National Cherry Blossom Festival 2008! Come On Down, Y'all!

[SuzyView]

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390

March 29 - April 13 - better earlier than later. How about the first Monday and Friday? Meet at 9 or so and have lunch around 11:30, then walk to the gardens or the White House gardens? We can also get lunch in a bag and eat in from of the Jefferson.

[JimAskew]

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390

March 29 - April 13 - better earlier than later. How about the first Monday and Friday? Meet at 9 or so and have lunch around 11:30, then walk to the gardens or the White House gardens? We can also get lunch in a bag and eat in from of the Jefferson.

Suzie,

Count me in :) We will have to keep a "weather eye" for the peak forecast and try to meet as close to that date as possible. Last year was simply spectacular!

[Jon]

I'm around. I think it'll work.

[SuzyView]

Great. We need to get a hold of Mark in Maryland, Dave Perry, Ron here in Lake Ridge. I think John is around here as well.

I thought last year's blossoms and weather were perfect.

[Jon]

. . . and Rick.

[stathunter]

I would love to do it.....will anyone pick me up from the Airport?

[SuzyView]

Reagan is right around the corner from the Capitol. Just walk! :)

[Rhilton4u]

The Cherry Blossom Parade will be on Saturday, April 12th 10AM to Noon.

[Rhilton4u]

I would love to do it.....will anyone pick me up from the Airport?Take Metro rail To Smithsonian station then a healthy 15 min walk from there to the Jefferson Memorial.

http://www.mcnews.info/mcnewsinfo/marines/2006/20061ST/features/images/features1c.jpg

[Jon]

I would love to do it.....will anyone pick me up from the Airport?Which one? Dulles, National or BWI? National's a half dozen Metro stops. Dulles is out there (taxi, bus, or car). MARC runs train service between BWI and downtown DC.

[elader]

I am in .

[SuzyView]

Wonderful. Let's set a date.

[Jon]

Friday the 4th?

[SuzyView]

That sounds good. I will probably go on Monday as well if it peaks early.

[Jon]

It's my compressed day off, so I'll have the full day. Leave's getting burnt up this year. I just barely have enough coming in for my plans through October.

[Hinson]

Hey all, weather (I ride a motorcycle) and health permitting, I'll be there.

[SuzyView]

Great, Hinson! You'll love it! I ride the bus there.

[Hinson]

Suzy, that appears to be a motorcycle jacket you wear in your avatar. Do you ride?

[BottomBracket]

Hey Suzy, all, if I am in the area during that time, you know I would love to go. It's too early to tell yet though. When I am there we used to bike from Mt Vernon to the Mall and back - I have a cousin who lives in Lorton, Va. I may be biking this time, and meet you guys.

[SuzyView]

It isn't for riding, but it is leather, my favorite. I have never been on a motorcycle, believe it or not. I was raised in NYC and it was not the best way to travel, and now that I'm a sensible old mother type, I have a minivan. :)

[Hinson]

It isn't for riding, but it is leather, my favorite. I have never been on a motorcycle, believe it or not. I was raised in NYC and it was not the best way to travel, and now that I'm a sensible old mother type, I have a minivan. :)

LOL..I've never been called 'sensible' so I'll keep riding till the wheels fall off or I fall off, which ever comes first...hehehe.

[stathunter]

Take Metro rail To Smithsonian station then a healthy 15 min walk from there to the Jefferson Memorial.

http://www.mcnews.info/mcnewsinfo/marines/2006/20061ST/features/images/features1c.jpg

Nice photo! If you guys set a date I will check on flights----I have only been to DC in the heat of July.......this sounds fun.

[SuzyView]

Wow, if you are coming to meet us and see the blossoms, that would be great. But get your reservations early as there will be 2 million people here in those 2 weeks.

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/events/eng/event_daily.php3

[Jon]

I've proposed Fri. April 4; we're flexible though.

[grissomchick23]

i'm not going to be able to get off work during the weekdays. :( does anybody else want to brave the crowds and meet up on a weekend?

[jcpoulin]

Suzy...what will it be like from the 20-26th....I will be there for a conference/family vacation? I suppose I will miss the blossoms.

