My trip to DC was a walking on cement for many miles each day kind of trip. I knew that I was in for a big change from my sandy haven on Dauphin Island, and I was prepared: good, warm walking shoes and heavy socks with extra padding. The shoes, really zip-up, waterproof leather booties, are a holdover from my days in frigid climates.  I ordered them a half-size larger so I could wear up to two layers of wool socks. That was the setup on cold days – say minus 20 –  without deep snow, but they worked perfectly for late winter days on the National Mall. Days spent walking miles and miles.

Because I knew in advance that this would be a city trip and because trees were brown and leafless, I apparently turned off my plant, rock, and bird alert system. I was so preoccupied by all the architecture (modern, neo-classical, post modern, blobitecture), I didn’t even miss flora and fauna. Scandalous! The world of gray cement had invaded my soul without me knowing. Nearly zombified. 

The flora and fauna missed me, or so it seems. On my last day on the Mall, two members of the natural world grabbed my attention. First, tucked in near the giant exterior walls and under an overhang at the Air and Space Museum, I saw a blooming cherry tree. That might not seem odd, except that the famous cherry trees are further down the mall and not ready to bloom, even though the gift shops have out their cherry blossom souvenirs. However, this one tree was in full bloom. Clearly, it received extra heat from reflected from the huge wall, or it was another variety of cherry tree. Regardless, it was blooming while everything else was brown. A feisty loner.

Not much later, as I walked through the outdoor garden towards the indoor National Botanic Garden, a robin caught my eye! The robins are back in DC.! The robins are back! That is always a momentous occasion, when the robins return anywhere. The migration starts earlier over there, and I enjoyed the early thrill. I also enjoyed the gentle reboot of my internal nature chimes, since I am heading back to my tiny home near the beach and bird sanctuary. At least for a few more days before I start the slow trek west and north.

By the way, no more naked men but I did see a Picasso, works by Van Gogh, Miro, Warhol and much more.