December 1, 2009 - the Moon is full (exactly 98% full – tonight behind the rain storms it is 100% full) the air is crisp, the sky is clear, it is the Full Cold Moon or Full Long Nights Moon. 30 excited, warmly dressed people embark of a 4 mile hike by moonlight through the National Arboretum, this unique experience is considered one of DC’s best outings- who knew!
Incredible amount of planning goes into an arboretum – trees are slow growers- In planting a tree one may never see what it becomes. Many shades of greenish greys and blacks, some soggy and steep terrain – and my personal favorite lots of Moon Shadows! How I love moon shadows – I am fascinated that the moon has such a reflective quality that not only can we see it in some detail, but it also reflects enough light on the earth to allow us to see pretty clearly at night (sans color and great detail) and even cast shadows. 
Highlights of the tour…
Capitol Columns – WOW! The original Capitol building’s sandstone Corinthian columns free standing in a courtyard in a meadow– the corners slightly up lit with the full moon behind beautiful – a sight not many can claim they saw!
A Capitol View - A network of rustic woodland trails follows the contours of Mount Hamilton, we followed the trail to the top of Mount Hamilton, one of the highest points in the District of Columbia. At this elevation of 240 feet above sea level, we saw an incredible view of the Capitol, Washington Monument, and the DC City Lights.
Quince Fruit Tree – Quince is a native fruit tree to Persia resembling a cross between an apple and a pear. This ancient fruit of antiquity was prized by Greeks and Romans alike. The fruit is very fragrant, aromatic, perfume like even.
Camellia Trees – all abloom – as we walked down a path there were these trees with fragrant blossoms, in the dark night the white blossoms glowed in the moon might.
Magnolia Leaves caught the moon light and glistened, almost wet looking they shined so brightly.
Cyprus Knees - These stubby projections are called the "knees" of the bald cypress tree. Bald cypresses grow where the soil is always wet (theirs was intended to grow next to a small pond), the knees are growths on the roots that help the "drowning" roots get the air they need.
Soil vs. dirt: Dirt is what you sweep off a floor, Soil is what plants grow in – 25% water, 25% air, 50% minerals and organic matter
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