Robert Snap Spot

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  • Fungi on Skidaway Island

    Fungi on Skidaway Island

    Cream-yellow shelf fungi with uneven, overlapping edges growing from a crevice in deeply ridged oak bark.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Fungi on Skidaway Island

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    Fungi Friday – Coastal picked the route. I found a reason to stop.

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    Wait… What’s Growing There?

    Neal and I were following Coastal along a route of Coastal’s choosing when something on an old live oak caught my eye. Wait… is that fungi growing out of the trunk? Neal gives me a look. I can almost hear him thinking, ” Robert seems to be obsessed with fungi.”

    With those massive branches and all that Spanish moss overhead, how had this pale, ruffled patch managed to get my attention?

    “I was already admiring the tree. Now I had questions for it!”

    – Robert
    Tall live oak beside a sidewalk, with spreading branches draped in Spanish moss, palms at its base, and blue sky overhead.
    With all this overhead, would you have thought to inspect the trunk?
    Pale fungi on a leaning oak trunk behind long green palm fronds, with blue sky and Spanish moss beyond.
    There you are… behind the greenery!

    I needed a closer look before we went any farther. Of course, I was only one of three on this walk… and Coastal had a morning routine to finish.

    A Shelf on the Side

    Look at those edges curling out from the bark! From here, I could see one shelf overlapping another, with hardly a straight edge among them. Quite remarkable, I think! Maybe I am a fungi nerd!

    Close view of golden-yellow shelf fungi with pale irregular rims and textured surfaces against dark, deeply furrowed oak bark.
    “Shelf fungi.” Yes, I can see how that name happened.

    How long had that been growing there?

    It looked well established to me, though looking at its size wasn’t going to give me its age.

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    THIS WEEK I NOTICED

    Whose Turn to Stop?

    Walking a dog gives me plenty of time to stand around while a patch of grass gets a thorough investigation. Then I find something I want to investigate, and suddenly I’m aware that I’m holding everyone up! Coastal and I may understand each other better than I thought. We just need to work on taking turns.

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    Let Me Ask About This

    We’re back on Skidaway Island, dog sitting and dog walking lovely, energetic Coastal. Neal and I follow along, and the streets give me plenty to look at. Who could miss those massive old live oaks with Spanish moss draping from their branches. This one deserved a closer inspection. The pale growth stood out against that rough bark, and I began wondering what, exactly, had made a home there. A few photographs first… then I could ask.

    Upward view of a large forked live oak with cut branch stubs, Spanish moss, and a small pale fungal cluster low on the trunk.
    Now you can see the size of the tree that caught my attention.

    I inquired with Siri and my iNaturalist app, my knowledge resources. Both pointed me toward bracket fungi, also called shelf fungi. Well, that second name made sense as soon as I looked back at the photographs! It gave me somewhere to begin, even if I didn’t yet have a specific name for this one. And my thought that it must have been there for ages? I’ll leave that as a question. I had enough information to get curious, which is usually when the photographs start multiplying.

    Broad oak trunk with a cut branch stub, green ferns along its right side, and pale shelf fungi on the left, surrounded by palms.
    Ferns along the side, fungi out front. Quite a busy address.

    Before we leave this tree, come around it with me through the photographs. The palm fronds cross the view from one side; from another, the pale shelves stand clear of them. I wanted to see how the growth met the bark and what those uneven edges looked like from below. You can probably see why this was taking me a while.

    Around Those Ruffled Edges

    First, the view through the palm fronds, then a clearer look at where the fungi sit in the trunk.

    Close-up of overlapping cream-yellow fungi on oak bark, partly crossed by narrow green palm fronds.
    The palm fronds apparently wanted to be in the photograph too.
    Pale shelf fungi growing within a reddish hollow on a broad oak trunk, with green palm leaves along the right edge.
    A little farther back, and you can see how easily the bark could keep this secret.

    Now look from below, then step back far enough to include the broken branch above.

