The Cherry trees are now in full bloom in Washington D.C. and area photographers wait anxiously for when they are in their full glory.
A four a.m. departure had me arrive at the Tidal Basin at 5:15 a.m. I thought I had gotten there quite early as sunrise wasn’t until 6:30. But it seemed that I wasn’t the only excited photographer wanting to get out and photograph the blossoms. Being a Saturday, and the first clear day after a week of dreary and rainy skies, it wasn’t a surprise that it was to be a busy day along the water.
The monuments glistened in the water before the sky began to glow.
The photographers busy with their craft, lined the walkway all around the basin. The sky began to lighten and the real fun began.
It’s nearly 100 years since the Mayor of Tokyo first gifted Japanese Cherry trees to the Mayor of Washington D.C. Celebrated with a two-week long festival, the true stars are the cherry blossoms. Even in 1920, photographers flocked to the basin to capture these stunning beauties.
Once the trees reach full bloom, it’s not long before they begin to fade. Truly one of those moments that is fleeting and makes one step out of their busy lives and walk beneath the cherry trees.
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Categories: All about Hoofbeats & Footprints
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Great pictures. I am heading there in the morning.
Good luck Jack ! Are you going early? I got there at 5:15am and it was already busy. Drove there and parked on Ohio Street. Parking can also be found at Haines Point. There is Handicap parking near the Jefferson Memorial along Ohio Street. Go in by Independence Ave.
Breathtaking!
Thanks Sheryl, myself and about a million others enjoy them just as much.
Great pictures! I went for a run there this morning at 6:30 thinking I was going to beat the crowds – I was amazed at how many people were already there!
You’re right ! The first beautiful day and all came out to enjoy the blossoms. Bet you had a wonderful run dodging people. 🙂
It would seem you were well rewarded for your VERY early start – what glorious captures, especially the reflections of the monuments in the water! 🙂
Those are the ones I was most excited about Joanne. I’ve been wanting to do night shots of the monuments for years, but never made the time. I loved being there, it’s been a couple of years. Thanks!
I know I shouldn’t be surprised since it’s so spectacular but I still can’t get over how many other photographers were there! 🙂
Me too ! At 5:15am ? The bridge was packed with photogs. Crazy stuff.
Oh wow the mayor of Tokyo gifted these beautiful trees? what a gift 🙂
Indeed it was the start of a HUGE tradition in DC. Now there are hundreds of Japanese cherry trees throughout the city. Such a wonderful thing.
I could spend hours upon hours there recording it all 🙂
I especially like the close ups, those with the monuments reflected in the water and – I have to ask – is that a photo of the martin Luther King memorial ?
Yes it is ! Wow, I’m impressed that you knew and recognized the MLK memorial. It is certainly a new addition to the scene. I saw it a couple of years ago and they planted newer cherry trees around it. They’ve grown in and it’s beautiful there. Thank you so much!
Was in Washington last autumn (fall) and that – and the Marines Monument – were the ones that really impressed me. How does it actually work that the flag in the Marines Monument seems to be raised as you come down the hill?
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Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers Titania
You are welcome.
Wow! I’d love to see that! Simply magnificent. Thanks for sharing.
It is truly spectacular..all the people, not so much. But certainly worth it. I saw several small groups that made it a picnic event. Now those are friends I need to have. 🙂
Thank for your share! beautiful city!
Truly my pleasure and so pleased that you enjoyed this post.
Very beautiful! I’d go for the smell 😃
Believe it or not, they are scentless. Can you imagine if they did? WOW !!
These are stunning images ~
You are truly more than kind Mary. Thank you my dear.
Absolutely stunning!
Oh how I wish you could enjoy these one day Sarah. They are so beautiful.
One day Bella! Before WordPress I didn’t even know about this. I really do love the images shared on here, particularly that they all tell such different stories from the same scene 🙂
Wonderful images!
Thanks Cynthia ! This morning so was beautiful.