. in mid-October.

The District had previously explored trying to host the 2024 draft, which ultimately was awarded to Detroit. Some of those connected to Washington’s latest effort have speculated that D.C. probably would have landed an earlier NFL draft if not for the controversies that surrounded former Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.

Detroit hosted a record 775,000 fans over the three-day event in April. D.C. was among 12 cities with representatives at that draft to conduct site surveys, a person with knowledge of the matter has said.

Since the emails and documents recently obtained came through NPS, much of the correspondence centered on the Mall policies and the unique challenges of hosting a major commercial event on national parkland.

The NPS has informed the NFL that it supports Events DC’s bid for the draft, so long as the portions that are proposed to take place on the Mall adhere to federal regulations for park areas administered by the National Capital Region.

“Special events” on the Mall and other park areas must meet numerous restrictions on commercialization and sponsor recognition, as well as strict guidelines to protect the turf. For example, merchandise sales are prohibited, and logos of draft sponsors would have to be no larger than a third the size of the NFL draft logos. Alcohol, while generally prohibited on the Mall, may be allowed but only in an area designated by the NPS. There are rules for concessions; weight and height restrictions for temporary structures; and even time limits on structures that block light for the turf.

Then there’s the issue of commitment.

The NFL typically likes to decide draft host cities at least a couple years in advance. It announced last year that Green Bay, Wisc., will host the 2025 draft and it announced in May that Pittsburgh will host the 2026 event. The league, according to emails between NPS officials, purportedly hoped to get a guarantee for an approved permit on the Mall for 2027, but the agency does not accept permit applications for special events more than a year out.

“In case you don’t know, the Mall came under fire in 2003 because of the [Britney] Spears/NFL concert to kick off the season,” Jeffrey Reinbold, the superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks for NPS, wrote in one email to Kym Hall, the NPS’s National Capital Area director. “The commercialization was over the top and the event resulted in new limitations on commercialization on the Mall.”

It’s not clear when the NFL will award the 2027 draft. Team owners meet on a quarterly basis. But the selection process could last until next May, if the NFL follows the timetable by which it awarded the 2026 draft.

Denver and Charlotte have been cited as particularly strong candidates to host a future draft, but those familiar with the league’s process say there are many cities eager to win the bidding for one. They describe the competition between cities attempting to host a future NFL draft as intense, and there are no assurances that Washington’s effort will be successful.

Should D.C. land the 2027 draft, it would provide the strongest sign yet of the Commanders’ improved reputation under new owner Josh Harris, who purchased the team from Snyder last year for a record $6.05 billion.

Days after Harris closed the deal to buy the team, Bowser announced the creation of a sports team within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to support pro and recreational sports teams, and to work with D.C. agencies to attract sporting events to the District.

For more than four decades, the NFL held the draft in various locations in New York before moving it to Chicago in 2015 and 2016. Since then, the event has moved to different NFL cities annually. It was held in Philadelphia in 2017; Arlington, Tex., in 2018; Nashville in 2019; Cleveland in 2021; Las Vegas in 2022; and Kansas City, Mo., in 2023. The 2020 NFL draft was conducted remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to move the draft from New York initially was made due to a scheduling conflict at Radio City Music Hall. But it has worked in the NFL’s favor, given the support and enthusiasm the event has generated in different cities.

The broadcasts of the opening round of the draft in Detroit this year averaged 12.1 million viewers — more than any World Series or Stanley Cup Finals game last year and more than all but one NBA Finals game and all but one college football regular season game last year.

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Washington, D.C

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Published

14 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Fourth of July at the Archives
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Catch the annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the National Archives . It starts at 10am, but doors open at 9am. Get there early to get a good seat and enjoy entertainment by the Experience Band and Show. After that, celebrate like it’s 1776! There will be lots of fun family activities,…meet historic figures, do some arts & crafts, and sign the Declaration of Independence yourself!

America’s Pastime
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: July 4, 11:05am (and July 3)
Admission: Ticket prices vary
A day at the ballpark is about as all-American as it gets when it comes to sports, and you can experience it and celebrate the holiday at Nationals Park. The July 4th game against the Mets is part of the Patriotic Series, when the Nats wear their red, white, and blue. And, FYI, the evening of July 3, and there will be post-game Freedom Fireworks, plus more promos for the rest of the games.

Root for the Baysox (& Firrworks)
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: July 3, 6:35pm
Admission: Starts at $10
For baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox are hosting an Independence Day Celebration at their July 3 game against the Richmond FLying Squirrels. Enjoy the action on the field and fire works afterwards.

National Independence Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th Streets | DC
When: July 4, 11:45am
Admission: Free
Many national holidays get a parade in DC, and July 4th is no exception. Scores of spectators always line the Constitution Avenue sidewalks to watch the procession celebrating Independence Day as it make its way from 7th to 17th Street. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, equestrian groups, drill teams, and military units will be among the pageantry. Stake out your spot along the route early, as this event attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers every year.

4th of July in the District
Where: 13th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 5-10:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser for the second annual 4th of July in the District Concert featuring performances by the United States Air Force Band with Gavin Degraw and more acts to follow with live broadcast nationally on CNN. There will also be family friendly activities, food trucks, and more. The concert is free and seating is first come, first serve.

