I am hesitant. The day inviting, the view unparalleled, but winter imminent.
The grounded leaves are in a kerfuffle, blustering about, looking for a limb to hold on to. Isn’t that the way it’s always been; since inception?
But I, on the other hand, am grounded, plodding, peaceful despite the knowledge of the inevitable, as I trod the path beneath my feet. Beauty has a way of doing that. It humbles us, rescues us, lifts above the mundane to exaggerated and exalting heights.
In this case, beauty comes from beyond and below, enhanced by above. Sunlight flickers between yet attached and gloriously attired leaves. The water, away down, perpetual and exhausting in it’s permanent purposefulness, resonates on canyon walls.
I, small. Alone. Individual. I among the many and the few. Many trees, many leaves…clouds, colors, grasses, pebbles on the ground. Few travelers, tree stumps, forks in the path, the earth.
I am here to revel. Admire. Be invigorated. Soar.
You are here to absorb, imbibe, share in our journey and enjoy.
We invite your presence with pleasure and send warm, sun set, color-filled greetings your way.
Remember us, those ‘neath the white, frosted earth…
All photos taken one November afternoon, Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York.
A calm weekday evening, a few people milling about, but mostly quiet, nature, silence and beauty. A heron flies low and lands just out of reach. I wonder what else is happening out of our view? The sun is getting tired from a long day’s work, but still has some show left in her. “Do you mind if I take a picture of a smidge of your work, oh sunshine, fair”?
Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina, Mentor, Ohio
One cat’s opinion? Misha wanted to remind you that no matter the season, Niagara is a great place to visit, love and live! Autumn’s just around the corner, so be a cool cat and plan your trip ahead.
The 2chicks family has been in the midst of a move, so less publishing this summer, but Misha was tired of just hanging around and had to get her two cents in! Her trip’s already in the bag. 😉
This week there is a lot of focus on Cleveland, Ohio.
But there’s more to this place than conventions. How about the beach?
There are a lot of beaches around the Cleveland area, on the southern end of Lake Erie. Just to the east is a place called Headland’s Beach Park. We took this pic in the spring, before it was cleaned up for the summer, but be assured it’s ready for you now! So grab your beach gear, will be posting more soon… http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/headlandsbeach
There is a corner, on an island, among the trees. You can hear the rushing waters of the rapids, and the thunderous roar from beyond your view, and if the wind is blowing just right, the mist may kiss your face. The place is Three Sister’s Islands, set above the mighty cataract. And if you’ve heard of Niagara ~ you may very well never have heard of these Islands, nor of the girls they are named after: Asenath, Angeline, Celinda Eliza and their little brother Solon. These are three daughters and a son, long gone, yet there are four islands, above the Horseshoe Falls, that are called by their names. (*See bottom of page).
Refreshing and relentless, on it’s way to a hefty plunge.
There are those of us who remember, in the not-so distant past, when we could still run free, and stick our toes in the dangerous rush of rapid, before the fences were placed solid, and the pristine paths were poured. But we made room for you, the far off soul, not familiar with our slippery and sultry siren, who called out our names, but we would not heed.
The water’s changing color beckons, cool and clear, deceptively calm in places…
…brash and bold in others.
Seagulls remain unaffected by the water’s impatience, and sit placidly in place, hopeful of a meal.
Well-worn paths, from years of use, will soon be overgrown, set behind wire and stone.
Even rock is eroded by the relentless power of the water’s downward trek to the gorge, creating miniature islands in the river.
.
Billows of white, like crashing waves, plummet, repeatedly as the land declines toward the great drop.
Each and every step offers another facet of their personality, as if the islands are mimicking the sisters, themselves.
And then we emerge, past the protection of the crannies and the coves, to face a full on onslaught, a deluge of froth and foam; an International border clothed in lacy white.
And if we turn our heads to the right, towards the sound of a torrent, we can see the rising cloud as the Sisters saw…
…and the Alabaster City as they could not see…
And back at the beginning…a pretty path…
…and a trolley car…
…and a gleaming trolley stop…
…But we can still see the flowers beneath the ancient stones…
…and the bridge…
…and we all have a place to picnic…
For we are sharing of our beautiful bounty, and we have made a place for all to see, and enjoy…
The gardens at the Sonnenberg Mansion, on Lake Canandaigua, near Rochester, NY.
