DC

First off I want to report we survived the Metro, I guess I should say I survived the Metro because it was never an issue for Jan.  I wasn't enthused to say the least, but I will admit now I was completely wrong!  It was easy, inexpensive, no-brainer, best possible way of getting around, and I would not hesitate to use it again or recommend it to anyone.  Now that's off my chest.

We only planned on 2 days here, I know not enough time, and that's true, but we can always come back.  We wanted a taste and we got it.  The first day we spent in the car, down to Mt. Vernon initially.  Got there early on Sunday morning and had the place almost to ourselves, for a little while, then the crowds appeared.  Perfect timing!

Washington had a beautiful place, over 8,000 acres and 10 miles of Potomac riverfront property.  It is privately held now and they do a great job of maintenance and restoration.  We took a tour of the mansion and then walked the grounds for several hours, capped off by a delicious lunch at the Inn.

Walking up to the mansion

The porch side facing the river

Washington's view from the porch 

The Mt Vernon Inn dining room

A smiling lunch companion

Then we drove up to Arlington Cemetery and were quick to realize even on a Sunday why people don't drive around the area!  We made it though.  Took a long walk through hallowed ground and were pleased to observe the respect all the folks we saw visiting gave the place.  We climbed the hill to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, stood and watched the guard for about an hour, and got to see the changing of the guard.  It is a somber and extraordinary experience.  What precision and pride in what they are doing! It was a very moving experience.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
"Here rests in honored glory
AN AMERICAN SOLDIER
known but to God"

Changing of the guard

We then walked over to see the Kennedy graves and the "temporary" eternal flame.  The original is being repaired.  

JFK gravesite

After a full day we returned to the campground in advance of our day into downtown.  The weather was fantastic both days, sunny and about 70, perfect for all the walking we did.  We took the Metro to the Archives, right on Pennsylvania Avenue, and proceeded to walk about 6 miles or so.  We went by Ford's Theater and the house across the street where Lincoln died.  Had a great lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, thanks for the recommendation Rachel!  Walked by the White House, were impressed by the architecture of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, down to the Washington Monument which is still encased in scaffolding while being repaired from the damage incurred in an earthquake in 2011, and back around and down the Mall to the Capitol Building, finally wandering back to the Metro station.  We wanted a little taste of the city and we got it.  Obviously you could spend days and days visiting all that is available, but we accomplished what we came for.

Ford's Theater

The house where Lincoln died

The "back" of the White House

The White House

Eisenhower building

The encased Washington Monument

Capitol Building

Now we're off to Assateague.