It's the Climb: Capitol Dome Tour

Last Friday, there was a cancelation for a Capitol Dome Tour, and truly by chance, my office was lucky to fill it.

Looking at this picture, taken 152 feet above the Capitol Rotunda, still gives me a little bit of vertigo...and this wasn't even the highest point. Here I am on the balcony at the base of the tholos....

High enough to see the Maryland 'burbs.....though the Washington landmarks were much more sightly. Here's Patrick, the work hubs, holding Court, Supremely, on the exterior balcony of the Dome.

I've worked on the Hill for years, but never had the chance to make this climb.

I have a slight fear of heights, and a wild imagination that went into over-drive as I was winding my way to the top, giving the stairs a tight death-grip....

but I did it anyway, because it's a pretty big treat to score a dome tour (tours are not available for public booking, and only taken once a day). The up-close view of the dome's paintings....

and its architecture was worth a very real case of the willies. 

I am going to get a little D.C. nerdy here. I loved seeing this light....

When either the House or the Senate is in session, this light is always on. You can see it from the the top of the Capitol, all over the city. On September 11th, even when the government evacuated, this light stayed turn burning.

Confession....I had to rely on my co-workers for most of these photos. I was too chicken to look over the inside ledge. This is how I saw things from inside...

I wasnt as brave as these girls...

Dome you wish your collegaues are cute like mine? Hee! The photos don't do the experience justice...

but they will always be reminders to me of how lucky I am to get to do unique things like this!