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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE
MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
WASHINGTON, DC ~ Saturday, February 21, 2009

The weather was clear but crisp this Saturday morning as the Abbott Trailways Bus rolled into the Wal-Mart parking lot at 5:30 AM. The group had started to gather and immediately boarded the Bus to find their favorite seat. At 6:00AM after a headcount to insure that everyone was aboard, we departed.
The journey north on I-81 was quiet with not a lot of traffic. It was quite a relief to sit back in a comfortable seat, watch the scenery roll by and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. As drivers, we seldom have this luxury as we are concentrating on the road ahead.
We stopped briefly at the rest area north of Harrisonburg, which is about half way. It was still chilly and it felt good to get back on the warm bus. The journey into the center of our Nations Capital was very inspiring. We passed by many famous buildings and monuments, some familiar, some not. The traffic was heavy at times and the ever-present road construction and repair was everywhere. We arrived on time about 10AM and gathered on the steps for a group photo. Folks scattered in every direction to see the sights and buildings of their choosing. Most of us at least started in the Gem and Mineral section before moving on to other points of interest.
The Atrium Caf� offered a wide selection of food. Although a bit pricey by our local standards, it was probably average for the DC area. I understand from talking to others, that the IMAX Theater had wonderful films on Dinosaurs and the Deep Sea. The Live Butterfly Pavilion was a worthwhile adventure as well. This museum is so large that there is no way to fully explore every hall and exhibit in our brief 7-hour stay. For some reason, I find it difficult to tear myself away from the fantastic mineral exhibit. There is not much new from year to year but the sheer beauty of the specimens on display there are an amazing sight and keep me inspired.
We all boarded the bus about 5:15, as it was a bit late due to the heavy 5 o�clock traffic. Our scheduled stop for dinner was at the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill in Manassas.
During the ride home, we watched National Treasure 2, Book of Secrets. This Disney DVD was an adventure to find the Lost City of Gold. We arrived safely at the Wal-Mart about 11:00 PM and everyone headed home. Big thanks go to our driver and Lynchburg Club member, Bill Tinsley for a safe trip. From what I hear, everyone had a great time and we had a lot of new members attending. Hopefully we will be able to schedule another trip next February.
Field Trip Report submitted by Dave Callahan, field trip chairman.