DC, Day 2....Too Many Boy Scouts
Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 10:23PM Today was an even better day than yesterday, probably because we decided to drive to our major destinations instead of walk. We missed our morning church service after sleeping past our wake-up time. It took us a couple hours longer to get out than we had planned, mostly because we are still in some type of time-change limbo.
Ever since we ran into (quite literally) the Boy Scouts in Baltimore, we've been surrounded by them everywhere! It's kind of been our little joke....Oh look, more Boy Scouts. Today, as we proceeded into town we were forced away from our highlighted route as police cars blocked our every turn. Finally, we found the problem....the national Boy Scout jamboree, right here in DC. We were told that there are over 50, 000 Boy Scouts here this weekend and yes, I believe it. Growing up as a Girl Scout, with my dad having been an Eagle Scout, I've a certain fondness and respect for the Scouts. But, I must say, we've been shocked to see so many Boy Scouts here behaving badly. Most of the scouts are great kids, but it's true what they say....one rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch. I do think it's great to see so many kids involved in scouting and I'm sure the good ones far outnumber the naughty ones, but there are definitely too many Boy Scouts here right now.
Finally making it around the jamboree to the Smithsonian area, we enjoyed visiting the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum (which was really more like the evolution museum) where we got to see the Hope Diamond, the Smithsonian Castle (loved the Madeline Albright pin collection - so fascinating) and the Capital Bldg.
By far, my favorite stop of the day was Arlington Cemetery where we watched the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. What an honor to witness such an amazing sight. After Arlington, we made it to the Iwo Jima statue, which was also amazing. We drove by the Jefferson Memorial, the Holocaust Memorial and a few other historic places.
Tomorrow we are going to visit the National Cathedral and I can't wait! It's the sixth largest church in the world, the second largest in the US. The churches here are beautiful, old and just stately. The architecture is amazing and so different from anything we have at home.
On our way out of DC tomorrow, we also hope to visit the US Treasury and the Library of Congress. The kids are hanging in there with all the pictures I'm demanding, but Audra did go so far as to say that my constant requests for photos is an "abuse of power." I say that when I make a great photo book later, they will all be thanking me.
Reader Comments (2)
Hey Sheila…….your blogging is WAY cool :-) It’s like we all get to go on vacation right along with you and your family! The Air and Space Museum is one of my favorite stops in DC, as my family has a long history in aviation. However, nothing can top Arlington Cemetery for those of us who are patriotic Americans. It is such an amazing sight to see, and the emotions one feels while being there can fluctuate between something like awe, pride and honor to those that are far less uplifting, like sorrow and futility. It is an awesome place!
Hope Buck’s knee is holding up through all this walking and climbing. Maybe we can declare his knee certifiably healed if he comes home with no swelling or pain. Great to hear that you read one of my favorite books of the Bible on the flight to Baltimore. However, as penance for missing church yesterday, you will have to read Revelation on the flight back home :-) Tell your family “hello” from me. Prayers for your continued happiness and safety. Randall
Thanks Randall, I'm so glad you are following along. It is quite a journey and we are having a fabulous time! So much to see outside our own backyards.....thank you too for the prayers while we are away. Sorry this is short, we are trying to get out and my blog has been less than friendly in allowing me to post live for some reason? Talk to you soon........