Glorious morning… Cool, but nothing but sunshine!
Are we lucky, or what?
Left the RV Park at 8:00, and arrived at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Plantation a little after 9:00...
Nice driving when you don’t have to fight traffic (or accident).
We didn’t know what we were in for when we closed in on our destination, but got an idea as we passed about a dozen parked tour busses…
Had to wait in line just to get our tickets; then stood in another line to get into the house… All in all, it took about 45 minutes to step inside the first door…
There were a lot of kids (of all ages) in attendance… We’re guessing there must’ve been some sort of school requirement, in order for all of them to be there on a Sunday, but who knows…
The way they’ve set up the tour through the house is very efficient…
You basically keep on walking from one room to another while listening to commentators stationed in each room… The pace is slow, and there’s ample time for questions…
Obviously, you have to set your mind to the time period the mansion (or maybe I should call it manor?), was in use…
Don’t know if it could be classified as a large, but ordinary home, by today’s standards, but in those days it must’ve been incredible!
The Washingtons entertained constantly (had over 500 guests one year), and I’m sure their guests felt very comfortable in the very opulent guest bedrooms…
Everyone probably knows that Washington’s Mount Vernon, and Jefferson’s Monticello, were run by slaves, and that is food for thought… Especially when you consider that their slaves didn’t get their freedom until after George and Thomas died…
Mount Vernon was some 8,000 acres in size, so, I suppose, you need all the help you can get, whether worked by forced, or free labor…
I believe the Manor is probably the major attraction when you come here, but if you take the time and go through the “Orientation Center,” the “Museum & Education Center,” and the “Whisky Distillery & Gristmill,” you’ll be amazed at what an incredible man George was…
Most of his accomplishments are well known, but ALL are on display in various buildings around the compound, and it’s worth at least one day to come here… Just to get a “taste.”
We walked down to Washington’s Tomb… A lot of folks there, so we got in a few shots, then walked down to the Warf, where a tour boat took us for a 45-minute ride along the Potomac River…
Fantastic day…
Beautiful scenery…
There’s nothing like being on the water on a day like today… No matter where you are.
We spent about four hours (not long enough, but…) taking “everything” in, and then headed to Alexandria, to check out the Old Town… Parked on an off-street, then walked down King Street, down to the waterfront… Must’ve passed a hundred restaurants, cafes, and other eateries in about a block and a half… Ended up going to the “Chart House,” right there on the dock… Pricy, but good… We’re worth it!
Headed back the same way we came, but stopped at Washington’s “Whiskey Distillery & Gristmill.“
Didn’t feel like taking the tour (even though we had tickets), but walked around on our own, which was probably just as good… When you’ve seen one, etc., etc., etc…
Got home and started working on the pictures and the Blog, and you guessed it: I’m done for one more day…
Tomorrow we’re taking a guided bus tour to D.C…. Take care and keep looking for us on my Blog.
PICTURES:
http://cid-44d18849bf3983e9.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/MOUNT%20VERNON%20and%20ALEXANDRIA%5EJ%20VA%20%5E5OCT.%2011%5EJ%202009%5E6?nl=1&uc=79&isFromRichUpload=1
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