Cherry blossoms have bloomed

Spring has sprung in Washington DC as the city's cheery blossom trees are in full bloom.

The iconic white and pink buds draw crowds of onlookers to the Tidal Basin, a man made reservoir lined with thousands of the trees.

While onlookers crowded the the sidewalks, and rented paddleboats to see the trees... this police officer and his trusty horse had a bit of an advantage.

SOUNDBITE (English) MARK SHUETE, U.S. PARK POLICE, SAYING:

"We always have a good view from up here on horseback. I'm lucky that Custer takes me around the tidal base. It is a beautiful day and everything is in full bloom here."

In 1912, the Japanese government gave Washington 3000 Yoshino cheery trees as a gift-- and each year the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates Japanese-American ties.