We arrived last Wednesday after leaving the marina at Colonial Beach. Our trip up the Potomac was uneventful. There was no wind to speak of and the river was like glass. We motored along enjoying the vistas of wide water and treed lined banks. We didn't pass one other boat along the way. We enjoyed seeing Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) up on the hillside and were excited to see the Wilson Bridge come into view. The old bridge was demolished and a new one built several years ago and now Spunky can fit under the span without having to arrange a midnight opening. We arrived earlier than espected and entered the channel to find it almost empty with only 2 other boats anchored. The next morning we took the dinghy into the Gang Plank Marina and signed up for the use of their showers, laundry and dock. Their facilities are a little primitive but ok. We took a shower and were shocked to only have cold water. Seems that the laundry had been in constant use and all the hot water was used up. We talked about moving up to the Capital Yacht Club which is more expensive but nicer but we were already paid up for 3 days so we waited and our next shower experience was much warmer so we have decided to stay where we were. There is a Safeway market and a metro stop only two blocks away so it is a good location.
On Saturday we met son John to watch the Washington Irish Old Boys Rugby Match and had dinner with daughter Haley in the evening. Sunday we took the metro into VA to have dinner with son Mike and daughter-in-law Jo and granddaughter Alaina. It was so good to see them all and catch up on everyones life.
Today, Monday, we took the metro to the metro sales office and purchased our long term senior travel cards. It is neat and we can add money to the cards as we need. It works on all the transit in the area so we can use it when we travel into VA. We have found their is one bus that goes from Annapolis to DC twice a day so when we take Spunky to Annapolis to have work done we will be able to get back into the city. We visited the Museum of American History today to see the presentation on Thomas Jefferson and slavery. It was very well done. Tomorrow we plan to go to the National Art Gallery to see the Miro exhibit. It is fun being a tourist and so much to see. We are hoping to visit the Newseum while we are here as well.
We are anchored next to Hains Point here in the channel. On the other side of Hains Pt. is National Airport and so we hear all the jets taking off during the day. On our side of the channel is where all the helicopters fly over all day long I assume going from the Pentagon to the White House or other meeting places. They fly over constantly and very low to the water. John thinks he saw the President's helicopter fly over last week. I get concerned that they are not going to see our mast at night so I make John turn it on early. It is really lovely here and we can see the top of the Washington Monument from where we are anchored.
We are looking forward to seeing all the sights in the next few weeks. There is such a great energy in the city.
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