DC Report: Urban Hiking

It was a beautiful afternoon, especially for late August. Since I had a few hours, I walked across the city to see how it’s doing.

Honestly, with one exception that I will get to directly, I’ve never seen it this nice. 

Reagan Intl., “DCA”

19th & K, a famous street for lobbyists

DC’s unarmed Public Safety

The Old Executive Building in Second Empire architecture 

The White House

The equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, which BLM protesters tried and failed to destroy because his jealous spirit watches over it

First sign of anything criminal going on (end of street)

The FBI building

Clear evidence of criminal behavior now in view

Outside Union Station

Inside Union Station 

When I lived in Virginia more than twenty years ago, Union Station was nicer. It used to have many more stores and restaurants, some of which I miss. It’s not crime but mismanagement that has caused it to decline; it’s still perfectly safe. 

Otherwise DC seems pleasant and happy in spite of the occasional protesters (which there always are protesters in DC). I talked to several groups of Guardsmen, though not the 150th Cavalry so far; these were from South Carolina and Louisiana, and were all MPs. They were armed with handguns, but I am not surprised to see police units armed. They were all friendly and said most people are treating them well. 

I hiked a little bit more than 20 blocks this afternoon. I’ll keep going and see if the evening brings anything different. So far it looks pretty good.