"Every Hoya knows “The Steps.” Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you know them: Those 97 stone steps that lead from Prospect Street down to M Street. Prior to 1973, they were known as the “Hitchcock Steps,” named after the day’s premier suspense author. But about a quarter century ago, a Georgetown movie changed horror cinema, and they were rechristened The Exorcist Steps. Today, Georgetown graduate William Peter Blatty’s (C ’50) The Exorcist hits theaters again."
Needless to say, I w
as really anxious to see these for myself. I had read the book those many years ago when The Exorcist made its debut, so I had thought I was prepared to see this movie when it came out not too long after I was married and very early in my pregnancy with Laura. If you have seen the movie, you may remember the bed that Regan was tied to. We had a similar four poster bed and my husband worked second shift. I was so scared by this movie that I would not go into the bedroom alone because the bed reminded me of the movie and I would wait until my husband came home from work to go to bed. So I have to admit that as I approached these steps, my heart was beating a little faster than normal. And I also have to admit that I was just a little disappointed to find that they were located in the parking area of a gas station and car wash. I had hoped to find that they were in a more romantic or scary setting than in a gas station parking lot! But I did allow my imagination to get away from me as I stood at their base, peering up at the 97 notorious steps. Tourists hovered everywhere and cameras were snapping merrily away as young people took the steps test and tried to reach the top without stopping. It was more of a happy gathering place than a scary movie set.
I had to back track a bit from the Exorcist Steps to get to Tudor Place which had been closed when I went there earlier in the day. And I was really glad that I did go back. Here was a wonderful example of a formal English garden and the box was very cleverly hidden in a very well kept area. It was amazing that the garden was as picturesque as it was in the early days of November.
From Tudor Place, I made my way to the C&O Canal. Man, that canal is EVERYWHERE! It was very picturesque in Georgetown, as almost everything I saw there was. This picture was taken from my stamping in position at one of the four boxes which were located along the canal.
Can you believe that there were roses blooming in November? And this was just a small example of them, there were roses all along the homes in the Canal area.
I was forced to take this picture of the canal as I waited and waited and waited and waited for a man to finish his warm ups for his run right on top of the location of the box. After waiting for about 5 minutes, I knew I was beginning to look suspicious so I began snapping away!
I ran into Albert Einstein accidentally when I got totally lost because of several roads being closed. Fortunately, I had printed off the clues to Orion the Hunter and was able to quickly park and grab another box. I wish I would have taken this picture with someone in it to illustrate just how big Albert is. When I was preparing to leave, a young girl came up and nestled herself on his right leg for a picture and looked like a tiny bug.
OK, now the official Pub Crawl had begun. Most of the Bent Elbows were assembled at the Lyceum awaiting our instructions and send off.
along with the members of the Team Mother Earth.
The official team photos began then when all of our members arrived. Team Bent Elbows with Hikers 'n Hounds, Janila, and Joe in the front row. MizScarlet, Gerania, Geckospot and Tom in the back.
Oops, I forgot to turn my flash on for Team Hedge's pic. Front row, Poison Ivy, Lori of Team Green Dragon, and Lady Prisspott. In the back are Thorny Hedge (Hi Thorny!) and Brian of Team Green Dragon.
Next to pose were Team Mother Earth with Leafcutter, Lotus, Shelley of Knights of Columbo, Mother Earth (I think!), Chasing Lulu in the front. Mr. Knights of Columbo and Art Z Mom (again, I think!) in the back.
Darn, missed that flash again for the Team Relentless. Front row, Dead Duck Chuck and Scarab. Back row, Welsh Chick, Night Owl and Tempus Fugit.
And last but not least, the Team Catoctin Crawlers. Front row is Koyote and I am sorry that I don't know who the two ladies are. Second row is Funky Feline and another lady that I was not fortunate enough to meet. Back row is Spidey and Bulldawg.
Our investigation began at Pat Troy's where we met Crocodile Dave. We began to develop our questioning skills over appetizers and drinks.
Crocodile Dave's lady friend, Carrie Ann, whom he met while on a penguin study in Antarctica (yeah, does that sound suspicious??) watches as Gerania collects DNA and fingerprints.
And MizScarlet amuses herself with Crocodile Dave's weapon.
Mrs. and Mr. Gerania (aka The Homeless Man) watch as Geckospot locates the box at Gatsby's Ghost.
Then we headed to Murphy's (I think) where we met Captain Ken and his side kick, Gilligan. Captain Ken explained his whereabouts on the night in question by claiming that he was with Crocodile Dave hunting for crocodiles in the Potomac River. And his alibis were a group of Girl Scouts. Hmmmm......almost as believable as meeting a girlfriend in Antarctica.
And Gerania collects DNA and fingerprints!
while Hikers 'n Hounds tries to get more info from Captain Ken.
We then made our way to the next pub where we were forced to wait outside until an ambulance came to help a patron in distress. Coco and Bebe graciously agreed to be interrogated outside. Poor Bebe just couldn't understand why Gerania wanted to take her d'ennay.And Bebe was also very concerned for us since she thought there was a homeless man following us but it was really Joe, Gerania's husband.
Mrs. Geckospot catches Mr. Geckospot in a contemplative moment. Usually, he was out blazing our trails to the next stop!
Was this a spy? Oh, no, it was our host, Gallant Rogue!
Who would have thought that this innocent looking (and absolutely delightful) couple could have been the murderers! Lord and Lady Dunnabunk provided a wonderful tale of English life and a really lousy alibi.
And Gerania prepares to collect more DNA and fingerprints!
I was amused to see a signboard from my hometown in good old Alexandria.
The troop gathers to meet another suspect, El Inka.
And here he is, the Inkan himself. The man who took our host along on his trip to Peru. And the man who had another suspicious alibi for the murder - that he was with the Black Widow when the murders happened. 
And the last suspects, the Black Widow and her 7th husband. Now do you really think she was with the Inkan instead of her 7th husband. 
Everyone gathered at Chadwicks for the Skullduggery Ball and for the announcement of the Winner of the Murder Mystery. Poison Ivy and Thorny Hedge anxiously await this announcement. And the winner was .......THEM!
And the other members of the winning Team Hedge react at the announcement. Jester Judy observes in the background.
Members of the Bent Elbows relax and refresh after a very enjoyable night. Thanks so much to Gallant Rogue and to Sewsowbizzy for another wonderful experience.
*claps profusely*
ReplyDeletewe hope to make the next 1!