Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Chartres Cathedral Seen in the Best Light!.....~ A Book Review
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Reviewing Our Experience Of The Treetop Walkway Kew Gardens London
The Treetop Walkway is an exciting part of Kew Gardens London. Stepping up to the walkway in the tree canopy and looking out over the vista of the gorgeous Kew gardens was one of the highlights of our trip.
The many steps to reach the top was absolutely worth it and we took our time and enjoyed the views on the walk up to the top.
I have wanted to visit and experience Kew Gardens Treetop Walkway for years and when I got the chance I was so happy. I was especially excited to find out what it felt like walking high up amongst and above the tree canopy and it was amazing!
The walkway itself is essentially a walk at height on a wide safe pathway through the treetops of Kew Gardens. It is an amazing piece of architecture built with more than four hundred tonnes of weathered steel, which although quite industrial looking, has its own beauty and surprisingly does become absorbed and integrated by the trees all around.
The structure needs to be strong though as there are 118 steps up to the main walkway in the sky, then you walk up onto the pathway which is 18 metres or 59 feet above the ground!
The walkway itself is 200 metres or 656 feet long and that means you really do get a great experience literally walking in amongst the amazing trees and seeing them with a totally new rarely experienced perspective.
As a child I was always climbing trees and loved being high up in the midst of a tree among the leaves and berries and closer to the birds. However there is no way I could have safely climbed this high and now I would not even attempt it! So enjoying the amazing tree canopy in a safe way like this is just perfect.
I love looking up at trees from the ground level and being in awe of their beauty and majesty. It was amazing to be walking amongst the uppermost branches of the trees really close to the birds taking a rest in the branches, the fruits of trees, seeing the insects that live there and noticing he fungi and lichen at that level. It felt a real privilege and joy to be there.
It is however important to note a few safety aspects of the walkway. By its very nature being so high up you need to be Ok with walking around at that height.
The walkway is quite wide and has semi circular places where you can stop and look out over the views and let others pass as necessary. In some areas there are benches to sit.
To me it all felt very safe and secure. The walkway is designed to flex a bit and we certainly did feel that from time to time which initially was a bit strange, but we got used to it. We found it not bouncy and not at all like the swinging of a ropewalk, but rather feeling sturdy with some movement. The flex in the walkway is an important design feature so that it can cope with the winds without breaking.
You do have to leave buggies and pushchairs on the ground and young children must be closely supervised. The rails are high but I would not like to take chances with very young children, so best to keep hold of them.
As there are 118 steps up and many steps down, you do need to be fit enough to walk them. You can certainly take your time, which we did and look out over the wonderful views on the way up, but if you have any issues with climbing steps it would be better to use the lift provided. It may be best to check ahead of your visit if you need the lift or assistance to ensure it is available and suitable for you.
Also personally we did avoid the large school parties which were there. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited, but we wanted to go at a calmer time so that we could go at a steady pace on the way up without feeling rushed or obligated to go faster, and could drink in the atmosphere in a more peaceful way.
It is best to check before visiting when the walkway is open both in dates and times. Clearly safety is always considered first so weather conditions need to be taken into account. Have to say although I am good with heights I was glad it was a still and warm day. I am not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much had it been windy and cold.
Spring, Summer and early Autumn are all wonderful times to visit and will give very different experiences of the tree canopy. It does often close or partially close during the Autumn and winter months.
I thoroughly enjoyed the treetops experience and am glad that we took the time out to experience it. We spent probably about two hours exploring and absorbing the treetops. We saw some people wizz around in less than an hour and we could have probably stayed longer but had so much more of Kew Gardens to explore! It is both an educational and enjoyable experience.
Take a look at these wonderful books about or related to Kew Gardens
The Story of Kew Gardens in Photographs
The Kew Gardens Beautiful Flowers Colouring Book Paperback
Kew: The Witch's Forest: Trees in magic, folklore and traditional remedies (Kew Royal Botanic Gardens) Hardcover – September 19, 2023
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Saturday, September 9, 2023
9/11 Memorial – Overland Park, Kansas – Travel Review
We Will Never Forget
This granite tile is at the entrance to the Overland Park, Kansas 9/11 Memorial. |
It says:
Enter the 9/11 Memorial by walking across the granite flooring from the World Trade Center.
