Washington is a Huge Park of Memorials, Age Old Buildings, Politics, Preserved History, and Tourists!

We enjoyed the learning, as well as the beauty of the many old buildings, and the huge park spaces as we walked the National Mall, just was a little tough on the feet, legs, and hotter than we expected the last day we toured Arlington Cemetery.

We stayed at Cherry Hill RV park for our time in Washington DC, and were pleased with the layout, and the way they helped us with whatever we needed. Tours were explained the first day, and we booked a nighttime tour that the park had of DC, as well as asked a few questions about how to get to and from the city on the Bus, then the Metro. This was well explained, and Polly listened better than me to all that was explained, as I found out later, many times.
First thing we needed was someone to walk Bosco while we were in the city, as we would be gone for up to 10 hrs a day, maybe more. They had a card for a dog walker, and we called Sandy, and she was all ready to walk Bosco all we wanted. We arranged for 2 times after we left 1pm and 5pm and this worked well, as he was happy when we got home, and she left us a note each day on how he did, was great. We were not worried, and Sandy had our number if a problem came up.

Now we could walk around worry free re our Bosco. and the next morning, all was ready and away we went.
Got the metro cards for scanning at a booth they had at the RV park, then took the Bus, then add a few $ to Polly's card at the Metro station, then into the city, all went well. Now what first? The Circular bus was our first choice as we wanted a look around the city to start, and we took one circle, and got off at the Smithsonian  Always thought this was one huge building, it is many buildings, and many different subjects. Today we went to the National Air and Space Museum,

Thought it was interesting that the
German rocket the V-2
furthered the USA rocket programs,
with the help of German scientists.

first, and looked around and decided quickly we had covered much of what we saw here at the Kennedy Space center, so off we went to the National Museum of the American Indian. Lunch here was first, the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, looked good, and it was as well as expensive. This was an elegant Cafe, and we had dinner at lunch. Was nice, but enjoyed lunch at home later.
The museum was very interesting, as some of what we saw was from Peru, the Inca's which we didn't expect, and Machu Picchu and why and how it was built, and why it stayed intact so long. We also learned of our Indians, the Haida, and our coastal area. The history was interesting, and we learned much on Treaty's, and how they were negotiated, and how they were changed. This was a good first choice, and we spent much time here.

An Indian Motorcycle displayed

Buffalo dance statue behind Polly

Next, a trip outside with the camera and looked at a few places, many we had seen on TV and read about. This part was real exciting as we recognised many places, but had never seen them in person. This is what we came for, to see what we have seen on the screen ourselves. As we walked we both realized that the National Mall was a HUGE Park (2 mile's long Polly says, she was listening again) We strolled and looked at the sights.

Capitol Building

Art Museum

Washington Monument

Lincoln Memorial

Polly wanted to see the White house, so off we went, and as ignorant as we could be thought would get close, but the guards wouldn't let us close, we had to be behind a fence, that was behind the fence that was around the White house. Well take what you can get we say, and we get to the best spot and get a few pics, then Polly spots a figure on the roof, all in black, then another steps out. Wow, feels like we are in a super guarded place now. All the time we are here we here Helicopters flying steady, and police are everywhere, doesn't feel comfortable, we think "What's going on?" Well we ask an officer after we take the pictures, and she says that this week is a time they honour the fallen police, and do it once a year on the week of the 15th of May, and Trump had made a speech that day, of course we missed it. Darn. She said he made promises to make people that take after the police pay for there crimes. I kina thought that was already in place, called Justice. Hmm...

Polly almost in front of the White House

Much observation here from the roof of the White House

Chain in front of a fence in front of a fence

Well we then decide look for some shade and have a sit on a bench. We were there for about 10 mins, then a police man comes and say, "You on the benches, got to move off!" I ask why, he says, "Orders, something going on" Wow that seems kinda odd, but here this is now the normal... Glad I am not here all the time. All the people that were in front taking pictures were moved off the grass and out to the road off to the side, wow many people moved quickly.

After all being moved away from the fence behind
the fence in front of the white house

OK we are off to get some dinner, and head back home now. Looking around for a pup or something, we ask a couple cops, and Harry's is the first suggestion, and was a great place to stop in. We ate outside, was busy, and we felt a part of the city now, even just for awhile. After we took a few pics, and had a couple beer dinner was good.

Off we go for home, now Metro Green Line, then Bus, then right to Cherry Hill RV, was nice to be successful in transportation, and make it right to our RV Park.

Next day was similar, except we went to the Museum of Natural History.

Dorey

Huge Clam, fish liked being inside it

 This was also a very good stop, we learned much here, and but didn't stop at Harry's today we went for lunch at the Ronald Reagan building, as it has a big food court, was perfect for us. Better price, more choices, though not as close to the National Mall, we did like it. Polly says to me with a clink of our pop "Happy Birthday to me!" WOW Speechless I was... I forgot, WOW first time I have forgot one of our events. Polly, I say Sorry, and she say don't worry. But I feel bad as usually I am way ahead of the time. This time the day snuck up on me fast.

