Huntington Gardens

Huntington Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places to go in the Greater Los Angeles area. Located in San Marino, a little northwest of Downtown LA (Google Maps). You can find out everything you want to know about it at huntington.org

Lots of koi fish in the ponds!

Ponds are found in the Japanese and Chinese Gardens,
as well as along a circular path in the center of the estate.
Great place to have a picnic!

"Patching Up The Sky" sculpture in the Chinese Garden, Thanks to the Chen Family

Views of the Chinese Garden, a recent addition

My Oli in the Chinese Garden, January 2021

Views of the Topiary Garden, January 2021

More fun shapes in the Topiary Garden!

What is this kind of flower?
Looks like an orchid of some kind.
Google Lens can tell me. Oh. It's Paphiopedilum.
Well, that means nothing I know.
What does Wikipedia have to say about it? LOL
"Venus Slipper". Yep, a type of orchid. 🤟

Inside the Atrium. LOVE!!!
Gotta go back soon.

OMG I need Google and Wikipedia again?!
Yep. Learn something every ten steps.
Go to a botanical garden wherever you are!

More orchids in the Atrium. Venus slippers. Wine and gold. Gorgeous. 

Venus slipper orchids, white and fuchsia purplish pink.
I stop for flowers. 

Sometimes the simplest photograph of a flower
is all it takes. It's the color of it,
and the sunlight making it radiant with
mystical shadows...ah......Happiness. 

Dr Seuss was here!
I dunno what this plant is, I will find out,
but I call these types of plants Seussville!

Another atrium at the entrance,
and cafes nearby,
you know what that means!

Have you got the gist that flowers make me happy? Lush Green Foliage is my favorite color, then blue, then magenta, then peach, teal, sea foam green, mint green, sky blue, midnight blue, salmon, coral, crimson... Simplicity is a spiritual gift. Nurture yourself and others with simple pleasures. Daily. 

The simple flavor of a fresh apple. Cinnamon sprinkled on it. Dipped in creamy peanut butter. Or whatever -- What's your go-to simple pleasure for daily doses of happiness? 

This is a small sample. Every time I go, I see something new. There are many different kinds of gardens on the vast property. It is impossible to experience them all in one day, which makes it perfect for locals to enjoy repeatedly throughout the year! 

They also have a library and museums. It is an amazing estate maintained for public enjoyment.  More later. Hope you enjoyed a taste! 

❤

Idyllwild Charms

I love wandering and wondering, exploring the world. Come with me as I take you along on peaceful and charming little excursions. This was a weekend hike in the San Jacinto Wilderness, accessed via the cute little town of Idyllwild, California, and Devils Slide Trailhead (Map). Afterward, we met friends for a late lunch at Ferro, which I highly recommend (they open at 2 p.m. and take reservations). 

I am experimenting with a travel blog that I can share in one link on social media, without having to upload photos over and over again at different sites. This is a work in progress. I am on a learning curve!

Amazing Steampunk Dragonfly Deer in Idyllwild Park
Center of Town

Views from Devil's Slide Trail

Views from Devil's Slide Trail

Tahquitz Rock

Tahquitz Rock as seen from the Trailhead Parking Lot

It's a rugged trail through wilderness!

Zoom in on Tahquitz Rock
Views from Devil's Slide Trail

Be Prepared
Read the Signs, Follow the Rules

Yep, Ima hugger!

Views from Devil's Slide Trail

Soboba / San Jacinto Valley
Views from Devil's Slide Trail

Views from Devil's Slide Trail

Starry Night Deer on Pinecrest Avenue
I love that this community does this - there are painted deer all over town!
Every time I visit Idyllwild, I see a new one 👏👏👏

All kinds of shops and creative entrepreneurs make this town super special.

We will try this place next visit!
(We already had a lunch date with friends.)

Most Fun Vintage Shop

Idyllwild Park, Town Center - Can't wait to see the lights!

Sculpture in Idyllwild Park, Town Center

Really Creative and Quaint Theatre

Artistry Everywhere You Look, That's Idyllwild Spirit

Another deer sighting!

Best Garden Store Ever (Map)

California blooms all year round 😁 

Kooky stuff in the shops at Idyllwild, it is always fun to browse here, and I am not usually a shopper.

I support small businesses by posting pics like this on maps and social media. 

I love this playful spotted deer with different color antlers and the scene painted on the side. Really fun!

I don't do selfies. I do closeups of Art. 💖

View of town from a balcony, San Jacinto wilderness and mountains in background. 

Strawberry Creek Trail has been cleaned up and reestablished, thanks to community volunteers. It is just lovely, shady and an easy walk! Stop by the Visitor Center in town for more info. 

Snapshots of Strawberry Creek Trail

Snapshots of Strawberry Creek Trail

Snapshots of Strawberry Creek Trail

Fungi growing on a tree, Strawberry Creek Trail

I get a kick out of photographing reflections, holding my iPhone upside-down, close to the water's surface, to get the best angle without lying on the ground. 

I stop for flowers. Simply irresistible. 

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