Off to Pennsylvania

We started the day heading to Union Station to pick up a rental car, then headed north to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Gettysburg National Visitor Park Visitor Center is quite impressive. We were excited to get tickets for a bus tour of the battle fields. Unfortunately, the rain started just as we were loading the bus, and it only got worse. I ventured out of the bus a couple times, but was soon drenched, so thought I was better off staying inside. The good news was that we had a great tour guide who really brought the Battle of Gettysburg to life for us. He not only gave facts and figures, but some personal stories from the 170,000 Americans involved in the largest battle on American soil. Despite the rain, we got a good feel for what happened on those farm fields over 150 years ago. The monuments are everywhere and recognize both Union and Confederate lives. Now I want to come back and see them in the sunshine and take time to explore at my own pace.

After leaving Gettysburg, we drove 2.5 hours to my cousin Nancy's place outside of Philadelphia. It's so good to be here. Her husband Howie prepped a huge prime rib for at big family dinner tomorrow. So excited to see everyone and for them to meet Will.

Short entry today as much of the day was in the car. The trip is winding down.

Goodnight all!
Rich & Will

Last Full Day in DC

Today was our last day in DC. After a relaxing breakfast out, we walked to the Holocaust Museum. We did not know that we needed to be there early to get free tickets to the main exhibit, the chronology of the Holocaust. But there was still plenty to see. There were 3 or 4 other exhibits that dealt with not only the Holocaust but also genocide in general and the horrors in Cambodia. We can't even imagine what the Jews went through, but the museum certainly does a good job of illustrating the atrocities committed by not only Hitler and his people, but also the complicity of the "friends" and neighbors that betrayed their Jewish colleagues. It's scary to think that this was not even 100 years ago and that there are many people who think this way still today.

After the Holocaust Museum, we walked across the mall to the Natural History Museum. The exhibits here are so well done and very educational...thus the huge numbers of school groups in attendance. Many were well behaved, but unfortunately, there were many that were unsupervised and running amok, so sad. We really enjoyed the photography exhibits of animals and nature. Such exquisite photographs. The dinosaur exhibit is always a fun one as well.

After lunch, we walked up to the National Portrait Gallery and Art Museum. Such a cool variety of portraits from early Americans to modern stars.

We had an outstanding dinner at CIRCA Foggy Bottom where I had the best blackberry margaritas ever. Then, we walked a couple blocks to Captain Cookie & The Milkman for dessert...it was as good as it sounds!

We're all packed tonight. In the morning we go to Union Station to retrieve a rental car, then drive north to Gettysburg and on to Philly to see family.

We have loved our time in DC and highly recommend it.

Sleep well all!
Rich & Will

Museum Day!

We got a late start today after our marathon yesterday, but still managed to squeeze in three museums.

We started at the Newseum...or museum of news. It was absolutely amazing. It is the only museum that changes an exhibit every day! That, of course, is their exhibit of front pages. They receive thousands of submissions every morning of digital front pages. They have to narrow them down to several hundred which are then printed and pined up on displays on the sidewalk as well as in the museum. There are front pages from every state in the union as well as many foreign countries. It was very interesting. One exhibit had rows and rows of newspapers from the first printing press up through today with historic headlines such as Jesse James, the

sinking of the Titanic, the assination of JFK, and so many more. It was a newspaper timeline of the history of our country. Other amazing exhibits included a huge piece of the Berlin Wall and a entire guard tower, a mangled news antenna from the top of the Twin Towers framed by front pages from 9-11, history of news coverage from many wars, a photo wall of all the journalists across the world who have lost their lives doing their job, a 4-D movie experience about some famous historical journalists including Nellie Bly and Edward R. Murrow, lots of interactive news screens, and lots, lots more. We could have spent the entire day there.

Next, we took in the National Archives. This was so incredible. We got to see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of

Rights. I use to teach about these documents, so it was very special to actually see them in person. The National Archives has many other exhibits as well, all about famous documents and how they have impacted our world, as well as the preservation of these documents. The digital age has brought new challenges to the world of document preservation.