[Jon]

Suzy...what will it be like from the 20-26th....I will be there for a conference/family vacation? I suppose I will miss the blossoms.Of March? They'll at least be budding. NPS will be posting Bloom Watch (http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/national-cherry-blossom-page.htm) shortly, you can track projections then.

[jcpoulin]

I'm sorry...april 20-26.

[SuzyView]

By then the blossoms are all gone, unfortunately, but the gardens around town are beautiful.

[Jon]

And the National Gallery of Art has an exhibit of British calotypes through May 4, after which it heads to Paris. We need to squeeze that in somewhere, Suzie!

[SuzyView]

Sounds good, what are calotypes? :)

[BottomBracket]

Calotypes are the same as Talbotypes, Suzy.

[SuzyView]

Just looked it up. Very interesting. I think I've heard of them before but never seen on up close. Would love to see some.

[BottomBracket]

Lol Suzy! Actually I didn't know what it was until I googled it earlier. It reminds me of a definition that we geologists used to have a kick out of (well, when I was in college a long time ago).

What is a cactolith? "A cactolith is a quasihorizontal chonolith composed of anastomosing ductoliths whose distal ends curl like a harpolith, thin like a sphenolith, or bulge discordantly like an akmolith or ethmolith." ;)

[SuzyView]

Sounds like French to me. :)

[Jon]

Lol Suzy! Actually I didn't know what it was until I googled it earlier. It reminds me of a definition that we geologists used to have a kick out of (well, when I was in college a long time ago).

What is a cactolith? "A cactolith is a quasihorizontal chonolith composed of anastomosing ductoliths whose distal ends curl like a harpolith, thin like a sphenolith, or bulge discordantly like an akmolith or ethmolith." ;)Not something I ran across in my geology studies, I admit. Musta been a local thing . . .

[JimAskew]

i'm not going to be able to get off work during the weekdays. :( does anybody else want to brave the crowds and meet up on a weekend?

The weekend secret is to go very early on the Saturday or Sunday closest to "peak" bloom. My wife and I always drive to Pentagon City Mall and park there and get the 0700 Metro train to the Smithsonian/Mall Exit. You will beat 95% of the tourists this way and have great light to boot :) We usually spend 2 to 3 hours circling the basin stopping all along the way to take the photos we want. Around 1000 we head back to the Pentagon City Mall for a nice brunch.

[SuzyView]

I take my sons sometimes on Sat., very early, if my husband wants to see the blossoms. We drive in and park along the parking areas available. Then we drive around to see the rest of the town. I would probably be going 3 times. The first Monday, the first Friday and then on a Saturday.

[grissomchick23]

Jim and Suzie...thanks so much for the advice! I will definitely be there on the 29th ...early. I also want to stay for the kite festival too. Have POTNerns been to that event in the past? Any good? I've been here less than a year and I'm still learning about all the area has to offer.

If anybody wants to join my husband and I on the 29th, let us know and we'll work out details.:)

[SuzyView]

We went around to see the kites last year as well on Sat. It was wonderful.

[saravrose]

how much fun if I were there on time?... Keep me tagged Suzy and ask me a little bit later...

Sari

[slimninj4]

JIMASKEW that is a great idea. I would like to meet some of you there. It does not matter what day. I missed last years with the bright blue sky and 3 years ago when my wife came to this country we went and it was perfect but all those pics were lost in a HDD crash of 2006.

[SuzyView]

Sari, would love to see you. Also the Maryland crowd. I haven't met very many from Maryland yet. Let's plan on it.

[JimAskew]

JIMASKEW that is a great idea. I would like to meet some of you there. It does not matter what day. I missed last years with the bright blue sky and 3 years ago when my wife came to this country we went and it was perfect but all those pics were lost in a HDD crash of 2006.

Stayed tuned and we can lock in as soon peak bloom is forecasted :)

I love meeting up with POTNers and exchanging ideas, techniques, and lenses to boot :)

[SuzyView]

Icing up the arm tonight. It'll take me a month to figure out what to do with it. Every time I think it feels better, I end up doing too much. So, back with the sling for me. But I should be good with the 5D 17-40 and 70-200 is.

[Jon]

Icing up the arm tonight. It'll take me a month to figure out what to do with it. Every time I think it feels better, I end up doing too much. So, back with the sling for me. But I should be good with the 5D 17-40 and 70-200 is.And a monopod, even the trekking pole.

