Washington DC A real quick trip...

When we left Pennsylvania, we did some figuring and realized that we could spend a few hours in Washington and still make it to Florida on time. 

 It would be a very quick tour, but one we felt well worthwhile.

We arrived in Washington DC around 2 pm and because we had the topper on the Yukon, we couldn't find parking in any underground parking areas.  The streets were lined up very full and everyone needs to clear off the streets at 4 pm or they start ticketing.  We finally found a place to park by the George Washington University.  Then we just started walking...

 Gregg had a lot of fun asking strangers for directions

 Driving around with our "Constant Comment" Tea...

 Very noticeable police presence in this capitol city

Not easy to find parking.

 Incredible buildings everywhere.  The one thing we all noticed was that even though the buildings would be considered "historical" they were still functioning as regular offices, etc.

 We were pretty desperate for a washroom at this point, and after a guard took our back pack and watched our every move... they let us use the Corcoran Gallery of Art's facilities.

Very old style wash room

We were wondering why security was so high and then realized what sort of art work they had in this gallery.  Wish we had more time to do justice to our Washington DC experience.

Stores sell paper dolls of the President and First Lady?  

Tour buses

Weeds and garbage everywhere, maybe they don't clean up before the main tourist season hits?  Or it was raining too much previously?  We did notice that it was generally untidy.

Bad timing for us

 There were public facilities by the Washington Monument, but I felt like I needed to wash after leaving it

Very powerful hand dryer... we like those!

We did notice a sleeping bag, etc stuffed behind some big pillars by a big bank.  There is a heavy feel of homelessness here as well.  This really bothered the girls and we had wished that we had something we could have left for them.

Jo resisting temptation ~ but it's 10 cents in Canada!  ha ha!

They were setting up some of these and we got a kick out of how they were handling them and placing them.

The WHITEHOUSE!

Tour groups all waiting for their photos at the White House

Don't know who these two are...

A fancy pants mall.  

Had about three people ask us if "we needed help" while we sat in here for under 10 minutes. 

 Guess we weren't dressed the part. 

Gregg knew these brands, but I wasn't so sure.

So much security which Gregg really wanted to try out...

This area always has tourist/school groups being lead through.  There is a respectful hush and you naturally feel yourself speaking quietly.  My heart was overwhelmed with the thought of the families and the ones who gave their lives for freedom.  How much more did Jesus give up so we could have the ultimate freedom?

" At the WW11 Memorial there was a mallard duck in a little pool.

We put Steve by the duck for his close up.

The duck grabbed Steve!

He pulled Steve under the water!

Dad grabbed Steve from the duck.

Steve had a near death experience."   ... Mei

Met up with a brother of friends...they packed us a nice picnic

  The kids were a little confused as to why we were meeting a stranger for a picnic and then going home to their house... ha ha... We hadn't seen him since he was a wee little lad, BUT he is our Pastor's brother, so yah, we're all good!
 He works in the State Department and took us for a little tour to the Lincoln Memorial...something Mei had really wanted to see.

This family showed us real hospitality... She made us a great little picnic and then they walked around with us to the main memorials.  Later they even lead us to their home for the night ~ right on our way to Virginia, so we were thankful for the warm beds, a quick visit and yummy breakfast.  A good reminder of how our hospitality will have an affect on others ~ our girls will not forget that.

Counting the steps... 58

To the Lincoln Memorial.  The girls had really wanted to see this ~ on the penny and in their minds.

We were impressed with the general respect for this area.  It is an open air type memorial.. no doors, so people come and go at all hours of the day.  

 President Lincoln's speeches are carved in the stone and a little difficult to read due to the old english grammar.

It got very cold

We tagged along with some tours ... they have guides giving info on the memorials and again, 

we wished we had more time.

This grouping of soldiers were in tribute to those who fought in Vietnam...through wind, rain, cold conditions.  They were life size and in formation, walking through the bush.

Friday, May 2/14 Washington 22C in the afternoon but COLD in the evening.
Linthicum, Maryland $40 Fuel