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Have made it to Washington DC to spend a few days with Adam. Him and Chrissy drove up to Honesdale on Thursday and picked mum and I up from camp yesterday morning. It was a foggy morning on camp, but I love the mist over the lake. Had all weather since we arrived. Beautiful sunshine in the afternoon, a summer storm as bedtime arrived for the kids and then the fog in the morning. We joined everyone else in the dining room for breakfast before having one last wander around camp and chat with Gene before Adam arrived to take us away. As always, you wish you have that little bit longer to chat some more but Adam had gotten tickets for a parade tonight and he wanted to beat the traffic.
It was about a 6hr drive. Peak hour traffic starts in Washington about 3pm because a lot of people start work at 6am.....yuk!! Good to put our bags down, knowing we would be in the same place for more then a couple of nights. Did a quick grocery shop and then we headed out. Had dinner in a lovely Italian restaurant before heading over to the Marine Barracks at 8th & I, the oldest post of the Corps. They do a parade each Friday night during the summer including music and precision marching. It includes the President's Own Marine Band, The Commandant's Own Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, Marine Corps Colour Guard and Silent Drill Platoon. They also have an official mascot, Chesty, an English Bulldog.
The parade is within the grounds of the Barracks, they have bleachers set up on one side of the lawn. At one end of the Barracks, is the Commandant's home which has been home to the Commandant of the Marines since around the early 1800s. Just a little bit of history. This is also home to Group A & Group B who are ceremonial marchers. Their responsibilities include ceremonial support for the White House & Pentagon and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also provide the transfer of fallen marines who arrive from overseas and also attend funerals at Arlington Cemetary. Big responsibilities.
The parade went for 1.25hrs. The best bit was really the end part where the Silent Drill Platoon did some incredible choreographed movements with their rifles (with a bayonet on the end) and the last 3 songs the bands played. The other interesting fact here is the flag that is flown only has 15 stars. It is the flag that existed when the barracks was built and they are only one of two places that are allowed to fly this flag. So an interesting evening.
This morning after some washing, Adam and Chrissy drove us to Maryland. Were hoping to go on a boat cruise around Chesapeake Bay but tickets were sold out (couldn't buy them ahead of time). Did a quick visit to an Amish farmers market and had a Whoopie Pie (an Amish tradition) which is like a baked cake / soft cookie with a cream filling. Doesn't explain it very well but tasty. We then met Chrissy's sister Jen at a restaurant to enjoy Maryland Blue Crab. Adam and Chrissy were all over what we should eat, which to me seemed like a mountain of crab but the 5 of us went through 18 crabs plus shrimp, corn on the cob, hush puppies (American fried goodness that you dip in honey), coleslaw, and extra Alaskan crab legs. It was good. They give you these wooden mallets to crack the crabs. You can tell the difference between locals and tourists. Locals have no problems banging it down and making a mess!! Chrissy actually took her jewellery and watch off before beginning because the crabs have this special Maryland seasoning on it which gets everywhere. A good feast.
On the way home we stopped by Rita's for dessert. They do ice and custard (like slushies or soft serve icecream) which some people mix. So full afterwards, it was good to get home and take Belle (Adam & Chrissy's dog) for a walk down around the harbour. A good day.
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