[SuzyView]

I definitely need it. I went to the Children's Museum on Thursday and took 40 pictures and had to ice the arm all afternoon. It's not doing well.

[aussieskier]

If only I was coming two weeks later :(

[slimninj4]

It does seem too cold right now for the blossoms to be coming out. I am still waiting for that final snow storm that DC gets every year.

[SuzyView]

It is surprising how fast it gets warm in March, though. Before you know it, it will be hot. :)

[slimninj4]

true suzy, last year we got the march snow and the next week it stayed in the 70's

[kvt]

I just wanted to get in on this thread. I am new to the forum, but would love to meet up with you all when the blossoms are in bloom!

[Hinson]

... But I should be good with the 5D 17-40 and 70-200 is.

Suzie; that's all I"m bringing. I figure if I can't get any good images with those two, then two or three more lens ain't gonna help <G>

[SuzyView]

If my arm feels better, I will go both cameras and the two zooms. The 17-40 is such a great lens in the sunlight. I may bring a flash for close up blossom shots. If I have a helper to carry my gear. :)

[Jon]

Park Service has just announced they anticipate peak blooms Mar. 27-April 3. http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/national-cherry-blossom-page.htm

[elader]

Sunday March 30th will be a clusterf**k of a traffic jam in DC if the weather cooperates. I cant wait!

[SuzyView]

The trees in my neighborhood are already getting pink buds, so it'll be soon. I think I may go the first Saturday just to see, drive there very early, maybe get a sunrise shot (probably not) ;). But that first Monday is when I will be going up. It it is really blooming by then, that first Friday may be too late.

[Stefan A]

I am hoping that the blossoms are looking good on the 26th - because that will be my best day. Other than that, the weekend is my only choice.

Stefan

[SuzyView]

So, as it stands, some of us are meeting this Friday at the NASM around 10-11?

[Jon]

Riley and I saw a few cherry trees in pretty much full bloom outside the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden this afternoon.

[SuzyView]

Darn. Did you take any pictures?

[Jon]

'Course! Maybe get to them tomorrow; we had practice tonight.

[MDJAK]

Lol Suzy! Actually I didn't know what it was until I googled it earlier. It reminds me of a definition that we geologists used to have a kick out of (well, when I was in college a long time ago).

What is a cactolith? "A cactolith is a quasihorizontal chonolith composed of anastomosing ductoliths whose distal ends curl like a harpolith, thin like a sphenolith, or bulge discordantly like an akmolith or ethmolith." ;)

Dude, you're scaring me. :lol:

Hmm, you guys doing this on a weekday, huh? I was hoping it would be on a weekend.

me

[Jon]

They're starting to bloom. These were in the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, so a little more sheltered than around the Tidal Basin . . .

[SuzyView]

Anyone want to meet me and my sons at the NASM at the Mall to my friend Carolyn Russo's book signing? She is going to be there 10-1 signing her book of airplane pictures over 20 years working at the NASM. Book is $39.95, so not cheap, but it is a beautiful photography book. She's been a photographer there for so long, she's only on special assignments now.

[b8264d]

I've been in the DC area for eight years and have yet been able to make it to the blossoms. Maybe this is the year I make it? Hopefully the blossoms can wait till I return from Mexico.

[TomC723]

I'll be there on Saturday, April 5th with a few friends. We had already planned on going. Also, my friends sister, and her fiance are coming too (who happen to be clients of mine) so we're scheduled to take a few extra engagement photos. If anyone else is going to be there that day, let me know. Maybe we can at least meet up, say hi, and look at each others photos! :D

[nicksan]

Since we missed full bloom last year, my wife wants to go this year again. But I'll only be able to go on the weekend, probably 03/29 & 03/30.

How are the blossoms looking? Hope they stay on until my trip there!

[SuzyView]

The blossoms here in Northern VA are already getting ready to bloom. So, the target dates of next weekend are good. Hope you can make it.

