The fabled cherry trees are blossoming. Yet after just a few days, petals cartwheel below, a tapestry of pink and green and brown. Rain pummeled the trees yesterday and it’s forecast for tomorrow.

I rented this red bike and traversed the Mall, the bridges across the Potomac, and around the monuments downtown, conscious that this glorious spectacle will last just a few more days.

Later, tour buses drove in, disgorging hordes, who like me, were struck by the rosy cheer.