DC Cherry Blossom Adventure

 

Washington Monument 

Spring is finally here and I have a list at least a mile long of all the things I want to do.  If you live or have visited the DC area you know what I mean.  There is so much to do and definitely not enough time.  I love visiting my favorites and can't wait to take the grands, but we are trying to get out and explore areas that are off the tourist beaten path.  With that said if you are here during the spring you have to see the Cherry Blossoms.

I have only seen them in bloom once and that was on a student led trip.  We walked the Tidal Basin and some of the branches were so heavy with blooms that they were hovering just above the water.  My mom was on the trip with me and fell in love with the trees and flowers.

This year I became one of those people that listened to every weather report to get an update on when the trees would pop.  Its so hard to predict Mother Nature.  The national park experts predicted March 17, a bit early for average, but luckily we were going to be in town.

Despite a cloudy morning forecast Sean and I got up before dawn, trekked in to the city ahead of the morning traffic so we could capture the blossoms as the sun rose behind the Jefferson Memorial.  A spectacular spot.

It was still dark when we arrived at the MLK Memorial.  Those who were crazy enough to be up and out were either runners and those cleaning the memorial.  We walked along the Tidal Basin to find just the right spot.  My photographer has an eye for location.  He set up his tripod, got the camera ready and I paced to keep warm.  As the next hour passed more and more on lookers, photographers, runners and tourists began to fill the walkways and park around the basin.

The morning was cloudy, but we got lucky.  A break in the clouds allowed the sun to peak through giving us a beautiful view of the sunrise, Jefferson Memorial and the Cherry Blossoms.

The Yoshino is the first tree to bloom.  It has a light pink to almost white flower.  We planted two of these trees along our fence in Oregon.  I love how fluffy they look.  

We didn't get to enjoy this adventure with the grands.  It was too early in the morning and they got to enjoy them with their other grandparents a few days ahead of us.

Just before peek bloom

Taking a trip to DC to experience our nations history is something we should all do at least once in our lives.  Doing it during the peak of the cherry blossoms blooming is priceless.

On another note.  I've had family and friends ask lots of questions about traveling to Washington DC.  Below is some specific information about cherry blossom viewing.  I hope it helps if you are thinking of coming next spring.

History in DC

There is a long and rich history with the Japanese cherry trees.  The National Park Service gives a detailed history of getting these beautiful trees to Washington DC.  While we were finishing up our visit a few weeks ago we stopped to see the  Japanese Stone Lantern.  It was given to the Unite States by the Tokyo government in 1954 as a symbol of understanding between the governments.  It was carved in 1651 in Tokyo to honor the dead warlord Tokugawa Iemitsu.  There is a twin lantern on the grounds of a temple in Ueno Park, Tokyo.

Viewing the Cherry Trees

The most popular place to see the cherry blossoms is along the Tidal Basin.  This is the pool area that includes the Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorial.  There are a lot More Places to View the Cherry Blossoms.  We will be checking out some of these areas next year.

Best Time to View

Knowing that student travel season is ramping up in March I would suggest viewing bright and early in the morning.  You will miss all the student led groups and their tour busses.  That not to say you won't run into a few.

Our daughter and her family saw the trees a couple of days before us and loved it.  It was a bit crowded, but it was our first warm, sunny Saturday in months.

The blossoms can last a couple of weeks depending on the weather.  It is best to view them at the beginning of their bloom to ensure you get to enjoy the flowers.

Taking Kiddos

Be sure to plan your trip well.  The pathways around the Tidal Basin are narrow, so pushing a double wide stroller can be a challenge.  Watch them closely as most of the area does not have a barrier to the water.  Try to pick a week day in the morning to avoid the big crowds and allow your kiddo's to explore.  Hopefully they will nap on the way home or to the hotel.

While our son in-laws parents were visiting they headed to the National Mall and Tidal Basin just as the blossoms were about to open.  So the kids and grand kids experienced the them just before they really popped.

Living Here

Living in DC is something Sean and I had been talking about doing for a few years.  We love the history here and all that is available to see, do and explore.  We didn't commit to moving because I was teaching and our business was mostly on the west coast.  Honestly I didn't think I could leave home.  Oregon was the place we raised our family.  It is where 41 years of memories are.  I couldn't leave that.  If it hadn't been for the kids, I don't think we would have ever moved across the country.  We are so happy we did.