Rochester, New York, is an easy thruway drive of under two hours from Niagara Falls. It has a different vibe than Northern Buffalo and the Niagara area, including the hilly terrain, and it’s a great place for a very doable day trip.
This weekend was a fun one for the 2chicks. We had a family wedding in Rochester, New York, so we went a bit early to do some exploring! One of the ‘chicks’ was in the wedding party, so the other one took the ‘rooster’ to do some of that sight-seeing… feel free to tag along…
Our favorite stop was the Sonnenberg Garden and Mansion, State Historic Site. Located in Canandaigua, about a half hour from where we were staying, this is definitely a worthwhile place to spend a half-day. A Victorian Era Private Home, we found it to be very tourist-friendly, with guides available with historic information and tid-bits, and encouraging people to take photos inside (not oft the case). There’s more ‘wiggle-room’ for exploration than some places allow as well. http://www.sonnenberg.org/
So please, enjoy the Sonnenberg Tour.
A view of the mansion from the gardens.The front entrance.The rose garden as seen from the Mansion balcony.A Rooster and a Chick. 😉The greenhouse and surrounding gardens.Love us some orchids!We happened to attend the day of the Arts at the Gardens Event, 2015.
High Noon Cafe at Sonnenberg, located near the greenhouses. They have reasonable prices and good food.High Noon.A fruit Gazpacho. Very good!A tasty seafood crepe and fresh tomato-basil salad.
A delicious shrimp dish with brown rice and a side of steamed vegetables.
Back in Fairport (a village/suburb of east of Rochester) we went to Chakara Restaurant. They are rated the number one restaurant in Fairport, and perhaps they deserve that rating…at least our tastebuds thought so.
Their won ton soup was one of the best we’ve had, anywhere!
Rochester is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. At the Northern end of the city lies a lovely park: Ontario Beach Park. There is a fishing pier, a public boat launch, an historic operating carousel, public beach picnicking facilities and more. We enjoyed strolling and relaxing there after the wedding festivities. http://www.cityofrochester.gov/ontariobeachpark/
One of only fourteen operating antique menagerie carousels in America, “The Duchess” Dentzel carousel is accompanied by a Wurlitzer Military Band Organ. http://rocwiki.org/Dentzel_Carousel
Some kids enjoying themselves on the colorful carousel!I went for a ride on this cat. Bad boy!High traffic in the waterway leading to the lake.Volleyball Tournament every weekend.
Back in the city, downtown Rochester, we met up with the other chick and her rooster, for a lovely Sunday Brunch. The Owl House is a hidden gem, but known to those on the lookout for that unique spot to eat fresh made-from scratch foods. It has a varied menu including a good selection of gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian dishes. We would highly recommend it! http://www.owlhouserochester.com/
The Spring Scramble with sourdough bread and tofu ricotta. (The ricotta is delicious, but a bit spicy, be warned).
At the beginning of the park is the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The Greek Revival structure was dedicated in 1905. This is a spectacular building, adding to the ambiance and beauty of the park.
Let’s stroll the perimeter of Hoyt Lake together…
There is nothing like a bike ride around the Lake on a lazy summer day.
Lovely flowers are placed around the park, especially by the entrance to Hoyt Lake, by the art gallery, and the beautiful rose garden as well. Japanese gardens are on the other side of the park. (Another post, yet to come).
Reading lake-side.
Shakespeare in the Park, a summertime Buffalo tradition.
Weeping willows are an art unto themselves.
Olmsted’s glorious vision.
The end of the park gives way to less manicured gardens, and more natural growth.
Silver light slicing through sky and water as the sun begins its descent.
The sun setting over the statue of David.
A stunning replica of Michaelangelo’s classical statue of David. It stands 17ft high x 5.17ft wide x 3.5ft of depth, not including the base. http://buffalovr.com/david/
Arriving again at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
The sun getting low over the museum.
The Buffalo History Museum ‘bookends’ the Albright-Knox on the other half of Delaware Park.
A Sneak-peek.
