Well, all that walking sure made it hard to get out of bed yesterday. I was sore to the core, as they say. Or maybe they never said that at all, but I did. And what should happen next? 23,745 steps. That’s equivalent to about 9 miles. Can’t remember ever doing that.
After some breakfast provided by our esteemed ladies in the house, I assisted in gently awakening the younger generation. And by “gently” I mean there may or may not have been tickling and/or full-on DadDad-type “snuggling” involved. It took a while - that’s you, Josiah - but all made it to breakfast and out the door. Not necessarily in that order.
We switched gears this time. Rode the metro underground instead of driving. Took a bit to figure it out, but I’d say we did OK.
Only once did we get on the wrong train and turn right around and depart before the doors closed.
On tap for this extra-long day:
Arlington National cemetery, where we missed a turn walking on the way back to the front gate. Extra steps.
The kids (and Chris, of course) all got their National Park stamps
We made our way first to the eternal flame over the grave of John F. Kennedy. Pretty serious moment, and I got to tell the story to the kids about where I was when I heard the news of the assassination.
Next we stopped at the Arlington House. There we learned some fascinating history about how that house has connections from George Washington all the way to Robert E. Lee.
Our final stop in the cemetery was the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. That is always a somber time. Chris explained some of the symbolism involved in the performance.
After that we headed toward the front gate. Or so we thought. We actually got a bit lost. We had good reason, though. The trail we were supposed to take was temporarily closed. One of the seven funeral services scheduled for the day was taking place. Full honors, including horse drawn caisson, 21 gun salute, military band, and taps. The guns, in particular, were stunning for the tourists who weren’t expecting it.
We hopped on the train again to get us to the National Mall. There
we went to the food court in the Ronald Reagan Federal Customs and Border Control building. I figured ordering a Philly cheese steak would be an adventure. However, I never thought I’d hear myself saying this, but … there just was not enough veggies. Chris devoured a grilled chicken wrap.
That gave us just enough energy to go touch the Washington Monument … literally. We also walked the entire length of the mall. That would be up one side of the reflecting pool starting at the Washington all the way to the Lincoln (and all his steps), then turning around and heading all the way back on the other side.
Speaking of the Lincoln Memorial … there was a report of some back
flippin’ on the National Mall in front of ol’ Honest Abe. That would be you, Josiah. Looking great.
On our trek around the mall, we paid our respects at the memorials for World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars.
We finally made our way back on the train. Kel figured out which ones to get on - almost like a local. So we were on to the house.
Matthew 16:24 says, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Father, help us in our recovery once again from our even longer day of walking. And please keep us safe in Baltimore today. Amen.
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