potomac – evilmoose

I went hiking in Great Falls Park today. There were frozen waterfalls, and icy puddles, and trees without leaves. Hoards and hoards of trees without leaves. I can understand now why people get so excited about the leaves in autumn (or fall), as it would be pretty spectacular. Just about all Australian natives are evergreens, so our autumn isn’t anything special.

These are the Great Falls of the Potomac. Hmm, apparently many people consider them to be the most spectacular natural landmark in the Washington DC area (according to google). The Potomac is actually the dividing line between Maryland and Virginia – these photos were taken from the Maryland shore. More photos if you click on the link thingo underneath (the later photos are taken further downstream, earlier on in the hike).

Acres and acres of red tape – I’ve been filling in endless forms, signing in and out of places, having photos taken, the lot.

Observations so far – the speed limits of American roads, particularly the freeway type areas, seem to be lower, but less observed. Totally ignored might be closer to it. They don’t have the fixed camera system set up here that we do in Melbourne – in the DC area anyway, and apparently they’re fighting to have it stay that way.

Also, I watched the superbowl last night. Well, actually, I watched the first half then fell asleep sitting on the sofa, drooling on my hand. Apparently it was an exciting game. I do remember watching Paul McCartney singing at half time. And the ad making fun of the boobgate episode with Janet Jackson last year.

Touristy activities so far: went to Mount Vernon yesterday. It’s George Washington’s farm – well, a smaller part of the original farm that he owned. A lot of things have been either preserved or recreated. It’s on the banks of the Potomac River, some really nice views. I was going to write a bit more coherently about it, but I’m still jetlagged after the flight, and my brain isn’t working particularly well at the moment.