Cascading Daylight to Nightfall

Blog

  • W&OD Trail from Shirlington-Arlington,VA to East Falls Church Park

    Discovering new walking trails for me has been a great way to learn about a particular area or community. Living in the Washington DC metropolitan area, I’ve actually resided in certain areas after exploring their local parks and bike paths. From there I was able to determine how walkable a city is, while also getting a layout of what other necks of the woods are like. In one early fall, I was actually attempting to check out one trail path, until I felt I ran into a dead end, and saw signs for another major trail path. I stumbled upon the W&OD Trail which signs point to it from Washington DC, but it officially starts in Arlington, VA and ends in a town called Purcellville, VA.

    I walked a portion of the W&OD Trail from the Shirlington neighborhood in Arlington, VA to East Falls Church Park. I’m quite certain the W&OD trail is the longest, most consistent trail in Northern Virginia at least. The trail acronym stands for Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park. Along the trail paths are historical markers, especially in the Arlington area of how, as is stated in the official name, this path was a rail way from Washington, DC to Old Dominion in Virginia.  It’s quite remarkable when on the paths to imagine a whole railroad once lied it’s tracks there with a huge train fitting the spot that now bicycle paths travel on and Moms pushing babies in strollers. I timed my walk from Shirlington, VA to East Falls Church Park and back for a total of 3 hours. So within that time frame, I could walk as far as East Falls Church from Shirlington one-way.

    Although, the trail is very pronounced, consistent, and easy to track, there are several portions of the trail users have to stop at crosswalks and look for traffic, as crossing the roads are quite wide. The trail is parsed out in between neighborhoods in Northern Virginia. This portion of the trail seems really popular with bicyclists and your standard jogger. The Shirlington W&OD path doesn’t have a lot of wilderness surrounding it too much, so perhaps being able to stop at a convenient store to get something to eat, or use the restroom is more of a capability to do. There are public parks and playgrounds with restrooms near called Glencarlyn and Bluemont. So perhaps this Arlington, VA portion of the trail may not be too risky for senior citizens to endure or anyone who may have to stop often for restroom breaks or needs to be near facilities that could come handy in case of an emergency.

    I would not classify this portion of the trail path as scenic, as their are no outstanding architectures to notice or large bodies of water to reflect at.

    This trail seems really convenient for a resident in that area to have a free exercise path to workout on or live a walkable city life if one perhaps needs to go to their local grocery store or wants to catch a movie. One can access those amenities via a trail path, instead of a sidewalk or driving.

    There are historical markers of the history of W&OD Regional Park that make the trekking experience feel like a free outdoor museum I find really neat as well. It’s certainly, I feel, a trail to try to check out if ever visiting the Arlington, VA area.

    If the W&OD trail may spark your interest,  feel free to take a look at their official website, which can be found at: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park.

  • Going on what could be Maryland’s longest bike path: the WB&A Trail

    Preparing for a marathon or a long distance walking excursion? Perhaps the WB&A trail in the Bowie/ Glenn Dale, MD area might be the ideal trail to practice for that. It spans from Bowie, MD to about Laurel, MD. If traveling by car, I find it easy to find parking off of Glenn Dale Road and Electric Avenue. Across from this portion of Glenn Dale Road and Annapolis Road, I usually see Winners Chapel shops and center at the time of this blog post. I’ve hiked this trail several times starting from the Glenn Dale Road entry point (although it begins at Annapolis Road before a Vista Gardens Shopping Center) to the Race Track Road parking lot, right before where the Spur Trail begins. It has taken me 4 hours total round-trip to walk this portion of the trail.

    I’m convinced that the WB&A trail could be the longest trail in the state of Maryland, but I could be wrong.The trail is basically a residential trial and it’s mostly nestled in between homes. Some it is portioned between uniformed suburban neighborhoods of communitied estate homes and ranch-style like homes surrounded by lots of land. Actually it could be mini-farms, but moving on. Many frequenters of the trail may ride their bikes there as the trial has a very smooth paved path from its beginning at Annapolis road to the Spur, and beyond. This trail doesn’t really offer any restrooms or water fountains residing alongside it. Perhaps cause it’s a residential area and mostly for locals to path. About 10 minutes into my walks, there is the Glenn Dale Community center, in which those resources would be available during opened hours.

    Spread throughout are several bike pumps and sitting benches in case one needs a walking or biking break. So due to the lack of restrooms, it would wise to use it before hand and bring a bottle or two of water before starting such a trial like WB&A.

