Had this trip planned since the Spring and headed out solo to spend a few days in Washington DC. Out early (6:50) Sunday morning and arrived in the DC area around 11AM. Had a few things to do in Md. then took the GW Parkway down to Reagan Airport then
swung around and did my first stop at Gravelly Point at the north end of Reagan Airport. It was a hot sunny DC day and the jets were
coming in on the river route landing 1-9. A number of USAF Hueys, the VIP ships were flying around and one landed at Reagan and idled awhile before heading out NW. Despite the sun and heat it was pretty crowded and I hung out for over an hour enjoying the
show. From there I buzzed over to the Eagles Nest where the USPP have their Aviation Unit. One of their Bell 412s sat in the hot sun
and I was lucky enough to see it launch before leaving. I was about to leave Anacostia Park and headed into DC when I saw the new
Washington Nationals stadium on the other side of the river. Wow this wasnt here when I was down here a few years back. What a beautiful stadium and they are actively working to build other facilities. But the problem (I guess) is that you cross South Capitol Street it isnt the nicest neighborhood. Also on the DC side is the old Capitol Street Heliport which is where the MPDC air unit, Condor (AS 350 Astar) is located. Next stop was the Washington Hospital Center. Very quiet with no MedStar ships around and the STAT Medevac Childrens Hospital copter sat on the roof pad of the CH. Well that was that so I made my last stop....the Courtyard Marriott on F Street
NW. Checked in, grabbed a swim, changed and had a nice dinner at the brew pup in the lobby then took a nice walk to the Mall and the
Monument. Warm eve but nice and clear.
Day 2 was very busy and had such a great payoff!!!! Left the hotel and walked down to the Capitol and Supreme Court before going up
to the Air-Space Museum. Air conditioned and not that crowded (yet) I spent over two hours there. Leaving I decided to go back to the
hotel for a much needed lunch break. Around 2:45 I headed out on my next leg. Down "F" street to the White House, looped around to the Monument then over to the Jefferson Memorial. That is a cool spot for helo watching as the areas copters use the Tidal Basin as a waypoint from the Potomac and away from Reagan. They then pick up the east shore of the Potomac or head along the Anacostia. I left the Jefferson and walked along the Tidal Basin and over to the Potomac watching the arrivals to Reagan then made my way to the Lincoln Memorial. That was pretty crowded then I transitioned to the Vietnam Memorial then the WW2 Memorial.
Well I was getting beat and it was time to head back to the hotel and to recharge.
BUT... walking along the grass by the Monument I hear an approaching copter. It was Eagle 2 and they began sweeping the area. Mmmm I thought. And when I reached the Ellipse the grassy area just south of the White house my suspicions was confirmed Marine One was inbound to the White House!! They kept people at a safe distance but still with good views. And we didnt have to wait long as here come 3 VH-3s looping around the Monument and dropping low as they came towards the White House. But only one was landing, the other two were decoys that broke off. Couldnt see Obama as he departed the copter but it was still pretty cool. After he was at a safe distance the rotors began to turn again and they lifted off heading back home!!! I have to be honest that was something I always wanted to see and basically its just a matter of luck, being in the right place at the right time. Heading back to the hotel I had a little more bounce in my step!!! LOL!! Yes that was QUITE COOL!!!!
A nice relaxing and fun trip but not even enough time to check out all the museums. I was going to stay another day but my youngest son is heading back to school tomorrow so I came home earlier than I would have liked.
but I will return!!! :)
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Originally Posted by jerslice
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