On September 11, 2001, 2977 people lost their lives in the horrendous terrorist attacks on our nation, including 441 first responders. Many cities around the country have built 9/11 Memorials, both large and small. I recently discovered one near me located in Overland Park, Kansas ~ a southern suburb in Kansas City. It tells the story of that fateful day, and specifically honors the 343 firefighters who died that day trying to save others. It is located next to the Overland Park Fire Department Training Center. These Kansas City firefighters are the caretakers of this memorial.
Visiting there, even 22 years afterwards, brought fresh tears to my eyes as I read the educational panels telling the story of each downed flight on that tragic day.
Overland Park’s 9/11 Memorial honors those who lost their lives on September 11, remembers their sacrifices, and teaches future generations about a day we will never forget.
At the Overland Park 9/11 Memorial you will experience:
*A 14-foot, 2.5 ton steel beam from ground zero.
Steel Beam from Ground Zero |
This was acquired in 2009 by application from Overland Park firefighter Trevor Miller and Capt. Paul Bishoff.
See and touch a real part of the World Trade Center, and memorialize those who are no longer with us.
*Four educational panels tell the stories of each downed flight.
Educational Panels Depicting the 9/11 Attacks |
- American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 846 A.M.
- United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 A.M.
- American Airlines Flight 77 left Dulles International Airport in D.C., bound for Los Angeles, and struck the Pentagon in Washington D.C. At 9:37 A.M.
- United Flight 93 from Newark, New Jersey, which was later assumed to have been headed either to the Pentagon or the White House, was brought down in an empty field in Shanksfield, Pennslyvania by the brave passengers who refused to let the highjackers bring about any more destruction in the United States.
At 9:45 A.M., barely one hour after the first attack, US Airspace is shut down under Operation Yellow Ribbon. This operation ordered all civilian aircraft to land at the nearest airport. This Operation prevented any further attacks by aircraft from occurring.
Medallions mark the time each flight crashed |
On September 11 each year, the shadow of the 14 foot artifact crosses these panels and sunlight passing through a hole in the girder which follows that diagonal line, passing over the four medallions at the time they went down.
For a complete timeline, as depicted on the stories of each of these flights, click here.
*A victim’s panel which alphabetically lists all the names of those who died on 9/11. The side of the panel states:
Victim's Panel |
No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time ~Virgil
*A weeping wall fountain that represents those who survived.
Weeping Wall |
*Granite tiles pulled from the World Trade Center after the attacks.
"Honoring Footsteps Gone Silent"
Summary
I encourage you to seek out such 9/11 Memorials in your area and help keep the remembrance alive by helping those too young to remember to learn about the terrorist attacks that claimed thousands of lives on September 11, 2001. Because, we SHOULD Never Forget!
Remember – Honor – Educate
YouTube Video of the 9/11 Memorial @ Overland Park 9/11 Memorial.
Location:
Overland Park 9/11 Memorial is located next to the Overland Park Fire Department Training Center
Address
12401 Hemlock
Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone
913-888-6066
Hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission
Free
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+All images are personal photos taken by Wednesday Elf
*Travel Review of the Overland Park, Kansas 9/11 Memorial was written by Wednesday Elf.
Saturday, July 29, 2023
The Mary Willis Library in Washington, Georgia
Travel Review of an historic library landmark
In 2016, as Hurricane Matthew was approaching the coast of Georgia near where I lived just 10 miles from the ocean outside Savannah, GA, I evacuated to my friends' house in Washington, Georgia, a small town located 190 miles inland. If you live in a coastal area, hurricane evacuations are often mandatory and almost always a wise move.
The town of Washington, located about 100 miles east of Atlanta, has a population of only a bit over 3500 people, yet it is a delightful town with much to offer visitors, even those who had to arrive, as I did, on an unplanned expedition.
Being a voracious reader, I told my friend I would love to be able to get a library book or two to read during my stay, so she took me to her town library. Turns out, Washington's library is more than just a public library; it is an historical site and a most charming place to visit.
The Mary Willis Library
The Mary Willis Library was opened in 1889 and became the very first free public library in the state of Georgia. It was founded by Dr. Francis T. Willis in memory of his daughter Mary and as a gift to the people of his hometown. It was designed by Atlanta architect Edmund Lind and constructed with bricks in the picturesque profile of the high-Victorian style of Queen Anne.
The interior has high beams and tall Tiffany stained-glass windows, with the central window commemorating Mary Willis. The original furnishings of the library are still in use.
