Jul2013: Feel the Fire

Posted on June 28, 2013 by edickent

watching your tax-dollars go up in smoke…

Click here for this PropTalk online-edition (July 2013)


The first Thursday of July is sure to bring-back memories; some of the best times on Mid-Atlantic waters for my crew and me were had right in the heart of our nation’s capital, and there’s no better place to be when several-thousand mortars are brought to life overhead. It’s time to personally enjoy watching your tax dollars going up in smoke under this country’s most-spectacular pyrotechnics show! TV isn’t the place for this awesome spectacle, the bow of your boat is. We had a slip at Columbia Island Marina for several years, located on National Parks land right in the heart of DC at the Pentagon. The First Mate grew up on the Potomac, as we dragged him from one spectacular site to another, using every available minute before sunup to after sundown for education. Our nation’s history and architecture was his summer blackboard, all observed from a vantage point most don’t get to see, or simply overlook. But, for those with water in our blood, there is no better classroom to teach; even-if the student ignored his surroundings, focusing on catfish instead. DC is approximately 95-miles from the mouth of the Potomac at Solomon’s Island, well-within cruising-distance for most of us, especially if you go slow to take-in the sights. And what sights there are, all conveniently situated near clearly-marked shipping lanes. For instance, search “38.472N, 77.270W” in Google Maps to see satellite-imagery of Mallows Bay, where WWI wooden ships were burned to their waterline, still remaining today. Or, search “38.518N, 77.283W” to see our Marine Corp’s base at Quantico up-close and personal. You can observe what George Washington saw from his home at “38.706N, 77.081W” and can practically touch Fort Washington from your bow at “38.712N, 77.038W”. At the Woodrow Wilson bridge, National Harbor is just to the southeast at “38.784N, 77.021W” while Old Towne Alexandria is just northwest at “38.805N, 77.038W”. See the Naval Research Lab at “38.826N, 77.028W”, then duck your head as jets land at Reagan National, “38.849N, 77.031W”. See the Washington Nationals MLB-park at “38.870N, 77.005W” on your way up the Anacostia to the Navy Yards at “38.871N, 76.996W”, then turn-around and head back past James Creek Marina at “38.862N, 77.014W” en-route to the DC Fish Market for great seafood at “38.8806N, 77.0281W” (though the Washington Channel is sure to be busy then). Well-before the usual 9:30pm firework-time, be sure to see Columbia Island Marina and the Pentagon at “38.876N, 77.046W”, the Lincoln Memorial at “38.889N, 77.054W”, and don’t forget Georgetown at “38.901N, 77.060W”. Columbia Island, James Creek, and National Harbor all sell fuel, but will likely be inaccessible after 6pm, so get yours early unless you plan to wait-out leaving town until Friday. In my (jaded) opinion, the Potomac between Columbia Island and the Lincoln Memorial is the best location for falling-ash and strained-necks, as the mortars explode overhead with the splendored cityscape below. Remember We the People made this day possible, go out and enjoy the journey; maybe I’ll see you there.

B.O.A.T. by Mike Edick in July 2013’s PropTalk

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Click here for this PropTalk online-edition (July 2013)

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