    Low-angle view of pale yellow fungi projecting from rough oak bark, with palm leaves and hanging Spanish moss behind.
    Looking up underneath gave me another reason to linger.
    Yellow shelf fungi beneath a jagged branch stub on an oak trunk, with fan-shaped palm leaves filling the lower left.
    This angle brings that old broken branch into the picture.

    That last view brings a bit more of the tree’s history into the frame. “Anytime today!”, Neal calls out. I still have questions, but I think my fellow walkers have waited long enough.

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    Coastal Has Plans

    “Ok, I confess! My photo quest for this tree and its fungi companion has hijacked the morning’s plans.”

    Coastal, a brown-and-white dog on a turquoise leash, standing on a concrete sidewalk facing the grassy roadside.
    I can almost hear Coastal: “Your tree will still be here, Robert.”

    Yes, Coastal! Nature is calling, and I have held up the morning routine long enough.

    Neal walking Coastal on a turquoise leash along a grassy roadside bordered by palms and trees draped in Spanish moss.
    And we’re moving again! Thank you for the fungi stop, you two.

    Neal and I are coming… and thanks to your choice of route, I have a Friday Fungi post to start.

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Walk With Me, Keep Wondering

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    Coastal chose our route, and I came home wanting to learn a little more about nature and fungi. Your daily routine may have a stop like that in it too. Take a look the next time you’re out, then come back and tell me what caught your attention.

    “I didn’t know what to call it when I stopped. That gave me something to learn when I got home. Stop, pause, and learn something!”

    — Robert

    📍 Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia

    Collection
    Friday Fungi

    Captured with
    Iphone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • Flutter by or Rest Awhile

    Flutter by or Rest Awhile

    Orange butterfly with its wings spread beside yellow flowers, with green leaves at lower right and pine needles covering the ground.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Flutter by or Rest Awhile

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    Insect World – Along Moon River, the flowers are calling… who says you have to hurry?

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    Stay… the River Can Wait

    Here we are again on Skidaway Island, facing beautiful Moon River, and I’m looking down at the flowers. An orange butterfly has my attention… well, “hello there.”


    You’ve found a place to land, and I’m quite happy to stay here with you awhile.

    “Rest awhile, little one. I’d like a chance to look at you without guessing where you’ll be next.”

    – Robert
    Wider view of an orange butterfly near the center of a yellow-flowered plant spreading across pine-needle mulch in sunlight and shadow.
    All these flowers to choose from, and I’m hoping it chooses the one closest to me.

    There’s plenty to look at from right here, with yellow blooms scattered around those open wings. So gorgeous! For as long as this visit lasts, the river has a little competition.

    Did You Save Me a Taste?

    Our pollinators are so important! We definitely need to attract more! The blooming plants along the bank might as well be calling, “Come get a taste!”

    And look who has dropped in… without even asking what’s on the menu.

    Orange butterfly with black wing markings, viewed from above between clusters of yellow flowers, with broad green leaves to the right.
    “Come get a taste!” Well, somebody accepted the invitation.

    I can almost hear, “Oh, a yellow one! Well, I may have a different opinion about that”
    Well, help yourself.

    I’m enjoying looking over your shoulder.

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    THIS WEEK I NOTICED

    Under All That Orange

    Look past the butterfly for a second. Those pine needles! Crossed over one another, tucked beneath the leaves, filling nearly every gap between the flowers. They’re the sort of thing I could walk right past without another thought. Then I look at the photograph and find myself following all those lines. I came here looking at wings, and now I’m inspecting the ground beneath them. Does your eye wander off like that too?

    Hold Still… If It Suits You

    Butterfly. Flutter by. See what I did there?

    These little guys make the second one seem like a perfectly reasonable name. They flutter through the air and land where they please, touching down for a second, maybe longer, or barely making contact before they’re off again. Nimble? Yes! Convenient for someone holding a camera? Well, I may have different opinions about that. (I had to delete plenty of photos, barely catching those wings!)

