Sightseeing with Friends - Day Three

Two days on our own and now it was time to be treated to a guided tour. Our new friends Jim and Madelien picked us up at 8 a.m. Sunday for a drive to the National Mall. Parking was free, available and close to our destination - the Lincoln Memorial. On the way we visited the Vietnam Wall, which is one of the most visited memorials on the mall. Seeing the names in simple display is a powerful and meaningful tribute to the sacrifice of noble servicemen. Lincoln's statue enclosed with majestic columns is unsurpassed by the many other representations of this great president. From there we passed and viewed the Korean War Memorial on our way to FDR's and Jefferson's, returning by way of the WWII Memorial and a hot dog stand on Constitution Avenue near our parking spot. Next we drove down to East Potomac Park at Hains Point where we stopped to view "The Awakening," a statue of body parts representing a giant emerging from the ground - a facinating work of art in a rather bizarre fashion. From there we went north on the Potomac to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for a view of the Great Falls and the old Canal Tavern and lock house. Though the water levels were down from lack of rain the rapids were still flowing sufficient to attract several kayak enthusiasts. It was interesting to see the preserved locks and the canal barge replica awaiting replacement for operational demonstrations. We ended the day with chinese takeout and several games of Train dominoes. Our thanks to Jim and Madeliene for a great day to remember of our vacation 2006,