In addition to the collection of current library materials, Mary Willis Library has an invaluable core collection of rare books on Wilkes County and Georgia history, books by local authors, family memorabilia and Washington newspapers
In 1972, the Mary Willis Library was listed with the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A well-deserved recognition, as it is a most charming building and a delight to visit, not only for your reading pleasure, but for the history and beauty of this 100-plus year building.
Summary
In addition to a lovely visit with my friends, who were kind enough to shelter me during my hurricane evacuation, having access to this library and books to read helped fill the anxious hours until I was able to return home. Discovering the beautiful and historic Mary Willis Library was a delightful bonus.
Image by Jud McCranie, CC 4.0 on Wikipedia |
*Travel Review by Wednesday Elf
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Reviewing Our Visit To James Herriot Country Thirsk North Yorkshire UK
We recently visited the North Yorkshire town of Thirsk. It lies about 22 miles north of York and 192 Miles north of London in UK. Thirsk is a beautiful market town located in the district of Hambleton in North Yorkshire, England. Thirsk has a rich history that traces back to the 12th century and archeological information indicates there was s settlement there 500 years BC. Its name originates from the old Norse word presk meaning lake or fen and is a very interesting place.
Thirsk is really lovely with a large market square, many independent shops, and great cafes surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. It is located between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, making it an excellent base for exploring the stunning natural beauty of the area. This review is about our experience of the town of Thirsk itself.
View from the river walk, Cod Beck, to St Marys Church |
Alf Wight The Vet and James Herriot The Author
It is also the place where James Herriot the writer and Alf Wight the veterinary surgeon lived and worked. He was born Oct 1916 in Sunderland and died 23rd Feb1995. He started working in Thirsk as a vet in 1940 after he graduated from Veterinary College in Glasgow and worked with Donald Sinclair for the next 50 years.
The World of James Herriot, is a museum that honors the life and work of Alf Wight, the author of the books "All Creatures Great and Small". We especially wanted to see the World of James Herriot Museum located in Alf Wight's former veterinary practice, as it showcases his life, the stories behind his books, and the history of veterinary science.
We took a self-guided tour of the house and saw how he lived and worked and it was truly fascinating and quite emotional to experience the life, sights and sounds that inspired the famous books and series.
This is the house where he lived and worked as a vet. The museum itself is in 2 parts, one is the actual house where he lived frozen in time in the 1940s with all the decor of that time.
World Of James Herriot Museum -house on the right. |
The second part is how the series was filmed with the original sets. It is also the only Veterinary museum in the UK showcasing the various remedies and instruments used at that time. There is also a fun section for children or the child in all of us, where you can try out different veterinary activities and fun things.
We were also able to see the wonderful car he used and a short explanatory film about his life and work which was fascinating.
James Herriot The Author
I grew up on the amazing books of James Herriot and the memories of a Vet working in Yorkshire so I was excited to see the place where he practised as a vet and where the stories he later wrote about were born. He started writing relatively late in life. He had the stories in his head for a very long time and meant to write but it wasn't until his wife challenged that he would never do it that he started writing!
I love all of his books and spent many happy hours reading them including he following with their published dates.
If Only They Could Talk 1970
It Shouldn't Happen To A Vet 1972
Merged into one Volume called All Creatures Great and Small when published in the US 1975
Let Sleeping Vets Lie 1973
Vets In Harness 1974
All Things Bright And Beautiful 1977
The Lord God Made Them All 1981
Every Living Thing 1992
The Complete James Herriot Box Set is a wonderful way to start reading these books and a lovely gift idea
Then of course there was the wonderful filmed TV series "All Creatures Great And Small"
We spent about 4 hours there and I would strongly recommend a visit to this wonderful museum if you have any interest in James Herriot. We were able to take photos inside the house but as they are only to be used for personal use I cannot show them on this review.
It should also be noted that James Herriot also wrote wonderful children's books, based on his experiences as a vet all of which had illustrations. These include
Moses The Kitten 1984
Only One Woof 1985
The Christmas Day Kitten 1986
James Herriot Treasury For Children 1982
Bonnie's Big Day 1996
In addition, he wrote some books about his beloved Yorkshire such as James Herriot's Yorkshire
People often wonder why Alf Wight did not use his own name when telling his stories of practicing as a vet in the Yorkshire countryside. The reason was that as a practicing veterinary surgeon, he was not permitted to use his own name as that would have been seen as advertising.
