#NP_DC and the NPS

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with anything environmentally/sustainably related.

June 21, 2016

Bob Vogel, Regional Director
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington D.C. 20242

Dear Bob Vogel,

My name is Marguerite and I am writing to you in regards to November Project DC workouts taking place in NPS jurisdictions. I am going to be upfront with you, I no longer live in DC and I no longer work out with November Project DC. Instead, I moved myself and my November Project family over to Chicago, but that does not mean I am no longer a part of November Project DC.

I worked out with the DC tribe for over a year as a newcomer to DC and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities NPDC brought me. There is nothing in the world like waking up when it is still dark out and climbing the Lincoln Memorial steps until the sun peaks up over the Washington Monument and reflecting pool. Absolutely nothing.

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NPDC brought me to new places and new NPS spots all over the district that I would have never dreamed I would run to or work out at. I learned new things and I saw new places, all because of NPDC.

As I continue to workout with the Chicago tribe on Wednesday mornings at 6:30 AM on the shores of Lake Michigan, I cannot help but miss running the stairs at meet Abe at the top. I brag to others that our workouts were on those iconic steps.

Many people can say they visited the Lincoln Memorial, but not many can say they spent countless Wednesday mornings there in every type of weather imaginable to sweat and climb those stairs. Ice, rain, snow, extreme humidity, and we were there.

I have much love for November Project DC and I also have much respect for the National Park Service and the importance of the places you protect and we use to workout.

When the time comes for you to sort this out with NPDC, I hope you both can come to terms that benefit you both.

Sincerely,

Marguerite

My Favorites: LL Bean Canvas Tote

When I lived in DC, I did not have a car. Anywhere I went was on foot, bicycle, Metro, or

Rolling Around DC on Capital Bike Share

bus. Since I knew I was going to be walking a couple blocks to the grocery store every week, I needed a good sturdy bag to haul my goodies home.

This is where my LL Bean tote comes in. It’s seriously the best bag ever and I love it more than any human being should love a bag used for groceries. It always fit everything!

My tote was so sturdy, I never worried about the bag ripping and the zippered top was helpful on windy days when receipts could go flying across the street. I will definitely have that bag for the rest of my life!

I took it with me on weekly trips to Safeway and monthly trips across the District via bus to Trader Joe’s. I needed this bag not only because I walked/bused, but because DC had banned plastic bags!

My tote helped me limit my purchasing because I knew it had to fit in that bag in order for me to get it home. Most of the time I could fit an entire weeks worth in it, except for the time I thought it was a good idea to buy a large pumpkin for Halloween. Seeing me struggle down the street with my bag of groceries, a gallon of milk, and a big ol’ pumpkin, what a sight!

(Side note: due to lack of car, I have carried a number of odd items down the street and on the metro. That includes an IKEA Lack coffee table, end table, and a chair. I am strangely proud of this.)

Anyway, if you are in the market for a durable bag for your groceries, I highly suggest a canvas tote from LL Bean. It is guaranteed to last.

Besides LL Bean, what is the best way to carry your groceries around town when using alternative forms of transportation?