    I would rank it the best trail for marathoners to practice because it’s one to the smoothest paved, non-traffic interrupting trails that I have walked on within the Washington DC metropolitan area. There are some evaluations, but not hilly with sharp up or down climbs. Its a smooth elevation. The trails path way and distance is also very obvious to see and nagivate. I get great cellphone reception along there, and thus far I haven’t encountered too many scary or potentially dangerous wildlife or animals during my trips. If going during the summer, or just year round, there are some major portions of the trail without trees or shade hovering it. So bringing a visor or rain protector probably wouldn’t be a bad idea. There is the “Berwyn Rod & Gun Club Inc” located off of a Laurel-Bowie Road exit. So if hiking during standard business, hours expect to hear some random firecracker booms and arms practice. Barricaded along the club is a tall wall, which allows one to not be exposed to seeing the arms practice and it helps muffle the noise a bit.

    If planning to stroll for less than 30 minutes, it may be a comfortable activity for young children, kids in strollers, or elderly to partake in. Although, I must say, it’s really a bikers or marathon runner’s play ground.

    For more details about the WB&A trail, please see the appropriate website links: https://www.aacounty.org/locations/wba-trail and https://www.cityofbowie.org/713/Trails

  • Viewing Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA

    Several spring seasons ago, a former colleague of mine decided to meet up one day, and we decided to meet at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA. It gave me the chance to check out the garden center, as I had seen really compelling pictures of its beauty online. I wanted to see if the vision online matched up to what I wondered of it in actuality. When viewing the park online,  I thought I was looking at a Thomas Kincaid painting. I must say, in person it’s just as lovely in the flesh as it is compared to the uploaded photos from other visitors.

    Meadowlark does have an entry fee if you are not a member. It’s like visiting an outdoor museum. It’s serves to mostly do sightseeing of the botany. There are restrooms and water fountains indoors when you are checking in. I feel the price is certainly worth it if you perhaps like taking photography of flowers and unique plants. I don’t believe I saw anyone jogging or obviously exercising around Meadowlark Botanical. Perhaps that would have to be asked to any staff there or viewed in terms of their rules and policies on their website. I didn’t see any bicyclist as well, at least from my memory. There may also be rules about what kind of photography you can take at Meadowlark, so again, it would be wise to check out their website first ahead of time.

    I feel of the Botanical Garden Centers in the Washington DC metropolitan area, Meadowlark takes the crowns for me as the most picturesque. It’s almost like it was made for either wedding, engagement or special -photoshoots and events. There is a gift shop on site as well. The center does make its own honey, which is pretty awesome. I would really encourage anyone to check it out if in the area. It’s an awesome place to go stroll around with family, friends, or for a romantic date. 

    Don’t just take my word for it. Try to check out this gorgeous garden for yourself.

    For official details of Meadowlark  Botanical, please see the link to its official website: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens

    Links for photo comparisons of Meadowlark Gardens and Thomas Kincaid’s paintings 

    https://media-production.lp-cdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=85/https://media-production.lp-cdn.com/media/ldayphdlnyrzevgyxyks

    https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/fauquiernow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/78/4789d109-23d5-4a13-a9d1-dc8826ad8ea1/6818d96774a73.image.jpg?resize=375%2C500

    https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRenshzRuJYYL2ukI1YqtRWslusEJbvDdbZ2MV4VISq-8KWOJ2sR7ZqHNE&s=10
    https://www.thomaskinkade.com/cdn/shop/collections/garpra1_84a35dc3-d1f3-4454-97d9-ec9964056a36.jpg?v=1689619877&width=1500

    https://www.thomaskinkade.com/cdn/shop/collections/bstill1_44eae199-0224-485c-923e-4a582a659be9.jpg?v=1689619858

    https://yarnellschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/beside-still-waters.jpg
    https://northernvirginiamag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/0815bucketlist_meadowlark.jpg

    https://media-production.lp-cdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=85/https://media-production.lp-cdn.com/media/ldayphdlnyrzevgyxyks

  • Great Outdoors of Greenspring Gardens in Alexandria, VA

    Not to dwell much on it, but if you are into spirituality of various sorts and kinds, perhaps trying to find ways to elevate your spiritual life or relationship is something you may partake in. For example, some people prepare a special space in their home to meditate, pray, or engage in spiritual personal ceremonies.

    Well, I wanted to explore Botanical gardens as a way to do my spiritual reflections. What prettier way than to be surrounded by lovely sights when trying to connect with a believed-in higher power? I came across Greenspring Botanical Gardens in Alexandria, VA. It’s not located in Washington, DC proper, so for me, it’s more driver-friendly. Unless you love driving in cities. Greenspring’s main campus is not too relatively large. A great perk is that it’s free to the public, so all visitors are welcome.

    It should be no secret I love discovering walking trails. Greenspring doesn’t have that vast of trails to definitely practice for a marathon on, but it’s very popular to walk your dog, and certainly bring children or the elderly for a fresh-air stroll. During the warmer seasons, such as spring, summer, and fall, the vibrancy of the flowers and plants are amazing. They are a must-see in my words. There’s a visitor’s house that’s quite neat to check out as well. It’s decorated with artwork that I find gives the home a nice splash of color. Around the back of the park, there are a few small ponds with water fountains running from them. I find this park has amazing sights from beginning to end.

