Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

ASSI - The Cherry Blossoms Festival in Washington, DC began on March 29, 2008 and ends on April 13, 2008. The City of Tokyo gifted 3000 cherry blossoms trees to the District of Columbia in 1912, and in honor of Lady Bird Johnson an additional 3800 trees were given to Washington in 1965. The Tidal Basin is a splender of beauty when the trees are in full bloom. I had the pleasure of walking around the Tidal Basin today, and it was absolutely beautiful. There were hundreds of people who decided to come-out on Sunday and part-take in the festivities. Parking at Haynes Point was available, but walking space was limited. Although
some pet-owners have very attractive dogs, there was bearly enough room for the people and strollers, and when you factor in all of the four legged friends, it was a bit much. What a great day for a photo opt and most people seem to want the same pictorial shot, and what a great day for a photographer and artist to capture images of the cherry and magnolia trees. There were limited food options available. There were three food vendors, one sold hamburgers, pull pork sandwiches, and french fries. The other served Teriyaki chicken with rice or noodles there were also two other chicken choices served with rice or noodles, a variety of egg rolls, and sushi could be purchased along with water and green tea. Many people were eating ice cream on 41 degree day, but it was a non issue for most folks. Too my surprise a lot of ice cream was sold on Sunday. I was really blown-away with the number of people who were under dressed. I had on a sweat suit with cuddle duds underneath, a scarf, coat, and I borrowed gloves from my friend in an attempt to stay warm. As I see it the Cherry Blossoms are worth the time and effort for the experience; however, if can approach the tidal basin from any streets East of 14th Street, N.W., and park at Haynes Point your time will be better spent instead of approaching from any streets west of 14th Street.