Monument Eclipse

Well another day and what a day. I'll be very honest after a brief drive around DC yesterday I was a little unsure of Washington after the hustle and bustle of New York but I take it back. We're based in Georgetown, an affluent area a couple of miles outside the centre. The day started with an early 7 mile run along the banks of the Potomac and even then it was obvious it was going to be a hot one. Afterwards we walked into DC and Abraham Lincoln's monument and stood and marvelled at how big the temple that housed his enormous statue was. Then past the reflection pool (618m long, 52m) and onto Washington's monument which stands at 118m tall. It was by this time, at only 11.30, the temperature hit 91 so the 'eclipse' I took was much needed as the huge granite construction blocked out the sun.

Onto the museum of American history to have a look around and get out of the sun. Afterwards a stroll up to Capitol Hill but seeing as the famous building is covered in scaffolding due to restoration we didn't stick around as the White House was calling. Not a bad house this and the gardens would be fantastic to play golf or cricket on. Security was high - that didn't put off 2,781 Chinese photographers..., and though it was unlikely the POTUS was at home - we'd seen two military helicopters taking off earlier probably taking him to McDonalds somewhere - it was good to see. A few more miles, 9 in total, in the blazing sun, saw us look over the Korean and Vietnam memorials, then it was home time to recover

America really does honouring their fallen very very well and though Washington is very Government central it's a very calm, quiet almost reflective place.

Arlington Cemetery tomorrow for more of the same I'm sure - another hot hot day is on the cards