Days 38-43

Wow!  We have seen so much lately, it's hard to choose what to share with all of you!

The last time I posted our daily photos we were in Raleigh, NC, just about to leave for the Outer Banks.  The Outer Banks is basically a large sandbar(s) on the coast of North Carolina.  They are about 2.5 hours away by ferry (roughly 30 miles) & they protect the mainland from hurricanes; although they are known as North Carolina's "Graveyard", because they get the brunt of all the storms & have a history of many shipwrecks, they are absolutely gorgeous & well-known, aka a bit touristy.
We set off in the afternoon to the southern-most town of Ocracoke.  The ferry was long & hot, actually pretty miserable, but the views: amazing!

Day 38: On the road to the Outer Banks, NC.  Here Bailey is showing off her personal air conditioner, a wet bandanna.  

We saw all the local sites of the islands, not hard to do considering some parts of the sandbar are less than a mile wide!  Below is the most famous of the many lighthouses on the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  Crazily enough, this lighthouse has been moved from its original location, while still intact.  I'm sure it was no easy feat to move the tallest brick lighthouse in America!!

Day 39: Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  

After too many days & nights of sweltering heat & humidity, paired with the constant bombarding of biting flies & mosquitoes, we finally paid for a peaceful night in a hotel.  Unfortunately when you get a hotel at the last moment, you don't always find a pet-friendly hotel...We had to sneak Bailey into the room by stuffing her into our duffel bag!  She was such a good girl though & never made one peep!

Night 39: Newport News, VA.  Our Stowaway.

Ahhh...One of my favorite cities in America!!  We finally made it to Washington DC after lots of hours on the road & truthfully lots of arguments, too.  (Life on the road it not easy.)  We finally got to stretch our legs though & had a wonderful long walk to the White House.  Because of the high humidity that evening, the three of us happened upon an almost empty sidewalk in front of this landmark.  Such a site!!

Day 40: Washington DC.  

Having traveled to DC before, I insisted our first day should include the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum.  I just love how you walk through the doors & see full-size planes hanging above you!  There is so much history at all the Smithsonians--where else can you stand next to a Hubble telescope, then see one of Amelia Earhart's record-setting planes?

Day 41: Air & Space Museum, Washington DC.

Our final day in DC began with a sobering tour of Arlington Cemetery.  We watched the Changing of the Guards twice & Mike was amazed at the precision of the Army men: every step between three men is synchronized with utmost accuracy & its unreal that they perform this ceremony 365 days a year, 24/7.

Day 42: The Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

After a crazy thunderstorm, which thankfully we did not get stuck in, we ventured out late in the evening to walk the memorials.  We probably arrived at the World War II Memorial around 10:30 at night & we were surprised how many couples & families were still out as well.  The paths connecting the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial are so well lit & with secret servicemen constantly roaming around, one feels so safe.  Plus, with the lighting & the lack of crowds, nighttime seems like the ideal time for such a stroll.
Below, one of Mike's favorites..

Night 42: The Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC.

With so many wonderful things to see, Mike & I have decided to make a separate trek back to Washington in the near future.  Although we saw a lot in our two days, I know we missed too many sites.
Mike made a really good point about DC that I want to share with you all: Every American needs to come visit this wonderful city.  The endless history, the memorials, the architecture...everything in this city makes you want to learn more about your country & the key people & events that have made the world what it is today.  Please, please, plan a trip with your family!!


After tearing ourselves away from DC, we made the not so long trip to Philadelphia.  After seeing so much in DC, I have to say I didn't find Philly as exciting as I thought I would.  Maybe I have a biased opinion though...I did get yelled & honked at one too many times.  Hmmm, the City of Brotherly Love really doesn't have much love for Californians.
And hence the photo of the drive to Philly instead:

Day 43: On the road to Philadelphia, PA.  A fellow Silver Eurovaner!!

And the next post, New York & beyond, with some special guests...