    I look at these yellow flowers and imagine each one making its own offer. “Over here!” “No, No! Try this one!” A butterfly has quite a selection along this bank, and I’m hoping its next choice gives me a chance at a photograph. “That one will do nicely. Yes, right there…” As though I’ve been appointed to direct the landings.

    Of course, the choice belongs to the one with the wings. I can follow along with my camera and hope we agree on a stopping place. And if it decides to linger? I’m certainly willing to adjust my plans. Funny how a butterfly can have somewhere else to go and still manage to keep me in one spot. Hmmm, think about that!

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    Close view of an orange butterfly with black markings and spread wings among green leaves, yellow flowers, and brown pine needles.
    “You may admire the wings. I haven’t agreed to a longer visit.”

    Up close, I find myself looking from one black marking to the next… quite a bit to admire on those wings.

    Take your time, little one. I’m still looking.

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    What, Already Thinking of Leaving?

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    I’m still here admiring the wings, and you’re checking the next flower already? Well, if something catches your eye along the way, come back and tell me what persuaded you to change direction. I’d like to hear where you landed.

    “What’s tempting you away… and will you flutter back to tell me?“

    “Time to be a bit Free Spirited. Fly here, land there. I reserve the right to stay if I like the photo subject.”

    — Robert

    📍 Ponte Vedra, Florida

    Collection
    Monochrome Monday, Beach

    Captured with
    iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • Sharing is Caring

    Sharing is Caring

    Wide view of a brown carriage horse eating grain from a purple bucket, with a large flock of pigeons scattered around its feet in Central Park.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Sharing is Caring

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    Wordless Wednesday – One horse, one bucket… and everybody’s hungry!

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    Okay, Just One Bite!

    Close view of a brown carriage horse eating from a purple bucket, surrounded by pigeons on grain-strewn pavement in Central Park.
    “You can keep me company… just leave me some lunch!”

    Word Gets Around Fast

    A brown carriage horse eats from a purple bucket as pigeons crowd around and several flap their wings nearby, with park greenery across the road.
    “That’s all we needed to hear. Hey guys! Free food!”
    A carriage horse holds its muzzle above a purple feed bucket crowded with pigeons, several spreading their wings over the rim.
    “I said one bite… not one bite each!”
    Pigeons pack a purple feed bucket beneath a carriage horse’s raised head, while more birds gather and flap beside the curb.
    “Excuse me… there was a horse eating here!”
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    Share and Share Alike!

    Gray, brown, and white pigeons peck at scattered grain beside a sunlit curb; part of the horse’s muzzle and purple bucket appears at the upper left.
    “Share and share alike! There’s some down here, too!”
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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Animals not People

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    Not people watching today! My eye saw that carriage horse, then found myself looking at all those pigeons. Everybody was after a bite! Next time an animal catches your attention, take another look… come back and tell me who else showed up.

    “Eating outdoors may mean sharing with the animal Kingdom, can you relate?”

    ”Horses, pigeons and people, here’s to hoping we can make a little room for one another, too.”

    — Robert

    📍 Central Park, New York City, New York

    Collection
    Wordless Wednesday

    Captured with
    iPhone 13 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • Loafers vs Sliders in Monochrome

    Loafers vs Sliders in Monochrome

    Black-and-white photograph of two canvas shoes with striped lining at left and strapped sandals at right, casting shadows across textured tile.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Loafers vs Sliders in Monochrome

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    Monochrome Monday –

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    Where Would My Feet Take Me?

    Tuesday morning, and such a lovely sunny day!


    Do I stay in and wander barefoot around the condo? Maybe, put something on these feet and see where those beautifully manicured paths around condominum take me?

    Standing on the balcony, I watch the waves glide back and forth along Ponte Vedra Beach. Sand stretches as far as my eyes can see, and here I am looking down at my footwear. For Shame!

    How did getting outdoors become a question with so many possible answers?

    “Am I choosing what to put on my feet, or giving myself another reason to stand here?”

    – Robert
    Black-and-white view along a balcony, with sandals and flip-flops beside wicker furniture and a strip of sunlight crossing the floor.
    A whole balcony to wander… and here I stand.