[ooo]

Looking forward to the pictures next week =)

[SuzyView]

Blooms are looking good. Kite flying is the first Sat., which is March 29. But I fear the blossoms are coming out Friday, so I'm off to DC again on Friday, 3rd in a row. If so, anyone want to meet me at the boat launch Friday at around 8:45 a.m.? Otherwise, I will probably try to make it to the beginning of the kites. I got a nice one to have my kids try to fly. I actually collect kites of all kinds and love flying them. :)

[nicksan]

I just checked hotel rooms and man they are pricey...$250+.
Can anyone recommend a nice and economical place to stay?:D

My wife really wants to go next weekend...so I am thinking drive down there after work on Friday (5 hours from NYC...= 11pm arrival...:() then spend Saturday and part of Sunday hanging out there.

But at $250 a night, I might cancel my plans. I just came back from my vacation so I'm not in any mood to shell out another $500 in hotels!

[SuzyView]

If you can stay in VA near a metro, the cost would be much less. Try Springfield.

[TomC723]

I agree with Suzy.... stay outside of DC, then drive in the next morning... you'll save a bunch of money. ;)

[newbietoslr]

I just checked hotel rooms and man they are pricey...$250+.
Can anyone recommend a nice and economical place to stay?:D

My wife really wants to go next weekend...so I am thinking drive down there after work on Friday (5 hours from NYC...= 11pm arrival...:() then spend Saturday and part of Sunday hanging out there.

But at $250 a night, I might cancel my plans. I just came back from my vacation so I'm not in any mood to shell out another $500 in hotels!


Try this place. I know it it very well as I used to be the GM there. Whenever I go back to DC, usually every couple of months, I stay there.

http://www.comfortinn.com/ires/en-US/html/RoomAvailability?hotel=VA090&sid=6bzT.iRB9mg14Lg.5&sarea=84878&sname=Falls+Church&sstate=VA&scountry=US&sradius=40.22&slat=38.88242721557617&slon=-77.17115020751953&schain=A&exp=&scity=Falls+Church&sort=&type=&map=n&month=3&day=28&depart_month=3&depart_day=30&nroom=1&nadult1=1&nchild1=0&nadult2=1&nchild2=0&nadult3=1&nchild3=0&nadult4=1&nchild4=0&nadult5=1&nchild5=0


They have a free shuttle van that goes to the local metro. Then you can take the subway to the Mall.

Also, I would book it soon if I was you. The hotels in the area usually sell out by Tue or Wed for next weekend due to the blossoms.

[SuzyView]

There will be 100,000 people at the Tidal Basin every day of the festival.

[Stefan A]

I will be there on Wednesday the 26th. I am staying over the night before so I can get there early. Is there a good vantage point for a sunrise shot?

Stefan

[Maureen Souza]

We already had our blossoms.... still have a few. I love shooting this springtime of year.....have FUN everyone!

[Stefan A]

Great shots. I am praying for blue skies like that.

Stefan

[SuzyView]

We're having forecast for rain, unfortunately. But if you are going on Wednesday, keep posting. The sun will come up on the side of the Washington Monument, as that is east of the Basin.

[SuzyView]

Beautiful shots, Maureen. I am so excited. The blooms are all over VA already.

[SuzyView]

Bloom forecast here

http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/national-cherry-blossom-page.htm

March 27 to April 3. So, anyone coming on Friday will catch it. April 4, it may be too late. Sat. I can't come, but if you guys want to get together on the weekend, I can't make it.

[Stefan A]

According to accuweather, rain late Wednesday. Partly sunny and 64 all day. I hope MY weather is right and yours is wrong :). The day I spent there last year was rainy/drizzly and overcast. I won't go if it rains again.

Stefan

[Stefan A]

Does that live web cam work for anybody? Not me.

Stefan

[SuzyView]

Yes, I just saw the update on my weather site. It's going to be fine. I don't think I can meet you on Wednesday, so have a great time. Maybe one of the other guys can meet you for early morning shooting.

[nicksan]

Looks like we aren't going to have ideal weather on the weekend.
Oh well...I guess I better plan for next year!

[Jon]

I agree with Suzy.... stay outside of DC, then drive in the next morning... you'll save a bunch of money. ;)
Don't drive. There's not much parking near the Mall, and they're closing the lot on the Tidal Basin for the duration of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Metro, as Suzie said, or try across the river in Rosslyn.

