Here we are, on the road: We’re in College Park, MD, Washington, DC area

Sunday, June 13, 2010 Lorraine’s Report

We are here at Cherry Hill RV Park in Washington, DC area. We got in on Tuesday afternoon, set up and went to Orientation this campground has everyday at 4 pm on how to do the DC area by the city bus and the Metro. The gal giving the orientation said it was easy, and I have to say figuring it out is okay; what she didn’t say was how many miles you would have to walk to do all of this. Since we have been here we must have walked 20 miles, the traffic and population for the area makes driving anywhere next to impossible on week days and questionable weekends.

Wednesday we were up and out before 9 am. We stopped by the office here and bought our bus tokens, Metro passes and picked up maps and information from the friendly office staff here at Cherry Hill.

There are 19 Smithsonian Museums here in WA DC. Trying to decide what to do was a bit hard, there is so much to see and do and not enough time to do it all.

We were headed to Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The day was reported to be wet/rainy and windy; it was, and this was a good day to be inside, with the temperatures only in the low to mid 70’s for the high. I was actually cold for the first time in a long time.

We were not disappointed with the exhibits at the Air and Space Museum. They had the Wright Brothers 1903 airplane as well as Sputnik, the Spirit of St. Louis, Space Ship One, Apollo 11 Command Module all hanging from the ceiling. Everything and anything you can think of that flies and how things fly, was in this museum. We spent about 3 plus hours there, exploring all floors, learning more than we can remember.

From there we went on to the National Museum of the American Indian. We walked over in the rain and wind. The American Indian Museum was opened in September, 2004. The National Museum of the American Indian is a museum dedicated to the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of the native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Again, we were not disappointed with the museum and its exhibits representing Native Americans from the USA, both North, South and Central America.

Thursday was our Tour the Capital Building day. Two weeks ago, I called our Senator from South Dakota, Senator Tim Johnson’s office, to ask for a private tour of both the Capital and the White House. We were able to get the Capital tour but they needed at least two weeks prior notice to do the background check on Chuck and me. They prefer at least six months notice, but we didn’t have an actual date when we could be there, so we couldn’t get in to a tour of the White House. Maybe next time.

Again, we were up and off by 10 A.M. We caught the bus to and went on the subway, watched the stops to get off at the right area to get on to transfer to another train, then got off the subway. We arrived at Union Station by 11:30-11:45 and had plenty of time to find the correct office.

Our Senator’s office was in one of three office buildings built for Senators, the Hart Building. It’s the newest of the three office buildings for Senators and has bigger offices, more room for staff, newer electrical connections for our times, etc.

We ate lunch in the basement of the Russell Building, the original Senators office building; the other building is the Dirksen Building. By then, it was after 12:30 or so and the lunchroom was full of staff and all kinds of workers catching a bite to eat. We could have eaten with an important person, but didn’t know it.

Feeling refreshed, we walked around, and then went to find our old Senator from Washington, the state, Senator Patty Murray. We found her office, but she was out to lunch. We headed off to our tour, meeting at Senator Tim Johnson’s office.

Arriving at his office on the first floor, we were met be two of his staff. Exchanging cordial greetings, we met our tour guides for the afternoon. We would be having Janna, from the front desk, and Jeremy, a recent college graduate, and newly hired staff researcher, who would take us on our very personal tour. They took us on the underground train from the senator’s office building to the Capital building.

They were both full of all kinds of information on our Senator Tim Johnson, the Capital building, including showing us where the original corner stone was laid by the Free Masons when President Washington was in office. Jeremy talked about the famous Brumidi Corridors on the first level. These five different hallways are absolutely beautiful, all are works of art. From the floors with mosaic tiles, to the ceilings, with frescoes, to the original paintings depicting early Colonial life and people, everything was carefully planned and executed. There are many statues, two from each state of the union in the building, representing that state’s famous persons, etc. Our Capital Building is Beautiful!