    Greenspring is located in the middle of a residential area; however, I find many visitors from around the world come to check out this place. Across from the garden is a golf course, and a walking trail can guide users towards that area and into a local neighborhood. Now, of course, I don’t encourage anyone to just stroll onto the middle of a golf course, but I’m just trying to explain the layout of the park. There is a visitor center where guests can ask questions to the staff and also use restrooms and water fountains. I did a jog around Greenspring, and the width of where its trail ran, I’m quite certain the round trip took me under 2 hours. Again, the trail leading to the garden stopped at the end of a neighborhood after passing the golf course. Many residents visit the garden as it’s a great place to do morning walks or for dogs to stretch their legs.

    I would say I find Greenspring very nice to do a lower-scale photoshoot; it seems like an ideal place to perhaps record mini film projects as it’s usually very quiet and quaint, and not too large of an audience usually visits at a time. The park is also open on holidays, as the visitor center is closed.

    If you are into botanical gardens and are in the Washington DC area, give Greenspring Garden a try. For more specifics about the park, please check out their link below: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring

  • Exploring Outdoors at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD

    Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD

    If you are looking for a place to have a fun day to spend with family, and get them away from staring at screens or electronics all day, Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD just might be right up your alley. Its adjacent from Wheaton Regional Park, which has a neat Merry-Go-Round and an Old School Train ride kids and families should enjoy.

    Brookside is great to accomplish an array of activities, and is free for the public, compared to other botanical gardens within the area. You can stroll and look at the botany.

    I find it’s quite spacious that one can do a jog around the campus. I once jogged the full circumference of Brookside, and it took me 2 1/2 hours roundtrip to cover major assigned parts of the garden trail. You can walk your dog, as their also is a dedicated dog park on site.

    Brookside is one of the busier botanical gardens I’ve noticed since my several times of visiting there. It’s rare from the several times I have gone to that park that I don’t see another user less than half a block walking as well. So, it may be rare you may feel isolated when checking it out . It’s very scenic I find year-round even when the leaves change. Their are still quite vibrant plants and flowers worth taking a look at during the late fall and winter, the same as the warmer seasons. I’ve seen it as a great place to go on a nice free romantic date. I’ve also seen workplaces have retreats for their employees there or get-togethers. Brookside appears to be enjoyed by many as it appears to be very friendly for elderly and people with disabilities to visit.

    Their is a visitor center, where guest can use the restroom and check out any event the garden maybe having.

    I don’t believe I’ve seen any or many bicyclist at Brookside riding the trail, as it’s a very busy botanical garden with many types of tourist or visitors. Perhaps for safety reasons such an activity would have to be cautioned. However, I’m quite sure if one reaches out to the staff of the center or reviews their facility’s policies, rules for bicyclist should be confirmed there.

    I would say if you are a Washington DC local, Brookside Gardens to me stands as a great place to create family traditions and build childhood memories .

    If Brookside Botanical Gardens sounds like the type of place you want to reminisce from please take a look at their website here: https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/

  • Welcome to Cascading Daylight to Nightfall!

    Greetings! I choose to go by Cascadia Skies.

    Thank you for taking a peak at my blog “Cascading Daylight  to Nightfall”. My intent with this blog is to explore a variety of topics under the always changing sky. Some topics I choose to discuss are very near and dear to me. Others topics, I want to be open to broadening my horizon on. My goal and hope with this blog is to, at best, get inspired and to give inspiration by sharing my experiences and ideas. I’m hoping the inspiration will lead me to create more blog post as I go along. Where the vibes blow will dictate what I choose to share and discuss. The topics I would like to cover will range from Outdoors, to Technology and Electronics, Fashion, Travel, and galore.
    Rewinding just a bit to introduce myself. I’m very much so into Wellness. I completely enjoy taking long walks, exploring new or unique terrain. That includes some hiking from time to time. I believe there are many facets of Wellness which also changes depending on new phenomena in society.

    I would also classify myself as a want-to-be mega foodie. Trying out the most delicious healthy eats is a passion. Although, I admit I do engage in junk food from time to time.

    My family is my muse in this universe, as who wouldn’t want theirs to be.

    I’m an East Coast girlie, so I really embrace all four seasons in my health and wellbeing culture.

    I expect this blogging venture to not be smooth sailing all the time.There may be times I post consistently. There may be long periods of time I’ve uttered anything at all. There may be diffrent designs and directions for this blog. I view it as going on a journey, where imperfections will be acknowledged for growth and improvement to be the achievement. Those who want to ride this wave can come aboard or part as they please.
    In all, I chose the blog title “Cascading Daylight to Nightfall” cause I wanted a phrase that would capture the breadth of what happens on this planet. Cause no matter what we do or what happens, there’s always promised daylight that cascades into nightfall.