On the day before the last day of summer, Lucy and Annabelle went to Wilson Park. The weather was perfect, as you might imagine Autumn-Eve-Eve to be. Wilson Park, Fayetteville’s oldest park, is a 22.75-acre oasis within walking distance of our house. And, a river runs through it. Well, actually a creek—Scull Creek. As Lucy and Annabelle stood watching from the bridge above, it was as though they understood the immenseness of the place beyond our spot in the Ozark Mountains—that the water beneath them would join the Illinois River and eventually flow into the Gulf of Mexico. The world is astonishing, even for dogs.
Especially for these dogs.
And this tree? Humongous with rope-like bark. A real, live, Lion King, Tree of Life sort of tree growing smack dab in the middle of Wilson Park.
Wilson Park has lots of hidden trails leading into quiet spots for sitting, tables and grills for picnicking, native beds for admiring. Beautyberry blooms e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.
Naturally, the girls had fun running around the castle because…ahem…TheyArePrincesses.
But they stayed clear of the moat. Princesses of this sort admire water from afar. It must be the whole “sugar melts” thing or the “don’t want to mess up my hair” thing. Interesting tidbit about the castle…an active spring surfaces from behind the castle’s iron gate (which I failed to get a picture of), flows underneath the park and feeds Scull Creek (and the Illinois River and the Gulf of Mexico.) Like magic.
We took a rest break before heading back home.
Fare thee well, summer.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Lucy+Annabelle say farewell to summer at #WilsonPark #Fayetteville @ExpFayetteville #NWArk #HelloAutumn[/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Last Summer Days, Archer Prewitt
The Princesses are looking mighty fine. Great pictures & very interesting story. O
Now you have made me lonesome, but I REALLY enjoyed you and the girls’ pictures. We’ve enjoyed walking around Wilson Park on several occasions and hopefully we will again soon.
Precious dogs and beautiful park. Loved this post.
Great pictures! Although I know they would melt if they took a dunk, I really think it was the hair-thing that kept them out of the water. You are so fortunate to live so close to that charming park.