It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Notice I say it's beginning to  look like Christmas and not, "a lot" like Christmas. It's still a little early for that for me. But, a special Christmas tradition came through Vancouver, WA today. Every year there is a months long process to pick a tree from one of the National Parks and then there is the cutting and transporting time. As the tree makes its way from its origination to Washington DC to grace the grounds of the US Capitol it makes stops so that the people of this country can wish it well on its way. A few years ago the tree came from Wyoming, my homestate. That was also a year that I was in Washington DC at Christmas/New Year time and was able to see it. This year the tree is coming from Washington state and made a stop in Vancouver, just north of me. I decided I'd like to go so away I went...

Here is the tree covered in canvas to protect it.

 I think that because you can't see the tree itself the most impressive thing to see (besides the length=height of the tree) is the truck pulling it. The paint job of the truck was so detailed and so impressive....there are several photos in here of it...

 There was a canvas/tarp that covered the tree and sharpies for people to sign it.

 There is some plexi-glass window sections so you can get a small glimpse of the tree and some of the ornaments, all of which are made by the people of the state the tree comes from.

 Here's an ornament that is made for the tree and year.

 Santa even made an appearance!

 I had to sign it....

 More of the truck...

What a fun and early Christmas experience! Wishing you well on your way, Capitol Christmas Tree!