Now it is decision time. We wanted to see the Jefferson Memorial but looking at the map I can see it probably is not as close at it looks (we can see it through the trees though). What the heck, let's go for it. *** Walk, walk, walk. We soon leave all the other tourists behind. Walk, walk, walk. Now we are to the edge of the reflecting pool and can see it across the otherside. I have to stop and get a picture. I setup the tripod, and start to fiddle endlessly with settings. Even in my "camera transe" as Ryan calls it, I hear the rumblings of discontent... that's ok, I just concentrate harder and am soon back in CT mode. After getting a decent shot, I notice I've been left behind.
Walk, walk, walk. This is starting to feel a lot like a hike to Mount LeConte. Walk, walk, walk, Kyle is mumbling something about "not caring, I'm going to go back". I try to explain that we are just about exactly half way around and it is just as short to keep going (not sure if I'm fooling even myself much less him). Walk, walk, walk. We pass through some nifty monument with lots of waterfalls. We don't remember nor really care at this point what/who it is for (it was cool though). *** At last we arrive. Our walk is rewarded with a nearly empty monument. We do a Chevy Chase Vacation style glance around the interior and realize we better get moving or we will miss the last Metro. *** After attending to blisters (always carry bandages and moleskin for this). we are on our way again. Kyle actually seems rejuvenated a bit and I try to keep him distracted by playing "find a food" - taking turns coming up with foods that start with each letter of the alphabet. No doubt a subconscious appeal by my stomach for food. The rest of the hike is a bit of a blur. I remember we got back with about 10 minutes to spare. I also vaguely remember hitting the CVS and buying ice cream, Frutopia, and anything else that looked wet, cold, or both.
We head out bright and early so we can take a tour of the Burea of Engraving. Not surprisingly, we get there and the tickets are all gone. Looking inside the booth we notice a piece of paper that was taped to the glass but had fallen off. It says more tickets will be available in the afternoon. A-ha! Maybe no one else will see the paper. We find out from a guard that more tickets will indeed be available at 3:30.
