Washington, DC

 Welcome to my first attempt at a blog! I promise it will get better...!

On April 18 I packed my bags and boarded the train to head west. Other than running a little late the first leg of the train trip, which took me to Washington DC, was pretty uneventful. When I got to DC I had to navigate the Metro to get out of the city and that was interesting. Finally a nearby drunk helped me push the buttons and enter my cast to get a pass. I was nice and gave him 15 cents for his efforts.

The next two evenings I stayed with my friends Nancy and Glenn. Without going into details, it was a WONDERFUL visit!  One of those why haven't we done this more often kind of things.

Museum of the American Indian

On Tuesday, while they were at work, I headed back into DC to be a tourist. I did need the help of the drunk again, but had to figure it out on my own - and did! Actually got back into the city all by myself and wandered around the National Mall. The Museum of the American Indian was fascinating. The introductory movie was the best I've ever seen - a media event with movies on the dome, movies on the screen and movies on the big stone in the middle of the room. All were synced so that we were immersed in the setting. The displays of different Indian nations were filled with profound native philosophies and inviting glimpses into the past and present of these culture. My brain filled up fast so I left to picnic on the Mall.

Mud Man

Crochet Reef

After filling my stomach and resting my brain, I ventured down the Mall, breezing past the Hirschorn Sculpture Garden, where I met Mud Man (my name, don't know what the actual title is), and ending up at the Museum of Natural History. Me and a hundred thousand families and school groups. Despite the crowds, the displays were relatively easy to access and captivating. I saw ocean life and cave men and bones and THE mastodon. The crocheted reef - done by folks from the community - was especially interesting! Once again, my brain shut down after seeing only about 30% of the offerings. Full, but very satisfied!

Today I get back on the train - this time a Roomette, very upscale - and head to Chicago...