[SuzyView]

I know that the news people had a huge story yesterday about that parking lot being closed, the one by the boat launch. It is a hazard for traffic, as Jon and I both know. So, I am taking public transportation in. Friday is a yes and maybe Monday now. I am hoping to get the bus both times, but if not, I will try the metro.

[Stefan A]

Is the 26th considered part of the festival? I was planning on parking there at the paddle boats because I am going to arrive pretty early.

Stefan

[grissomchick23]

it's been a while since I've posted, but I wanted to throw an invitation again to any POTNers to join me and the DC/Baltimore/ Nova strobists for a shoot Saturday March 29th at 0630 in the morning. I've got 3 models lined up and 5 confirmed photographers that will be there. All the details can be found on our flickr group. http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcbaltimorestrobist/discuss/72157604180714442/
For permit reasons, there are a limited number of people that can be a part of our group. Please PM or email me if you plan on attending.

Sarah

[SuzyView]

Is the 26th considered part of the festival? I was planning on parking there at the paddle boats because I am going to arrive pretty early.

Stefan

That's the lot is is closed. And it is closed already. Park around the Basin, if you go to the website, they will have a map of the available parking areas.

[SuzyView]

it's been a while since I've posted, but I wanted to throw an invitation again to any POTNers to join me and the DC/Baltimore/ Nova strobists for a shoot Saturday March 29th at 0630 in the morning. I've got 3 models lined up and 5 confirmed photographers that will be there. All the details can be found on our flickr group. http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcbaltimorestrobist/discuss/72157604180714442/
For permit reasons, there are a limited number of people that can be a part of our group. Please PM or email me if you plan on attending.

Sarah

Oh, that sounds like fun! But the 29th is such a busy day for me, my sons are doing all sorts of things. I wish I could go as it's the kite flying around the Washington Monument. Have fun!

[Hinson]

I just checked hotel rooms and man they are pricey...$250+.
Can anyone recommend a nice and economical place to stay?:D

My wife really wants to go next weekend...so I am thinking drive down there after work on Friday (5 hours from NYC...= 11pm arrival...:() then spend Saturday and part of Sunday hanging out there.

But at $250 a night, I might cancel my plans. I just came back from my vacation so I'm not in any mood to shell out another $500 in hotels!

I agree with the others. Do not stay in DC. Since you will be driving south from NYC, I would suggest something in Silver Spring or Rockville. Rockville is safe and convient to the Metro and a fairly straight shot if you want to drive. Orbit lists rooms there in the $75-$80 range. Chevy Chase has some cheaper rates also.

[Hinson]

Guys, unfortuanatly the paddleboat lot will be closed as of tomorrow. (wed,3/26) I was counting on parking there (I can usually find a hole to pull my bike into) so I wouldn't have to do a lot of walking. I know there will be a shuttle in the lower lot, but I think I'm going to opt out. Another thing that helped me decide was the fact that there is a killer bike show in Gettysburg the same day. Mmmm, look at custom bikes or look at little pink flowers...such a hard decision. <G> I'll post my bike photos if you guys will post your cherry blossom photos, deal?

[nicksan]

Hmm...the weather still looks suspect Friday and Saturday.

I might have to hold off...and I figure the fuel cost for my gas guzzling SUV would be like $100.:(

I guess I'll hold off making a decision until maybe tomorrow...no sense in going if it's going to rain!

[slimninj4]

Dang it looks like it will rain on saturday. I may take a day off m-w next week and metro in to the area morning time.

[grissomchick23]

yeah the weather for Saturday looks a bit wet right now...but we're going to be there rain or shine.

[Stefan A]

I just got back from my sunrise trip around the tidal basin (will post pictures later.)Arrived around 6:15 A.M. and I parked on Ohio st., right at the entrance to the Roosevelt memorial. Light was good but I wished for more colors in the sky. Blossoms were so-so. Some trees looked really nice while a lot of others still need a few days. But still, I think I will be happy with my shots because of the much better Iight and sky as compared to last year. I mainly concentrated on the Jefferson memorial during sunrise and then focused on the Washington Monument and the blossems once the sun was up. Made it aroung the entire basin in under 2 hours with shooting along the way. I am wiped out but will probably go back this afternoon with my wife. When I left around 8:15, there were still plenty of spaces on Ohio street.

Stefan

[slimninj4]

Me and the wife taking a sick day on monday or tuesday to go down there to walk around and photo. Hoping for blue skies then.

