Washington Monument - inside and up

We got tickets to go up to the top of the Giant Pencil this Saturday, and took some friends with us. It didn't get above 7C in Washington DC, with a bitter wind, although by about 1pm the wind seemed to have died down a bit. We were thankful for all our new winter gear, although Mr 5 is yet to get comfy with the bulkiness of his jacket. The view from the top was very good, because it was such a clear (cold) day. One thing we learned was how close the Pentagon is to the Mall - that is to say, just across the river really. I had the impression it was out in whoop-whoop somewhere.
HOT TIP for coming down - there are memorial stones all up the inside of the monument, and they slow the elevator and clear the glass a couple of times on the way down to show you, so get in position near the doors, and have your camera ready!! (we didn't, on either count, so just enjoyed).
Afterwards we went to the National Museum of American History, which is another post, because I can't summarise it in a sentence.