Summer Trip Stop 1: Washington D.C.

Last fall when I started planning our 2011 travel, I plotted out an elaborate trip to D.C., West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan via plane, train and automobile. I'd even gotten a fancy Washington D.C. map at the Friends of the Library ($0.10). When I presented the plan to Mr. X, he good-naturedly nixed everything but plane and Michigan. (note: We have different vacation styles - I like to cram, cram, cram. Mr. X prefers down time.)

I was very surprised when two weeks before we were to leave for Michigan, Mr. X agreed to tack on a D.C. leg to visit his brother and family. Sweet!

Day 1) National Aquarium and Inner Harbor, Washington D.C. Temple

Day 2) Union Station, US Capital, US Botanic Garden, Museum of American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, Zaytinya restaurant, D.C. bike share, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, White house from Pennsylvania Ave, Old Post Office Tower, and since the headlines screamed: "Heat Index 115" and "Freakish Humidity" a water fight in the back yard.

Day 3) Library of Congress, US Capital, Senate Cafeteria, Post Office Museum

We enjoyed playing with our nephews - even if Mr. X totally ruled CandyLand- , eating fabulous food and I enjoyed seeing so many historic places.

July 4th

On Sunday, the third we wandered over to Point Louisa for just a little walk. While we inspected some tidepools, two young brothers hiked by, set down their tackle and cast into the water. On the second or third cast, the six year old reeled in a big one.

Mr. X looked at me. I looked at Mr. X and said together, "We can do that".

On the Fourth we packed up some snacks, reading material and Mr. X's tackle. On Mr. X's third cast he caught a salmon. He was fishing from an awkward rock, though, so before I could get to him, the fish jerked it's way off the line.

With the surf pounding in, we relocated to a less steep approach. Again, Mr. X caught a salmon. Before I had a chance to open my book or enjoy those snacks, Mr. X was beating a line for the car.

We had a tasty fish fry for our Fouth of July dinner. In fact, we had fish all week because we realized we'd caught a Chum - which are fabulous for cavier but less great frozen. Pan fried, curried, tacos all week. Yum.