Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Our last stop before heading home to Oregon was Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  We spent some time with a few friends and took a scenic trip to see Lake Coeur d'Alene.  It was beautiful.  As we near home, the terrain looks more and more familiar.  There is no place like the northwest. 

Idaho

I think northern Montana and Idaho are some of the most beautiful places in the United States.  The photo below doesn't begin to give you an idea of its beauty.  You will just have to see it for yourself.

The last three states....

...Delaware, West Virginia and North Dakota.  These are the last three states in our quest to visit all 50 states.  During our trip, we have added quite a few to our list, but we recently visited states number 48, 49 and 50.  
While in the DC area, we hopped on the Harley and head due east to Delaware. 

On our way to Chicago, we took the route that would allow us to drive through West Virginia...Number 49!

And finally, we traversed North Dakota, our 50th. state.

We did it!!!

The Capitol

The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the Federal government of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., it sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall.  Thanks to our state Senator, Ron Wyden, we were able to have a tour of the Capitol. 
The Rotunda is the center of the Capitol whose function is a ceremonial space.  Unfortunately I mostly remember it as the site of many funerals of Presidents, military heroes, etc. 
We both learned a lot from the tour, but more from the exhibits.  We seemed to have forgotten a tremendous amount since our US History class in high school.

Library of Congress

Sometimes your socks get knocked off when you least expect it.  We hadn't planned on visiting the Library of Congress, but were intrigued by entering through the 'tunnel' from the Capitol.  It is probably the most stunning building we visited.  The attention to detail was phenomenal.  Our son, Brandon would have loved it and probably would have spent a week there.  He particularly would have loved the mosiacs.
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress.  One of the exhibits featured the editorial cartoons of Herb Block.  He was so 'spot on' in so many of his cartoons.

House...

...of the Supremes....the Supreme Court Justices that is.  This is quite an impresssive building.  Sixteen marble columns at the main west entrance support the portico. On the arch above is incised:

Equal Justice Under Law

You can click on any photo to make it larger....

Washington DC...

......stuff

Washington DC license plate.  

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

Wilmington, NC

My cousin Richard and his wife Anita live in Wilmington, but they are in Michigan hugging their grandaughter, then off to China. I certaainly understand as I would give up visiting my cousin to hug my grandaughter and travel to China in a heartbeat.

We stopped in Wilmington for an overnight trip on our way to Washington, DC. Wilmington is surrounded by water (or so it seems) ...  a river on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.   We did get out to see the downtown area as well. 
What is it about front porches???

Coen Brothers

This posting is for my sons.

Spanish Moss

I love it!  Photo taken in a city park in Charleston.

Charleston

This is a great city.  I'm not into Architecture, but during this entire trip, I find myself taking photos of homes.  I must admit it is interesting to see how each city has its own slant on style and history.  We learned a lot of interesting tidbits when we took a mule-drawn carriage tour of downtown Charleston.  We also brought our bicycles and rode around the city which is bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers.

The bridge to....

.....Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan's Island the Isle of Palms and Patriot's Point.  We enjoyed a great Harley over this fabulous bridge to enjoy several unique sites just east of Charleston.  

Fort Moultrie, which served as coastal fortification for two centries, is located on Sullivan's island.  It is located just across the water from the famed Fort Sumpter where the first engagement of the Civil War took place.

Patriots Point is located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor.

Just several hundred feet from the Atlantic Ocean, these homes are very unique and built to withstand water from flooding and hurricane winds....hopefully.

FOOD in Charleston!

We enjoyed several meals in the Charleston area...some good and some not so good and some very interesting.

We were encouraged to taste the 'southern east coast' barbeque and compare it to Memphis barbeque.   While we enjoyed the vinegary and mustardy flavors, we both agreed we still like the Memphis barbeque best.

 Our friends/neighbors, Janie and Phil, suggested several restaurants and we decided to sampleMagnolia's in downtown Charleston.  It did not disappoint.

Our new friends, Eddie and Lisa, suggested a unique restaurant, Bowen's Island, on the way to Folly Beach.  Without a doubt, it was one of the greatest experiences.  Most enjoyed oysters delivered to their table with a coal shovel and a 5 gallon bucket for the shells.  Hub was very brave and ate 'shrimp and grits'.  He liked them!  This restaurant was located at the end of a narrow dirt road.  It consisted of several suspiciously rickety buildings right on the water.  We were treated to the music of a unique trio easily our age.  Wonderful!  Thanks to Eddie for the pics.

And last but not least, following another tip from Eddie, we ate at Bimini in Myrtle Beach....where the locals eat.  Sorry, no pics.