    Surely a condo overlooking this beautiful beach comes with an understanding: Robert! Get your butt outdoors!

    Breathe in that salty ocean air… maybe give my toes a say in the matter when I reach the sand.

    The Loafers Have Something to Say

    Look at these two, sitting in the sunshine with their striped linings showing. I can almost hear them: “A walk around the grounds? We’re ready.”

    Black-and-white close-up of two canvas shoes with short laces, striped lining, raised toe seams, and light soles on textured tile.
    “We’re called loafers, Robert. You’re the one doing all the loafing.”

    Then I notice the stitching and that woven fabric, and stop for another photograph. “Well?” they seem to ask. “Are we going somewhere, or is this a modeling appointment for Dockers Boat Shoes?”

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    THIS WEEK I NOTICED

    An Epiphany Underfoot

    The sunlight had picked out the tiny pits in the tile beneath my shoes. I was looking down anyway, but the closer photographs gave that floor a turn at being noticed. Funny… I’m staying here for the ocean view, and now I’m admiring what’s underfoot.

    Must I Pick a Side?

    Choices, choices, choices. The loafers could take me for a saunter around the condominium grounds. My sliders look ready for an easier arrangement, feet in, off we go. Then there are the sandals, waiting for me to strap in and make a proper outing of it. In my head, they’ve all started offering advice. “Pick a pair,” say the sandals. “He’s still taking pictures,” mutter the loafers.

    Black-and-white low-angle view of canvas shoes near a doorway, with part of a flip-flop and its shadow on sunlit tile in the foreground.
    The loafers have company. Apparently, this decision requires witnesses.
    Black-and-white close-up of a flip-flop’s zigzag footbed and curved strap, with sandals and balcony railing softly blurred behind it.
    “Just slip us on, Robert. We can discuss the destination on the way.”

    Meanwhile, my bare feet have been left out of the discussion. They’re doing perfectly well here at the condo. And what about the beach? I could go unshod, walk down to the water, and dip my toes into the Atlantic Ocean. “Thank you!” I imagine them saying. “We wondered when you’d remember us.”

    Ha! Even my toes have an opinion now.

    Hey now! This is my life, and my time on this earth is fleeting. Why choose one possibility for the whole day? I can enjoy being barefoot here, take that walk around the grounds, and leave room for the beach. A change of shoes is hardly a major undertaking. It’s 11:47 AM. I better get going before the whole day is gone!

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    All Awaiting Two Feet

    Before we go, a closer look at the candidates… they’ve been very patient. Over by the wicker chair, the sandals and sliders are still enjoying their patch of sunshine.

    Black-and-white photograph of strapped sandals and overlapping flip-flops beside a wicker chair, with diagonal sunlight across the balcony floor.
    Everybody’s ready for a walk. We’re just waiting on the fellow with the feet.
    Black-and-white detail of a flip-flop’s zigzag footbed at right, with strapped sandals, a wicker chair, and angular shadows behind it.
    Even my footwear has more directions worked out than I do.

    Those zigzags look as though they could keep my toes occupied for quite a while. Okay, Robert, turn off the photographer’s eye for a moment. I’d like to see what the sand has to offer.

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    Black-and-white photograph focused on pitted sunlit tile, with a cropped canvas shoe at left and blurred sandals along the upper edge.
    There’s still room here for two bare feet.

    That sunny patch of floor has room for my bare feet, too. I could stand here a little longer… although I’ve rather talked myself into a walk.

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Let Your Toes Talk Back

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    Mine have been listening to the footwear debate long enough, and they’d like to put “a paddle in the Atlantic” on the agenda. Give yours a turn… I’d like to hear what outing they propose.

    “Got feet? Where are yours taking us next time?”

    “If I let my feet choose the first few steps, I wonder what I’d stop to notice along the way?”

