The 2009 RLND study-tour to Washington D.C. started with early alarm clocks for the participants departing from the Minot Airport. Yep...a 4:30AM flight got a portion of our group moving early towards the nation's capital. Our entire group made it with no problems and our experience had begun.  The energy was building as we landed at Regan National. A cool, but sunny day greeted our group as our anticipation grew for our days ahead. 

Our first stop was the One Washington Circle Hotel to check in.  Very nice accommodations and close to the Metro for ease of travel to all points of the district.  Union Station was our first official stop. A variety of meal choices and great window shopping to get the evening started.  We then boarded the Old Town Trolley for an evening tour of the sights.  The tour drove by and/or stopped at many of the main attractions, monuments and points-of-interest.  President Obama was speaking to the Nation that evening and we were able to see the massive presidential security protocol in action. 

Our version of 'RLND goes to Washington' was underway on day two when we made our way to Capitol Hill for a group picture.  Meetings with our Congressional Team, tours of their respective buildings, a few moments in a senate hearing and lunch at the Dirkson Senate Office Building cafeteria rounded out a very busy morning. We were then off to the USDA Building for a meet and greet social with participants from the Georgia, Minnesota, Indiana, and Washington rural leadership programs.  We had some time to visit with all the participants at the USDA atrium, but then broke into groups of 3-5 people and ventured off to restaurants of our choice to further visit about our respective programs. Everyone seemed to enjoy their evening. 

Thursday was professional development day.  Each participant had set appointments with agency representatives related to their class project, a civic/governmental entity, or personal interest. Some of us gathered as a group and had a wonderful guided tour courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service. The Agraria Restaurant was the location for our evening meal.  The ND Farmers Union project treated us to a nice meal in a private setting allowing our group to share their experiences thus far. 

A guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and visitor center, a tour of the Library of Congress, and several very interesting presentations at the USDA filled our Friday. The day finished on a lighter note starting with a great meal at a restaurant in the Reagan Building and was followed by a 'Capitol Steps' performance. A must see evening in a theatre with aisles of equal left and right proportions. 

Saturday was open for the participants to roam the area.  Many visited the Smithsonian Museums, several took a trip to Baltimore to see the aquarium and sample the great seafood, a couple visited families in the area and a group took in performances at the Kennedy Center. 

To bring us all back to reality, a winter storm moved into D.C. on Sunday morning. The expected 1-4 inches of wet snow was already bringing the district to a close, but we were all able to take flight back to the Peace Garden State safe and sound. 

The study tour was a great experience for everyone.  New relationships were formed, wonderful tours were taken, great meals enjoyed and opportunities experienced that reaffirm that we are all living in the greatest nation on earth.

By Richard Blahut