Washington, DC (USA)

Up at 0645L - Starbucks breakfast. Worked from 0800L to 1430L and skipped lunch. As a result, completed write-ups early (1500L). Since there would be no "debrief" today, I wanted to get into DC to enjoy the free time and nice weather. However, Mike and Raul didn't want to leave early... This time, though, Sean borrowed a car and we drove into the City. We found a parking meter near the National Archives and we got a snack (caprese sandwich) at Au Bon Pain. Edned up walking around for about two hours. We tried to take FBI tour but learned it has been discontinued until after 9/11/2011. Visited Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, National Gallery and some pretty parks off the Mall. Weather was excellent and there were lots of people everywhere. Got back to the car just as the meter was expiring and drove out of town (towards Georgetown). Sean indicated he wouldn't mind driving down to Mount Vernon to see the improved museum. As we headed in that direction, Mike and Raul called us - they were right where we had just been a few minutes before. Decided not to go back to meet up with them [good thing, too - they spent nearly eight hours walking!]. Arrived at Mount Vernon just as they closed for the day (1700L). Too bad... Still, managed to get some quality walking in the pleasant weather and then bought souvenirs at the gift shop. Since I've been borrowing cars all week, I couldn't count on where/when people would need to be. It's been fine for me, but it meant that I couldn't get together with Pat and Mike in Rockville after all. Called them to let them know - hope we can get together again soon. Took the George Washington Parkway back to Old Town for dinner. Used the car's "back-up" camera for a precision parallel parking job! Had some beers and a great dinner (Irish Breakfast) at Murphy's Irish Pub. Walked around a bit after that. Started to get texts from Raul that he was tired from walking in DC and wanted to meet up with us. By this point, however, both Sean and I were ready to call it a night. On the way back to the hotel, we ended up sitting on I-495 when the drawbridge opened... In my room around 2130L. Bed early again...