    — Robert

    📍 Ponte Vedra, Florida

    Collection
    Monochrome Monday, Beach

    Captured with
    iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • A Message in Stone

    A Message in Stone

    Turquoise “You Got This” stone surrounded by dark mulch, yellow leaves, and long green blades, with a paving edge along the bottom.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    A Message in Stone

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    Silent Sunday – Motivational – Someone left a little kindness here.

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    Silent? A Stone Has Something to Say!

    What’s this, someone left this among the leaves… a message for us.

    Close-up of a turquoise painted stone with red dots and the words “You Got This,” resting among dark mulch and scattered yellow leaves.
    “Yes, you!” A little stone makes itself perfectly clear.

    “You Got This.” Thank you, little stone… I’m glad you were in my path!

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Stay… the stone isn’t finished!

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    Plenty of footsteps passed this way, yet you stopped. Now I would love to hear what made you pause and feel grateful today. Pause, Reflect, I’m listening.

    “Before next Sunday, tell us what little kindness stopped you in your tracks?”

    “Kindness for a stranger. That may be you today or me tomorrow.”

    — Robert

    📍Virginia-Highland, Atlanta, Georgia

    Collection
    Silent Sunday

    Captured with
    iPhone 12 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • Goat at Nu Sunrise Farms

    Goat at Nu Sunrise Farms

    Black metal goat cutout peeking around a weathered utility pole beside a country road, with power lines crossing a bright blue sky.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Goat at Nu Sunrise Farms

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    Farm Passport – Open Road – Sunday Stills – Antlers, Horns and Hooves

    A farm stamp and a double take

    Back on the road again! Neal and I took our Farm Passport to Nu Sunrise Farms in Griffin, Georgia. Georgia Grown Agritourism had us heading out of the city to learn about farms and buy straight from the farmers.

    And this stop had goats running back and forth along the roadside fence. Well, hello there!

    Not all farms stretch across acres and acres of land. Here was a shack beside the road, with local items you could choose and pay for yourself. We got our farm stamp, then headed back toward the car… which was when I spotted one last goat.

    “Set your mind at ease for a moment. The open road will still be there.”

    – Robert Smith

    There he was, peering around a tree. I did a double take.
    “Oh, Hi there little fella!” Out came the camera.

    For this week’s Sunday Stills, “Antlers, Horns and Hooves,” I had found a fellow quite willing to show off his horns!

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    Oh, Hi there little fella!

    That face! As if he had been waiting for me to notice him.
    I could almost hear, “Ahem… you missed one.”

    Black metal goat cutout with curved horns peeking around a textured tree trunk, with a wooden fence and green grass blurred behind it.
    “You weren’t leaving without my picture, were you?”
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    Weathered wooden sign reading “Nu Sunrise Farms” and “Griffin, GA,” with a painted brown-and-white goat with blue eyes.
    Another goat on the welcoming committee. This one brought the address! I love the art work!

    Even the Nu Sunrise Farms sign had a goat ready to greet us.

    By now, I was checking the faces on everything. Anybody else want a picture before we go?

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Who goes there? Say hello!

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    Our tree-peeking fellow has appointed himself the official roadside greeter.
    Tell him about your own surprise hello in the comments… he’s collecting stories while he waits for the next car. Ha! He never leaves the farm, make it a good tale!

    “Just wondering myself, who gave you your most unexpected hello?”

    “Give me an open road and time to pull over… No rush, Neal and I will get there, but I may have a few new faces in the camera”.

    — Robert

    📍 Nu Sun Rise Farms,Griffin, Georgia

    Collection
    Farm Passport, Sunday Stills

    Captured with
    Canon EOS Rebel SL1, iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • Yes, I Smell a Rose

    Yes, I Smell a Rose

    Close side view of a weathered, bearded stone face beside yellow roses beneath a garden-center shade canopy.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Yes, I Smell a Rose

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    Friday Flowers – The Flower Hour

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    Did That Come From the Roses?

    Neal and I were walking through Ace Hardware’s Lawn & Garden section when a large stone head caught my attention.

    There he sat among the blooming roses, looking like some Greek god who had been left in charge of the place. Of course, statues can’t talk… but this fellow seemed determined to get a word in.

