DC Tour - April 21st

Picture above of the reflection pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Note shadow of Delilah on Dave's shoulders (Dave taking picture).

Having stayed a few days here, has been good. Allowed some recovery from our various ailments (though still lingering issues), allowed us to stretch out, pull out our stuff, and make it more of a home for a few days. We will stay at least one additional day here to soak it up, and take some more time.

Last night we made a fire, which was an interesting experience. They sell hardwood here for fires - which requires a different kind of "fire engineering" than us west coast "coniferous wood" folks are used to. Doesn't catch easily, and requires a long heat to get it going. Finally, with a combined effort of much axe whittling, a number of pages from an out of date "Woodals Camping Guide" and Delilah collecting many pine-cones, we got it going, and cooked dogs over the fire.

Last night up late (B working on her web sites, and me playing some), and a late breakfast we made here of biscuits (ala Pillsberry) and vegitarian sausage gravy - was actually really yummy.

Then, attempted to go swimming with D (per her demands). That could have gone better. Walked to the Conference Center here, where the pool is, to find it closed. Tried to talk to someone at the Cafe there - who was remarkably unhelpful. Wouldn't call the office, and didn't know when the pool was open. Walked up to the office just a few minutes after noon "Pool opens at noon". Hoof back to the pool - still closed. Find someone else in the Cafe who looks like they have it going on - she calls the office, and unlocks the pool, and pulls the cover off. After all that, the pool is cold - and Delilah is unimpressed, and uninterested... Off to our tour...

Had a nice tour of DC on a "motor coach" - seeing the requisite sites - mostly from the bus, but stopped at Arlington and had a tour there including changing of the guard, tomb of the unknowns and Kennedy eternal flame, also stopped at Lincoln memorial and Marines Memorial (Iwogima SP?) Knowledgable and friendly driver, but really packed it in.

After the tour, we decided to do dinner in DC (ended up just eating at Pizzaria Uno - strike two with them), and took a subway and bus back to the park - which is the route that we will take tomorrow to explore some of the Smithsonian and capitol mall area.