Tuesday, April 20, 2010

A Loss for Words at a Dead Run

As I wrote this morning's post I had a clue about the traffic I might encounter on my way from Annapolis and into D. C.. But the reality of the enthusiasm drivers have for their gas pedals around here just makes me laugh. This afternoon I made my way to the scenic Roosevelt Island and walked to the memorial. I met a park ranger on the bridge on my way back and asked him a few questions about the area because I want to begin this chapter in Arlington and roll into D.C. by Thursday (Earth Day). He told me to head out on the Washington Memorial Turnpike and quickly turn left and come back into Arlington. When I got on the road the traffic was going so fast I was forced to keep going straight. The speed limit is posted at forty but no one cares. Further on it goes to fifty. I was going fifty five and I was clogging up the lane. I went sixty five, and still even a Prius passed me. To add to the hilarity there are no exits. I had to go ten miles to get back, and the return trip was even more amusing starting with a bridge sign named Dead Run, then Turkey Run, then Douglass Run. Then a police car blasted by going faster than all of the rest. When the sign reduced to forty again the flow was, and stayed, above sixty five. I couldn't stop laughing. All this after spending the morning and early afternoon in the capitol being cut off and bum-rushed for a few feet only to sit at a signal two car lengths up.

The bridge from Virginia to the capitol will have to be done at night because it is narrow and I am going to guess the bike riders will have more attitude than the car drivers.

I have found a spot to start and am at a loss for words as I begin this walk.

This too shall pass.

2 comments:

Cathy said...

YOUR POST ABOUT ALL THE SPEEDERS IS HILARIOUS. EVERYBODY PROBABLY KNEW THAT YOU WERE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER SINCE YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE OBEYING, OR TRYING TO OBEY THE SPEED LIMITS.

SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I DROVE THRU INDIANA. I TRIED GOING THE SPEED LIMIT BUT WAS AFRAID I'D GET HIT FROM BEHIND. LOL

MEMORIES OF THE GOOD OLE DAYS.

LOVE ~ CATHY

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the DC-Metro area, where people have "learned" to only think of themselves and how to get from place to place the fastest. Then, as you said just get stuck at a light. I have lived here for 27 years and it still amazes me how rude and self-centered people can be. The glass is half full, relax and enjoy your time here. Safety and peace in your travels my friend
Peace,
Andy