A cold snow covered Sunday morning – a perfect day to stay indoors you say? Nope a perfect day to dress warm and enjoy a hike.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
During a cross country trek in the spring of 2012, I stopped at the Maltese Cross Cabin where Roosevelt once lived. In some small way with seeing that cabin, I found the strength to continue on my own life journey knowing the sorrow and life changing events that lead TR to South Dakota. Since that memorable day, I have often turned to TR’s words of wisdom in difficult times.
I’ve lived in Old Town Alexandria VA, for almost a year now, and until today had not found my way to the Theodore Roosevelt Island National Park and memorial to the man and legend. Snow covered the island. The air was a brisk 30 degrees. The sun warmed the cloudless sky. With camera in gloved hand, I embarked across the footbridge and began to explore the hiking trails of the island.
At the center of the island stands a stone monument of TR with several tablets containing some of his most famous quotes. I read each line carved on the large stone tablets and photographed the TR statue. Continuing on, I walked the swamp boardwalk trail taking in the wilds of nature. While across the river, lies one of the most important cities of the world, Washington DC.
The fact that a natural setting such as this island exists within the shadows of the Nation’s Capital is a true testament to Theodore Roosevelt’s vision and the creation of the National Park Service. Thanks TR for laying the groundwork for America’s greatest asset, Our National Parks, both big and small.
