Day Whatever: Reminiscing Over Cherry Blossoms, Tulips and Train Trips

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With all the yakking on TV about how people seem to totally disregard reality and are flocking to Washington D.C. to view the beautiful cherry blossoms, tulips and other flowers, I thought I’d share a few photos from last year’s visit. 

Amtrak’s Silver Meteor arrived into D.C. just after 7 AM, so my daughter and I had a few hours until the next train to Chicago.

We stashed our luggage in the Metropolitan/Acela lounge, stopped for a quick breakfast at Johnny Rocket’s, headed through the grand lobby and out the doors. Plenty of time and a beautiful day to experience the cherry blossoms. We practically had the mall area to ourselves for an hour or so.

Cherry Blossoms and Tulips in Washington DC
Last year’s visit to Washington DC at cherry blossom time, in between Amtrak train departures from Washington to Chicago.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
There weren’t any bees near these cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC Park
Quiet morning among the pink and green before the day kicked into high gear.

Even though I’ve been to D.C. a zillion times passing through on the train, I’d never timed it to coincide with cherry blossom time. It was apparent in a moment that D.C. really looks pretty in pink. And green. While not exactly Monet’s garden, this was probably the prettiest and most colorful landscape I have seen in America.

Monet's Garden in Giverny, France.
The real deal. It was amazing to walk through here before the tourists arrived. Viking River Cruises arranged the pre-opening tour.

So now you don’t have to head out into the crowds to at least get a peek at Washington’s famous Cherry Blossoms. As you safely distance yourselves from strangers and friends, stop to smell the spring flowers, if only for a minute. 

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2 Comments

  1. Hi RM,
    Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog. At least we can “see” spring in photos and imagine the scent of the flowers and blossoms. I’m glad you’re taking this virus seriously and staying safe. Makes it a bit easier to sleep at night, too. Best to you and thank you for your kind comment.

  2. Thank you for these lively photos. I have been reading along on your blog during my self-isolation. I have a heart condition so I am taking this coronavirus threat seriously. I do feel sad to miss spring. Out my windows I can see my neighbor’s magnificent magnolia tree. But our local botannical gardens are closed. I wish you the best as you too self-isolate.

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