#atozchallenge...C-Washington or Bust...CHERRY BLOSSOMS...

Finally we got to see what we came to Washington to see...CHERRY BLOSSOMS!

It had been either too cold, windy, rainy or not enough sun for them to bloom. We had been to the park on Easter Sunday and had only spied one blossom open and had an idea as to what to expect, but to see 1900 trees in bloom is awe inspiring!

The only Cherry Blossom blooming on Easter Sunday

We started the morning with a trip into DC on the Metro and got off at Navy Square. We wandered through the gardens of the National Art Museum then was getting ready to go into National Archives Building when we were stopped by the female security guard which told us that the building was closed for the rest of the day due to a power failure. Well dang, we really wanted to see the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Hmm...we wondered why we were seeing lots of black SUV vehicles with big light racks behind them zipping around town heading towards the White House. 

It was Spring Break in Washington, therefore there were lots of school kids there on special bus tours.

Kids everywhere! It was fun just to sit and watch them. Christie and I decided to call a Pedicab and take a tour of the Tidal basin where the Cherry blossoms are. We heard they were blooming.  It was not the most ideal day for shooting pictures but you do with it what you can. 

Robert our Pedicab host, driver and tour-guide was

wonderful and very knowledgeable about the DC area and knew where to get the best shots.  We decided on the 2 hour tour. It cost about $200.00 but was worth every penny. He had photos of what buildings in the area looked like before updates, told us about the Washington Monument and why the different colors of marble were in it. He even pointed out the hitch hiking business men thumbing for a ride, these are business men looking for rides

out to their cars located in the outlying parking lots in the outlying districts. If you ever get to Washington, I highly suggest Robert and his Pedicab. He won't disappoint. 

After our tour, Robert dropped us off at Navy Square,

from there we walked two blocks North and one block east to the DC Chop House. We decided to splurge on Christie's last night in DC. The only way I was able to make it was good meds, my back brace, cane and the arm of my wonderful daughter. 

The DC Chop House was at one time a bank, with beautiful marble columns and great spaces. They have their

own in-house brewery. Christie got a Bourbon Stout, I got a lovely wine. I had a sip of her stout and it was out of this world.  Normally I don't like beer but this was very good.

 You drink it at room temperature.  The table bread is cornbread and some of the best I have ever had. I ordered a stuffed pork chop with roasted veggies and garlic mashed potatoes.  Christie had a steak and garlic mashed potatoes.

It was all so good and by far the most expensive dinner we had in DC. With the tip it came in just shy of a Benjamin.  I will say this, you are missing out if you pass up the DC Chop House. You really need to put it on your must eat at list if you go to Washington DC.

Christie and I just had enough time to make it back to the Metro before they shut it down for the evening. We got back, let the dogs out and hit the hay after discussing our day, and what a day we had.

It was great and I would do it again, rain and all! Although sunshine next time would be great!

Now for some shut-eye as we have to get up early tomorrow.