Day 50: The Blossoms are Out!

We woke up this morning nice and late.  I was still somewhat suffering from allergies and Joel was getting over a little bit of a stomach issue, but we decided to brave the world and head into Washington.  Before we went however we ensured that we would have enough strength for the day, and we did this by eating cake.  That is right cake for breakfast and I regret nothing!  It was delicious and very chocolaty.

With a parking pass from our hosts, we drove into the District along the National Mall and parked right on Constitution Avenue.  For Free!  What a great deal, or rather what amazing hosts!  It was such a nice thing to be able to do, I think in all the years I have lived in this area, not once did I park in D.C.  The cost is much to high and the parking spots are much too hard to find.

After leaving our car, we headed to the Smithsonian building.  We ended up going to two Smithsonian museums today including our first stop at the Museum of American History.  It has some really cool exhibits about food in America and how it has shaped society.  Another cool one had the slippers that Dorthy wore in the Wizard of Oz.

After this museum we headed down the Mall to the Tidal Basin where the Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing.  The blossoms were everywhere and so were the tourists!  Joel and I decided it would be fun to rent one of the peddle boats and head into the basin.  So we did, and it was amazing.  We spent an hour just floating around (well I did, Joel ended up doing a lot of the peddling!)  But we soaked up the sun, probably the hottest day we have had yet!  And enjoyed the good times.

After returning the boat, we headed to our second museum, the American Indian Museum.  Joel was feeling a little tired so he rested while I explored the museum.  It was a really cool one, and once of the exhibits I saw was all about Native Americans in society today.  Really neat and informative.

After this we headed back into Virginia and stopped at the Lebanese Taverna to pick up some of the most amazing garlic sauce ever!  And then to 7-11 for some chips (for the sauce, although it really doesn't need it, I could eat it with a spoon!) and a major Slurpee!  After such a hot day that was necessary!

We then went back to our home for the night and settled in for a last night in a nice place for probably the rest of the road trip!  But soon we will be back in Canada and I can not wait for some nice Tim Hortons!