Moon Hike
Last night I went on a "moon hike" at the National Arboretum. First of all, how have I lived in DC for so long and never visited the Arboretum before? It's a beautiful sanctuary - sprawling meadows, lovingly maintained gardens, forests... I will definitely be going back - that is, if they're able to stay open for visitors after the recently announced 60% reduction in their annual budget. That's right: if you haven't been, don't waste any time scheduling your visit.
The hike was timed to coincide with the full moon, which we never quite saw, due to clouds, but it was still a wonderful experience. As our guide warned us at the beginning of the night, "this is no walk in the park," and he was true to his word, as he led us drill-sergeant-style on what can fairly be described as a forced march over hill and dale. Yet somehow the challenging pace and sternly imposed silence worked - forcing me to be fully present in the experience, the way a challenging yoga practice might. I noticed every scent, every sound - honeysuckle, the minty aroma of pine needles, birds warbling and crowing, and, well, traffic on route 50, and the Pepco plant churning in the distance. I never forgot I was in the city, but most of the time, nature's stimuli were dominant.
From one vantage point, at the top of Mount Hamilton (a 200+ foot mound on the Arboretum's grounds), I was able to see the Capitol and Washington Monument. Our guide (in a moment of softness) shared that the view is particularly striking in winter, when the tree branches are bare. I imagine the entire grounds must just look like a winter wonderland when blanketed in snow.
Towards the end of the hike, under the 150-foot-long branches of a centuries-old oak tree, I understood what our guide meant when he described the Arboretum as a "zoo for plants" - the plants are that loved, and their individual traits and personalities are honored and showcased.
At the end of the night, I hobbled to the car (we walked for 2 hours solid), but was exhilirated, as if I'd just journeyed to a faraway place.
posted by Amanda @ 7:12 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
I didn't know the Arboretum does night hikes! Very cool!
I do wish there were more parks that provided an escape from the sounds of civilization.
I don't think I would describe zoo animals as "loved", "prized" perhaps.
Thanks for sharing. It's a good reminder of the variety of amazing experiences this town offers!
The Arboretum is one of my top five favorite places in Washington, D.C. It's a fabulous little (well, big, really) treasure that so many people overlook or fail to recognize as they go zipping by on Rte. 50.
You should go back next spring when all the azaleas are in bloom. It's AMAZING!
And isn't it a shame that their budget is being cut, but somehow the Defense Dept. still manages to have money to buy bombers? Something is so wrong about that.
we've lived here the better part of a decade and i still haven't been there. that's too bad. we'll have to go check it out. a moon-hike sounds like fun-a-rama! i love full moons. my favorite nights in the desert were full-moon nights when the sky was achingingly clear. no humidity between you on the ground and moon in the sky; only God's halogen flashlight in the inky black.
I love that place. It is also a nice place to take a dog for a walk. I prefer early (8 am when they first open.) There is a section of pine trees that reminds me of a story from Winnie the Pooh. I hope they are able to stay open.
These are very enjoyable hikes/tours. Don't miss the pillars.
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