A pleasant August weekend in D.C.

* Record heat a risk: Full Forecast | Poll: How hot today? *

The period after sunset and before darkness makes for a magical scene along the Potomac River Saturday night. See image larger.

Today marks our sixth heat wave of the year and it's still the dog days of summer. But for me, August is the beginning of the end of hot weather misery. Having survived so much heat to this point, it's not hard to tolerate just a little more. Even though we often experience scorchers this time of year, the cool downs that are intermixed start taking on a real fall flavor.

I decided to take advantage of last weekend's weather (just as I did in 2009 during an August cooldown) to do what I love -- photograph our great city. I made it out twice. While Friday was yet another 90+ day here in Washington, it did not feel too bad. Saturday was about as good as it gets this time of year. We pulled off a rare day (for 2010) with temperatures actually below average.

Keep reading for more photos from a rather pleasant August weekend in D.C.

Friday evening...

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden.

Temperatures still near 90 do not deter anyone from hitting the National Mall on Friday.

The Senate Garage Fountain in Senate Park at Dusk. This fountain has numerous lighting sequences. See others (1,2).

Saturday evening...

Pre-sunset orange glow along the Potomac River on Saturday.

Sun setting over the Potomac River on Saturday evening.

Dusk on the Potomac looking toward the Georgetown Waterfront from Foggy Bottom.