Scenes from the
seat.
A Travel writers guide to great one day trip excursions that
you can experience from your "Harley-Davidson Motorcycle".
Starting from our base residence in "Clermont Florida", we ventured "South" this time
into "Polk" county, to a town called "LAKE WALES". The ride down was in full noon day sun and the Harley was
purring along as the mile markers and
rode signs pointed us in the direction of
our destination for the day, "BOK TOWER GARDENS". About an hours ride,
pending on traffic.
Polk county did such a wonderful job with rode signage that
the directions I printed off Google mapping were of no use to us. As we made
our way on route 27 south, when we entered the town of "LAKE WALES",
large very well identifiable (GREEN) attraction signs guided us to this
wonderful piece of Florida's
true history.
Colleen and I being full time residents here in Florida now
for some 15 years, this was our first ever day trip heading in the southerly
direction, as most of our written about trips and excursions have taken us
mostly , "East" to Daytona, for the revered "BIKE WEEK &
BIKETOBERFEST", held in "Daytona Beach Florida", as well as
"North" to "Leesburg Florida", for the Leesburg Bikefest,
and of course "West", to Crystal River Florida's,
"Gulf Coast Cruise in".
So it was an
experiment to see what we could find attraction wise that would not only appeal
to the "Harley Rider at Heart", and offer up a
great cruise with interesting scenery, but also provide us
something to do for entertainment while out on that cruise.
Well let me tell you fellow riders, we hit the
"JACKPOT" with this find, as this attraction has something for
everyone, young and old alike. The unspoiled views and the spectacular sounds
from these "GARDENS" and that magnificent "Singing
Tower" is something for everyone
to enjoy, located just about an hour south of Clermont, Florida.
Colleen and I upon check in at the front gate were met by
one of the most bubbly and truly helpful persons that pointed us on our way to
the visitors center and that was where we headed to next. When we got down to
the main complex parking, we noticed several signs both for large vehicles such
as Group and RV parking, which I found was a great idea, because people come
here in all modes of transportation and the parking lot proved that. Colleen
and I found a spot right up front to park the Harley, we gathered our gear and we set off on our journey.
Starting at the visitors center as previously instructed ,
we came across a " Volunteer staff
member", Mitchell Sheets, who only had been there for three years, but
pretty much had his job there down pat, he quickly guided us through the
"Welcome Center" and pointed out the certain pathways which would be
most beneficial to us being first timers there.
Then we met up with one of the brightest most informed and
loving spirited persons on the grounds, "Cassie Jacoby"- Director of
Communications, she then gave us a brief overview and answered all our
questions and sent us on our way to go
and enjoy the splendor of what seems to be one of America's Finest Gardens, and one of
Florida's best kept secrets. Well sorry Cassie, the words out now, and look
forward to many of Harley enthusiasts to join our trek, and hopefully they too
will enjoy this attraction as much as the wife and I did.
Speaking of our trek, we started out from the visitors
center to the main path which lead us on our way along the most spectacular views and the most
interesting of gardening exhibit's. Song birds and squirrels were highly abundant,
the sunshine was out at full sun , but the amount of shade trees and foliage
were enough to keep you from it's heated
grasp.
Pathways were marked clearly, so as to find everything that
the guide map provided in an instant, we found this very helpful, as the sheer
splendor for these gardens and this estate it's easy to get caught up in the
nature of things and get side tracked.
Colleen and I headed up the main pathway to the singing
tower and the Pinewood estate, as per recommendation by Mr. Sheets, this
provided us the "FIRST TIMERS" here not only beautiful views, but
interesting side pathways for us to explore if we chose to do so, which we
certainly did.
Our first side pathway lead us to "WINDOW BY THE
POND", not only a great escape from
the heat, but a serine and tranquil place to sit and observe mother nature from a "WETLANDS"
view point.
Again, with signage as easy as this to see, it made our trek
very enjoyable.
A short way down the gruff pathway, we came across this
little exhibit shack , but its what was inside that had us in awe of our
surroundings. Below is a picture of what awaits you to enjoy and take in as
well.
Inside the little hideaway "Window By The Pond"
along the wetlands exhibit is some more helpful signs called "NATURES
SHOW".
They point out the
abundant wildlife that you may come across while sitting in a little theatre type setting. Please be sure to sign the guest book and
leave a comment, Colleen and I found it very interesting to see what others
wrote about their being in this exhibit and where some of the folk's who
visited it were actually from. Two people that were there, traveled from as far
away as "JAPAN"
and "Germany",
they too were in awe at the nature of things.
From the window by the pond, we traveled back to the main
pathway and started our trek to the "SINGING
TOWER" , also known as "BOK TOWER",
named after the founder,
Edward William Bok " Humanitarian" who lived
during one of the worlds most interesting times, 1863-1930.
