The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is about 11 miles from where I live. Last weekend I ran down to the museum while my family drove and met me there. I am toying with the idea of signing up for an October half marathon, so I decided to 'try on' how 11 miles would feel.
Once we met up and arrived at the museum, we went through the metal detectors and had our bags searched. Admission to the museum is free but they are definitely tight on security in downtown Washington D.C.
Of course, my husband had his pocket multi-tool confiscated AGAIN!
One day we'll remember to leave it at home when we might be faced with such an obstacle. Those things are just so dang useful though! My favorite new use for the multi-tool on his keychain (rather, the one that we need to replace on his keychain) is to cut drinking straws in half and put one in each of the water cups for the kids when we are at restaurants. Full length straws inevitably result in tipped cups, so the half-length straw is a great workaround.
Multi-tool, I miss you!
Anyway, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has many exhibits ranging from Ocean Life to Anthropology. They have a butterfly exhibit and live tarantula feedings. There is also a large hall dedicated to all things mammalian.
Here are a few snapshots of some of the little critters that I thought were so stinkin' cute! Oh, and one big giant critter, also cute.
Oh, and because I know you're wondering, I'm happy to report, no blisters or injuries. I listened to the psychological thriller podcast "Homecoming" the whole way down. Pretty good stuff!
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please do check out my blog.
Photos by @jaymorebeet, taken on 8/12/2017 with a Canon 7D Mark II.
Such a great place to play and photograph, I spent a ton of time there when visiting. Those are really nice photos of the museum, love the depth of field, and that mouse is SO cute. Thanks for sharing them with us, and reminding me of times spent there in the past. Truly magical.
I hate when they take your knife/etc. I feel for your hubs. I've actually gone back out, and hid my contraband in the bushes or somewhere easy for only me to find later once done at the place. Even at the airport in town. Come back a week later on return, and 'dig it up'. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I spoke up a millisecond too late with the suggestion to hide it in the bushes! It was already in the clutches of the guard. Once I lost some good mustard at an airport. Mustard! Your idea reminds me of how I used to stash water bottles along running trails where I knew I'd love a drink. Some call it risky. I call it genius.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Awww...I'd want to pet some of those like the mouse but then I'd be creeped out a little knowing it was stuffed. lol That elephant is pretty awesome.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That little mouse in the wheat was the tiniest thing ever. I seriously couldn't believe how small it was. I wanted to pet it too, but yes, the creep factor was a little high.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You're lucky to live so close to all these great US treasures. Soak it up!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @lrich! We really are - Washington DC has a lot of great cultural places to visit :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Love the pictures. I am guessing all of these animals have been stuffed? They look so real though. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes yes, they are just exhibits at the museum, no food or water needed. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice! :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great shots, and I love wandering around museums like that, it can definitely be an all day affair!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @cognoscere! At least all day! I could have stayed more but nap time beckoned and I don't mess with nap time.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Love this museum! I went last year with a friend and it was an absolute blast!
I think the crazy huge dinosaur whales were my favorite. 😊
Absolutely brilliant photography as well!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @grime. Have you been to other Smithsonian museums too? I do love the Museum of Natural History - you definitely need more than 1 day there though...we didn't see half of the exhibits! I want to go to air and space soon too!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Amazing shots my friend, i love visiting museums like that, you are lucky to have such great place near you.
Sad for your multi-tool though!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @progressivechef! I love DC's many cultural attractions! I DON'T, however, love having to buy another multi-tool! That thing has been a life line many times!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I love your post, thanks for sharing!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @impressions :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations @jaymorebeet! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPDownvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
My kids and I love museums. Great photos of mammals 😉
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @luvabi! Museums and kids are perfect together! Big open places where they can explore and make noise (so long as it's kid-friendly) and LEARN! Love it!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice set of photos!
I had to go to court for probate ( yeah I'm not a criminal lol) and forgot till I saw the metal detector lol. I turned around because I was not too close and ditched mine in the bushes. I guess I didn't look too guilty but those multitools aren't cheap and I didn't want to lose it lol
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
ahhh!!! I would totally do that, but my husband is maybe more 'cautious' than I am... How many of these dang things are we gonna have to buy!!!?!?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit