Washington, DC (USA)

Despite very little sleep, I wanted to go up to see the cherry blossoms with the kids. We missed them by a day or two a couple of times (see APR 2006). It was something we wanted to try again and the weather around this area has been good. We drove up on I-64 and I-95 (hardly any traffic!). Stopped at Fort Belvoir so we could check into our lodging for the night - they gave us a good unit!  During the last part of trip, took George Washington Parkway from near Mount Vernon. Saw a good bike trail... Arrived in the city around 1800. Lots of people - hard to find a parking place. Learned late tonight they had a fireworks display but I knew I wouldn't have made it through the event, though - soooo tired! Still got a chance to see some of the good landmarks and lots of trees. Most striking view was Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial. Kids excited for tomorrow - we'll start early! Back at Fort Belvoir, went to bed at 2200.