We were fortunate to enter the Senate Chambers when there was a debate going on over a bill being put before the senate for passage. As it came time to vote on the bill, we watched as most of the senators came in to cast their vote. We saw John McCain, Joe Lieberman, Barbara Boxer, who debated against the bill; John Kerry, Al Franken, Tom Udall, Tim Johnson, our senator. Also, we saw Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, both from Washington State and Olympia Snow. The clerk read their names in alphabetical order, and the senators would put their thumb up for yes, or down for no.

Chuck said to me that there sure were a lot of powerful and wealthy people down below us on the Senate floor; to me it was all quite impressive.

Friday we were up and off again. This time we decided to take the tour where you could get off and on the trolley, as it toured the capital. We went from home to Union Station, down town to get the tour tickets. We rode a tram about half way through the tour and got off at Arlington Cemetery. We then got on the tram that took you through the cemetery. There are three planned stops. The Eternal Flame at President Kennedy’s grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and the last was President Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House.

We saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony is very respectful and moving. After the change, they had a flower wreath laying ceremony. Four students from a local school, (I think they were the class president, vice-president etc.) were escorted down the stairs by the Sergeant in charge of the detail. They proceeded to change the wreath in front of the Tomb. The one that was there was moved to the other side and a new one was put in its place. When the laying was done, a bugler played Taps. It was a very impressive and so moving and so sad.

From there we went inside the Arlington House, home to General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Southern Army of the Confederate States. It sits on a hill overlooking the cemetery, and is currently accepting donations to renovate it; I was disappointed to see the house unfurnished and needing major repairs.

We then went to John F. Kennedy’s grave; of course it was very moving, bringing back many memories of how things felt to me during those turbulent times. We baby boomers have sure seen lots of historic changes in our life time.

Saturday we headed off to try and go to the National Monuments. Chuck got information from the front office on how to do this. It would have worked except the buses that we were suppose to catch never showed up; we waited for almost an hour in the hot morning sun and the bus never came.

We decided that since we were across the street from the Smithsonian Museum of American History, the Kenneth E. Behring Center, we would go in and tour it. It was very hot and humid by then, so this was a good choice.

This museum is devoted to the scientific, cultural, social, technological and political development of the United States. Inside we saw the big, original Star Spangled Banner, the flag, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem.

There was a special ceremony going on; a fife and drum corps was there to play for a naturalization ceremony. The new citizens were all children, maybe 20 or so of them, with all kinds of dignitaries to welcome them.

I wanted to see the First Ladies Inaugural dresses; Chuck wanted to see other stuff, so we went off to do our own thing. The first ladies dresses were all beautiful; I couldn’t believe how tiny some of our first ladies were. Our current first lady sure has big feet and is quite tall, judging by her dress and her shoes. I did admire her diamond jewelry she wore to the Inaugural Balls they attended. The diamonds were beautiful.

Finishing up there we headed over to the Museum of Natural History. This museum features exhibits on the earliest human origins, world cultures, ancient and modern mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and sea creatures.

We started with lunch in a very crowded café. It was good, fast and we were happy it was there because we were tired and hungry.

We went through the exhibits on the first floor, which included the oceans hall, the dinosaurs, Fossil mammals, the Mammals Hall, and the African Cultures Hall.

I could hardly wait to see the Hope diamond and all the famous jewels they have there. I was not disappointed when I saw it, but it was so crowded, you had to jostle your way in to see it, and then out again. There were other famous diamonds and other jewels, some given by kings to their queens. They had Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Pearls, Star Sapphires, both pink and blue, Tiger Eyes and too much more than I can remember. I got in the long line to go around the room to take pictures of all these beautiful gems. It was a hassle to deal with that big of a crowd there to do the same thing I wanted to do, but to me it was well worth it.

Behind the Hope Diamond room was the Gems and other Minerals display. I went through this, snapping pictures as I went. What a wonderful display this museum has on the many types of crystals and other semi-precious stones and beautiful rocks of every color and many shapes. I thoroughly enjoyed this display!! The Hope Diamond and all the other gems were a sight to see.

