We finally decided to go down to the Tidal Basin on Sunday as the weather was spectacular, with a brilliant blue sky and a bright sun. Although half the cherry blossoms were destroyed by poor weather last month, some had survived, but many trees were past their peak. Still, the place was packed with walkers, boaters, picnickers and people just taking in the beautiful blossoms.

Cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin, posted earlier: