Pre-Inauguration DC [2009Jan20] – a set on Flickr

I wanted to go to DC, just to see what was going on. Just so i could say i went there. I’ll be working and probably won’t even be able to watch the inauguration on TV, and i wanted to at least see something and since it’s only a 30 minute drive why not in person?

Even at 2 in the morning there were crowds on the streets of DC. I was surprised to find parking just a few blocks from the mall, and even more surprised i was able to walk right up to the Capitol building. Law enforcement was everywhere (mostly in their cars with the heaters running). So were fences and barricades—the closer to the capital, the more restricted your path. Most streets around the mall were closed to vehicles, but no problem for pedestrians. After only 30 minutes in the sub-freezing temperatures i was near-miserable. I can’t imagine standing on the mall for hours like many plan on doing later today.

I-395 from 7th Street Overpass by miahz, on Flickr

Twittered:

01:40: freezing in DC. cars are being towed. someone could die from cold tomorrow.

01:48: outoftowners pouring out of lenfant metro.

02:07: video screens on mall showing flag from camera on capitol dome.

02:34: crews putting up barricades around federal buildings and monuments. people still walking in.

04:04: just got back from DC just so i could see in person the scene where supposed history will take place, and say "i was there on that day."

Capitol Reflected on Ice by miahz, on Flickr

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