WASHINGTON --- With one last handshake with President Obama, George W. Bush boarded a helicopter Tuesday at the Capitol and began his post-presidential life.

Vice President Joe Biden gave Mr. Bush a brief salute as the chopper left the Capitol grounds and headed to Andrews Air Force Base, flying over the throngs of supporters who came to Washington for the inauguration of the 44th president.

Earlier, Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama stood with their wives on the Capitol steps smiling and laughing. During the send-off at the base of the helicopter, the two men hugged and clasped hands one final time.

Some in the crowd for the inauguration booed Mr. Bush when the large viewing screens near the World War II Memorial showed him arriving at the swearing-in.

Unfazed by his unpopularity, Mr. Bush smiled and waved throughout the day's activities. He blew a kiss out the window of his limousine as he left the White House with Mr. Obama.

After the inauguration ceremony, some in the crowd waved at Mr. Bush's aircraft in the sky. Others, however, cheered when they heard a TV broadcaster announce, "George Bush is no longer president of the United States." Still others in the crowd broke into chants of "Na-na-na-nah, hey, hey, hey, goodbye."

Earlier in the day, a cheerful Mr. Bush and his wife, Laura, played host to Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle; Mr. Biden and his wife, Jill; and lawmakers for coffee in the Blue Room of the White House.

Keeping with a White House ritual, Mr. Bush left a note for Mr. Obama in his desk in the Oval Office, wishing him well as he takes the reins of power.

"I won't provide any details, but the theme is similar to what he's said since election night about the fabulous new chapter President-elect Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best," outgoing White House press secretary Dana Perino said. At Andrews, Mr. Bush quickly disappeared into a hangar for a private farewell speech to scores of former White House aides and supporters.

He emerged about a half-hour later and boarded the familiar blue-and-white presidential aircraft, which was called Special Air Mission 28000 instead of Air Force One because he was no longer president.

The plane took off for Midland, Texas, where, after a rally, the Bushes were flying to Waco, Texas, on their way to their 1,600-acre ranch in nearby Crawford.