DC Cherry Blossom Festival By Night

We have officially entered the Cherry Blossom Festival here in Washington, D.C.  It was an event we missed last time we lived in DC.  So, this has been very exciting to watch as the cherry blossoms and tourists have covered the city.

I am going to begin with a few images I made earlier this week that are somewhat counter intuitive.  Although the trees are spectacular during the day, we decided to check them out at sunset and hang around for a full moon to rise.

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 14

The moonlight was quite bright and with a little help, we were able to see the pink blossoms as well.

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 18

Of course the monuments, just by themselves are still very beautiful.

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 16

 DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 20

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 07

We did make it out during the day too… it was just a couple days before peak bloom, so the trees aren’t quite at peak.  However, here’s my muse looking statuesque…

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 01

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 04

The magnolia trees were the only ones in full bloom.

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 06

DC Cherry Blossoms Mar 16 10

So, that covers this round of the Cherry Blossom Festival.  I suspect I may end up posting a couple more posts. I hope you don’t mind.  As always, please feel free to leave feedback!

Until the next adventure…

–Jim

National Zoo

Hi Everyone, below are some images we made from a recent trip to the National Zoo.  It’s a great space and located inside DC, it’s a great location too.  We were treated to a guided tour with Uncle Jon and Aunt Nancy… Although, looking at my images, I realize I didn’t take any people shots!  I guess I was drawn in by the animals.  Next time I’ll include a few homo sapiens.

National Zoo Mar 16 08

 

At least I included a cousin…

National Zoo Mar 16 07

The magnolia trees have been blooming the last couple weeks and are gorgeous.

National Zoo Mar 16 06

 

National Zoo Mar 16 05

 

We had the opportunity to see little Bao Bao play.  She was born in August 2013.  She will live in the Smithsonian’s National Zoo until she is four, when she will head back to China.  Since there are less than 2,000 giant pandas in the world, each one is a treasure.  Bao Bao and the zoo also welcomed a baby brother at the end of last year.  Bei Bei will also live in the US until he’s 4.

National Zoo Mar 16 04

 

She was very active (and hungry)!

National Zoo Mar 16 03

 

The American Bison, looking rugged as always.

National Zoo Mar 16 02

 

The big cats always capture our attention.

National Zoo Mar 16 12

 

National Zoo Mar 16 11

 

National Zoo Mar 16 10

 

Even the medium sized caracal is majestic.

National Zoo Mar 16 09

 

Ok, that covers our brief time at the zoo.  Next up will be D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms.