If you missed ‘Part One’ of this piece, please click here.
__________________________________________
Continued…/
After toting around my 42 pound equipment backpack and tripod for a few hours, I called it a day and went back to Mathew and Kerry’s place to start processing some of my images. As you can see, I think I got a few good ones. A few hours later, Kerry and Mathew got home from work and insisted we go back out to get the White House. How could I say no to capturing the iconic building that so many of our forefathers spent years in leading our wonderful nation. Off we went. Most people have to go find parking or take a tour bus to get so close but Mathew drove right to the White House front lawn parking place, flashed his badge and the uniformed Secret Service Police let us park in the employees’ parking place. It still was a little walk but Mathew, Kerry, their two Westie’s and I walked unmolested to the center of Washington DC.
.
Gerry McIntyre at the White House – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All rights reserved.
I’ll never forget what happened next. I started by setting up my tripod and getting it fully extended so I could shoot over the front fence that prevents people from getting direct access to the White House. As I started trying different lenses, Mathew said he better go let the uniformed Secret Service Police Officer know who he was. He went to the barrier and called the Police Officer over, I heard Mathew say who he was and tell him I was his brother. The Police Officer saw his credentials and said, “Yes Sir, No Problem Sir.”
.
.
What was so funny was that I couldn’t see the top of my tripod to ensure the bubble float said it was level. Mathew, at 6’ 5”, said “No problem Bro. Jump on my back and get it set up.” So, with the greatest of joy, I felt like a kid playing with his little brother again, in front of the White House, a memory I’ll never forget. Here’e the 27-picture HDR image:
.
The Whitehouse at Night (HDR) – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All rights reserved.
.
We called it a successful day after that bit of fun and headed back to the house. It was projected to snow the next day and I wasn’t sure where I might go. Again, like the good friends they are, Mathew and Kerry said I had to go see Arlington National Cemetery and Mt Vernon. So, the next morning I jumped in my 4×4 pick-up and headed off, undaunted by the snow. Arlington was the closest place so I went there first. My truck is a little big so the parking attendant directed me to the tour bus and oversized vehicle parking. It was nice having almost the entire parking lot to myself. As I walked toward the JFK Memorial, I was taken by the number of national Hero’s that were resting in peace in Arlington. I was on a mission and was amazed by what I saw in the next few shots.
.
Arlington – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All rights reserved.
.
The JFK Eternal Flame – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All rights reserved.
I was seven years old the day JFK was assassinated. I was honored and in awe to have the privilege to be standing in front of his national memorial. My next destination was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As a retired USAF Senior NCO, I had to go see this memorial.
.
.
My first goal was to get an HDR image of the tomb. The soldiers are hand picked for this special assignment and are very professional in their demeanor and performance. I was lucky enough to capture the changing of the guards.
.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All rights reserved.
.
The Changing of the Guard – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All righte reserved.
.
Although I have hundreds more pictures, I have to get some homework done so I need to close this article with a shot I took at Mt. Vernon. I was surprised this is not a national monument and is standing today as a testament to a few good women that felt it was important to keep George Washington’s home in good condition. Although I could not take any pictures inside, I did capture this shot of the front. It is a beautiful mansion initially built by George’s great-grandfather and then added onto by George after he inherited it from his father.
.
Mount Vernon – Copyright, 2014, Gerard McIntyre. All rights reserved.
.
I look forward to my next adventure. I only hope to capture more stunning images to share with my family and friends. I must close this by saying “Thank You” to Mathew and Kerry for their graciously putting me up and showing me the town on relatively short notice.
.
Great shots Jerry. Good to see you’re still alive. I hope school’s going well.
These pictures are so good, that even though I had seen most of them on Facebook, I just had to have another look. Love the story that went along with them. I think it was a successful trip despite the lack of cherry blossoms. See you soon.