Cherry Blossoms 2008
On Wednesday I made it down to the Tidal Basin to see this year's edition of Washington's cherry blossoms. The National Park Service had announced a few weeks before that the blossoms would be a their peak this year between March 27 and April 3. Not a large window of time, especially since rain came on Friday, and again on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was bright and sunny, but much cooler. That would keep crowds down a bit.
So, on Wednesday at Noontime, I took Metro to the Smithsonian station and then walked up Independence Avenue towards West Potomac Park. I decided this year to begin my cherry blossom viewing at West Potomac Park and move in a clockwise direction around the Tidal Basin. An objective this time was to work the stone pagoda near the FDR Memorial into photos. (The granite Japanese pagoda dates from the 17th century and was another gift from Japan to Washington, in 1957.)
The blossoms were at peak, a few even begining to fall from the brisk breeze. Still, the Washington blossoms put on a spectacular show this year! Young and old, visitors and residents were out to enjoy the pink and white display set againt a blue sky. A bride and groom even made a surprise appearance to have their picture taken and add to festivities!
