Edwin got up early this morning to metro downtown with a friend to see the cherry blossoms. They peaked a few days earlier, but they did not disappoint. I know because he showed me his photos, and also because he inspired me to make a trip to Tidal Basin, myself.
I parked at Gravelly Point and did a six-mile loop: along the river, over the newly repaired Memorial Bridge, up the sidewalk by the Reflecting Pool, and finally over to the Tidal Basin. The crowds were nowhere near as thick as in previous years, which I attributed to COVID, of course, but also to the fact that it was 9:00 AM on Easter Sunday.
As I dodged family clusters, stuck to clear areas, and intermittently pulled my mask up and down, I reached a spot that made me put the brakes on. The branches formed an arch over the sidewalk, the pink and white blossoms hopeful against the pale blue and white sky. I saw an opening and slid in under the branches, walking with my face tilted upward. When the row of trees broke, I cut away from the banks and headed toward the 14th Street Bridge and back across the river.
I don’t know how I came so close to missing them this year, but I sure am thankful I managed to make the short trip downtown.
Here are some photos Edwin took this morning:
My Corner of the Village 