    “I’m happy to stop and smell the roses. Being called over by the garden décor takes a little getting used to.”

    – Robert
    Sunlight flares over a stone garden head in profile, with rose plants and the garden-center canopy behind it.
    A little sunshine on his forehead… and apparently a lot on his mind.

    I glanced toward Neal, then back at that face, waiting to see whether I’d imagined the whole thing.

    “Psss… hey there.” Oh, good. The statue was going to make this awkward.

    A Rose Under His Nose

    I leaned closer, which is apparently what I do when a garden statue starts whispering.
    From this angle, I could see a yellow rose tucked just beneath his nose.

    Close-up of a weathered stone face, with a yellow rose just below its nose and more yellow blooms to the right.
    The answer was right under his nose. Someone had to tell him.

    He couldn’t turn his head to investigate, and that rose wasn’t offering any explanation.
    I was beginning to understand why he needed a passing shopper.

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    THIS WEEK I NOTICED

    Quite a Face for Friday Flowers

    Humor is a part of reality and fantasy is part of life. I came away with photographs of yellow roses and far more close-ups of a nose than I’d expected. You can see how it happened. Put that serious face beside those petals, and I’m going to wonder what he’s thinking. By then, I’d already given him a voice… might as well introduce myself.

    Psss… Hey, Buddy!

    “Did I hear someone?” I asked, looking around.

    “Hey, buddy, over here,” said the statue. “As you can see, I can’t move around from this spot.”

    “Oh, hi there. My name is Robert. How can I help you?”

    “Well, Robert, Granite Greg here. Am I crazy, or do I smell a rose… under my nose?”

    Now, I hadn’t expected to be discussing nasal concerns with a large stone head at Ace Hardware. But he’d asked politely.

    “I don’t mean to point out the obvious, Greg, but there is a yellow rose under your nose. I suppose that observation was a bit… on the nose!”

    Ha Ha, Hee Hee! (The crowd of flowers in the garden section erupted into laughter!)

    “Thank you, oh thank you!” Greg said. “I’m not crazy! That rose has been tickling me under there.”

    “Well, whatever you do, try not to sneeze. I’m standing awfully close.”

    I strolled back over to Neal and promised myself I would “not” mention this to anyone. A quick look back turned into a double take. Granite Greg gave me a wink, apparently satisfied that his secret was safe with me.

    And here I am telling you. Greg really should have asked whether I had a blog.

    Who would buy a talking statue, anyway? Days later… maybe I need to head back and buy that cool guy Greg. I wonder how I’m going to explain this one to Neal.

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    A fully open yellow rose with ruffled petals and a golden-brown center, surrounded by green leaves and rosebuds.
    Gorgeous bloom looking this innocent after tickling a statue… impressive.

    I had to give the rose a photograph of its own after all the trouble it had caused. Greg would probably request that I move it a few inches to the left.

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Does Imagination have a Smell?

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    Pull up beside Greg and tell me what your imagination smells in these photographs. He’s had plenty of time to consider the question, but I suspect his answer will be “roses.”

    “Can you almost smell that yellow rose, or do your eyes need your nose to confirm it? Tell me below, and come back for the next Flower Hour… I’ll keep an ear out among the pots.”

    “Writing is my kind of art. I can give a stone fellow a voice, wander off with his story, and keep going as far as my imagination likes. There’s always another ‘what if’ to follow.“

    — Robert

    📍 Ace Hardware, Ponte Vedra, Florida

    Collection
    Also shared with The Flower Hour #45

    Captured with
    Canon EOS R100 – iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • So Beautiful, Why Go Out!

    So Beautiful, Why Go Out!

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    So Beautiful, Why Go Out!