With all the tours we have been on, with the getting up early, leaving early, getting home late, I must tell you, both Chuck and I are beat. But it is so exciting to see/hear/experience all of this history, we have both enjoyed it all. We know we can’t do everything there is to do, so we have done what we could and will leave the rest until next time. We have learned so much, we can’t remember it all. All I can say is, if you ever get a chance do come and see Washington DC, then do it. You won’t be disappointed.

Oh, and I should tell you, we have had a dog walker here recommended by the park, who comes in to walk your dog whenever it’s needed, so no worries there, Misty is good.

To our very good friends Connie and Manuel, we want to send you our best wishes and love during these troubling times.

Until next time……Lorraine

6/13/10 Chuck’s report

Last Sunday we had another rain, lightening, thunder and wind storm but nothing like the one we had the week before. But we still aren’t used to these although I grew up in Missouri where they were quite common. Guess we just don’t get much lightening and thunderstorms in Washington.

We left Virginia on Tuesday and headed North once again. This is our first time in this area and once again we are playing the tourist game, up and out early and getting back late. Whew, I thought this retiree stuff was easier!

We went to an informational meeting on Tuesday evening after we got set up, they told us about getting bus, Metro and train tickets and how to get around in DC. Lots of information from a gal who really knows the area and has worked at this campground for the last 13 summers. She gave us lots of info and between Lorraine and I, we understood and retained less than 1/3, I think.

After our orientation meeting, Lorraine and I were going for a walk when we met two folks almost right outside our rig. We got to visiting with them and invited them in to continue our visit in an air conditioned place. Turns out, Steve and Carol own a Tiffin Phaeton, small world. Anyway, we had a good time getting to know these folks and we were able to continue our visiting two days later when they were on the same bus and Metro with us for part of our trip.

Anyway, on Wednesday morning we made arrangements for a local gal to walk Misty twice a day while we were out playing tourist. We took off on the local bus that delivered us to the Metro (or subway as I would call it). With a Metro map in hand, we changed trains and got to our destination downtown with no problem. Once back above ground, we stood around with map in hand trying to get our bearings when someone stopped up and offered to help us. We have had this happen about three times now, we hear that is a common practice, they like their tourists here, we must bring lots of money.

We were told once we were finished with the commuting, all the exhibits and museums are free. Some of them have tickets so they have some crowd control but most of them you can just walk right in. We found we did have to go through crowd screening sort of like at the airports almost everywhere we went, thanks to 9 – 11 and the extra security.

We went to two of the Smithsonian Museum, the Air and Space and The American Indian Museum. I didn’t know the Smithsonian consisted of some many different buildings and each of those have lots of different sections. By the time we had finished our tour of these two (along with thousands of our newest friends), we were ready to head back to the coach. Once again, we managed to traverse the Metro and bus system and arrived back with no problems.

Thursday was the day we had set up for our trip/tour through the Capital Building. Lorraine had called our Senator, Tim Johnson from South Dakota to set it up. We got there a bit early and toured the three buildings, even went to the office of our previous Senator from Washington, Patty Murray. By coincidence, we happened to see her during our tour later and Lorraine got a chance to say “HI’ to her.

When we got to Senator Johnson’s office, they were prepared for us, even had two aides as our tour guides. We were the only two folks on this tour, they said the next day they had 72 people scheduled for a tour so guess we picked a good day. Because we had such a small group, we were able to go to areas other groups didn’t get to go. We saw the first cornerstone, laid by the Mason’s in the original NE corner of the building. Of course, over the years the building has been expanded and this cornerstone was now sort of hidden away behind one of the doors. There was also a plaque in the same area that George Washington has set when the building was dedicated way back when.

We also got to sit in the Senate chambers viewing area and see some “debate” on an upcoming bill. When we first got there a Senator (John McCain) was speaking on the upcoming proposal but the only other people there were two other Senators waiting for their turn to speak, the Chairman in the front, a few staff members, some young Senate pages and clerks of the Senate.