A Capitol Fourth
Where: West Lawn on the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: July 4, 8pm; gates open at 3pm
Admission: Free
The annual Independence Day concert at the Capitol airs live on PBS, but you can see the musical pageantry in person. Alfonso Rabiro will be hosting this year’s show, which will include performances by Alfonso Ribiero, Sheila E, Smokey Robinson, Darren Criss, Fantasia, the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and many more exciting acts. (KFDC Tip: Enjoy the show with less crowds at the dress rehearsal on July 3 – same time and place!)

Fireworks on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9pm
Admission: Free
The grand finale of the day: Shortly after 9pm, the sky above the National Mall will explode with color when the amazing iconic fireworks display begins. Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, but you can find a place on or off the Mall to watch them (see tips below for a list of places to view them).

An American Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA
When: July 4, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The home of George Washington salutes the first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, a performance by the National concert band and more live entertainment, and a chance to meet General Washington himself. See the full schedule of events here and read more about Mount Vernon here.

Family Day: Summer Party
Where: Capitol Jewish Museum | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The museum invites you to join them before the fireworks for specialty crafts, music, food, and fun. Learn about Jewish Revolutionary War history from friends at National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Connect and celebrate a tradition for your home with mezuzah activities. They’ll also have themed crafts and activities and classic outdoor games and music on the newly opened 3rd floor terrace. Plus, build a goodie bag to enjoy during the fireworks!

Fourth at the Wharf
Where: The District Wharf | Southwest DC
When: July 4, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a free celebration on District Pier. The celebration includes music, a bar for adults, and spectacular views of the annual fireworks launched from the National Mall. They also offer a VIP fireworks viewing experience benefitting the USO that gives you exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building on the tip of District Pie, complete with two complimentary drink tickets (additional beverages for purchase), all-American light fare, DJ, games, photo station, and a raffle. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Neighborhood Parades & Celebrations
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Most on July 4, times vary
Admission: Free
Keep it close to home at a community celebration. You likely are aware of July 4th events taking place in your neighborhood or nearby, but if you’re still looking for a hyperlocal fête, here are some that are known to be good ones: Capitol Hill (we can vouch it’s great from many years attending), Palisades, Takoma Park, College Park, Great Falls, McLean.

July 4th Celebration
Where: Armed Forces Retirement Home | Petworth, DC
When: July 4, 4-9:30pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to join the 10th annual July 4th Celebration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Enjoy live entertainment, bouncy fun, a kids’ scooter parade and contest, activities for all ages, and views of the evening fireworks on the National Mall. Concessions will also be for sale and plentiful.

4th of July Picnic
Where: Greenbelt Baptist Church | Greenbelt, MD
When: July 4, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
All are invited to join the Greenbelt Baptist Church for their annual 4th of July celebration. There will be food, games, music face painting, moon bouncing, and more. Stop by on the way to Buddy Attik lake where there will be fireworks in the evening.

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration
Where: Great Meadow | The Plains, VA
When: July 4, 5pm
Admission: $50/car
Great Meadow, a 74-acre park and home of the Virginia Gold Cup races, is bringing back its famous fireworks show and activities for the 34th year a couple of days ahead of the 4th. Join for family games like cornhole toss, sack races, face painting, tug-of war, and more. Bring a picnic or purchase food on site — there will be food trucks and a beer garden. A spectacular fireworks display gets underway at dusk. BYO blankets and chairs for comfortable viewing (no umbrellas or tents, unless in reserved tailgate spaces.)

July 4th Fest
Where: Six Flags | Bowie, MD
When: July 4-6
Admission: Starts at $35
With amusement park fun thrown into the mix, Six Flags’ celebration will be pretty epic for kids. Along with all of the ongoing fun throughout the venue, there will also be fireworks, music, and lots of Coca Cola (sponsors of the event) on Independence Day and two days leading up to the holiday.

More July 4th Tips!
* Find off-the-Mall suggestions for viewing the fireworks.
* If you’re headed into DC, take public transportation! Cannot stress enough what a bad idea it would be to drive.
* Eater DC has a round-up of restaurants celebrating July 4th.
* For more activities during the long weekend following the 4th, see the KFDC Summer Guide.

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Washington, D.C

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Published

21 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Family presses for justice after charges dropped in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

WASHINGTON – D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

They say the evidence wasn’t there but the family of the man who died disagrees and is continuing their search for justice.

It was 2 a.m. on Feb. 2 when a fight broke out between a man and 41-year-old Virginia Tech Executive Vivek Taneja. It was all caught on camera,

Prosecutors say it’s unclear whether it was a punch or him falling to the ground but Taneja would later die from his injuries.

FOX 5 obtained video of the fight through the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In it, Tanaja is seen sitting in a courtyard with two women.

Then, a man in gray, who the Washington Post is reporting was a former Arlington police officer, is walking and then stops and starts talking to the three of them.

It appears a verbal altercation begins, with the two women trying to separate the men. Then, punches are thrown. Taneja winds up unconscious on the ground, unconscious.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Victim dies after assault in Northwest, death ruled as a homicide: police

In a letter announcing that they’re declining to press charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who called this death tragic, indicated they believe it was Taneja who threw the first punch in the scuffle and didn’t think charges applied, adding that they’d have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other man was not acting in self-defense.

While the U.S. Attorney says they investigated this thoroughly, family, and attorneys representing Vivek Taneja have requested a different team of prosecutors review the case.

They also challenge the conclusion that Taneja threw the first punch, and think more investigating needs to be done to add additional context to what happened leading up to the video.

The U.S. Attorney’s office declined further comment beyond the letter notifying that they weren’t pressing charges.

FOX 5’s David Kaplan will have more at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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