The location for our sub-arctic jaunt was the US National Arboretum. Yes, they have one. It's 400 acres in size and has trees. Lots of them, sometimes close together and sometimes separated by grassy areas. Hannah's been wanting to go since we arrived in DC like the thrill-seeking adrenaline junky she is.
To be fair, there were some non-tree bits, including the National Herb Garden (yes, they have one too), and a bonsai collection that was rather fascinating and calming, while allowing me to feel huge. Sadly we missed the National Boxwood Collection - "Few plants exude elegance like boxwood" says the brochure. Indeed.
After lunch it was time to thaw out, and wouldn't you know that Washington's premier gin distillery was just around the corner!? Green Hat Gin is named after the man who delivered spirits to the senators on Capital Hill during prohibition. Corruption in American politics is nothing new, but you can forgive anyone for wanting gin. Their "Navy Strength" variety, running at 57%, is especially warming. A freezing picnic and gin at lunchtime - two British traditions in one day.
Exciting stuff.
Miniature versions of bigger things.
Pete wanted to take a photo of us so I let him. Unfortunately he made the fatal technical error of cutting off the subject's feet, not to mention going for too-small an aperture thus increasing depth of field and drawing the eye from the point of focus. I had no choice but to give him a time out.
This bonsai has been around since 1625. OK, that's impressive.
It's freezing, why not splash in a pond?
Learning about herbs. Juniper, coriander, angelica, etc.
I was feeling a little chili by this point.
These columns used to be outside the Capitol Building, and were the backdrop to Abraham Lincoln's inauguration (and many others). Now they're here, which is a bit surreal.
Even trees need protection, especially from toddlers.
Fighting to get our seats in the picnic area.
And now I am happy.
