Mount Vernon

After a night of walking around D.C. and a bit of sleep at a hostel,

I took a cruise up the Potomac River.

We docked at the wharf at Mount Vernon,

which you can see on the hillside about twenty minutes before you come close to the bank.

I pretended I was an elegant visitor in the 18th century

coming from a long journey in a long gown to visit the President.

For some reason, images of Kira Knightley from the Pirates of the Carribean

kept popping into my mind as I stood on top of the ship.

I was enchanted before I even walked up the mountain.

I couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face.

I came up to the house from the back.

From the back porch, you can see everything.

I sat there and watched the river. I could have stayed all day.

The view.

I imagined the Washingtons swimming in the summertime.

All of the rooms were brightly painted: seafoam teal, lemon yellow, taffy pink.

Indicative, apparently, of their wealth.

The grounds were beautiful, as well.

Washington was first laid here and then later,

upon his request, was moved to a new family tomb.

After I toured around and ate lunch,

I returned to the back of the house and watched the river

until the boat arrived to carry us to D.C. 

Put it on the must-see list!