One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town. I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington.
The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and
old salts who've been sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization (a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment."
This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:
- four 19' Flying Scots;
- two 25' Catalinas
The boats are kept at the Washington Sailing Marina just south of National Airport.
SCOW offers classes, individual use of our boats, club sponsored activities and a place for sailors in the D.C. area to come together and enjoy the sport and recreation of sailing.
We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the dock and then we boarded.
National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for beginners.
There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom fishermen out as well.
After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats.
Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast.
Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port.
What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable, the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing.
We'll be back another day.
If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following communities:
Properties in
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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
The trail follows the edge of the Potomac and is relatively quiet even though it's just off the George Washington Parkway.
The day was not so gloomy as these pictures turned out and it was very pleasant just off the trail.
There was a bird here and I tried hard to get him on camera, but he was much too quick. He would dive and then surface with a fish in his beak. We saw him eat at least six fish. I was amazed by how much one little bird could eat.
Foxy came with us and she trotted into the water to bark at ducks but didn't have the courage to take a swim.
Fetch is a pet store in Old Town Alexandria that sells gourmet doggy-treats and other high quality gourmet goodies. I thought it would be fun to take my dog Foxy on a field trip to Fetch and the bakery that makes these gourmet doggie biscuits.
Foxy was eager to leave 
So we jumped in the car and took her around the corner to Old Town Alexandria VA.
Once we were in Old Town, Foxy decided to read the doggie-newspaper. One can learn a lot from a green patch on a brick-sidewalk.
Then it was off to Fetch and to see Marion.
Foxy is Marion's adopted grandbaby. Marion always greets Foxy with a big hug and lots of kisses.Foxy loves the cookies at Fetch, but she was soon distracted ... she saw trouble coming.
Yep. Trouble at least that's what Foxy calls that adorable Jack Russell Terrier named Magnum. Magnum wanted to play, but Foxy didn't like sharing Marion's attention. Foxy's not on the man-hunt and had no interest in Magnum.
So we left town and headed to Beltsville, where they bake the Zanadu cookies sold in Fetch and Chateau Animaux.
The art work at the bakery was wonderful, but Foxy wanted to see where the action took place.
She toured the bakery and found that everything is human grade, made with great loving care. Here's the cookie cutter.
She grabbed a green tea and cookie and they put her to work, bagging and labelling cookies.
