Washington, DC (USA)

[went with Mollie to for another day of adventure! - we left around 1100 and drove up to the National Arboretrum, located in the Eastern corner of the District, near the end of the four lane section of US-50 in Washington, DC - we found a parking space when we arrived and checked out the visitor center - right after that, we visited the Banzai Tree display (very interesting) and the nearby Herb garden - we walked up to a set of columns on the hill (taken from the US Capitol Building, during a renovation) - we drove into the park and, after following other cars, located a parking area that was set up for the Tree Climbing Competition - we walked around half a mile to the area where different tree trimmers and rescue crews were demonstrating their skills - Mollie and I enjoyed watching their outstanding capabilities - we walked back to our car via a hilly trail (with a view of the Capitol) - it appears that Azaleas will cover the hills and trails of the park when Spring finally arrives... - we made it back to our car (which we later learned was parked in the area where the 50 State Pine Trees were located - we parked near the Georgia tree, which made Mollie happy) - we drove over to the Magnolia and Cherry Tree area, where there were lots of blossoms (pretty) - we ended our time in the Arboretum with a visit to the conifer section (lots of great samples) - on the way home, we stopped at Ikea (near Greenbelt) and walked around the huge store (first time) - it was amazing (but tiring) - we drove over to Andrews Air Force Base on the way home (to pick up some items I needed for work) - after that, we headed home]