The better half and I have been living in Alexandria for the past 25 years. We are now permitted to pen look backs filed under large enough sample size.
With the cherry trees that ring the Tidal Basin now in the penultimate stage, all eyes are on when they will reach full bloom stage. Thought it fun, them, to write down some thoughts on our experiences of seeing them these past 25 years.
For me, the perfect day is when the blooms are in peak on a non-weekend day, the skies are blue and milder temps prevail. Off the top of my head, I’d say that perfect, or near perfect scenario only happens once every four or so years.
Of course, when we first got here, I didn’t have such thoughts. Like most everyone else, we could only go on the weekend. Another factor was going with visitors. Hey, it was great fun showing them around, but their needs dictated the date.
So in the first ten years or so, I remember we usually went on a crowded weekend. That can be fun, but when the peak is on a weekend and the weather is nice, it can get crazy.
Monitoring the peak forecast must be so frustrating for folks who don’t live here, and have to plan ahead. Despite all the technological gains made in weather forecasting, the National Park Service still seems to be reading different charts than the local meteorologists. It ain’t easy predicting more than five days ahead but The Capital Weather Gang seems to be the best.
I remember when I was doing temp work in DC, one of the persons in the office would go down to the Tidal Basin, check out the stage, and report back. Now we can all benefit from someone who does the same thing. For the last several years, the person who blogs at Cherry Blossom Watch has given daily updates. In my opinion, they reign supreme.
Of course, we didn’t have such luxuries before. The local news did a good job and still does, but nothing beats a dedicated blogger with great photos.
In the beginning, just getting to go made us happy. But after a while, I felt a desire to go on that perfect day with clear blue skies, warmish temps, and a non-weekend day. I alway go in the morning to beat the crowds, so that adds another factor.
Obviously the biggest variable is the weather. Warmer weather this time of year often brings clouds, while the clear days are colder. I have learned not to worry about the colder morning, as long as everything has lined up.
So, as you can imagine, there is a tension that builds every year. Will the peak coincide with good weather on a non-weekend day? Will a front move through and blow away the petals? Is there something on the calendar I can’t get out of?
This year the C-virus has thrown us the mother of all curve balls. Should we go or not? Maybe just drive around the tidal basin?
After 25 years of living here in Washington, we don’t need to go every year, but with everything that is going on right now, we are feeling the need to feel that joy.
Time for another spring ritual, fingers crossed…
Note: Photos from our previous visits.
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