The strongest memory right now is of Bubba. There was a tree cut down and made into a seat a few years ago, and Bubba and I sat it in looking out into the world. Okay, he peed on it too, still, they are fond memories of my pal.
I will apologize up front for all of the photographs. I spent a lot of time walking through the arboretum, then I drove through both the East and West sides, long route, and found more to photograph.
These first few photographs were taken at the entrance, as I wanted behind a car to get in.
Now walking to the Visitors Center, then later the arboretum to look for all of the Vivid Creatures.
This squirrel is one of the Vivid Creatures, "Scamp, the fox Squirrel".
The annex from the gift shop. Probably another good place to sit, relax, and read.
If you go during the week, do be prepared for busses of children. I arrived about 1:30 when everyone was leaving. Made it easy to get there through traffic, but I hit rush hour coming home.
These next few photographs are waling up to and onto the center of The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden. This garden is a huge change from when I started coming here. I really enjoy the flowing water, and tables with seating. I need to bring a book, grab a tea, sit, and read. Sounds like a great thing to do in retirement. I may have to wait until spring (warmer weather).
This next photograph is looking West at the Sterling Morton Library and the Administration and Research Center.
This next photograph is looking East toward the four pillars.
I am up near the four pillars, looking around, figuring out where I want to go. Do I walk further in, or go back to the visitors center and drive the paths? I chose to walk to the Vivid Creatures "Spectra, the brittle button snail" at the top of the hill, near I-88, via a quick detour to the Deer. I am not sure of the distance. The outcome was that I was not huffing and puffing as I would have prior to my heart surgery, however my ankle did hurt the entire walk.
Photos of the Vivid Creature "Generosity, the whit-tailed deer".
They are setting up for their annual seasonal light show. That is probably one drawback of going this time to the East end, walking the near paths. In the past I had driven around the West side to see the fall colors. The light show displays take away from photographing nature. Yes, the Vivid Animals are basically the same concept, however they are designed to go with nature and help tell a story.
On the way up to the Vivid Creations Snail, I heard footsteps catching up to me. I stepped to the side, and this young lady with her two little ones, just tooled right by me. Her fast pace was not stressing her out. She was happy and breathing normal. Me, I hickuped breathing just seeing her on the move. As it turned out, she was going to the up high Snail too. I saw her ahead of me later pushing the stroller up the hill. Straining just a little, stopping once for a quick breath, and did everything still with ease. All I could think to myself was power to her for doing this and staying in shape.
I made it to the top!!! I am very grateful for the large chairs they put up here. I think six in total, behind some shrubs and trees so as to not be part of any photographs of the snail. This is a good angle to photograph the snail, however I did not appreciate the power lines. It happens.
A look down while I sat in the chair to rest my ankle. The young lady with the stroller had been up here and back down before I ever made the base of the hill. I did feel good about my health (not ankle) for being able to do this with little stress.
Photos coming up on Vivid Creatures "Cadence, the sandhill crane".
This was the type chair at the top of the hill of the snail, and spread throughout the arboretum. Comfortable, to me located in the right areas, and they were being used! I want to come back to just sit and watch. Perhaps too, to read literature.
Making my way over to the Vivid Creatures "Nimbly, the blue dasher dragonfly".
And ZOOM, there goes by the young lady with her two children in the stroller.
Heads down, feet up, paddle . . . orange duck feet in the air flapping away. Not sure air flapping of feet really work well.
Now on the car trails snapping photographs as I go, or stop. For the most part driving the trail this time was nice. I like to keep it around 15 mph. Sometimes the speed limit is that, maybe 10 in places, and 20 in others. I have found there are not too many who want to slow down to enjoy the scenery, to it creates some pressure on you because you are holding up traffic. Simple thing, find a spot to pull over and let them pass. This time was not so bad. I may have pulled over three times for both East and West side combined.
My last photograph of the late Bubba at The Morton Arboretum, taken June 20, 2023, during their Tails on the Trails event. Note that dogs are not allowed on the ground except for this special event.
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