Mailbox Monday: Fire Engine

This was found at the home of a former fire chief.

Callaway Topiaries

I have written before that I am a sucker for topiaries. This circus scene at Callaway was an attention getter.

Callaway Waterfront

Next to Mr. Cason's Garden is Robin Lake with its expansive waterfront. A white sand beach had one family on it in the August drizzle.

We considered walking on this dock but once we saw that the boat wake washed over the top, we decided to pass. 

In addition to the giant water slide, seen in the rear, a boat was providing the daring with wake boarding excitement. It was fun to watch.

A drone flew overhead, video-taping the adventure--a clever, and no doubt profitable, idea.

Mailbox Monday: Saint Bernard

Callaway Gardens

There  is good news and bad news on Callaway. The good is that it still exists despite financial challenges, and has some beautiful gardens and lakes. Once upon a time, we used to enjoy watching the Victory Garden on PBS. It was filmed in Mr. Cason's Garden at Callaway Gardens. The way the drive is arranged, we usually have visited here late in the day and when we were fatigued, so this time we went straight to it to start our morning.

The grapes were in and we were compelled to taste them. They were as delicious as any we have ever had.

Both muscadines and scuppernongs were plentiful. 

This trumpet vine was growing on the tin roof --and reaching for the sky.

I love the idea of garden rooms.

Their hurricane lilies were blooming ahead of ours.

I think this is a kind of rain tree. There was no label and no one to ask. 

The bees were humming in it. The ground  beneath was completely covered in fine gold petals.

So that was the good news in Mr. Cason's Garden.

The bad news is that the rest of the place was badly neglected and full of weeds, where once there were well-kept vegetable and herb gardens. Lantana and weeds.

A glorious giant hibiscus enveloped by tall weeds.

It would seem that there would be some way to close off parts that are not being maintained.

Roosevelt Park Office

This is the park office building at Roosevelt, built by the CCCs in the 1930s. It is made of local stone. The details are impressive. Even the bathrooms had iron hardware made on the premises  by blacksmiths!

Here are some of the details around the windows. 

The panoramic view off the back is grand.

As we walked up from the parking lot, we noticed this oak that  had recently been struck by lightning--the risk and price of growing on top the mountain.

The path of the strike could be traced high up into the crown of the tree.

Chunks of wood were thrown all around.

 Inside the ranger informed us that it had happened that very week. And that the month before another had been struck in the front yard.

Mailbox Monday: Lighthouse

Franklin D.Roosevelt State Park

B and I celebrated our 39th anniversary recently with a quick weekend trip to Callaway Gardens in the mountains of western Georgia. We slept in a cabin in nearby Roosevelt State Park.

Our cabin was originally built by the CCCs during the Great Depression. It was recently remodeled and was well done. The charm remains while becoming more comfortable. I can hardly wait to go back.