With a Cherry (Blossom) on Top
Late March in the DMV is pretty much like many spots on the East Coast, with weather temps going from the 30’s to the 80’s and freeze warnings following heat advisories within the same 24 hours. So, it’s not surprising that it’s difficult to predict what day will begin the peak bloom period for the cherry tree of Washington’s Tidal Basin. Thus, I was stunned to hear the news report that the morning I had scheduled to visit the Washington National Cathedral had been declared the beginning of peak season!
What was even better was that the route Google Maps gave me to drive to the National Cathedral (see the dark blue route indicated on the map above) took me through the heart of the florid display, from the Washington Monument to the northern edge of the Tidal Basin.
I took advantage of every stoplight and the light traffic–the announcement had only been out a brief time, so folk hadn’t flooded into the area yet–to take as many pictures as I could. One of my favorites is this one of the monument with its base completely hidden by blossoms. A few of the rest will be included at the end of this post, and the remainder are at https://singin1.click/piwigo/index.php?/category/Seein-the-DMV-Cherry-Blossoms-National-Cathedral-032626 along the usual map detail where each picture was taken.
Touring the Washington National Cathedral
March 26th was the Thursday before Palm Sunday, so the National Cathedral vestments were the purple of Lenten season.
I had chosen to take their self-guided tour although that meant missing the information provided by the individual guides. I felt, though, that I could move about at my own leisure and give attention to the places I chose. Also, their Website provided extensive information, and I overheard a couple of different tour guides as they brought their groups close by. From one, in fact, I learned the cause of the extensive construction underway in the rear portions of the cathedral. Seems there was a rare, major earthquake in the Washington area on August 23, 2011. Nearly 15 years later, the work continues. I didn’t hear any information about a projected completion date.
I entered the cathedral from their accessible doorway and quickly observed the enormous Sanctuary. Its beauty should have inspired some sacred, profound thought in me; instead, I instantly recall the scene from the 2000’s television series, The West Wing, where fictional president Josiah Bartlet crushed out a cigarette in anger.
The staff person who scanned my ticket suggested I start my tour with the windows on the 7th floor, which provides one of the highest–although I thought she said the highest–scenic views of the DMV available. Fortunately, my timing was excellent because not only were the views from the windows that circled the floor clear, but there was little other foot traffic to maneuver around.
My next stop was the gift shop, where I purchased a snow globe and fridge magnet of the cathedral, then I later returned to view the Lego version of the building I’d missed the first time. I made my way slowly through the Sanctuary, taking pictures of the numerous stained glass windows and listening to a tour guide tell the story about one set that portrayed the Garden of Eden. While parts of the Sanctuary were closed to the public, I was able to get a couple of selfies there, including one with the large, circular stained glass window in the background, as well as the detailed masonry used in the creation of the pulpit and lectern.
Following the earlier suggestions, I next went downstairs to the Crypt, where there were smaller chapels that had served as worship spaces while the cathedral was originally under construction. I was particularly interested in the colorful panels, organs, and beautiful edifices. Among the paintings in the lower level was a copy of Raphael’s Madonna di San Sisto.
It was getting late, and I wanted a last look at the Sanctuary before tourists were asked to leave. I really wanted to know what it was like to sing there, and I was fortunate to return in time to hear a choral rehearsal taking place. I didn’t recognize the music they were singing, but I’m guessing it was in preparation for the upcoming Palm Sunday worship service. Some of the music they practiced was with organ, so I walked around until I located the instrument and a nearby children’s chapel.
The last thing I was able to photograph inside the Sanctuary was the series of state flags that lined its upper area. While several would have been captured while I was taking pictures of the stained glass windows earlier, this time I specifically wanted a picture of the first thirteen United States flags.
I had heard there was a garden nearby, but I had been walking for hours by then, and I was supposed to attend the Ladysmith Black Mambazo concert at Strathmore Music Center that evening. I did get several pictures of both the sections of the cathedral under construction and of its front. A lady who was walking her dog was kind enough to take several of me standing there, too.
After getting some dinner at a drive-through, I did get to Strathmore, but I couldn’t generate enough energy to make the walk to my seat in the music hall. I sat in SB, ate my dinner, and read a book until I finally steered my way home.
My loss, I’m sure, even though I had heard them live in concert several years ago when they visited Grinnell College.
Below are some of the pictures from the day. The rest are available at https://singin1.click/piwigo/index.php?/category/Seein-the-DMV-Cherry-Blossoms-National-Cathedral-032626
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