Bike Station - Washington D.C.

Bike Station - Washington D.C., originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Interesting architecture. This bike station was located between Union Station and the old Post Office building.

Cathedral Hallway

Cathedral Hallway, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The National Cathedral has lots and lots of little chapels and hallways. All of which were lighted beautifully by the abundance of stained glass windows.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Korean War Memorial, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

19 United States soldiers on a night patrol

Kathy and I were walking around Washington D.C. on what would prove to be our longest day there. We had started out fairly early walking from our hotel over to the National Cathedral and then walked around the Smithsonian museums for quite a while. We both had our cameras of course and we took turns carrying our tripod which came in handy as the sun went down and darkness closed in. We walked from Union Station, along the mall all the way to the base of the Lincoln Memorial. Once there, it was Kathy's idea to walk over to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. 

It was very striking and a little sad. Several of the figures of the soldiers seemed to have haunted or frightened looks on their faces. But they were brave. They answered not only their nations call, but helped another country facing aggression. 

Taking photos here was a little challenging. There were just too many people milling around to risk setting up a tripod as somebody might trip on a leg and get hurt. I decided to use my gorilla pod, and just wrapped the legs around one of the metal poles that supported the chains that surround the memorial. This worked pretty well, with the longest exposures being 30 seconds long and still very sharp.

A plaque near the memorial reads "Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

Divine Illumination

Divine Illumination, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

We arrived at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. fairly early and the sun was still at a fairly low angle. Sunlight was casting beautiful colored light beams across the Cathedral's marble floors which are already quite striking. I was told by one of the priests that had we shown up a couple of hours later, the light changes quite a bit and is in no way this dramatic. I really want to return here the next time I visit.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise 2

The Space Shuttle Enterprise 2, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

As I was walking around the space hanger, I noticed a flight of stairs with a platform at the top that was 15-20 feet above the floor. There wasn't a sign that said "Museum Staff Only" so I decided to go up there and take another HDR series from there. The Udvar Hazy Center does not allow tripods but I was able to use my gorillapod without anyone objecting.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise

The Space Shuttle Enterprise, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I was amazed when Kathy and I first entered the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. Directly before us was the incredible SR-71 Blackbird and in the distance beyond was the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Being a big fan of space flight, I just couldn't believe I was actually standing in front of this incredible (and huge) piece of American history.

This was the first Space Shuttle orbiter vehicle. It was built for flight test in the atmosphere and never flew in space. It was carried to a launch altitude on the back of a specially modified 747 where it was released and then it glided down to land at Edwards Air Force Base.

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., was dedicated on May 15, 1920. While many ceremonies are conducted throughout the country, many consider the services at Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater to be the nation's official ceremonies to honor all American service members who serve to keep the United States free.

B-29 Enola Gay

B-29 Enola Gay, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This aircraft dropped the first of two atomic bombs that were used against the Empire of Japan and is credited with helping to end World War II. The bomb from this aircraft was dropped on the City of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The Japanese government unconditionally surrendered 8 days later. Between 90,000 to 140,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the aftermath of the Hiroshima attack.

Ex Nihilo

Ex Nihilo, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

American master sculptor Frederick Hart's "Ex Nihilo" (Out of Nothing) tympana from the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

Luxor Exhibits Floor

Luxor Exhibits Floor, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Luxor Hotel's exhibits and attractions floor is being upgraded. It currently houses the "Titanic Artifacts" and "Bodies" exhibits. The old motion simulation ride and IMAX theater have been removed.