We finished up the day at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. It is amazing how many planes of all types and space vehicles have been fit into this building. The story of flight right up through the

modern age of space exploration is illustrated with historical and current vehicles.

Our treat for the evening was dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill. The grill is the longest established restaurant in Washington D.C., being founded in 1856 as a boarding house and saloon. The meal was fantastic!

Tomorrow is our last full day in DC as we leave Friday morning for Gettysburg and then on to my cousin's place outside Philadelphia.

We're trying to prioritize what we want to see before we go...there is still so much.

Thanks for reading, and good night!
Will & Rich

The Capitol, Supreme Court, and MORE!

Another great day in DC! We thought it would pretty low key with a couple tours and not a lot of walking. WRONG! After a sunset walk around the Tidal Basin after dinner, we logged a record 27,025 steps, over 12 miles! But we saw so much, what a great day.


We started the day at the Capitol Building. We arrived a bit early for our tour, so we wandered around outside taking some photos. Then, we went over to the Library of Congress, right behind the Capitol Building. Wow! What incredible architecture, very different than many of the buildings around it, just beautiful. The Library of

Congress houses the Jefferson Library. It has many original books from the library of Thomas Jefferson, just amazing. The reading room of the library is incredibly beautiful. There are several museum quality displays located throughout the library as well.

We arrived on time at Representative Greg Walden's office for our Capitol tour. We were so glad we scheduled it through his office as there were only 8 of us on the tour lead by one of Mr. Walden's staff members. She did a great job, was very personable, and even took us into some areas that the large Visitor Center tours were not able to go. We got to travel through the tunnels under the Capitol to the office of the Representatives. There's a small "town" underground including a post office, gift shop, restaurant, and gymnasium. We were even able to eat lunch in the restaurant where the staffers and representatives eat. She was able to take us out on the

Representative's Balcony which overlooks the mall, wow, what a view! The Capitol was amazing. So much to see and so much history. The rotunda was shrouded with scaffolding due to preservation and restoration work, but at the end of the month it will be closing completely, so we were glad we were able to see it. Since my visit in the early 90's, a completely new Visitor's Center has been built under ground. It's huge and adds so much functionality for visitors.

After lunch, we went to the Supreme Court. It wasn't so much of a tour as it was a talk, in the actual Supreme Court! The docent did a great job of explaining how the Supreme Court process works. It was amazing to sit in those chambers thinking about the history that has been made there. I had

the impression that there was almost always dissenting opinions rendered, but in actuality, most votes, about 80 per cent are unanimous by the court. We just tend to hear more about the votes that are split. There is very little technology used or allowed in the court room. There are no cameras, television or otherwise, allowed at any time. Reporters must use pencil and paper, no recording devices. The court does now record sessions, but that is the only technology used. When they meet in their chambers for discussion, ONLY the justices are in the room, no clerks, secretaries, etc. And again, NO technology. I guess I would't do well, LOL. I found it all very fascinating, especially since so much of school law, which I studied thoroughly in my graduate work, has been determined through the courts.

Next was a walk to Union Station, some shopping, and a Metro ride up to Dupont Circle. We walked back to the White House from there and sat in the park across the street and did some people watching. Lots of high school graduates came through the area for photos. There were the usual protesters, street performers, and tour groups as well. Security presence seemed a little higher after yesterday's scare. We were pretty sure we saw President Obama and his daughters enter the White House at one point, but it was hard to be sure.

After a rest and cocktail in our hotel room, we headed back out for dinner at an excellent Mexican restaurant, MXDC. Everything was delicious. We decided to head back to the mall area after dinner for a walk around the

Tidal Basin to see the memorials we had not seen yet. As we approached the Washington Monument, we were treated to spectacular sunset that continued to paint the sky as we neared the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial It made for some gorgeous photos. We continued on around taking in the Franklin Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, both amazing. We may have to go back to see them in the daylight.

So, after our record setting day, we are exhausted! I think sleeping in is in order tomorrow. Have a great night!

Rich & Will

Memorial Day

Greetings all!

