It's been a fun-filled four-day weekend, even if
it's concluding with a rainy Labor Day. Both Izzy and I would prefer a
cooler, drizzly day to a heat wave though. We made a short sortie at East Cobb Park
this morning, but thunder moved in so we had to quit after 15 minutes and return
to the ranch.
We had better luck Friday morning, which was
pleasant for the hour we spent at Big Creek. Plenty of deer were around in the
woods through which the Natural Trail winds and a large buck was giving her the eye from a safe distance. Izzy is still not sure about
getting into water, but one place she will dip a toe is the big lagoon
here. Since we were last at Big Creek, "they" have finally paved the access
road which is a huge improvement. This City of Roswell park has an extensive network of mountain bike
trails as well as connection to the Alpharetta Greenway, so it is very popular.
Lagoon at Big Creek - 30 August 2013
Saturday morning we tried a place that was new
for Miz Izz: Cochran Shoals, one of the units of the Chattahoochee River National
Recreation Area. It sees mostly jogger/runner traffic and I've never found it
particularly interesting, but thought we would get out before the crowds and do
a tour. It didn't work out that way, since enough runners were there to fill a time group at the Peachtree, but it was a nice morning even so - about
an hour and a half on the trail, with very pretty mist rolling in off the
river.
Several observation platforms line the trail and
we took the opportunity to view the Hooch and some of its plentiful wildlife. I noticed some hiking paths have been added in the forest area, so maybe we will return on a 9/80 Friday after the temperature cools down.
Ducks Hanging Out on the Chattahoochee
On the way back, we met two giant Boston Great
Danes (black-mantled, as opposed to Harlequins which are “spotted”). These boys
were named Fletcher and Artemis and made Isabelle look small. They all greeted
each other and the owners shared with me that they would never have any dog
other than a Dane with which opinion I concur! Although my days of owning two are over (at least that's the plan)...
A nice surprise this weekend was the blooming of the “Immortality” iris that I planted right after Beauregard had to be put to rest. Not sure about the bloom timing, I thought irises always bloomed in the spring, but given my meager knowledge of plants, maybe it is a variety that is supposed to flower now. Whatever, it’s quite beautiful and with several buds it looks like irises will continue to unfurl for a week or more.
A nice surprise this weekend was the blooming of the “Immortality” iris that I planted right after Beauregard had to be put to rest. Not sure about the bloom timing, I thought irises always bloomed in the spring, but given my meager knowledge of plants, maybe it is a variety that is supposed to flower now. Whatever, it’s quite beautiful and with several buds it looks like irises will continue to unfurl for a week or more.
Iris "Immortality"
Time to put this week's Bach cantata on the CD player and start cooking for the week ahead. Luckily, I have an excellent sous chef to "help"!
2 September 2013
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