Two Nights Anchoring at Mount Vernon

What a wonderful time we had exploring DC. I feel so fortunate to have been able to have this opportunity, as it truly was a once in a lifetime experience. So it was with a twinge of sadness that we said goodbye to Washington and headed downriver to Mount Vernon.



What is so cool about visiting Mount Vernon by private boat is that we can anchor adjacent to the grounds and take our dinghy to the Mount Vernon wharf. We arrived mid-afternoon so we decided to wait until the next morning to visit the grounds. Just as in the days of old, we were met and our dinghy lines caught at the wharf by Mount Vernon staff.



Climbing the hill from the wharf, the first area we came to was the Washington Tomb. It was very important to President Washington that both he and his wife Martha be buried at Mount Vernon. He went so far as to create very specific plans for the burial ground and tomb.



The one thing that is stressed about George Washington is that his first love was his farm and for all of his other accomplishments, he always thought of himself as a farmer first and foremost. He took great pride in his horticultural experimentation as well as making his plantation totally self sufficient. Again, he even designed and created a greenhouse for his prized exotic plants.

Now you knew that if there were sheep on the grounds, that I would find them…



We were not allowed to take pictures within the actual home at Mount Vernon, but it has been beautifully restored with full authenticity. The view of the Potomac from what is really the back porch of Mount Vernon is breathtaking.




We had lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn and look what else I found…



While taking the walking tour of the gardens, it was pointed out that the tree under which Captain Mark is standing is one of only two original trees remaining on Mount Vernon from President Washington’s time. We spent well over seven hours visiting the house, the slave quarters, the extensive historical museum and theater and we thoroughly enjoyed each and every minute. Of all of the historical things that I have seen and done thus far in life, I have to say that visiting Mount Vernon is one of life's "must do" for every American.

Hours on the water: 3
Nautical miles traveled: 14.7
Number of bridges to be opened: 0
Time spent waiting at bridge: 0
Next Destination: Colonial Beach Anchorage
What we're listening to: Radio tunes
What we watched: Water traffic on the Potomac River
Lesson for the day: George was one cool dude!
Obligatory knitting report: Hats for the Wunder Kids



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