Memorial Day for us was split between Arlington National Cemetery and the National Memorial Day Parade.

We started the day taking Uber to Arlington National Cemetery. The traffic going into the cemetery was really backed up, so the driver, very smartly, dropped us off at the end of the bridge rather than getting stuck in traffic. We hoofed it into the cemetery and up the hill to the amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There was a long line with several switchbacks waiting to get through security at the top of the hill, but it moved steadily. Once inside, we headed to the amphitheater. I had originally thought we would stay out and watch the laying of the wreath at the tomb, but most people seemed to be inside, so we went along. When we entered, there were not many seats left,
but we found good ones in the back row straight back from the dais. The amphitheater was lined with American flags including several giant ones behind the podium.

We really didn't know what to expect and somehow did not get a program when we entered. Will asked to borrow a program from the guy sitting in front of us. He opened it up and was completely surprised to find out that President Obama was going to be speaking! We had know idea! We were so excited.

The guy we borrowed the program from had a photo and memorial on the back of his shirt, I assume of his son. His son was born one year after my son, Zachary, and died in 2007. I can't even imagine.

While waiting for the ceremony to start, the Army Band played marches and patriotic songs, so good. Then, the colors were presented with representatives from a variety of groups marching in, each with an American Flag an a flag representing their group.

A 21 gun salute signaled the arrival of President Obama in the cemetery. He first went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the laying of the wreath. We could hear the playing of TAPS from where we were in the amphitheater. The President along with other dignitaries then entered the amphitheater. We got to sing the Star Spangled Banner with the President, listened to the dignitaries, then President Obama. He gave a thoughtful, moving speech honoring our veterans and told several personal stories of veterans who had recently died. One wife and 10-month-old baby were in attendance and were introduced to a standing ovation. Getting to see and hear the President more than made up for not getting White House tour tickets and getting rained out of the concert!


Once the audience was dismissed, we worked our way around to the front of the amphitheater to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We got a good spot to watch the changing of the guard and the laying of wreaths from a variety of organization. Two school-aged children, presented a wreath made out of cut-out red, white and blue paper hands.

On hour hike back down the hill, we made a stop at the graves of President John F. Kennedy & Jacqueline Bovier Kennedy Onasis.
The memorial was covered with small flags and flowers from the many people who came to pay their respect at the Eternal Flame.

We decide to hike back to town since the traffic was so bad. We got back in time to grab a bite to eat and find a good spot to watch the Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. The parade was made up of a wide variety of military groups and a huge selection of high school bands. I had a great spot for photos right across from the Washington Memorial.

Unfortunately, about a third of the way through the parade, someone through something over the fence at
the White House, only a few blocks away. This shut everything down. Emergency vehicles were everywhere.We sat and waited about an hour before the parade started again. It is billed as the biggest Memorial Day parade in the country. I have no doubt it's true! We stayed 'til the end! :)

We grabbed some ice cream and headed back to the hotel to rest before dinner. We found a little Chinese place not to far from the hotel and had a pretty good meal, then headed back to put or feet up for the evening. Haven't done this much walking in a LONG time!

Tomorrow is a tour of the Capitol and Supreme Court! With all the excitement of Memorial Day, we had almost forgot!


See you tomorrow night!
Rich & Will

Great Day - Rainy Night

Hey Everyone!

Today was hot and humid, which turned to thunderstorms tonight. We still had a great day. After a bite to eat at the hotel, we headed back to the mall area to see the things we had seen last night during the day. There were a lot more people, of course, but it was still great.

Our first stop was the Vietnam Memorial again. People everywhere paying their respects. But the moment that moved me the most, was a hearing two different young fathers explaining to their young boys how significant the memorial was, that all the people had died, and how to behave. In a day and age when we are so use to children running amok in public places, it was moving to hear these young fathers taking responsibility and teaching their children. I actually teared up as I walked by the one pictured here. 

We revisited the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool, then headed over to see the Korean War Memorial, another moving memorial. We discovered a flag display in the lawn that was really something. Each little flag in the grass had a photo of a vet attached to a cutout of the state they were from. It appeared to have been done by school children. So cool. 