[TomC723]

So it seems that my April 5th trip got canceled... so my daughter and I will be going to DC THIS Saturday, the 29th... For as close as I am to DC, this will be my first trip there... my plan is to park somewhere and take the metro around... but can anyone tell me where I can park??

Thanks!!

[Jon]

Got over there at lunch: Bud status is
256985
for an overall effect of
256986

[SuzyView]

Looking like they will be great on Friday. :) I think Saturday and Sunday should be awesome. Unfortunately, it will be very crowded.

[nicksan]

...and raining.:(
Looking like they will be great on Friday. :) I think Saturday and Sunday should be awesome. Unfortunately, it will be very crowded.

[Jon]

One more . . .
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=256997&d=1206561617

[CoolToolGuy]

Here's hoping the rain over the next couple days doesn't wash off too many of the petals!

Have Fun,

[SuzyView]

I know. The weather people are now stuck between saying it's going to be awful, or just miserable. :(

[Stefan A]

OK - here are some of my shots from today

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p186854509-4.jpg

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p11166985-4.jpg

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p315617331-4.jpg

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p502319102-4.jpg

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p62702028-4.jpg

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p306737453-4.jpg

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p384621280-4.jpg

[Jon]

Oh, yeah, there was this daring soul . . .
257088
That's the camera strap hanging down. It was a Noink, so no loss, right?
:{)#

[MDJAK]

the best thing is he's got his flash up. very powerful flash I imagine.

[nicksan]

But is that really a "he"?

I think he's a she, and yep, she's got the super power flash up. NICE.

So what's a camera strap for anyways? Never could figure that one out...

the best thing is he's got his flash up. very powerful flash I imagine.

[SuzyView]

Stefan, WOW! Those are beautiful. No one walking around. It must have been pretty early. I'm completely jealous. I'm getting there around 9 and I know I won't get empty views. Congrats! I'll have to see what happens on Friday. You got a beautiful day.

[Stefan A]

Thanks Suzie. I hated getting up so early, but I am glad I did. Of course, there were people around, but I just tried to avoid them :). When I went back at 11, it was quite a different scene!

Stefan

[JimAskew]

Stefan,

These are just beautiful. Looks like the early photographer gets the perfect photo op :) Thanks for sharing these.

I'm going to try Friday morning with Suzy and Jon but the weather is not looking too good...60% chance of rain :(

[Jon]

the best thing is he's got his flash up. very powerful flash I imagine.

But is that really a "he"?

I think he's a she, and yep, she's got the super power flash up. NICE.

So what's a camera strap for anyways? Never could figure that one out...Yeah, she.

Not the only person to have the ol' pop-up glued upright. I'm sure it made a real difference on the other side of the water.

It's to give you something that the grapnel can catch when you have to retrieve your camera from the lake, pond, or other body of water you just dropped it into because you weren't wearing it.

[Stefan A]

Thanks a lot Jim. I rarely get out early to shoot but this ought to convince me otherwise. I hope all of you have some good luck with weather coming up.

Stefan

[SuzyView]

Still planning to go rain or shine. Bringing my umbrella and just 5D with 24-70 and 70-200 and that's it! I'm not going to risk too much. I have at least one friend coming. There may be more. :)

[Jon]

Sounds about right. 1D3, 24-70 and one other lens. Not sure which, though. Also a flash. And a poncho.

[JimAskew]

5D and the 24-105MM f/4 EF L IS for me :)

Suzie, toss youe 17-40MM f/4 EF L in your bag...if it is not raining then perhaps I can give it a test run :D

[drjiveturkey]

I think the parade is in 2 weeks. Hopefully the weather will be good

[Jon]

24-70 and 70-200 - that way I'm weather-sealed. Plus the Kata cover and a couple of rain sleeves. And the 420EX (I can bear to replace it if it gets soaked . . .). And a poncho.

[SuzyView]

If I have room, Jim, I'll bring it. Poncho in the bag. :)

[SuzyView]

Got the ND filter today. Too bad I don't think I'll need it. :(

[SuzyView]

Do you think we'll have time to duck into a museum for lunch? I'll be starved by noon. :) I'm bringing granola bars.

