DC Cherry Blossom Festival
 

It's that time of year again. Starting next weekend through April 12, it's sakura time in DC. The trees around here are just starting to bloom, so I'm planning to check out the tidal basin next week and see about photos. The Japanese themed parades and events are really fun, I'm dragging the kids down next weekend to check out the goings on. Of course, there will be spring break crowds, but if DC is on your list of places to visit, this is a pretty time to check it out.

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I've been to DC I think in every season but spring time and I am really going to try to get out there perhaps during that time. :)

Ahem.. Meet up?

If only Joe and Trish had waited just a few more days for their trip! :-P

OF CORUSE I'm down for a meetup. I'd have to do a weekend though. I'm considering the weekend after next actually. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Do it do it do it! I'm totally up for two meet-ups in a one month period! :lol:

I have always wanted to see DC during Cherry Blossom season. The photos I've seem make it look so beautiful.

I just heard the blossoms are supposed to be at their peak April 1-4. Being a contrarian, I'm planning to head down to the Tidal Basin on March 30 or 31 to take pics. In Japan we learned quickly that the blossoms are highly transient - that's considered one of their charms - and it just takes a strong wind or heavy rain to take them from peak to history.

Meet up sounds good to me...
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Checked out the Tidal Basin today - it was blowing half a gale,but cleared up in the afternoon and the trees were lovely. Close to peak, definitely. thought the wind would have blown off the blossoms, but not yet. Not too crowded either, Monday midday. Very nice way to spend the morning. Sadly, the battery in my new old camera died halfway round the basin, but then I just enjoyed the flowers.

They have evening lantern walks, which sound spectacular, but too late for my crew.

Check it out if you can!

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Went down to the Tidal Basin again today - the trees were past their peak, but still quite beautiful. Hanging on to their blossoms, despite all the wind we've had recently. The weather was spectacular - all the paddle boats were out and the sky was blue, dotted with little fluffy clouds. I hope my shots of the Washington Monument reflected in the Tidal Basin work out, it's an iconic set up. It's supposed to rain the next couple of days, but if you're coming to town, do try to check it out, just the same. A suggestion - almost everyone goes clockwise around the Basin, heading past the ranks of port-o-potties and souvenir stands toward the Jefferson monument and so on. If you head counter clockwise, you see the older trees first, which are beautiful arching down almost to the water's edge, and it isn't quite as crowded. At that end, you can also check out the FDR Memorial, which is a really interesting space.

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