I'm in a need of a ride up to DC to visit family next week. I'd drive myself, but my car is gettin' old and probably shouldn't be forced to take another long road trip. And I'd take the bus, but the tickets are way too expensive. So if anyone is headed up to the inauguration from my part of the south -- say, eastern Tennessee, Atlanta, etc. -- I'd love to hear from you. We could split the gas and even split the driving, if you wanted. I'm hoping to head up there on Sunday and return on Wednesday or Thursday.

good luck, i wish i were u...but i was at the festivities on election night in grant park!!! now that was freakin' awesome!!!

Dang, I bet it was!!!!!!

I was thinking about going up after the Southern Ruck. Still not sure.

I was considering going after the Southern Ruck but decided not to. I looked into taking MARC - they're running inauguration specials but it's reservation-only and is sold out already.

I urge those considering going to plan very carefully. The Washington Post has a dedicated inauguration section (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-central/) which you should consult every day. It's possible that 4 million people will descend on DC and even the vaunted Metro system may not be able to handle it. It's possible the metro parking lots will fill up early. Of course you can't drive into the city from Virignia - the Potomac bridges are all close and only the Arlington Bridge is open for pedestrians.

The other idea I had was to park somewhere and bicycle in. Options include along the C&O Canal near the Beltway, Silver Spring near Rock Creek Park, or pehaps the best option: Bethesda where you cycle a fast downhill via the Capital Crescent Trail. But of course that's all weather-dependent.

Why????

My brother's in Silver Spring, MD, so I'm all set, as long as I can get up there. I'll let him and my sister-in-law plan out how to get us in and out of the city for the festivities.

I've signed up for a service called Trip Verde -- they hook people up with carpools. We'll see how it works. I'm still happy to hear from any WBers headed that way!

Why????

Some of us would like to visit our family for a belated Christmas. That's why.

Sorry about that. What I was thinking was why you would want to see Obama swearing in. The mass of people and the fact that you will most likely not see him woudl keep me from going due to the masses.

That was what I was implying.

John

Why????

A feather in my cap along with the original Woodstock and Wakins Glen. It's happening.

I knew it would be mobbed but now that I read Cookerhikers post, I'm reluctant. If I show up at the SoRuck with a bike on the back of my car I may still go.

I would think it would be exciting just to be there, even if you couldn't see Obama, or get into the actual inauguration. Besides visiting my family, which is the main reason for my hoped-for trip, I do want to experience some of that. I missed out on the excitment of the election itself, being in a conservative area and all. So it would be cool to see some of the inauguration festivities, and that includes seeing all the crowds.

A bike will definitely come in handy, though!

Hotels, motels, B&Bs, country cabins, etc. are sold out for days before/after Jan. 20 all the way to the Shenandoah Valley.

Mountain & Valley Shuttle Service, near Luray just west of SNP, has an AT-style shelter on the property with tentsites and other amenities all around. Even a hot shower and bathroom accessible from the shelter, and lots of parking (Go to http://www.mvshuttle.com/parkorstaywithus.html to see a photo and better description.)

From Luray, you would drive into the Vienna Metro Station (last stop on the Orange Line) and catch it to wherever you want to go in DC. They are offering discounted parking (cash only) on Inauguration Day, and free parking several days prior. You can get Metro info at: http://www.wmata.com/

The accommodations at MV Shuttle's property are available free of charge to considerate hiker folk on a first-come, first-serve basis up to capacity. No need to use the shuttle service to stay during this historic event, but the vans are running to Vienna for some local clients on Jan. 20 if anyone wants to go (not free).

After a weekend of SoRuck, I think I'll forget it. If only a million people were expected, I'd probably go. Guess I'll have to watch it on TV with several hundred million.

Keep this in mind as well.......you will not be allowed to carry any kind of backpack, daypack, camera bag, chair or cooler. If you have small children you cannot bring a stroller.

We're going to Savannah for a 4 day weekend. Don't need to be anywhere near here.

I am spending the two nights between, as well as inauguration day at the John's Rest PATC Cabin.
Located on Entry Run in the Pocosin Valley. Will have short wave radio and dog on hand.
good place to listen to history happen

I was informed that the OP has a ride.