Highlights of First Day in D.C.

We really covered a lot of ground our first day in D.C. We drove around and around, trying to find our way through the one-way roads, navigating an unknown city. The traffic really wasn't that bad, we just didn't know where we were going! (I am not the greatest with navigating maps, and hubby is not the greatest at following my directives.) These pictures represent about 3 different car stops, with us walking a LOT to see the things we saw.

The Lincoln Memorial. What a day to see it, on the anniversary of his murderous death.

There are lots of flowers and trees in bloom, though we missed the peak of the cherry blossoms.

In the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum

This model of an aircraft carrier took 12000 hours over 12 yrs. to build.

We drove by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

We actually stood right in front of the White House, and skipped our close-up picture opportunity because we needed a bathroom break in a major way! (Well, after driving around for over an hour looking for parking, anywhere near a landmark of any sort, what could be expected?) When we came back, the area in front of the White House was closed off to foot traffic. We had to walk, taking the long way around to our car. We almost got a ticket because our parking meter had run out.

The Capitol Building. (We got closer later on.)

The Washington Memorial Monument.

I don't know what this giant #1 in red tulips is for, but it was sure pretty.

And for all you letter boxing fans, have you heard of the National Parks Service Passport program? You start with a nice inexpensive passport book, and stamp it at several different NPS locations across the country. We got 7 stamps yesterday to start our collection! I think there are about 20 different stamps for the D.C. (Capitol) region. It's pretty fun.