Last Dance: Washington, DC: Flora

Cruising on Last Dance

This blog archives the adventures of Glen and Jill Moore and provides a means of communication for friends and family. Exploration and adventure have been synonymous with boats and water for centuries. The joy of adventures shared while exploring new places and meeting new people has built a strong bond for Glen and Jill. Last Dance is the platform for the exploration.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine, 354 - 430

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain, 1835 - 1910

"There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats." The Wind in the Willows, 1908, Kenneth Grahame, 1859 - 1932

"I've never believed speed and ease are conductive to living fully, becoming aware, or deepening memory, a tripod of urges to stabilize and lend meaning to life." River Horse: a log book of a boat across America, 1999, William Least Heat-Moon,1939 -

The Great Loop -- The current adventure is a circumnavigation of the Eastern United States, cruising north up the east coast through New York into Canada, across the Great Lakes to Chicago, navigating multiple river systems south to Mobile, along the Gulf coast to the Florida Keys and back to St. Augustine. This trip by boat is commonly referred to as the Great Loop. Progress and current location are indicated by the red line on the map to the right. It was titled the Traceless Path in recognition of a German sailor we met in St. Augustine who published booklets of his travels with hand-drawn, detailed maps describing his travels across the water as the Traceless Path.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Washington, DC: Flora

A number of themes have emerged on this journey, including: flora, fauna, friends, and food. The cherry trees and blossoms, of course, fit the flora category, but there was more in Washington, DC, than was expected.

Camellias were expected in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and they did not disappoint with brilliant, colorful blooms in every place visited. Camellias were not expected in Washington, DC. The Pink Icicle Camellia above is in a garden next to the Smithsonian Art and Industry Museum. This image also captures the interesting and unique architecture of this building.

The original Smithsonian building, The Smithsonian Castle, has a garden at the front entrance. The garden is ahead of other areas in beginning the spring display because, while it is on the ground level, it is a roof-top garden. The Sackler Gallery has most of its display area underground, under this garden.

The Japanese Magnolias were amazingly full of blooms, their beauty rivaling the heralded Japanese Cherry Trees, for which Washington celebrates with a festival.

Orchids in Washington, DC? A variety of flowering plants you would expect to find in South Florida, thrives here. These plants were located in the United States Botanic Garden, located right in front of the US Capitol Building. http://www.usbg.gov/ Many environments have been created supporting a diversity of plants. Also located in Washington is The United States National Arboretum, with even more flora on display. http://www.usna.usda.gov/ Washington, DC, a center for flowers - who woulda thunk?

1 comment:

Mekana84_7 said...: Hi Dr. Moore & Jill!

I just wanted to say hello and thank you for keeping up with this blog. It is such a good idea and I love reading it. The pictures are a good idea as well because I feel like I am getting to experience some of this with you!

I am so happy that you are getting the most out of this experience. I wish you a safe and exciting journey!

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I miss you!!

-Megan; April 27, 2011 at 10:26 AM