Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Leaming's Run


Tuesday brought such perfect weather that I just could not stay indoors. Now that I have my rolling walker, complete with seat in case I need to rest (aka Hugo), I decided the time had come to return to my beloved Leaming's Run Gardens. It has been at least two years since I have b
een there. Even the last couple of years that I was able to make it, I couldn't do the whole walk. Since I have been visiting the gardens for thirty years, I do know some short cuts, and made use of them when I felt that I couldn't do the entire walk.

I arrived about 9:45, and was happy to see there were only one or two cars in the lot. I unloaded
Hugo and we set out on the familiar path. I greeted certain trees, familiar garden designs, benches, even spots along the path where tree roots cropped up enough to make small barriers for Hugo's wheels, as if they were old friends. A few new small gardens were pleasant surprises. The kitchen gardens around the log cabin have been expanded. I see they've planted

som
e Concord grape vines. And there certainly are more varieties in the hen house. I did not see any chipmunks this time, and no humming birds.

(And no, Lisa, no snakes put in an appearance.) But lots of frogs and turtles and birds.)










Many early flowers greeted me, but nowhere near what will be appearing in coming months. It's always new and different no matter how often you visit, all the way into October.













This time I just enjoyed revisiting the familiar - like coming home again. I enjoyed the trees and ferns and water, and the patterns of sun and shadow constantly changing.




























Hugo served me well. But by the time I had passed through the amazing stretch of tall bamboo, I was happy to see the gaze
bo, where I rested for a while.








Even after that rest, as I pushed on, I realized I was slowing down considerably.












By the time Emily's gift shop was in sigh
t, near the end of the journey, I decided I might have overestimated my abilities this time. Didn't even pause there to find out what new things she has fashioned from dried flowers.









I just pushed on, past the beautiful Leaming House, to the final trail that leads back to the parking lot.














Two hours after I had begun, it was a relief to get Hugo back into the Baretta and put myself in beside him.







Home again - exhausted - aching - but very, very happy.

16 comments:

Bear Naked said...

Beautiful nature photos.
It must have been a wonderful peaceful two hours for you.

kenju said...

Happy beats exhausted and aching every time!

Cliff said...

What a wonderful tour. I'm glad you had Hugo to tour with. He seems to have such a quiet personality.

Cliff said...

Sorry, I meant to thank you for your kind words on my blog. That was nice.

Dianne said...

Hugo is a lucky guy, he gets to go to such lovely places.

any one of these photos - especially the weepy willows one - are great future Creative entries bobbie.

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hello! I am glad that you went. Yesterday was a beautiful day. Cooler temps, low humidity and nice breeze. I am really happy that you didn't see any snakes. Nice pics. Lisa

me ann my camera said...

This sounds like beautiful gardens and a lovely walk taken at your own pace. And the interior of the log cabin really appealed to me. I used to do (and must get back to it) a lot of genealogy and was a real history buff at one time too. I also garden; I do the flowers and drive the lawnmower around while my husband looks after our many hostas, trees, shrubs and landscaping. I am finding it difficult these days to find time for both, blogging and gardening. I shall have to find a way to post some of my garden pictues into my nature blog some day soon. I enjoyed your shared enjoyment of your tour.
Ann

Patti said...

Lovely photos of your visit.

KG said...

I am so glad that you're out there doing things that make you happy. That's wonderful.

Also - I really want to curl up in that log cabin with a good book!

Linda Murphy said...

Sounds like you and companion Hugo had a delightful day and the pictures took us on the journey with you.

I am sure you are peacefully exhausted! Rest!

Gattina said...

What a beautiful place !!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely trip!!!! Glad you were able to get out and enjoy all that beauty and come back and share it with us. Thank you so much for stopping by and saying hello!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Hugo sounds pretty handy. Love the picstures.

Judy said...

What a beautiful, serene looking, place to visit. Sounds like a great trip and I loved the pictures.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

A fantastic walk, Bobbie! This looks like a beautiful place and your pictures are wonderful. It sounds like a great day. I want to get a "Hugo" for my mother now that I've read this post. Thanks for visiting my blogs this morning and leaving your nice comments.
Lin

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Bobbie: Beautiful post with a series of great photos.
Thanks for the visit.