Some Final Views of 2009 Cherry Blossom Visit

The 2009 edition of the National Cherry Blossoms was one where the blossoms reached their magnificent peaks last weekend. That was about four days after our visit. The weather remained chilly through most of the week. That slowed the fullest of the display of blooms until Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It would have been wonderful to be there then but there are no regrets from us. We still enjoyed a wondrous display.

Each time we visit the area we see from afar and sometimes close-up the Washington and Jefferson Memorials. How close we get to them and others depends on what activity we are planning. The first year we visited the cherry blossoms we opted to walk past the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Last Year and this year it was a highlight. Included in the following images are some of the monuments. I never seem to tire of seeing them.

Last year while going through my Cherry Blossom photos I lost the external hard drive where I had stored the photos. Fortunately I was able to find someone who was able to recover most of the files and replace the hard drive for me. This year I have been much more cautious and therefore slower in getting these posted.

So, here is a final look at our version of the National Cherry Blossoms 2009. (click on photos for larger view)

One of several views of the Washington Memorial.

The headquarters (Castle) of Smithsonian

Jefferson Memorial – Look closely and you can get a glimpse of him looking out.

Along the way we encountered this. Even I had to duck.

Blossoms look as if they were placed on a mirror.

A canopy of blossoms

The rear entrance to the FDR Memorial

There was some blue sky

A dark cloud came over the Basin

The water looks so very cold.

The sun came back.

FDR words on civil rights relevant today.

Words of FDR still significant.

The Lincoln Monument from the front entrance of FDR Memorial.

It’s 10 Days into the Season, Guess Where We Went?

A blossom blown to the ground, a gnarled old tree and the majesty of the Washington Monument filled our day yesterday. Yes, once again we journeyed to National Cherry Blossom Festival. We go to see the blossoms and have yet to venture out into any of the other activities. That is also because we usually go on a Monday. This year as the previous two have been the sight of the cherry blossoms is awe inspiring. The most distinct difference in our three trips has been the weather. The first time was an incredibly beautiful day, last year a light rain fell and it was comfortable with a jacket, and this year it was cold and blowy. It is hard to believe that the beauty of blossoms transends those conditions. We were possibly 48 hours or so early for the full peak this year but it was still was a memorable visit.

More to follow in the next few days.

Cherry Blossoms

I posted earlier this week that we went to see the Cherry Blossoms and that I would post later about them. That time has come. We went to the Jefferson Memorial early Monday morning so we could find an accessible parking spot. We were right on the money and got the first spot of the day. It was a gray day and it was raining lightly. That just meant wearing a couple more layers. It was still a beautiful sight. I took about a kazillion photos. Actually about 450. This sneaked picture Bill took of me shows my enjoyment. (I hate, hate, hate having my picture taken.)

We parked at the Jefferson Memorial but did not visit like last year. Instead we started a quiet walk about the basin early. Here are some pictures showing just a sampling of what we saw on Monday. I will post more in a couple of days. I have to get through all of those pictures.

Among the first blossoms we saw, they are still incredibly beautiful on a gray, rainy day.

Looking across the Tidal Basin.

Washington Monument casting strength in the gray of the day.

Beautiful, beautiful blossoms. They make one want to sing in the rain.