May 24th 2012 - Washington sightseeing

• Once again headed downtown via Metro bus/Train... thinking how fabulous this camp ground is... public transit right on the property and ability to buy tour tickets etc. We bought tickets for hop on/hop off bus before we left for the day
• Arrived at Union station and were suitably impressed by the size of the station and architecture. It really has that old fashioned grandiose railway feel about it.. with a large 'fine dining'  restaurant (wicker chairs / tablecloths etc) in the massive stone entrance hall..  with a beautiful mix of modern and classical decor. 

• Got the open top bus (yellow route) and began to soak up the sights of DC in brilliant sunshine. Through Pennsylvania Ave, National Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, Embassy row and wonderful Georgetown until we arrived at the Harbour and got off the bus. Weather beautiful... sunny, hot, no humidity.
  

Ford Theatre where President Lincoln was shot.

St Peter and Paul National Cathedral

Couldn't resist snapping this fashion statement. Red shirt, red leather tie... Nice!!

Kennedy Centre in background.

A quick lunch at a Queens Quay type open air cafe (Crab cake burger mmmm!!!) and then on to the hour long cruise up and down the Potomac. What a different and splendid view of the city from Watergate, Congress, Washington memorial, Kennedy Centre, Lincoln Memorial and the Pentagon.

Lincoln Memorial with Washington Memorial behind on left.

The famous Watergate Building (see small wooden water gate namesake on lower left)

White house Front Yard.

•  We returned to the bus and then passed the White House and World War 2 memorial, before getting back to Union Station
• Again mastered the easy DC transit system and back at Cherry Hill.
• Went and got some groceries. 
• The steel-head trout and fresh white corn BBQ'd up a treat. Inexpensive luxury indeed. Chatted with neighbours. Many Harley bikers here for a Memorial day 'Thunder Ride'.
• Overall a wonderful day lots of sights, the weather deteriorates in short bursts and we seem to be able to miss any short downpours. Looking forward to a camp day tomorrow with sunny forecast expected.

• SIGN OF THE DAY:  On a Police car downtown:    "POLICE - SECRET SERVICE DIVISION"   -- Okay guys .. the secret's out...