Budweiser Clydesdales

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Yesterday on our morning walk we decided to visit Nationals Stadium on opening day. As we were making our way around the perimeter we stopped at the Budweiser wagon that was parked on the east side. Next to the wagon were at least six huge trucks with “Clydesdales” written all over them. Some of the doors were open and we saw the faces (and behinds) of the beautiful horses inside. We got there just in time to see the animals dressed in their red blankets escorted down the plank to be spruced up and prepared for the work and show ahead. One by one they were brought to the front of the wagon and harnessed to each other all the while as the narrator told the crowd about each horse and how they manage the whole operation. So we hung around long enough to see the last passenger - the Dalmatian - climb aboard the rig and then watch as the eight horse hitch moved out on to the Main Street. I have never been on a horse and am amazed at how gentle these huge animals are. It was a sight to see. 

Washington Nationals Opening Day

Rather than going our usual route to the National Mall for our morning walk, we headed to Yards Park to see what was going on for the Nationals Opening Day. The game was scheduled for 1 PM, but the crowds were already en route to the stadium from every direction. We walked to the waterfront and looped around to South Capitol and across. The rear entrance was quiet but fans were gathering at the west entrance. The cherry blossoms looked outstanding next to the baseball great iron statues. Of course we took a selfie in the large mirrored baseballs hanging high from the structure. The lines were getting longer and longer by the front gate and there was a sea of red everywhere. On the east side of the park the Budweiser Clydesdales trucks were parked and the beautiful horses were napping inside. But soon they were brought out and hitched to the wagon. The eagle mascot was also roaming around and a bunch of sailors must have gotten free passes to the event. The Dalmatian pup was the last occupant to get on board the wagon before it rolled out. It was a great diversion for our typical morning walk. Play ball!