The cherry trees weren't getting all the attention.

Who knew there were bears in these woods?

Another artist had found a vantage point.

Some blossoms sprout directly from the trunk.

Once again we happened upon Yoko Ono, at the Japanese Lantern, site of a supplemental wish tree. The 360-year old stone lantern was a 1954 gift commemorating the centennial signing of the Japan-US Treaty of Amity and Friendship. Today, its ceremonial lighting signifies the official opening of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Overheard among passers-by: "She was John Lennon's wife."
"Who is John Lennon?"

The road and sidewalk were both jammed

and a row of tour buses stretched out of sight.

The Washington Monument bade us farewell for this cherry blossom season as the clouds began to gather.