The first few photographs are of a trail that is near the beginning of the West side. Bubba and I went down it once a couple of years ago during the Arboretum's "Tails and Trails" day. If I had the energy to walk the path and back to my car I would have. However, I had more of the Arboretum to see. Bubba, well back then he went in for maybe 200 ft, did lots of smelling, tail wagging, then back to the car. (We did other short trail hops along the way through the Arboretum.) To note, he was not took keen on the car ride there and back. It was too long of a drive for him in his later years.
These photos are at the Thornhill Education Center. I always drove by it on the slightly darker road section you see in the next photograph. It had always looked exclusive to me, like you are not suppose to be there unless invited. However, I wanted to photograph this tree, so I parked in the lot next to the building. Afterward I parked in the larger lot across the road so that I could come back and take photographs of their planters along the road. I believe Children were having an outdoor nature class at the shelter that was just off the parking lot. However, I proceeded to the education center itself to photograph nature.
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I made it up the walk taking photographs, up to the front doors of the the Center. Hmm. I went inside to take a quick peek. The vibe felt like I was not to be in the building. Registration one direction, a lecture hall in front of me, and I could here voices. Just then an employee rounded the corner, and I said to him that it did not feel like I was suppose to be in here, and asked if it was okay to be. He said it was okay, and that if I went this direction (as he pointed and looked behind himself) I could look at part of the old mansion and the original books on the book shelf. I thanked him, and proceeded.
As I walked down the hall I found these cut boards of wood, I presume taken from the trees of the Arboretum. I thought is very cool to see. It brought more meaning to me what special qualities these trees have.
The next few photographs are of the library part of the old mansion. Wonderful all wood. A lot of history is posted in the glass cabinets that really wowed me.
(Most of this can be found on the Internet or at the Arboretum. I am just repeating some of it for you to develop and interest to go to he Arboretum. Tell them I sent you!!!)
I found out that the original Joy Morton mansion was built at this location in 1910, "and served as the core of the future Arboretum." In 1940 the mansion was demolished following the death of Joy Morton's wife, Margaret. The family requested that an education center be build in its place. Low and behold, the library wing of the original mansion that was added in 1922 was saved, and is now the Founder's Room, with original book cases, fireplace, and books as well. There is so much wonderful history in this room that it permeates your body. You walk out with a real sense of joy for the day, and the times past.
I did not photograph all of the display facts on the family and Arboretum's history. Had to leave something for you to find yourself.
I followed the noise into the basement. I found a room with glass doors at the end of the hallway, and the room was filled with children having fun, learning about nature. I did not take a photograph of this on purpose. It just did not feel right to do so. But I did of the stairs! lol
From the center, I continued my trip taking the short drive trail on the West side so that I could pass by the lake.
The next photograph are children from the education center taking a hike around the lake.
I saw this bench up the hill, so I went up to sit, look around, and photograph what looked interesting while sitting.
The walk down to the lake from the bench.
My bride pointed out this tree and the root system going into the water. I have been trying ever since to take a photograph as good as hers, and have yet to do so. Perhaps it is just not my vibe to do so.
As the children passed and headed down the trail, I knew they would be crossing a bridge that I enjoyed photographing with the lake in the foreground. So, as I waited on them to get there, with the suspicion the children would want to stop and look, I photographed around me until they arrived.
There they are!
I picked up these three leaves while walking from the lake back to my car. Took a while to get them propped up and photographed. I put them back when I was done.
As a photographer, I have learned from my teachings from other photographers, to sometimes look behind you. You never know what opportunity there might be for a photograph. Something at that moment told me to do just that, so I stopped the car, got out, turned around and photographed. As I got ready to drive off there was a car behind me already. I found a place to pull over to let them pass. I drive lower than the speed limit to take in what the Arboretum has to tell me. Yes, tell.
Back over to the East side. Just writing that reminds me of the T.V. series "The Jeffersons" and the show lyric "Movin On Up To The East Side". Things that put a smile on my face. It will never cease.
I do not know if you can see the long wing span of the bird in the center of this next photograph. You may need to click on the photograph to enlarge in your browser.
The bird is an Eagle!
I drove by these two chair last week, and two people were there reading each other a book. Then I wanted to bring a book, sit up there, and read. I forgot the book!
This small circle of stone walk and a bench, for whatever reason, has always intrigued me. I was able to photograph it after rain one year because the wet stone looked so beautiful. I need to come into some big money so that I can buy 80 acres or so, put in paths, and a bench to just sit and enjoy. Anyone land sharing out there?
Back at the gift shop. I do find something to buy once and a while. This time I bought some scented fire starters for my fire pit, and brought back some fudge for the bride.
They are getting ready for the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Shown below are lights placed in the pond. This event runs from November through January and you need a ticket to attend. I have my tickets for the middle of November.
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