His dedication to preserve these lands, and to build one of
the most beautiful picturesque towers atop one of "FLORIDA'S" most
astounding view points, makes me wish he were alive today, so that he and I
could speak about what drove him to build upon his dreams like he did. I know
if he were alive today, in short, I would tell him what a wonderful piece of
history he has preserved, and our generation sure is thankful he did so.
Below is a picture of Edward William Bok, which adorns
one of the walls in the welcome center.
Back on the main pathway the view of the tower from afar
became more apparent that we were going to be in for a real treat, below are
just a small sampling of what you can expect to find here at this marvelous
sanctuary. Peace and serenity abound.
As we approached the tower the pathways gave un obstructed
views of the Tower in all it's magnificence. A reflecting pool surrounded the
towers frontage, with too many photo opportunities to include in this article
alone, but yet for your viewing pleasure we could not leave the ones below out.
Heading to the left of the reflecting pool from the main
pathway and continuing to the tower we happened across a small grouping of
"PALM TREES", with a placard nailed into one of them at it's base,
this is for all you history buffs out there, the palm was planted as a
commemorative by none other than United States President Calvin Coolidge on
February 1st, of the year 1929, both the grouping and the plaque are pictured
below.
As we continued along the pathway , we were treated to the
sounds of the Tower Bells, as the afternoon concert had begun, and wow what a
wonderful sound. I can only imagine what it is to live near this complex, and
have these bells singing their magic everyday. This must be a wonderful treat,
and something to be cherished by it's residents of the local community. Along
the way we had to stop and feed the KOI Fish in the pond in front of the tower.
When we were through we watched as a little girl fed them too, and she looked
as if she was certainly enjoying herself as much, if not more then we were.
Finally we came upon the tower in all it's splendor, and
WOW, we were truly blown away , I thought to myself for a moment, I just had
saw this tower from way out on Route 27 on the way down and hadn't even
realized that it was one in the same. I of course preferred the view of
standing right next to it, as verse viewing it from afar, here are just a few
pictures of what it was like to be there.
Words can not describe the sheer mass of this monolithic,
stone and marble structure.
205 feet tall, 5,500
tons, made of a steel frame and covered with ornate brick and pink and grey
Georgia Marble along with Florida
coqunia, and lime stone.
"Herons" at the very top and "EAGLES" at
the base of the bell chamber all sculptures were carved in place. Although the
tower was closed to visiting guests, my wife and I were invited back after the
restorations are completed for a private tour by "Cassie Jacoby", so
that we may be able to get the view from the top of the tower, for that tour
I'll be bringing our panoramic lens for some
real incredible photo's, of which I'll write again, and include those
photos with that follow up article.
Back down at ground level, and viewing the tower from the
huge sun dial side, the view of the adjacent courtyard was very beautiful, and
I could see why this was Mr. Bok's favorite view for sunsets.
Taking the trek back down the main pathway but this time
going to the left we came across several other interesting points which we
thought you the reader may enjoy.
"Excedra", a dedication to Edward Bok is a small
sitting area, where one can listen to the bells play, and maybe enjoy some
lunch, or what ever your fancy may be?
Also along the way was this magnificent sculpture of a Japanese
stone lantern with the dedication stone both pictures provided below.
Proving that once again, even though it's been since 1925,
their ever striving venture and symbolism for "WORLD PEACE" stand
out.
Shortly after this monumental piece was the St. Francis
Gardens, what a lovely treat this was,
as wildlife just seemed to flock here, no pun intended, as seen below.
There was so much to see, and so little time for us to enjoy
it that Colleen, and I will definitely be going back much earlier next time. We
can spend the day there, as Colleen enjoys gardening and so do I , but the
outdoors is where I truly feel blessed to be, it's good for ones soul, and
often recharges ones spirit to get back to nature.
"BOK
TOWER GARDENS"
, has the market cornered on tranquility that is for sure.
World Class Attraction, listed as a National Historic
Landmark, great experience , great food, huge gift shop , there is even
"plants for sale" in the "plant shop". This along with it's
world class people who do it's daily operations and maintenance of this
facility, make this a perfect day away "Harley Riders" must see
attraction. We hope you get the opportunity to get out for a nice ride, and get over to see this spectacular place,
go early and stay late, it is very well worth it. Don't forget to mention the
"BOK to BIKE" discount, which enables you to get a two for one entry
into the park.
More information can be found at:
WWW.boktowergardens.org
I hope you've enjoyed the read, and as always , "God
Bless" and stay safe out there.
Philip J. Dresko Sr.
Below:
Philip Dresko Sr., Colleen Dresko & Cassie Jacoby
All Photos and scripting
protected under the PM-Copywriter services, 6-30-2012
Use of this article in national
publication and on social media boards
is unauthorized unless requested in writing to it's original subscriber
and author.
Philip Dresko Sr.
