Day1

It was still dark and dawn was just breaking as the Sixth graders arrived at Colrain Central Elementary School, but everyone was excited. We packed up the bus, said our goodbyes and headed out on the open road.



The bus was buzzing with anticipation as we drove up Colrain Mountain, past Pine Hill and Apex Orchards, through Greenfield and south onto Interstate 91. The cities and towns then flew by, Northampton, Springfield, Hartford, New York.

The travelers stopped for a quick picnic lunch in New Jersey, where legs were stretched and bellies were filled before continuing onward, southward to our Nation's capitol.



After lunch a busy routine settled over the travelers -- some reading, some playing, some listening to music, some dozing.

And then we arrive (9 hours later)

The countdown is on!  We are less than a week from the trip for which we've been gearing up all year!  The students are excited-the chaperones are excited-I am excited!!  We are going to see and experience so many wonderful things while we explore our nation's capital and one of the most influential cities in the world.  We will be looking for connections to other cultures,  a better understanding of our government and how it operates, as well as some really cool museum exhibits.
There are several Colrain traditions that we will be carrying on during our visit such as the reciting of the Gettysburg Address in the Lincoln Memorial, the photo op on the giant Einstein statue, and the class picture in front of the White House.  These traditions have been in place nearly as long as the trip has been in existance.
However, we'll also be experiencing some "firsts" while we are there.  We will be having the honor of presenting a wreath during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery.  We will be visiting Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum where we will get to "meet" all 44 U.S. presidents and a few celebrities.  We will also be seeing what life was like for 11 year olds on the historic ships of Baltimore.
Be sure to follow our blog and be a part of the trip with us!