Discovering the Horror of Wildfires

When a harrowing afternoon dimmed a bright, blissful morning

I experienced a couple of lifetime firsts on the first full day of spring. In the nation's capital, nature's beauty thrilled me. On the way home hours later, she dismayed me.

The morning could not have gone better despite the heavy rush hour traffic. I had arrived at the Tidal Basin later than planned. Still, the crowds admiring the cherry blooms in peak bloom were much smaller than anticipated.