We Walk the Line
On the History Highway, Day 23
WASHINGTON, DC— When we boarded the Metro this morning to ride into DC, we were surrounded by little chicklets and their parents heading into the capitol. They were uniformly well-behaved and seemed genuinely happy to be riding the train and visiting the sights of Washington.
Exiting at Capitol South, we trekked over to Garfield Park along I-395 to search for a letterbox. Finding the treasure, we walked back toward the Capitol but veered south to take in the U.S. Botanical Garden. Our quest there was another letterbox hidden within the gardens but on this chilly morning, the warmth and humidity of the orchid exhibit in the conservatory garden court was a welcome environment.
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Orchids on Exhibit |
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Ulysses S. Grant Memorial |
After about 15 minutes in the outdoor line, we entered the center and walked right into the procession awaiting a security screening. This being America, people began pulling off their belts and tossing them into the plastic screening tubs with their electronic devices, coins, and keys. That got us all through the metal detector and bag screening, where I was forced to ditch my fingernail file, and eligible to step into the ranks of folks waiting for either a tour of the Capitol or a visit to the House or Senate gallery.
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Exposition Hall, Capitol Visitor Center |
Phoneless and without any means to document our visit, we exited the area with instructions that we must return immediately after our gallery visit to reclaim our checked items, just in case we had left an explosive behind. And we walked into the hall where we were funneled into yet another line. Winding around a couple of corners, we finally reached the head of the line where we boarded an elevator to the Capitol building itself (having been in the visitor center to this point).
If you guessed that we proceeded to another queue when we left the elevator, you have obviously visited the Capitol recently yourself— or some other hyper-secure location. And just in case any of the visitors had decided to get lax, we were subject to yet another security screening here— remove your belts and watches, open your bags for inspection, and walk through the metal detector. Just before we were about to offer to strip down to our birthday suits, we were finally approved to walk into the balcony overlooking the chamber of the House of Representatives.
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House Chamber (photo from MSNBC because our camera was confiscated) |
Sadly, we actually understand that the misguided actions of a few individuals have
Regardless of all the inspections and dissections we endured to enter this familiar hall, we did experience just a touch of awe. We were quite surprised to find the room felt much smaller than it appears in photos and on television.
After queuing up one last time and promptly retrieving all our worldly goods from the detection station, we made tracks to Union Station for a quick ride to Dupont Circle, where we knew we'd have lots of great choices for a delectable lunch. Following Yelp's advice, we found seats at a table in Afterwords Cafe, a part of the independent Kramerbooks store. Good service and flavorful dishes left us sated and energized for a foray to the National Zoo.
Like almost all the sites we have visited in Washington, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park admits anyone and everyone with no admission charge. Though lodging and food in the DC area don't come cheap, the range of attractions available to families without opening their wallets (except at tax time, of course) explains why so many spring breakers have invaded the capitol this week.
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A black-crowned night heron tree |
DAILY STATS:
Miles walked: 3.87
Letterboxes found: 4
Lines at the Capitol: too many to count
Tourists at the zoo: 238,910
Night herons: 376
More Photos from Today
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Tropical plants at U.S. Botanic Garden |
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U.S. Botanic Garden entrance |
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Only a select few are allowed on the Capitol porch. |
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Library of Congress |
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Supreme Court |
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U.S. Capitol |
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One of many signs on DC streets encouraging voting for offices that exist only in the minds of DC voters. |