Last year’s peak bloom was very short. There was a cold snap just before the expected peak – and then a pretty major wind and rain storm a few days after the peak bloom started. Even so – we got some incredible photos last year – since the peak bloom coincided with a full moon in Washington, DC

This photo of the Washington Monument was taken a few days before peak bloom – just a few trees had blossoms – the rest were still primarily buds with some early leaves.

Washington Monument with Cherry Blossoms (c) 2007 Patty Hankins

We went back a few mornings later – when the full moon was going to be setting on one side of the Tidal Basin – while the sun was going to be coming up and shining on the Jefferson Memorial. We knew if the light was right – this could be incredible.

So Bill set up his large format camera for the full moon setting over the Tidal Basin and Arlington Cemetary

While I set up my camera and tripod focusing on the Jefferson Memorial and the sunrise.

(c) 2007 Patty Hankins

For the first time in years – there was no scaffolding visible on this side of the Jefferson Memorial.

By the next morning – the calm peaceful waters of the Tidal Basin were no more as the storm came in. Another day later and DC was in the midst of a rain and wind storm that took most of the blossoms off the trees.

So we were really glad that we had made the effort to go down on Monday for the full moon. Had we waited just a few more days – there wouldn’t have been many blossoms left.

As for 2008 – we’ll hopefully know in another week or so what this year’s peak Cherry Blossom bloom will bring.