I don't do panic.

Maybe I should bring our camping walkie-talkies, with 5 mile range?

Or would the Secret Service not like that?

Most head south after the Inauguration but it is a dispersal -- rather slow usually -- in all directions.

You don't need clout to get them.

I got tickets up close last time -- more than we needed and far better than I expected for January 2009 (i.e. up close at the Capitol probably due to some no-shows and perhaps because some of the junior staff probably knew the family) -- without calling in any favors as the Congressperson was from a district far from DC with few people coming to DC for the Inauguration.

If you happen to be from -- or be associated with people coming for Inauguration who are resident in -- a district far from DC that doesn't have too many people coming to DC for the Inauguration a simple call to the local Rep's office may get you (and/or them and you) tickets or at least waitlisted for ticket pick-up. Sometimes you may even be invited to a special reception for your state's citizens coming for the Inauguration.

Do call up and try to get whatever tickets you can.

In 2009, I had to put up people as far as hotels at BWI -- managed that with points -- but on Inauguration night itself was able to get hotels in the District far more easily than the night before Inauguration. Just somethings to keep in mind. IIRC the OMNI up on the Red Line in DC was coming up then on PCLN or Hotwire for Inauguration day for reasonable prices.

That will give Roberts a dress-rehersal opportunity on the Oath. Too bad the inaguration day didn't fall on a Sunday last time -- he sure needed a chance to practice it.

i would be amazed if SS allowed those things to work. they will suck all the ether out of the area. no transmit

I've been on the fence for months whether or not to go. At this point though, I'm 95% not going, but I haven't gotten myself to cancel the one-night award res at the Radisson DCA yet.

One thing to remember about traffic is that it's much, much worse in the day--from the inaugural pre-game type stuff through at least the early part of the parade. But once the crowds have dispersed, it's a lot easier to get around. And thanks to all the people in tuxes and evening gowns, on that night Metro becomes the best-dressed subway in the world.

How did everyone's day go? My family got tickets from their Congressperson in NM, so I ended up there after all, my first inauguration since 2001. Per our assigned tickets we entered the Mall near Judiciary Square Metro and exited the same way. Crowds were slow-moving but in good spirits save a couple of people that got separated from their companions.

Enjoy your evening if you are still in town!