This summer has certainly flown. John and I have been busy not only helping our daughter and her husband get settled in their home, but we also have set up housekeeping in an apartment near our daughter. Our mobile home is currently in storage. I would love to spend the winter in it in Florida, however John feels that it would be too much work to move back into it. That issue is as yet unresolved. For now I am quite happy to have roots once again.
Our granddaughter has turned two years of age. Family came in for the occasion, and I must say she was a bit over-whelmed by her whole birthday party. At two years of age little tots just do not get the birthday celebration activities. However, a pretty pink car and a cupcake almost put a smile on her face!
Two days after her birthday we went to Grant's Farm.
Who is not familiar with that beer king's logo? President Grant once owned the property on which most of Grant's Farm now sits. It was known back then as White Haven. August A. Bush purchased it in 1903, and opened it to the public in 1954. It then became an exotic wildlife park as well as home for the famous Clydesdale horses. Talk about exotic animals, checkout the Silver Laced Crested chicken pictured below.
That is one strange creature! We went to this park on Labor Day, it was quite a warm day but we made it there by mid-morning when it was still comfortable in the shade. We immediately took the tram ride through part of the park where foot traffic is prohibited. Already that early in the day the elk were seeking a cool spot in a small lake.
A couple of weeks after that excursion we made it to an apple orchard, we just had to do that for our grandchildren. It is always exciting for the younger set to ride a farm wagon and pick apples.
John and I also made a trip last week to Farmington for a visit to his sister. While there I decided that John and I needed to take a hike- never mind the very warm and humid weather. Pickle Springs Natural Area has always been a favorite place of ours for hiking and is not far from Farmington. It has been designated a "National Natural Landmark", and is noted for its unique rock formations, shallow caves, bluff overlooks and one seasonal waterfall. It seemed to have changed since we were there last, parts of the trail have since been eroded. And this time that we had to do a bit more rock scrambling, and frequently stumbled over exposed tree roots. The whole trail is only about 2 miles and in the past seemed very easy- not the day we were there! I really think the hot weather had something to do with the fact that the trail seemed long and difficult. I still would say that it is a very beautiful park and well worth the effort for everyone to discover it for themselves!
