Washington D.C....extended stay

Washington Monument with WWII Memorial in foreground


Breathe on me, breath of God, so I shall never die, but live with you the perfect life in your eternity.
Edwin Hatch 1835-1889


During my 2 week layover in Washington D.C., I had the opportunity to get acclimated to the Metro Transit system. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but after I bought a SMARTCARD I got the hang of it. Getting a card is the most economical way to use public transportation in D.C. because you can use it on buses and pay a discounted rate compared to paper tickets (more environmentally friendly too). I liked the METRO riders because they seemed to all be so well behaved and well dressed. I was impressed with the general ambiance of this city...I felt like I was surrounded by some very intelligent and well informed folks. 

Enjoying some sunshine and warmer drier weather at the Jefferson Monument.


Washington D.C. is a high end MECCA for cyclists with many miles of developed bicycle lanes on city streets and around the tourist areas. It's easy to rent a bicycle too. There are even pedicabs in and around town. Pedicabs are human powered vehicles that are propelled by pedal power. The operators will give you a narrated tour and get you to destination quickly. It's certainly more fun than riding in a taxicab.

United States Secret Service Seal

The Lord's Prayer I

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Washington Monument

Some incredible architecture around town. I think the center of attention is the Washington Monument. It stands 555'5" and has a base 55' X 55".  The height is exactly 10 times it's base. This structure has a unique history and was the world's tallest building for many years. There are 2 different colors of stone that were used to construct it. The rock came from 2 different quarries. The construction went dormant for over 10 years due to lack of funds, but the civilian conservation corps and the army core of engineers were instrumental in completing this project.

Other notable buildings beside the famous monuments, Capitol, and museums were the Treasury Department, Commerce building, and the White House.

American Flag outside of the Commerce Department

Act of Love

O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good
and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Washington D.C....America's Capital City

Hamming it up on the Potomac River in front of the Washington Monument

How worthy is the Land who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honor. To him belong glory and power for ever and ever.

                                                                          Revelation 5:12; 1:6



Washington D.C., WOW! What a city! Much more than I anticipated for sure. This is truly a world class city with it's availability of free museums, metro system and a unique parks.

Although the traffic was something I'd like to forget about coming from Baltimore, I made it to Washington D.C. primarily traveling Route 1. I had problems getting a bed and ended up spending my first 2 nights in Rock Creek Park which is north of downtown.

Washington D.C. is a densely population land between northern Virginia and southern Maryland. It's where our nation's Capitol sits and President Obama lives there in the White House. Washington D.C. is  home to many Senators, congressional constituents and Federal Government employees.

I knew Super storm Sandy was coming and I wanted to be ready for it. Thankfully, I reserved a bed in a local hostel at 1009 11th St. NW (HIUSA.ORG) and enjoyed staying warm and dry during it's 2 day deluge. Never before had I experienced such a storm! Sustained high winds for hours and sheets of rain. The city literally was shut down (no public transportation, schools and business's closed)  until the storm passed. I spent almost two weeks at that hostel enjoying the international crowd, social interaction (including chess!) and high caloric breakfasts.

Capitol Building at dusk.

Is this city Taxation without Representation?

3 Halloween Clowns at a U Street Pub

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David; blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!


                            Mark 11:9-10

Lincoln Monument in downtown.

The Smithsonian is comprised of several free museums in downtown Washington D.C.; it's easy to lose yourself in the architecture alone! I enjoyed the Natural History Museum but found the security upon entering a bit gruff. There's a big open space (2 miles or so) between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, this park is a great place to walk or bicycle.Unfortunately, the weather was so cold that it was hard for me to be outside for extended periods. 

Jefferson Memorial on a sunny afternoon.

I experienced Halloween, Super storm Sandy and the 2012 Presidential Election in Washington D.C.. They certainly were all memorable events.

I went to the White House on Election Day and enjoyed some free music at a nearby Park. Lot's of Secret Service Agents in uniform around there.  I'm sure there were many in plain cloths as well. So many well dressed people on the D.C area. It's hard to differentiate the politicians from the security, or from the layers and business folks. One thing I must say though, there doesn't appear to be any shortages of money in D.C..

Seal Of US Secret Service...White House duty

                                                                                    

The Lord sits as King for ever. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

                                              Psalm 28:10-11

Into Maryland

Many local folks think the Maryland State flag is the most beautiful in America.

A view of the Chesapeake Bay Harbor Area in downtown Baltimore.

The lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.

                                                                       Jeremiah 29:11-12 & 14


In my trek southward, I've found Maryland to be a welcome change because it's a coastal state and the Atlantic Ocean's effects of warmer temperatures are OK with me. It's the smallest state that I've experienced and the Heritage Rail Trail was fun.

I was able to connect with some friends in Baltimore that I met earlier on this tour. We crossed paths on a ferry boat crossing the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Their hospitality was a nice change of pace. I truly enjoyed a few home cooked meals, clean laundry, a warm dry bed as well as a stunning sunset.

Reunited friends and hosts...Ursula and Steve

Hamming it up on Chesapeake Bay

Be alert at all times, praying that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.

                                                                          Luke 21:36




To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God my Lord.

                                                                          Psalm 72:28


Traffic around the metropolitan Baltimore area is no joke. Although I'm getting acclimated to the urban culture, it's been important to preplan my route. Google mapping on the internet is most helpful because there's a bicycle icon that I haven't found on any other mapping search engines.

Statue of William Donald Schaefer...Baltimore mayor 1971-87, Maryland Governor 1987-95

While strolling around Baltimore's Harbor area, I noticed this statue of William Donald Schaefer. I'm including it in my blog because we share the same last name. Tocayo is a indian name for people who share the same names. That's what I am will one of Maryland's ex Governors...Tocayo. The name Schaefer is a German word for Shepard.



Amen, I say to you: Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive, and it shall be given to you, says the Lord.

                                                                      Mark 11:23-24

It's time to VOTE America!

Hey, it's election time!

Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help.

                                                                   Psalm 87:3

I had the opportunity to ride another fantastic Rail Trail that I picked up in York, PA. It goes south across the Maryland border into Cockeysville, and it's called The Heritage Trail.

I had the opportunity to spend a few days in York and learned that it was at one time considered our nation's Capital. York has a rich heritage to it that's difficult to describe, but if you spend some time in the downtown area you'll get a feel for it's industrial influence in America. Downtown metal sculptures are abundant in this medium sized city with a mechanical flare.

This historic building in York was the delegation headquarters for George Washington's support committee.

3 mile Island is closer than you think.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

                                                      Mathew 5:3

Unique sculpture in downtown York.

More modern urban art in York.

Industrial Age Artwork in York

A artistic Renaissance is apparent in York's streets

I really enjoy the great outdoors but found myself utilizing a hotel in York when it rained. The air quality is certainly better outside but I don't like getting wet so I treat myself once in awhile to some housing where I can get a shower and do some laundry.

It's election week ladies and gentlemen, let the best elected candidates be our representatives and our voices on the issues of our day.

NO VOTE: NO VOICE!

Me chilling with my BUCKET OF BOLTS

Closeup of Tinman sculpture outside York's courthouse

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.

                                                                          Psalm 22:1-2

More Rails to Trails beauty

Nothing like the Great Outdoors!

Modern wall Painting with historical references along the rail trail in Glen Rock, PA.

Hurricane Sandy recently moved thru this area and was the biggest storm I've been in. It's aftermath brought cold temperatures to the region which I didn't find to appealing for touring.

The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread.

                                                                       Luke 24:35