[SuzyView]

Leaving at 7:30 from here and hopefully will meet up with all of the people going. I am only taking one friend now, and she's got a S3 so she'll be ready. I am bringing only the 5D 24-70, 70-200 f4 and had room then for the 17-40, which I love. But the weather is cloudy. I am bringing the big poncho and an umbrella. Two bags, one for gear, one for stuff. Should be warmer than earlier in the week, though. If you see a lady with too much stuff, that would be me.

See you guys there.

[Jon]

Shoulda brought polarizers.

Oh well. Here's who I was photographing before I caught up with you:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=257660&d=1206735319

And further around; 5 minutes apart (note the fence):
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=257658&d=1206735180

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=257659&d=1206735180

[SuzyView]

Jon, you beat me! I'm downloading and pp now. I have some beautiful ones. Although, none of us. I keep forgetting. Also, thanks for helping Helen. She thinks you guys are great. I told her it's your fault I spend all my money. :)

[SuzyView]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/sbastian/IMG_0638_BlossomPink1.jpg

Blossoms - so beautiful today.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/sbastian/IMG_0645WalkwayView.jpg

Walkway, only one person walking, that was rare today.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/sbastian/IMG_0675_BridgeView1.jpg

This is the Bridge View - Very nice.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/sbastian/IMG_0678_BridgeViewWide.jpg

Wide Open, love this lens.

I only did a little USM and sharpening and saturation. But I had so many dust bunnies today. Have to blow out the 5D. It's really bad on the top left. So, if you see a few there, sorry.

[LeesaB]

Jon and Suzy

Beautiful

thanks so much for sharing with us. Really a beautful site, maybe something I should try to visit next year!

[Kathy H]

Beautiful shots! I am so envious!

Suzy that last shot is spectactular! I love EVERYTHING about it!

[SuzyView]

Thanks, Kathy & Leesa! I appreciate you looking at these. I was trying a new ND filter. It was wonderful. Also, it was sunny only for about an hour. The clouds were there most of the time. But the blossoms were beautiful. I can't miss it. I gave up a lot to be there today.

[LeesaB]

Next year, find me and remind me. It's not that far to DC from here.

we have flooding no life yet here.

[Stefan A]

Jon and Suzie - very nice job with your shots. Suzie - you and I like that composition in your last 2 shots. I did that shot last year as well as the other day. And I also got one with the plane flying in :). Nice that you got blue skies.

I am sitting here seriously considering leaving my house around 4 A.M. tomorrow and getting some more sunrise and early morning shots. I still think I can do better than the other day. Plus the blossoms should be awesome tomorrow.

Stefan

[Jon]

Jon, you beat me! I'm downloading and pp now. I have some beautiful ones. Although, none of us. I keep forgetting. Also, thanks for helping Helen. She thinks you guys are great. I told her it's your fault I spend all my money. :)
Post-processing? Mine were straight out of camera, resized (and the duck cropped) in Irfanview!

Jon and Suzie - very nice job with your shots. Suzie - you and I like that composition in your last 2 shots. I did that shot last year as well as the other day. And I also got one with the plane flying in :). Nice that you got blue skies.

I am sitting here seriously considering leaving my house around 4 A.M. tomorrow and getting some more sunrise and early morning shots. I still think I can do better than the other day. Plus the blossoms should be awesome tomorrow.

StefanIf it don't rain! Triple-check the weather and bring both polarizers and a rain coat. I only had (the wrong) half of that combo.

[SuzyView]

I love the ND filter I bought from B&H and received yesterday. I forgot to pack the CP that would have been great during the bright spots. I would have loved sunrise pictures today. The sun was just about as gorgeous as I've ever seen it in VA on our way to the Basin from the bus. The 24-70 is truly a wonderful wide lens on the 5D, but the 17-40 outdoors really is wonderful. I have more and will post later. And Jon, I know you did not saturate or anything as that was what I got out of camera, but just a few adjustments, about 30 seconds each, it worked, closer to how it really looked. What a perfect day. Next time, filters in the bag for both of us.

[SuzyView]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/sbastian/IMG_0671_PlaneoverJefferson.jpg

Here's the one with the plane overhead.