St Marys Church, Thirsk
We also visited the St Marys Church the heart of Thirsk where Alf Wight married his love and it is a truly beautiful church with a lively active congregation. It is over 500 years old and is of Gothic architecture. It was renovated during the Victorian era but retains its original character.
The most notable and imposing feature is its tower which can be seen for 100 miles around and is over 100 feet tall. Inside the Church there are amazing wooden vaulted ceilings and decorated with ornate carvings. The chancel screen is gorgeous with its tracery and stained glass.
St Marys Church, Thirsk |
St Marys Church Timber Roof |
Thirsk Blue Plaque Trail.
We finished our time in Thirsk by following the Blue Plaque Trail which highlights many and various interesting and important landmarks throughout the town. The walk around took us about two to three hours so there were many places of interest but here are just a few highlights for you.
We visited the grand Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden. Thirsk Hall is owned by Bell family who are opening their 20 acres of gardens and parklands to exhibit culture from different artists. The artists' work is changed on a regular basis and it was a very interesting walk around the grounds seeking out the various beautiful sculptures and talented artists work. It was a wonderful way to spend two or three hours. Again photos can be taken but are restricted to personal use only. It is a family home and the family do live there.
The Ritz Cinema was an amazing experience. We arrived about 30 mins before the film was due to start and were lucky enough to get talking to one of the volunteers there who kindly showed us around. It dates back to the early 20th century and as first established as a music hall venue. It has been entertaining the locals for over a hundred years.
There have been many changes of use over the years including a Bingo Hall before it was once again converted back to a Cinema in the early 1980s. It has been modernised and has comfortable seating but has a most beautiful art deco interior. It is now run by enthusiastic volunteers and screens current and classic films.
The Three Tuns Pub is three hundred years old dating back to the 18th century and is located in the market square in Thirsk.
It is a beloved building and over the years has been a meeting point for travelers, local businesses and farmers. Now it is a public House serving local ales and beer and food. It has a large beer garden at the back enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The Golden Fleece Old Coaching house dates back to the 16th century and was a coaching inn stage for Royal Mail Edinburgh to London.
One of its most famous guests was Captain James Cook who used to drink there. It is very popular with people who go to the Thirsk races such as Jockeys, Trainers and racing enthusiasts. It is now a large central Hotel well situated in the market square in Thirsk.
Thirsk is home to the Thirsk Racecourse, which is a major attraction for horse racing enthusiasts. Although we did not visit the racecourse. It hosts a range of races throughout the year, including the annual Thirsk Hunt Cup, one of the country's top flat races.
All in all it was a really wonderful visit to the town of Thirsk and would appeal to anyone with a love of the beautiful quite stunning scenery which surrounds the town, a love of James Herriot books and TV series, a slice of British history and culture at its best and just embrace a part of the world that is a joy to experience.
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Saturday, January 21, 2023
Figge Art Museum of Davenport, Iowa – A Travel Review
Figge Art Collection
*Image By NateWoolsey - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
There are over 4,000 works of art in the Figge art collection. The works range from the 16th century to the present time. Figge has an extensive collection of Haitian, Colonial Mexican and Midwestern art, for which it is best known.
It also has a substantial collection of American art and European art, plus an important collection of pieces by the Midwest American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright.
Additionally, the Figge Art Museum currently houses the University of Iowa Museum of Art collection, after the University of Iowa's gallery was flooded in 2008.
And, this museum offers a Master of Arts degree in various aspects of museum management through the Western Illinois University's graduate program in Museum Studies.
Our Visit to the Figge Art Museum
A couple years ago my Kansas City family visited me in Iowa and we spent an interesting afternoon touring The Figge (as it is known to locals).
In addition to the numerous rooms dedicated to particular collections, such as The Stanley Collection, the American West paintings and various exhibition galleries, the museum has several studios, an auditorium, a café, and a museum store where souvenirs can be purchased.
Since we had my two young grandsons with us, we were especially excited about the Family Activity Center on the second level. The boys (and mom, dad & grandma) spent an enjoyable hour creating our own 'art works'!
Summary
Location and Visitor Information of the Figge Art Museum
The Figge is located just a block from the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, Iowa.
Address: 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801
Phone: 563) 326-7804
Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 10AM–5PM
- Wednesday 10AM–5PM
- Thursday 10AM–8PM
- Friday 10AM–5PM
- Saturday 10AM–5PM
- Sunday 12–5PM
*Travel Review of the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa written by Wednesday Elf.
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