Carnegie Sleeping Bag Weekend

After a rainy drive to Pittsburgh, it was a mild, dry day. We enjoyed the info sessions at Carnegie. 

I ran a slow five-mile run in the afternoon. 

Enough Rain Already!

Washington, DC, has had enough rain this week--over three inches alone yesterday. This morning I ran through the mist. The Potomac was a mucky brown. Although the flood walls were up in Georgetown, the actual level of the Potomac did not look that high. There is actually an iPhone app to check the levels of the Potomac in addition to local paddling news.

Georgetown Waterfront

Georgetown Flood Walls

Government Shutdown: Blockades Hurting Tourism

The blockades are everywhere. The yellow warning tape is especially unattractive. I feel bad for our tax-paying tourists that come to experience our city only to find the major highlights--monuments and museums--closed. My run this morning was mostly in the dark until I reached the Lincoln...remained gloomy after seeing dozens of closure signs everywhere.

Blockade in front of Lincoln Memorial

Blocking path along reflecting pool.

Government Shutdown: Homeless Denied a Bath?

Usually on a morning run, I will witness one or two homeless people bathing or washing their clothes in the Georgetown Waterfront fountain. Not today... and there was one gentleman ranting and raving about it, which I didn't dare try to capture on camera. Not only do we have more trash around the park, but we have more dirty clothes and people too. Come on, government!

Georgetown Waterfront--Fountain Off

Government Shutdown: Trash=Rats!

According to local ABC New, WJLA, DC trash pickup is not affected.

Unfortunately, I noticed a lot of trash everywhere on my morning run--DC's jurisdiction and at the national parks. If you live in DC, you know that trash equals rats. I'm sure I'll be able to get a picture of a varmint invading the bins if this keeps up. Come on, government! 

Trash at 21st and Virginia Avenue 

Trash behind Vietnam Veterans Memorial, near Constitution Avenue

Georgetown Waterfront

Government Shutdown: Bathroom Lockdown

The lights may be on, but the doors are locked. This bathroom--no matter what time of day I've come by--is always open. Sad day. It looks like my long run this weekend will have to include a pit stop at my work (inconvenient!) instead of the nearest park facility. Come on, government!

Glorious weather for running this morning.

Bathroom along Reflecting Pool...closed.

Government Shutdown: What about the bathrooms?!

Yes, there are a lot of issues surrounding the government shutdown; however, I'm worried about how it is going to affect me personally...as a runner in DC. On any run over 5 miles and if I go too soon after coffee, invariably I use the public facilities along the Mall. I will be verifying the bathroom status tomorrow. Today, I enjoyed a beautiful lunchtime run around Georgetown, no bathroom necessary.

This sign was posted along the Georgetown Waterfront park.