[JimAskew]

Tail End Charlie here :)

I ate dinner first and then PP'ed my photos. I had such a great time with Suzy and Jon (and Suzy's neighbor, Helen as well). The blossoms were beautiful again this year. The rain held off. And, the company was just great!

Suzy and Jon your photos are simply super :D

I got about 30 really good keepers today...here are my favorites (as rated by my wife).

[JimAskew]

Last two...Suzy loaned me her 17-40MM f/4 EF L and I took a dozen or so photos with it. Here is a shot of the Jefferson Memorial from the UWA perspective. I can't wait to get this lens...I am getting it "free" with AMEX rewards points...I need 10,000 more points and then I can order it :)

The last shot is Suzy and Jon...look closely at Jon and observe his trusty Domke Camera Bag :) He says "don't leave home without it" :)

[LeesaB]

Hey faces to names...Great...Hi Jon! :-)

Great shots JIM. It just looks so beautiful there.

[scot079]

I didn't make it down there today...will probably venture out tomorrow. Nice shots Jim, hopefully Saturday will be as nice (or nicer) :-)

[SuzyView]

Hey, did anyone catch Helen and me on the news at noon, ABC in DC? We were interviewed and the news station showed us commenting. Of course, we were still shooting at noon, so we didn't see ourselves.

Jim, the first one is beautiful. I may steal that from you. I need to lose weight and have less bags. :)

Tim, sorry you missed us. We had so much fun, and there sure were a lot of DSLR of every kind out there. Some people actually knew what they were doing. Others just pretended to. :)

[Stefan A]

Great shots Jim - yes, that 1st one is my favorite.

Stefan

[Jon]

Nice ones, Jim. I like that 17 on the Jeff. That last shot though really doesn't belong on the same page . . .

[SuzyView]

Jon was praising his 1DIII and Jim was loving his 5D. I felt kind of left out, but at least I had my ND filter. The only thing that would have made that shot perfect, Jim, would be a blue sky. I may clone one in just to finish it up. :)

[SuzyView]

You should see the dust bunnies on my sensor, people. It was nasty. I'm blowing it out tonight!

[scot079]

Suzy, is that a Tamrac Velocity on your shoulder in Jim's photo?

[SuzyView]

Yes. Velocity 9X. It's a wonderful bag. I had to take the red bag because we were expecting rain and I had an umbrella and poncho in there as well as the kitchen sink. :) The Velocity held the 5D with 24-70 attached, 70-200 f4, 17-40 f4 and accessories. Great bag. Very comfortable.

[scot079]

I've got an 8x that I've modified a little to make it more "me". i cut off the belt that came with it and now I run the belt that holds my pants up thru the bag and that takes a lot of weight off my shoulder. I wish I'd bought the 9x now...as it is I can only carry 2 lenses and a speedlite, for more kit I have to use the backpack.

So if anyone is downtown tomorrow, look for the dork who can't take his camera bag off without his pants falling down :-)

[SuzyView]

I've got an 8x that I've modified a little to make it more "me". i cut off the belt that came with it and now I run the belt that holds my pants up thru the bag and that takes a lot of weight off my shoulder. I wish I'd bought the 9x now...as it is I can only carry 2 lenses and a speedlite, for more kit I have to use the backpack.

So if anyone is downtown tomorrow, look for the dork who can't take his camera bag off without his pants falling down :-)

Now that would have been funny to watch! :) But no. I'm busy all day. Have fun and stay away from the water.

[BottomBracket]

Great shots! It looks like I'm going to miss it this year. We were supposed to head down there this weekend, a niece is going to have her sweet 16th birthday party and I was going to cover it right after going to the Mall tomorrow, but I'm here in NYC suffering from flu-like symptoms. Grrr. That shot of Suzy and Jon, you sure look the same as when I saw you last time :) Different cameras this time though.

[SuzyView]

Thanks, Pio. Yes, nothing much has changed, except the bag is heavier and fuller. Sorry you can't come down. It is beautiful again this year. Remember we ate in front of that awful parking lot the last time you were here? They closed it and made eating areas for people to sit and relax. Brilliant, but some visitors are sad the parking lot is gone. I feel it was a good thing and the news people interviewed me for my opinion. I think it's much better allowing people to enjoy the Basin with food and not exhaust.

Hope to see you soon, though. I think we are planning other summer activities.