Based on the latest news I’ve seen, the DC Cherry Blossoms are forecasted to hit peak bloom this afternoon, with prime viewing lasting at least throughout the weekend.
It’s always difficult for me to decide whether or not to go see them, because as soon as they start blooming my allergies go into overdrive and meandering through the Tidal Basin only makes it worse.
But we missed them last year while we were living in Brazil, and in the five years that I’ve lived in the district I had never seen them in their full glory – until last night.
It was a crazy hectic day getting ready to fly to Oklahoma to visit my family (we’re currently en route, I’m writing this from the plane!) but after much waffling back and forth we decided to head that way just before sundown.
While they were not quite in peak bloom yet, they were pretty darn close, and the weather was perfect.
Although it was rush hour on a week night, crowds were in full effect, and we all gathered around the water to take in the gorgeous sunset.
It’s highly unlikely that I’ll live in DC forever, so it’s important to me to have these experiences while they’re so accessible. People fly from all over the world to see these blooms, but we’re lucky enough to have them in our own backyard.
We couldn’t stay long because although I swallowed a couple of Benadryl before heading out, my ears started to throb and my throat felt constricted after only a few minutes amongst the trees.
Of course, we took the little guy, our favorite little tourist. Tom’s finger placement was unintentional, by the way.
It was a rush job trying to fit this activity into an already busy evening, but the peaceful images we captured were more than worth it.
I love this city!
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These are great photos! And I hope you have a wonderful time in Oklahoma for Easter. When is the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. this year? Easter Weekend? Or sometime in April? It would be great to read more about that if you are around for it at all!
It’s started already and there are events for several upcoming weekends, although I think the blossoms may be starting to fall from the trees. I’m hoping to make it back down there at least one more time this season 🙂
Beautiful photos! I love DC, but especially this time of year–something about the intersection of natural beauty (which is always fleeting) and those permanent monuments to history is very moving. I find myself thinking of all the seasons those monuments have weathered . . . kind of mind-blowing, when you pause to consider that.
So beautifully stated Pam, and you’re so right, it’s a magical time to be in D.C.
I love Springtime in DC! So beautiful!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Oh my! This is gorgeous. Can’t imagine how the place will look on full bloom. Would like to witness the event one day.
It’s definitely worth the pilgrimage. I highly recommend visiting!
these photos are so beautiful – i am OBSESSED with cherry blossoms and would love to visit DC one year to see them (I was there in February but obviously that was too early). we have them sprout up here in NYC in several parks and i absolutely love them.
Thanks Allison! I bet they’re gorgeous in NYC too!
Thank you for braving your allergies and going anyway. I love cherry blossoms and these photos made me smile from ear to ear.