OBX (Days 21-24)

We left DC and drove down through Maryland and Delaware to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Some readers may remember that as the area where the Wright Brothers first flew.

At the visitors center there was a monument to the history of flight, from that first one up to the last few years.


It was about lunch time when we got there, so we went and ate lunch. We were not yet to our destination, but the ocean was right there next to the place we ate.





That was pretty much a preview of what we would do for the duration of our stay, play in the 80 degree water of the Atlantic Ocean.

But first, we made a stop at the place where the two brothers first flew.


These markers represent their first flights. What was really cool about going to this place was that we had seen the actual plane they flew at the National Air & Space museum 2 days before. I didn't add any photos of that visit because the camera battery died.

Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like the power of the ocean!




The section of the Outer Banks where we stayed was only about 400 yards wide. We were able to see sunrise and sunset out over the ocean.

We also visited America's tallest lighthouse at Cape Hatteras.


Body surfing can beat you up a bit!

Among the fun stuff at the ocean, Andrew got to do a little bit of 'Boogie Boarding'.



We will definitely go back!

DC part 5

We went to the National Zoo. It was a really good zoo. The cool thing about Washington DC is that all of the museums and the zoo are FREE! Each of these attractions are also better than the ones you pay for anywhere else in the country.


The kids loved watching the otters! They seem so happy and carefree! There are several of them in the enclosure, and they seem to enjoy one another's company. Groups of people might learn something about interaction from watching otters.

This was the vicious, man-eating Panda.

I think this one actually would eat a person if given the opportunity.

Look daddy, a flutterby!

Andrew loved the reptiles and amphibians.


Abigail is going to make a suit of armor out of animal parts and use this pelvis as her mask!


That little kid looks tasty!


Andrew has become a fan of staged photos!

Anything Andrew does, Abigail must do!

When a Tiger looks at you, you know it would kill you. They just have a piercing stare that says, "you are lucky I can't get to you!"


When Andrew gets angry or frustrated, he skowls with his eyebrows, purses his lips, and folds his arms. When we saw this photo, we recognized it as a near ringer for 'angry Andrew'. Brenda came up with the name "An-grilla".


We thoroughly enjoyed DC, and will go back some time!

DC part 4

My main goal in visiting Washington DC was to visit the National Museum of the American Indian. I really appreciated this opportunity, and it was a very personal experience. It affected my thinking on issues of race, religion, and heritage.



I know the guy who carved this totem, he lives and works in my hometown.

Funny.


Native creation mythology tells that Raven brought light to the world.

Both the sun and the moon.

My grandmother told me about this.

Where did the term "Indian Giver" come from? The one's who couldn't keep their word were many of the early presidents of the United States. Theft, exploitation, and genocide...plain and simple.




The first woman sculptor to have permanent work included in Washington DC. A Native American woman whose art will be outside the NMAI.

DC part 3

We visited the Capitol building.




The dome of the Capitol Rotunda is truly impressive.

There are hundreds of sculptures of important American historical figures in the Capitol.

The old senate meeting room.


The corridors in the House of Representatives wing have these cool murals painted on the ceiling.


Many of the great events of US history are captured.
The back side.


The botanical garden is right next to the Capitol.



What beauty in that 'Mona Lisa' smile!






A preview of what is to come...
And a look back at where we have been!