Tag Archives: Washington DC

Cherry Blossom Update

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I’ve been following the NPS (National Park Service) predictions about the peak bloom especially closely since we had the Blizzard of 2017. Washington DC did not escape the snow and cold.

The warm January and February had encouraged the cherry trees to accelerate their blooms which is why the NPS initially thought peak bloom would be March 14-17. Then they pushed it back to March 19-22.

Did you know that Peak Bloom is only 1 day, not the whole prediction? There are also the Kwanzan Cherry Trees that bloom about a month after this first round. They appear unharmed from this cold snap and are predicted to bloom in April.

Right now it’s looking like the so called Peak Bloom may be rather subdued. One NPS employee was quoted as saying it would be the worst bloom in 100 years. Comments from Cherry Blossom insiders refer to a lot of brown from the cold damaged buds. “They are hanging limp, looking like they have been singed by fire.” So sad.

I’ll know soon enough if all these nay-sayers are telling the truth. Even if the Cherry Blossoms are a dud this year, I’ll get to see the monuments. Its been almost 50 years since I was in DC last. I think it was 1970 or 71 so that would be 46-47 years ago. I’m sure cherry blossoms or not that it will be a wonderful experience.

 

 

Cherry Blossom Time

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Ok now I’m really getting bummed out. I need to shake this cold!

I was hoping to grab a quick trip to D.C. for the cherry blossoms. I’ve been watching the news feed to find out when the festivities will start. Friends that were in the Capital have been posting photos saying the cherry blossoms are already starting. It’s this crazy weather.

It looks like the peak bloom is predicted  March 14 – March 17. It doesn’t even include a weekend.  http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

I did a quick check of flights that would let me fly down in the morning and come back the same day, Whew! Expensive. I’m looking at around $600 round trip. Amtrak wasn’t any better and would take longer.

Staying overnight cut the price in half but then I’d have hotel and pet sitting and meals so no matter how I look at it the cost is going to be around $600.00.

I still have a few days so I’ll keep my eyes open for some deals but its starting to look like this is not going to be the year that I get to see the famous Cherry Blossoms. Maybe I should try for a week vacation and stay at my time share next year. I’ll think about that!