Smithsonian

The edges of the Tidal Basin are greening up, instead of being pink and white with blossoms.

We found a parking lot at 4th and E, a few blocks off the mall.

We hiked over to the Air & Space Museum. - JM

- JM

There are a lot of neat things to see. The Apollo-Soyuz display always reminds me of our trip to Florida in 1975 to watch the Apollo part lift off.

How about aerial photography as an exciting career?

Overhead images of the Cuban missile silos that fueled the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Mother and I were intrigued by this exhibit showing aspects of American airspace.

Glen was surprised to see Olympia Fields near Chicago featured. He lived there in the 60's. - JM

This overview of part of the LA area includes Simi and Moorpark. You can find both our CA neighborhoods if you look closely. - JM

Honoring John's Dad who was a TWA pilot.

Not sure if he flew this size aircraft, though, at least not on a regular basis.

We ate at the very pricey, but oh-so-convenient, McDonald's at the museum.

Then we crossed the Mall on our way to the Museum of American History, also part of the Smithsonian.

The faster walkers zipped on ahead. Mother and I took our time and stumbled on this sculpture garden we hadn't known about.

There's even a little restaurant and patio tables tucked in here.

A variety of sculpture is featured.

This metal tree is intriguing.

Mother and I goofed and climbed the steps into the wrong museum. So we saw the signature Mammoth in the entry hall of the Musuem of Natural History, and we peeked at the dinosaurs briefly before continuing on our way.

This interesting rock caught my eye as we hiked along.

The wisteria is spectacular.

Another beautiful tree in bloom.

Meanwhile, the faster hikers were already taking in the exhibits inside. - JM

They learned about pirates. - JM

And the American West. - JM

The actual nugget that started the California Gold Rush. - JM

We did the Star Spangled Banner exhibit together. The actual flag has been restored. You can see it, but you're not allowed to take pictures.

I was surprised to see they already had Michelle Obama's inaugeral gown on display. She just donated it fairly recently.

Glen hiked back to retrieve the van while we waited for him to fight through traffic and odd left-turn issues to come pick us up outside the museum. - JM

Alan had read that the top of the Washington Monument is aluminum, which was much rarer and more expensive at the time the Monument was built. So Glen took a picture for him while waiting at a red light.

We left via the GW Parkway and stopped at an overlook to take pictures of the Potomac.

Molly looking good, even when tired at the end of the day! - JM

We still had energy left to play Ticket To Ride after dinner.