We arrived at Cherry Hill RV Park in the DC area on July 28Th and were there until August 9Th. We must have walked a trillion miles while visiting all the sights or at least it seems like it. How best to describe the visit, very interesting, educational, fun, warm to hot humid days and some of the most unfriendly people you would ever meet at the various government exhibits and museums. And they talk about how rude and unfriendly Californians are, give me a break! DC sets the record! The few friendly soles that we did meet were really nice and helpful and kept us charging forward.
First stop was the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum followed the next day with a tour of the Capitol Building (Best Lunch Place). Over the next couple of days we visited the American Natural History Museum where the most crowded room was where the Hope Diamond was on display with other valuable jewels and minerals (Mostly women, the men fled) and then the American History Museum. Somewhere in the next few days we spent a day or two of rest and visited the White House, Supreme Court, Lincoln and Washington Memorials, Viet Nam, Korean and World War II memorials. On the final day we spent time at the National Art Gallery where you could view century old paintings of amazing quality and condition. I took a second trip with Stan & Julie up into the old U.S. Post Office Building that had been restored and you could take an elevator up to the tower where you could view the entire city from about 300' with the view over the tops of the cities buildings which was made possible when congress voted to not allow any building to be taller than the capital. Makes for an interesting city without high rises.
First stop was the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum followed the next day with a tour of the Capitol Building (Best Lunch Place). Over the next couple of days we visited the American Natural History Museum where the most crowded room was where the Hope Diamond was on display with other valuable jewels and minerals (Mostly women, the men fled) and then the American History Museum. Somewhere in the next few days we spent a day or two of rest and visited the White House, Supreme Court, Lincoln and Washington Memorials, Viet Nam, Korean and World War II memorials. On the final day we spent time at the National Art Gallery where you could view century old paintings of amazing quality and condition. I took a second trip with Stan & Julie up into the old U.S. Post Office Building that had been restored and you could take an elevator up to the tower where you could view the entire city from about 300' with the view over the tops of the cities buildings which was made possible when congress voted to not allow any building to be taller than the capital. Makes for an interesting city without high rises.
Two of our side trips were by auto to Arlington and Mount Vernon and were highlights of our visit, especially Mount Vernon and being able to stand and learn why George Washington and his family acquired this property to build their home and farm. Great views of the Potomac River and of the plantation. After touring Mount Vernon and learning more of its history and giving thought to all his famous visitors to Washington's home, most of which were involved in the building of America, it makes other parts of history seem insignificant. Especially what is happening in DC these days.
At Arlington, General Lee's mansion had some impressive history and views of DC. The sad part of Arlington was all grave sites of our brave soldiers that had given their lives for our freedom. The Kennedy family is buried there as well as other prominent military men and women including Audy Murphy.
Our friends, Stan & Julie Grebiec arrived on Friday August 6th and that night we enjoyed taking a night tour of the city which gives you a whole different prospective. Over the next few days we all enjoyed catching up on the gossip and how we all had spent our times after they moved east from California. Of course we continued our sightseeing with them. It was nice to have someone with us (that way when I wonder off as I usually do Carole was with someone and did not get lost). Campsite BBQ and Farkle was fun too, though Julie felt like this was not her game. Stan caught on right away, winning every game.
Cherry Hill RV Park in College Park, MD is a good location if you are visiting the area in your RV, they have bus service at the park to get you to the Metro Stations or Union Station. We usually took the Metro rail (subway) since we could drive a couple miles to the station and ride on into the City for less than a dollar each way (seniors!) and not have to worry about finding parking.
When we left DC, we headed south into Virginia to Harrisburg, Jamestown and Yorktown for four days and then to Richmond and Charolettesville for three more days. Our next blog will fill you in on our visits there with pictures.
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