Seeing the Cherry Blossoms, again and again

Just a quick note regarding seeing the cherry blossoms this year. These days COVID is affecting everything, even blossom viewing. The National PArk Service is strongly discouraging people from mobbing the Tidal Basin, and they've even closed off some roads. Still, I managed to make four trips to see cherry blossoms, without once visiting the Tidal Basin.

First, when the blossoms started to hit peak I did a solo kayak trip out of Columbia Island. The water was still cold, so it was a full drysuit kind of affair. Also, because I was by myself I kept it pretty safge. I paddled along the DC shore up to Georgetown, then headed back via the Boundary Channel (navigable an hour past high tide thanks to a full moon tide).

Second, Valerie and I went to the National Arboretum, where there are lots of lovely flowwring trees, including cherry trees - and few crowds. The arboretum's buildings were closed, but the place was otherwise wide open.

Third, I did a group paddle with Chesapeake Paddler's Association. Ralph led about half a dozen people. We crossed the Potomac to the Tidal Gates, then headed down around Haines Point to National Harbor. On the way back the wind kicked up (not forecast!), resulting in rough and confused waters. Wind-driven waves, including clapotis reflections off of the Haines Point seawall, plus boat wakes made for a challenging paddling environment. No waves were over 2 ft., but the fact that they saeemed to be coming from every which direction kept me on my toes.

Finally, I led a bike trip for the Arlington 55+ bike group. Thirteen of us met at Barcroft Community Center, and took trails to the 14th St. bridge. We went over the bridge and did a loop around Haines Point. Unfortunately, by this point the blossoms were well past peak - but then again, so were the riders.

Even in a pandemic, it's possible to see the blossoms if you do it right!

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