Jefferson Memorial

We then take the Circular bus to the Jefferson Memorial and check this out, here we meet a couple girls as we rested at the top of the stairs in the shade. One from Switzerland, and one from Germany. They were here on a student exchange, and were leaving soon. Tourists like us, just younger... They spoke fairly good English, especially the German girl. We told them of our trip, they said would love it. Good to do, we agree... We watched the paddle boats on the lake, and Polly sees a swan boat, she always wanted to do this, so I ask "Wanna go, in the Swan?" Oh she says to much $... Lets go and she agrees and away we go after a few pics with Jefferson. As we walk to the swan Christopher calls and wishes Polly a Happy Birthday, was nice of him, and they talked for awhile. I talked to him for awhile, it had been a couple weeks since we last talked, was concerned. All good though. Now a short walk, and we get into the Swan, and we are playing on the lake looking at the memorial we were at just moments ago. Was a nice way so spend the afternoon, and took a few pictures too! Polly did like to do this, said we should have one at the cabin...  I don't think so, but could get one to pack along with us on top of the trailer... Now that would be funny to see going down the road with a Swan on the roof... lol

After we make our way back to the Metro, and before we board we need a bathroom, and this is something you would expect in a station, but no, not here, so back up the escalator and now look around for a bathroom, No at the first place, but luckily a woman gives Polly directions to a place that serves smoothies, and has a bathroom. We get a smoothie as well as go to bathroom, and was so good, with peanut butter almonds and banana, and some green stuff. Would have that again, turned out to be just what we needed to hold us to dinner/Lunch.

Wednesday was last day to do the metro and bus into DC, we saw the forecast was to be extra hot today, 90 plus degree's so would go to Arlington Cemetery first, then into a museum to be cooler in the afternoon. Plan was good, but was hot before we even got to Arlington. Want to say here everywhere you went there was a check to get in, take all your possessions out into a tray, and walk through a screening tower, then put stuff back in bags and pockets, this we got used to, but was surprised to see this at the cemetery too. We decided to see 2 things, the changing of the guard, and J.F. Kennedy's site. We walked slowly uphill to the Tomb of the Unnamed Soldier, where they have a guard on at all times, and change every 1/2 hour. I was so impressed by this event that I think the images will be strong in my mind forever.

In the visitors center at Arlington (Very real looking)

As I expected, just had to see it for myself

Truly American

the tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Young people after laying a wreath.

The whole change takes less time than we thought, but was very hot out. People were very quiet as were directed, as well as attentive to the change, and the wreath presentation that came afterwards.
The look on the faces of the young people that went to present the wreath was so solemn, I wondered what they must be thinking.
I was thinking what a formal ceremony, and wow, this is for all people that died in all wars of this nation. I just kept looking on and thought I am sure glad I never had to do what many others have in the name of our freedom. I believe we all depend of the States for keeping many governments and other non governments from negating our freedoms. Today we travel with inspection from our country all over the world as we should be able to, freely. Is this what preserves this, the treat that the States would go after them if freedom was denied? I believe so.

We make our way to R.F. Kennedy Grave site, first down hill, then up. Polly is getting wore out, so am I. We make it there a little worse for wear, and see that many people are at the site, many taking pictures, and some just standing thinking. We get a few pics, and move quickly as are tired and hot by now. I look and wonder why the money penny's and nickles, I think now has to do with who is on the money, Lincoln and Washington.

Mostly the higher ranking officers, with a few privates dispersed in between

Ted Kennedy

Looking uphill from there grave sites 

RF Kennedy, and family

Flame here you can't see is lit all the time.

View as you turn around

This says much to me, so many people and 20 or more each day added. 

Now we make our way to the gate, and I direct the wrong way, and we make it to the Metro, but went farther than we needed to, Polly is getting hotter and less happy. Once on the train, she is cooler and happier, we make our way to lunch at the food court again, was cool, so we took a little longer and cooled right down. When we leave we plan to go to the Lincoln Memorial so have to catch a circular bus, but so many school charter busses in the street we can't make it. The Circular is held up, so we go to the Museum of Natural History and went to the 2nd floor to see what we missed last time. Was nice again to be cool, then we see the butterfly exhibit and Polly likes this so wants to go in, so we do. and then hot and humid again... lol, was a good place to visit even if hot and humid, Polly liked this place, many butterfly's, and some explanation about what they do, and how they behave.

When we exit this place the cool was so nice again, and the humidity that collected on us was cooling now. We walked along and to the Mummy that was uncovered, that was cool to look at, and the reasons for mummifying was explained, the thought at the time was could keep the body whole for the person in the next life.

Next we see the animals from the Dinosaur ages, and this we learned many places we have dinosaurs found, and by looking at the map they had posted, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado were where most were found, along with Alberta. I have still not been to Drumheller so now on the list. Also learned how close Colorado is to the west, thought it was further east.

All in all was another good day, finished by walking to Harry's again for an early dinner, Polly and I split a Lobster roll, getting ready for the eastern States, and Provinces. May get lobster poisoning while there as will eat as much as I can while in Newfoundland.

Tonight we go for our guided tour of Washington at night, should be fun.

Now to watch the news and see what Trump has to say...

Loving it here in Washington D.C.