After a water break, we headed over to the Memorial Bridge to take in the Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride and demonstration. The motorcycles went on for hours! It was incredible. We heard estimates ranging from 50,000 to 350,000 riders. Absolutely amazing showing. 

After a bite for lunch, we took in the Smithsonian American History Museum. It was nice to get out of the heat and into air conditioning. The American History Museum has a wide range of exhibits. Everything from food to presidents. We got to see Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker's chair, and Michelle Obama's (and other First Ladies) inaugural gown. Probably the coolest exhibit was the Star Spangled Banner. I had no idea that it was so huge or that a lot of it was cut off as souvenirs for friends before it was given to the Smithsonian. Unfortunately, it was the only exhibit where they did not allow photography.

We headed toward the Capitol Building for the concert next, but it started to rain on our way there. But it was just sprinkling, so we kept going. By the time we arrived, it was pouring. Without ponchos, hats, or any kind of rain gear, and no end in site to the rain, we decided it was a bit foolish to sit out on the lawn for 3 hours waiting for the concert. Uber rates had been jacked up 2.5 times because of the demand for cars, so we started walking. Sigh...what a walk! About 20 blocks in the pouring rain. When we finally arrived at our room, our keys wouldn't work. Will went to the front desk only to find we had been checked out of our room! The issue was rectified fairly quickly, thank goodness. We got into our room and found everything still there. Whew! 

Just finishing watching the Memorial Day Concert in our room, on TV, nice and dry. :) Tomorrow, is Memorial Day and we're hoping to get to Arlington Cemetery in the morning, then back for the parade in the afternoon. This city knows how to celebrate our veterans!

Today's favorite quote, heard from a young man hawking water, "Don't let dehydration ruin your vacation!"

Cheers all!

Rich & Will

What a night!

We made it! Our flights to PDX and to DC went without a hitch and were over all very smooth. I had a 42-year-old guy sitting next to me on the flight to DC who had never flown before! It was kind of fun taking in the whole process from his point of view. He did really well, considering it was his first.

Once in DC, we did another first, we took an Uber car to our hotel! What a great system. Much cheaper than a taxi and the driver was friendlier. It actually felt safer than a taxi to me. Kind of weird to hop out of the car and not pay the driver anything directly. Will definitely use Uber again.


Our hotel is walking distance to the national mall and our room is beautiful. Thanks to our Marriott timeshare points!

As soon as we settled in, we headed off to explore. We headed to the White House first. There were throngs of people everywhere...one of the busiest weeks of the year in our nation's capital. It was interesting to us that MANY of the people around us were foreigners, seemingly more than there were Americans.

After a yummy hamburger and delicious chocolate milkshake for dinner, we headed toward the mall. It was getting dark, which was perfect as we wanted our first view of the monuments to be at night when they were lit up. Walking down the mall, the Washington Monument began looming in the distance. What an incredible feat of architecture. Unfortunately, it is not open at night to go to the top. From the base, there are gorgeous views of the Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial in opposite directions.

Next we headed down the mall toward the Lincoln Memorial. It is deceptively close looking, but it is quite a walk. Even though I had seen it before (Will had not), it was still just as moving. Now that I know I am distantly related to Honest Abe, it has even more significance for me. There were people everywhere, but Abe just sat calmly taking it all in. The view from the top of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial back toward the Washington Monument is breath taking, seeing the obelisk reflected in the reflecting pool.

On our way back to the hotel, we walked by the Vietnam Memorial. There
were wreaths lining the walk way and personal memorabilia lined the wall itself. The names seemed to stretch forever. It really got to me, what a tragic loss of life. We were able to find the name of a POW that Will wore on a POW bracelet when he was in high school. Seemed surreal to him to connect the bracelet to a real person.

A fifteen minute walk back to our hotel and we are exhausted. Even though we were on a plane most of the day, my FitBit still registered 14,500 steps!! So off to bed as soon as I post this. Tomorrow is the concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building, can't wait! And of course, more exploring!

Hope your Memorial Day weekend is off to a great start!