Was out of my room by 0900! Quite an accomplishment for me. No riding today, took the shuttle bus out of motel land, it was quite a milk run so I won't do that again.

Spent 11 hours at The National Mall. No shopping, that's what they call the Smithsonian National Museums complex. Did the National Museum of Natural History et al, walked around the National Monument, got as close to the White House as I could without a cavity search, and did 2 out 3 floors at the American History Museum.

The Museums are incredible in their variety of displays and exhibits. Also incredible in the crush of rude people, and herds of small, carbon based life forms under the age of 30. It is a true character building experience and exercise in patience.

In typical Canadian fashion I was being polite at first, excuse me, pardon me, etc. but I was the ONLY one saying that. I quickly stopped that, got my elbows up and dove into the mosh pit like environment with the rest of the people.

The kids are especially frustrating as they continually cut right in front of me while I was maintaining a 3' separation for my camera, usually bumping me or stepping on my foot in the process.

I quickly turned on the 'Lou Look' staring intently at the back of their heads until they caught the psychic message, then they'd turn around, see me in my Red Hawaiian shirt with my hair flying all around and run behind their Momma's skirt! Very effective.

Saturday I am returning to the American History Museum, then doing the Air and Space Museum which was the focal point of the trip. I expect the NASM to take the better part of the day as I intend to thorough. If there is time left in the day there is a Holocaust Museum in the area too. That'll be a cheerful way to end the day.

Sunday will be the Museum of Crime and Punishment and the Museum of Spies and Espionage.

Talk soon!