Outdoor Wednesday - DC Ducks Tour of Washington, DC

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday, hosted A Southern Daydreamer ...

Today, I am sharing Day 2 of our recent vacation back home to Virginia and North Carolina.
It's timely, having just celebrated our Nation's birthday, to share with you a tour of our Nation's Capitol.
Yes, that's right! We caught a "duck" at Union Station...However, these ducks are WWII vintage amphibious craft. Essentially, they are boats on wheels which take tourists to many wonderful
sights around the city, both on land and in the Potomac River.
Our boat is called the "Lame Duck" (cute). Here are my precious children, Sarah and Robert, standing next to it.

Above is our lively tour guide, who not only wow-ed us with some little known facts about the city, but who was quite humorous and entertaining in his own right. Doesn't he have a nice, friendly face?

Union Station is right across from Columbus Square, a large monument honoring - you guessed it! - Christopher Columbus.

You're going to laugh, but my middle-aged brain is struggling to remember what some of these buildings are. I believe the one above is the National Archives, Greek Revival style.

We passed the White House very quickly so I really had to jump to take this picture. Ever since the Oklahoma City bombing, no one can drive right in front of the White House anymore. The street is blocked off (fear of car bombs). Also, there are snipers walking around on the roof (can't see them in this photo). Look at the cool scooter things that these tourists are riding!

Here is the famous Lincoln Memorial seen from in front of the World War Two Memorial. Did you know that the Lincoln Memorial was built by the famous architect, Henry Bacon, who happens to be the grandfather of the actor, Kevin Bacon...AND, Kevin Bacon comes from a long line of architects and supposedly is the first male in his family not to follow suit.

I want to say that this is Patrick Henry..., but I can't remember exactly. Like his tri-corner hat, though!

This Memorial Bridge is arguably the most beautiful bridge in DC. It was first opened in 1932 and was dedicated by President Harding.
The Washington Monument was built to commemorate President George Washington. Construction began in 1848, but halted 150 feet up because of a lack of funds and also the Civil War. Construction began again and was completed in 1884. There is a difference in shading of the marble that makes up the first 150 feet from the rest of the structure, which attests to the halt in construction. Upon its completion, it was the tallest building in the world, until the Eiffel Tower came along several years later.
..Another view of the monument.
Halfway into our tour, we drove out onto the Potomac River and then our duck became a boat. The children on board were all given an opportunity to try their hand and steering. Above is my Sarah...
..and here is Robert.

Following our swim, we were given duck beaks and were allowed some time to try out their quacking noises...Sarah and my sister, Jeanie.

Gorgeous sculptures and fountain.

Our beautiful Capitol. It took many years to complete the building that we all know and love. It was begun in 1793, was partially burned by the British during the War of 1812. Finally, was completed just prior to the Civil War.

The Supreme Court of the land. Construction was completed in 1935.
One happy, but tuckered out boy, who enjoyed his DC adventure.

If you are interested in including a DC Ducks tour in your next trip to our Nation's Capitol, check out the website HERE or call: 1-202-966-DUCK.

Also, I highly recommend the Spy Museum. That was our first stop on this same day, but do to a restriction on personal photography, I have no pictures of the fun we had there.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the tour. Be sure and check out more posts for Outdoor Wednesday by clicking on the link above.

Blessings,

Elizabeth