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    Thursday Doors – The View Came Through the Door

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    Tall arched glass doorway at the end of a warm-toned entry hall, casting long window shadows across a blue-green rug while bright sky shows outside.
    The door may lead outside, but the sunlight has already found its way in.
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    Closer vertical view of an arched glass doorway with vivid blue sky and clouds beyond, while strong sunlight creates geometric shadows across the tiled floor and rug.
    Blue sky beyond the glass, sunlight across the floor leaving suddenly feels optional.
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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Stay In, Step Out

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    Point of view. A door usually asks us to go somewhere. This one made me pause before crossing the threshold. The light, shadows, and sky had already turned the inside into part of the destination.

    “Stay inside and enjoy the view or open the door and follow the light?”

    “Give me an unusual challenge and I will gladly look twice. The fun begins when the obvious subject turns out not to be the only thing worth seeing.”

    — Robert

    📍 Ponte Verda, Florida

    Collection
    Thursday Doors

    Captured with
    iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot

  • Fountains at an Arboretum

    Fountains at an Arboretum

    Wide view of Lake Ray at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with three fountains, lily pads, reflections, and surrounding woodland.

    ROBERT SNAP SPOT

    Fountains at an Arboretum

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    Thursday Trios – Three Fountains, One Short Loop

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    A Shorter Way Around!

    Let’s travel to Jacksonville Neal, you said you wanted to visit the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. We have a love for botanical gardens! This one boasts wonderful walking trails, curated gardens and beautiful views.

    These days Neal and I choose shorter nature trails, and I am learning not to measure an outing by mileage. (TIB – Truth in Blogging: We are not spring chickens anymore, Ha!) A friendly woman at the entrance pointed us toward The Lake Loop, only 0.3 miles around Lake Ray. That sounded just right.

    “Photography gives me a reason to look. Walking gives me the time. Good company reminds me that seeing was never meant to be rushed”

    — Robert Smith
    Robert standing beside Lake Ray at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with three fountains spraying across the lake behind him.
    A short walk brought me here lovely Lake Ray, three fountains, and one very good reason to stop awhile.

    The trail did not need to be long to make us stop. One look across the lake, and I understood why we had come.

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    Three Reasons to Pause

    The lake was already beautiful, but the fountains gave my eyes somewhere to settle. Three bursts of water rising above lily pads and reflections made the whole scene feel alive. And alive it was, the ecosystem did not need me to confirm nor validate its existence but the living presence enhanced our serenity.

    Three fountains spraying above the dark surface of Lake Ray, surrounded by lily pads and dense trees.
    Three fountains rise from Lake Ray, each adding its own rhythm to the stillness around it.

    I came expecting a pleasant walk through the arboretum. Lake Ray gave us a destination without ever feeling like we had been in a hurry to reach it. The path gave us plenty of shade and opportunities to sit along the way. The gardens had plenty of well-placed benches, many gifted by donors whose names remained on small plaques.

    THIS WEEK I NOTICED

    Less Distance, Not Less Discovery

    I used to think a good nature walk needed a little mileage behind it. Now I notice something different here in a botanical garden.

    A shorter trail can give me more time to stop, look across the water, notice reflections, listen, photograph, and simply stay with a view instead of moving quickly toward the next one. Ask Neal, he will gladly point out how I spend “too long” on one subject.

    The trail may be shorter. My attention does not have to be.

    Neal standing at a railing and looking across Lake Ray toward three fountains surrounded by dense green woodland.
    Neal took in the view while the fountains turned a quiet lake into the center of our walk.

    Neal standing there reminded me that part of these walks is simply sharing the same view. We do not have to cover much ground for a place to become part of our story. Well worth the drive from Ponte Vedra.

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    THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

    Take the Shorter Trail

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    A nature walk does not have to leave me sweaty and tired to leave me fulfilled. A shorter path can make room for slower marveling, longer pauses, and the pleasure of staying with one beautiful place instead of rushing toward another. Ask me the question you would have asked if you had been walking beside Neal and me.

    “Given the choice, would you stay longer or move deeper into the gardens?“

    “Nature rewards the adventurer! Sit or walk, you will be pleased!”

    — Robert

    📍Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Jacksonville, Florida

    Collection
    Thursday Trios

    Captured with
    iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Published by
    Robert Snap Spot