If it is a tough question, do you really think that you will get a straight answer from either of those entities?

:D

Doesn't mean the opportunity to present the question should be lost, does it? and maybe the tour participants will be surprised by information that is shared (no promises, but you never know)

Especially since the head just stepped down...

Update on the Smithsonian tours:

Everything is on as originally planned for the Sunday Udvar-Hazy Space Museum tour - should be great fun for all!

For Saturday here's where we stand:

We did not have enough folks sign up to keep both of these private tours, there still may be an opportunity for a private tour in the afternoon if there is sufficient interest (defined as at least five fully confirmed participants - I have been in contact with some of you already via PM about this).

Saturday morning tours:
For those not going to Hillwood, although we have canceled the private tour of the American Art Museum they have the following public offerings that you are encouraged to join:
12:30 PM - American Art Museum public tour.
and/or
11:45 AM - National Portrait gallery public tour.
Both of the above tours meet in the F Street lobby (south side of the building)*.

Saturday afternoon, National Museum of the American Indian**:

OPTION 1:
If we have at least 5 people confirm or reconfirm we can keep the 2PM scheduled private tour.

OPTION 2:
Otherwise, or if those attending just prefer: you may join the 1:30PM Highlights Tour already scheduled for the public. It is also free.



* Official address (same building complex):
American Art Museum
8th St NW & F St NW
Washington, DC
(202) 633-7970
The American Art Museum's main building is at the heart of a revitalized downtown arts district, known as the Penn Quarter. It is conveniently located above the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station (Red, Yellow and Green lines). The DC Circulator also serves the museum's Penn Quarter neighborhood. Barrier-free access is available at the 8th and G Street entrance.

or
National Portrait Gallery
750 9th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 633-8300


** NMAI on the National Mall
Fourth Street & Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20560
202-633-1000
The National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C., is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building.

No need to skip UH tour. ;) I'll give you a ride back to DCA.

I am also considering joining for the walk as my mom was just diagnozed with and treated for breast cancer. I checked your webpage and saw your ambitious fundraising goal - I'll PM you with specific questions.

Also, for those getting back to DCA on Sunday or coming in on Friday, I work in Crystal City in a building overlooking DCA and DC skyline/Potomac. I can easily bring folks to work during off-hours and show the panoramic view of DC vistas. Just let me know and I'll be happy to do this (SkiAdcock - we can do it before your flight on Sunday as well, if you'd like).

Finally, if there are any cancellations on a United tour it IAD on Friday, I'll be interested in joining as it looks that I can arrange the work schedule around.

A Late Registrant
 

I will join in for happy hour on Friday night and follow the crowd to a possible dinner afterwards. Also, I just made a payment for the Saturday dinner at Zengo. I might be interested in going to the UH Museum on Sunday as well but might have to meet the group there in the afternoon. I'll confirm that later.

Look forward to meeting everyone.

I toured NMAI w/an alumni group last year & thought it was very well-done, exceptionally informative. I'd budget a few hours. Our guide was from near the Pine Ridge reservation in SD, so could add some personal color, which was fantastic.

Thanks for the offer of a ride! And I'm sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis, but fingers crossed the treatment went well & no more problems in the future. If there's time on the Sunday (although it sounds tight from end of UH tour to my getting to DCA), the panoramic view stop sounds great.

Cheers.

fungirl - sorry to hear about your mom and hope the treatment is successful! It'd be great if you can keep unhBuzzard+1 and skiAdcock company on the walk, it looks like a good time along a beautiful scenic route.

UPDATE
- I spoke to the manager at the Saturday night venue (Zengo) and we are all set for our expanded party size. They are seating us at tables with room for a few more people if anyone else wants to be a late entrant. So if you missed the deadline, but still want to join the group for dinner on Saturday, let us know soon via [email protected]

- If you are signed up for a Smithsonian tour on Saturday, you should have heard from grizshel. If you have not, please drop him a PM asap.

- The IAD Tour is booked full at the moment. If anyone cannot make the tour for some reason, please notify me in advance so someone else can take your place (we have a growing waiting list). Also, please send your UA/MWAA questions in by the 25th !!

I just want to thank everybody that's signed up for paying promptly, and not bouncing any checks! As of last weekend, we've received payment from everybody...not a small feat!

wow that's amazing! and thanks for your organization!

I believe that GoingAway is very experienced debt collector. :D ;)

BTW I believe that we have separate Dupont Circle track on Friday and Saturday nights. :D

National Train Day
 

May I also mention that on Saturday May 8, there will be National Train Day in our fair city of Washington DC. The event is also held nationwide in Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York celebrating passenger rail service. The DC event is held at Union Station. Here is the link:

http://www.nationaltrainday.com/events/dc/

The event includes among other things, train equipment displays, exhibits and live performances. This is open to the public and free. So if our FT guests are roaming in between the museums in downtown and would like a break, go to Union Station and check this out. :)

See You on the 7th
 

No comment :p

We're ready for you!! .... Venues confirmed, monies distributed, goodies bagged!! See you on the 7th!!