June 7, Washington D.C., day one

Entrance to the Smithsonian "Castle" building.

A court yard with a beautiful fountain, and plenty of shade next to the Smithsonian Institute. We are staying in the shade as much as possible.

In the Space & Aviation Museum.

This is the actual plane the Wright brothers built which made that first historic flight. The original canvas covering the frame has been replaced with new, but a piece of the original is on display in a case here.

The Lunar Lander and a tired Dan. We decide to get lunch in the McDonald's, housed in a glass enclosure attached to the building. The ground floor is their traditional fare with an ice cream station, and the top floor serves panninis and wraps as well as various coffee drinks. We order a wrap & a pannini which are delicious. Now that we have had something to eat and a short rest we feel better.

The American Indian Museum. No square corners. The customs of the various native cultures were researched when designing this building so that it would be in harmony with all the tribes included in the displays.

Fountain & creek at the American Indian Museum. The museum covers natives from all of the Americas. This is a new building, completed in 2003. It also has a cafeteria with menus from several cultures in the Americas. It is tempting to take off the sandals and step into the water in the heat we are experiencing today.

One of the Globe art pieces in the Gardens.

First Ladies Fountain in the Botanical Gardens.

We are approaching the Botanical Gardens building from the west side. You can get a glimpse of the glassed enclosure section form here.

The Jungle section.

James Garfield Monument.

We're getting closer.

Capital Building wing on the south side.

At the steps of the Capital. What a huge building, and this shot doesn't include the wings on both sides. This is actually the back of the building.

At the base of the Capital Building. This area is so beautiful. Click on this one to enlarge it so you can see the color of the flowers in the urns along the wall above the fountain.

Caught in the light of the prism in the American Indian museum.

Heading back to the Metro Station. Arts & Industry Building which is closed for remodeling. It is 95 degrees and 50% humidity today (feels like 105). Pretty uncomfortable. It was good to be inside the air conditioned buildings. It will be just as hot, but more humid tomorrow. We'll just have to tuff it out.

We found our way back and stopped at a grocery store on the way. Driving to the Metro Station on our own was not difficult, and we may drive tomorrow instead of taking the shuttle from the camp ground.