Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
The DC Dispatch
Tonight we welcome Mike Lawson to OutsideAllDay. Mike has a day job like the rest of us so I am sure we will all enjoy his perspective of sneaking workouts as Lincoln watches on. M Smart.
“Wait, you’re from Southern California? Why in the world are you living in DC?”
I get this question quite often from the people I meet in the DC Metro Area. Honestly, I ask myself this same question at least a few times a week. Two years ago I moved from Orange County to Washington D.C. I left the golden sands and gentle surf of Newport Beach, the rugged trails and scenic cliffs of the PV Peninsula, and more importantly the mild winters that allow one to pick and choose when they wish to be cold and when they don’t (i.e. a day trip to Big Bear vs. a day at the beach in mid January). Yes, I left this land of milk and honey to try my luck at the uncertainties of life on the east coast. Little did I know that I would find just as much beauty and activity here as exists anywhere in the world, but just in a different form than I was used to.
From the stillness and tranquility of the Shenandoah Mountains to the vast and bustling Rock Creek Park – from playing kickball on the national mall to kayaking down the mighty Potomac, DC is as much a place of adventure as it is a hot bed of political ideas. The recent selection of DC by Outside Magazine as the best “town” (I take issue with it being called a “town”, but that’s a different point) to live in only supports this assertion. When you add in the fact that I have now finished four races in my lifetime, and consider that they have all occurred this year, that should be proof enough that DC is an outside enthusiast’s playground.
With this dispatch I hope to bring a taste of what the east has to offer – adventure, culture, diversity (of several varieties), and life in the center of US politics.
Mike Lawson
District of Columbia
outsideallday contributor
on Thursday, August 14th, 2008 at 11:21 am:
[...] Original money news blog - Just another WordPress weblog [...]
on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 3:05 pm:
At last, the truth is “out.” There are places east of Barstow that are livable. D.C. is truly anc “outside” place — the best views are from outside, and it’s a pedestrian’s dream. Give my regards to the Jefferson Memorial.
on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 4:26 pm:
Mike, Welcome to the BLOG! I’m excited to hear all about your adventures in the D.C. area!
on Monday, August 18th, 2008 at 7:24 am:
Thanks! I’m excited to share. But I’m pretty sure the best way to see DC is on the back of a Segway. Those things are too cool.
on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 3:12 pm:
What a rad article. I have been all over the country, and I live in Southern Kalifornia. You find out fast that there is much more to do WHEN YOU TURN OFF YOUR TV AND GO OUTSIDE!!