What do people who know and deeply appreciate a place see that I might not?

The Mount Vernon Trail winds its way along the Potomac River, a bike and pedestrian path, combination national park and major commuter artery. It’s a place I find myself frequently and I wondered: what am I not seeing in this place that is so familiar?

The trail is there because the river is there, an always-scenic but often-silent companion. What might I be missing?

Meteorologist and science teacher Ryan Miller, Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks, and Washington Sailing Marina owner and sailing school director Amy Zang share their perspectives on the river that is “the life blood of the region.”

I now see and hear and smell the river differently.

I think you will, too.

This quote sticks with me: “Millions of people have lived without love — and not one without water.”

Ryan Miller

Listen to Choose to Be Curious #240: A Mile In Their Shoes: A River Runs through Us

This is the second in a periodic series of shows in which we “walk a mile” in someone else’s shoes, seeing the world through others’ eyes.

Or, more specifically, 18 miles. Inspired by the Mount Vernon Trail, a bike and pedestrian path that follows the Potomac river and enjoys amazing views of Washington, D.C., we try to see the world…differently.

Don’t miss the first in this series! We experience the Mount Vernon Trail through the eyes of people who volunteer their time to take care of it: A Mile in Their Shoes: Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail (an audience favorite!).

Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks says no organization is doing more to protect and defend the Potomac, and I believe him. Check out The Potomac Riverkeeper Network and Swim Guide.

Amy Zang has owned and taught at the Washington Sailing Marina for 30 years. Her enthusiasm for the river and sailing are absolutely infectious.

Ryan Miller shares his passion and expertise through NBC Science 4 Everyone and as a science teacher in Arlington Public Schools.

Jackie Steven is a media arts professional and — it turns out — a delightful boating companion. She’s also the person who first reeled me into this radio gig. I am repeatedly, perpetually in her debt.

My goal is to produce four episodes in this series seeing a familiar-to-me place differently. If you’ve got a suggestion about a fresh perspective on or around the Mount Vernon Trail, let me know!

“Bidous Transit”, “Inessential”, “LaBranche” and “Wingspan” by Bayou Birds, via Blue Dot Sessions.

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