Just got back from DC/Virginia again
 

Yeah, took off for a few days again with the family and went down to dc for a day then on to other stops in Virginia to get away and see some stuff.

Just had to post this one up. Went to the smithsonian American history museum in dc. They have a really nice display set up showing the actual flag that was flown that inspired the star spangled banner. It's really awesome and in person gives you chills. At least it did us. No photography is allowed, I'm assuming cause the light flashes lead to degrading the material. It's in a low light display. But I snagged a quick flash free shot to share:
http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/u...8/7da15d8c.jpg

In person it's awesome. And it's huge. Originally 32'x40', but missing some on the length from people snipping souvenirs in the 1800's.
So next time you hear the star spangled banner, this is the flag that inspired it.
If anyone cares I'll post up some other stuff. Just had to share at least this one.

thats a real cool picture, my daughter is going down there next week for a school trip.

I was just there in August/September of last year, was pretty neat. Dark as shit in there, surprised the pic came out that good.

Just came back from there! I love it there! American smithsonion is awesome!

I was too. Glad it did though. This was the highlight of our week for me. :)

Hit the American history smithsonian, mount Vernon, and then headed west a couple hours to go to luray caverns. The caverns are flat out awesome too.

That is awesome Matt. I was trying to picture the size you posted and then I found this pic on Wikipedia:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Henry_flag.jpg

Sometime when you are down there check out the Blue Ridge mountains in VA.

Yup. Same one :)

And yes, it is awesome. Especially in person. Words can't describe

Luray where the caverns we went to are is right there in the shenendoa valley. Gorgeous countryside out that way.
Just amusing how they have a different slant on the civil war down there. They had a small museum too at the caverns with a spot of civil war memorabilia.
Rather amusing when they are talking up the confederate soldiers and how they attacked the Yankee camps lol.

Remember, it's the "War of Northern Aggression" :haha:

I drove the skyline trail back in August, right along the top of the mountains, awesome views and tons of wildlife.

http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t...yline%20Drive/

Yeah, we drove down a good part of 81 which basically parallels the skyline drive. Not as high in elevation but still very scenic.

Already can't wait to go back. Been half tempted to look at houses down that way or further but don't really want to uproot the kids right now...