After three of the Senators had their say (to an almost empty room), the clerk called for a vote. Within 15 minutes, about 50 Senators came in one by one to vote in person, the only way they can vote. They all walked up to the clerk and voted via a thumbs up or thumbs down. She recorded and read off their vote. Some of them just came in, voted and left, others stayed around after their vote and talked with each other. We got to see all Senators while we were there and witness this vote even though the vote was only a decision to bring the bill to a vote or not. It was turned down and a request was made for further debate and it was granted. Sure is a slow process! But at least we got to see a Senate vote, even if it really didn’t mean anything.

We then walked over to the House of Representatives Chamber and once again we were able to witness another “debate” with only a couple of Congressmen in the room. But they were still sounding full of vim and vigor even though they were in front of an empty room. We didn’t get to see a vote here so only saw about 4 Congressmen.

Friday morning we took off once again, this time to find one of the tour companies in town. I guess there are three main ones, the one we wanted is the only one authorized by the National Parks Service to drive into Arlington Cemetery. They drove us all around town, pointing out lots of the buildings and Museums, then to the Monuments, then to Arlington. We got off there and spent over two hours touring on their tram and walking around. Then back on the bus for the completion of the tour where we got off back where we started. We didn’t get off/on at many of the stops because we wanted to see the whole trip first. When we bought our tickets, we were told we could buy a second day’s tour for a discounted price if we wanted. Well, we went back to the ticket office to do just that and they said we couldn’t do that, don’t know where you heard about that. Well, the gal that sold us our tickets happened to be in the back and I told them to just ask her. She admitted that’s what she told us but her boss said, no way; we said, no way, we’ll buy from someone else next time and left. By now we were again pretty tired and our feet were sore so we headed back to our coach, this time during rush hour traffic on Friday afternoon.

Saturday morning found us up and ready to go again by 9:00. We were told the parking lots at the Metro would be almost empty on the weekend and were advised to drive and park there for the day vs. riding the bus from the campground. By now were are feeling pretty good about getting around on the Metro and once again we found and negotiated our stops with no problem. But once we got off the Metro, we were unable to find the bus we wanted for our ground transportation. This one only runs on the weekends and we just couldn’t figure it out. So instead of heading for the Monument area, we decided to go to a couple more of the Smithsonian Museums. This time we went to Museum of American History and Museum of Natural History. Now touring one of these big, three story, Museum can be a full day in itself and for the second time, we did two in one day, much like the tourists we are.

I don’t usually try to organize our travel and tours in order of the ones we like most to least but here in DC I think I liked the tour though our Nation’s Capital Building the best. All the history in the place plus the realization it’s almost the same as when our country was founding and still working. We were told that if a person spent just one minute at each of the displays in all the Smithsonian Museums, it would take over 10 years to see everything. And of course, they change the displays all the time so I don’t think anyone could ever see and experience all that there is to see in the Smithsonian. And of course, who couldn’t like our Monuments, they are spectacular.

Today, Lorraine and I once again headed out to see the Monuments. We especially wanted to see the Lincoln, Vietnam, WWll and Korean War Museums. The Metro doesn’t go to this area of town and few of the buses go there either, mostly just the tours. But we were able to find the bus line we couldn’t find yesterday so were were able to get there this time. I won’t add pictures in this report as it’s long enough already but maybe next week.

We are going to dinner this evening with a couple we met here, Bob and Sue from California. Its pretty amazing when you stop to think about it, all the good friends we’ve met since we started this life on the road. It’s unusual when we don’t at least meet and get to know someone from every campground we stay at.

Speaking of next week, we plan on leaving here on Wednesday and head for Port Republic, New Jersey to a 1000 Trails Park. Once again, we’ve never been there before so it will be new to us. Only thing I really know about it is that Atlantic City is about 20 miles away. But I told Lorraine that the first two days we are there, I plan on just vegging out and not doing much. After that, who knows but if I know my wife, I bet we will be checking out the casinos soon. We may even make a day trip to New York City but don’t have any plans for that yet.

So with that, I’ll stop, add some pictures and get this posted.

Traveling from Virginia to Washington, DC