End of the blossoms

This past weekend saw the last of the famous cherry blossoms here in Washington. Despite that, the crowds must have been record breaking as I've never seen so many people. Lets blame the gorgeous weather!

At the top you saw the Washington Memorial reflected in the tidal basin, surrounded by the beautiful pink blossoms. On the mall across from the Jefferson memorial, many families had set up picnic blankets: such a great idea!

Sadly, the primary walkway surrounding the Tidal Basin seems to have structural problems and will hopefully be fixed in the upcoming year. Signs posted occasionally warned of that fact. The walk is sinking into the water! See it dip down into the basin on the right hand side?

Here is a pretty closeup of a cherry blossom branch. I think I like the end of the cycle best, when some green leaves are grown for contrast.

I think everything is prettier when framed by the blossoms. This year, fewer paddle boats seemed to be out on the water, despite the beautiful weather, but you see one above.

The Roosevelt memorial, probably my favorite here in DC, was a little less crowded than other parts of the Tidal Basin. The quote from Roosevelt above reads:

Men and Nature must work hand in hand. The throwing out of balance of the resources of Nature throws out of balance also the lives of men.

One of the many fountains. If you haven't been to the Roosevelt Memorial, make sure your first visit is at night or dusk, when it is dramatically lit through the water.