A Morning Frolic

By William Hopper, NNV Volunteer

What’s the best way to start a Friday? Try a lively stroll through one of Washington’s most beloved green spaces with a group of curious, well-traveled, wonderful Northwest Neighbors Village friends.

That’s exactly what a recent Northwest Neighbors Village Friday morning walk delivered — and then some. Winding through Rock Creek Park, the conversation was as lively as the creek itself. One walker had just returned from a trip to the mountains of Virginia and had plenty of stories to share. From there, the talk flowed naturally — careers past and present, dream destinations and places already conquered, the promises and perils of Artificial Intelligence — all against a backdrop of the soft, cool greenery and birdsong of our neighborhood national park.

We all tell ourselves we need to get out and move more. These Friday morning walks, led by the walk leader Sal Selvaggio, make that promise easy to keep.

If walking in Rock Creek Park sounds intimidating — all those hills, all that wild terrain. It is not as much a hike as it is a tailored walk that suits the group that shows up. No punishing climbs, no forced march. This was a leisurely ramble along the creek itself, pausing to admire the moss-covered boulders that line the banks, listening to the water chatter and gurgle as it rolled past, and exchanging friendly hellos with fellow trail users — and their very good dogs. An hour of pure, unhurried nature.

This outing marked the first Rock Creek Trail walk of the season. Normally, Sal’s walks launch from 41st & Fessenden Streets, each Friday morning, nestled between Friendship Heights and Tenleytown, a perfect central point for exploring the neighborhood on foot.

Thinking about joining? Do it. And if getting there is an obstacle, NNV Full Members can simply call the office to request a ride — someone will have you covered. Not a member? No problem! These walks are open to the community.

Personally? This was my first NNV walk, and I was hooked. I’d done a National Park Service Ranger-led tour of the park earlier in the year, which was fine — but this was much better. A smaller crowd, shared history, real conversation, no children weaving through your legs. Just Northwest Neighbors Village members enjoying each other’s company and the gift of a beautiful morning outside.

Please join Sal on Friday mornings at 10 am, weather permitting. And if there’s a neighborhood you’ve always wanted to explore on foot, let him know — he just might make it happen. Either way, you’ll breathe fresh air, see something new, and come home feeling better than when you left. Click here to sign up for today’s 10:00 am walk at Rock Creek Park or click here to view our calendar to sign up for future walks in the neighborhood.