On August 9, 2003, I went on another trip to Washington DC, this time with my mother and my sister. I had an agenda for some Photography sets. However, clouds hung over the area all day, which made my photos appear rather dark and grainy. So, I'm sad to announce that it was a wash on that front, but at least it didn't rain. However, even though the intended photo sets weren't usable, I did end up getting a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff from the day. And for about a year or so, I've wanted to give you a "backstage" look at how these photo days go. So this is it.
Going to the DC area, we took Mom's Toyota Sienna, and took I-81 to I-66, and got off at Nutley Street. We parked in the North Garage at Vienna, and entered the station...
Welcome to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station! Out here, we bought a copy of the "McPaper", USA Today.
Once aboard the train (Breda 3285), Sis broke out the McPaper, while Mom also got a peek at some stories. Next station: Farragut West.
Our first target was Farragut Square in Northwest DC. Before crossing the street to the square itself, Sis shows off her rhinestone sunglasses. She actually made these herself, after seeing a similar pair in Charlottesville for $30. So she bought a cheap pair of sunglasses, some glue, and a bag of rhinestones. Total cost? $6. I'd say it's well worth it, don't you think? She did a really good job...
Farragut Square was even better than I expected. I expected an open square with only the statue in the middle. Instead I got a complete urban park, with all manner of trees, and some beautiful flowers around the statue of Admiral Farragut.
On top of the statue of Admiral Farragut, a bird made a resting place.
While I went about and did my thing, the ladies, after seeing the square, went across the street and went to Starbucks, not without first telling me where they were going.
As you can see, Farragut Square really is a rare green spot in Northwest DC.
I really loved this tree... so twisted looking...
Look who's back! I didn't think I took as long as I did! The ladies are finished at Starbucks, and now were telling me to hurry up.
Just outside the Farragut North Metro station, we discuss the trip.
Farragut North on the Red Line. Interestingly enough, entrances to this station and the Farragut West station are within sight of each other. Look one way, see the pylon for Red Line's Farragut North. Look the other way, see the pylon for Blue/Orange Line's Farragut West.
And here we are at Farragut North. Next station, Metro Center.
Before leaving the Metro Center station, we took a moment to look at what has been described as the architectural high point of Metro. This is the intersection of the two ceiling vaults. A Breda train is on the tracks.
Speaking of this Breda train, here's a first. The doors closed, the train moved about a foot, and then the doors opened again, and the train sat for a minute or so until the doors closed again, and it went on its way towards Gallery Place-Chinatown.
After the other train left, a train of Rohr cars arrived, passengers exchanged, and then the Rohr train departed. Note the sound of this train compared to others we'll see.
Leaving Metro Center, Mom and Sis flashed a big smile for the camera.
This is Freedom Plaza. Look familiar? No? Understandable. This is what it looks like on a normal day. Very open, with an almost empty feeling to it. This, if you recall, is where the protest started out.
Sis walks through, and takes some pictures with her little disposable camera.
The fountain at Freedom Plaza varies its height from very high to nothing at all...
Nearby is the Warner Theatre, which has played host to a number of entertainers over the years.
So many performers, and they've gotten to put their name in concrete. We have their name in a disk set in the concrete, plus they signed the concrete. Here, we have Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minnelli, and Frank Sinatra.
Back at Metro Center, on the platform, discussing the trip so far. Note the sound of Breda trains in the background.
From Metro Center, we headed towards the Fort Totten station aboard Breda 2059. Between the Union Station and Rhode Island Avenue stations, along with construction of the New York Avenue in-fill station, is Brentwood Yard. This is a train yard along the Red Line where trains are serviced. Also notice the yellow-orange work cars around here. Also note the sheer amount of tracks and "third rails" about.
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