Hi everyone. Happy new week to you. Today for T over at Bleubeard's and Elizabeth's blog I have some photos from a little adventure I went on last week.
Last Thursday my daughter had the day off from work for the Juneteenth holiday, so she asked if I wanted to come over and go walking with her. Of course it was the one day last week that it was very hot (91 degrees F/ 32.7 degrees C) and quite humid too. We talked about where to walk, and one place I've wanted to go was the New Hampshire State Park where there is a huge stand of wild rhododendrons.
We decided to go here because 1) it was about 15 minutes from her house 2) it's a fairly flat trail and most importantly 3) we'd be in the woods where it would be shadier on this hot day.
You can see even the road to the park was in the woods too.
I have never seen so many rhododendrons in the same place. There is a 16 acre stand of these plants, and with the heat and humidity that day, it felt like we were in some Central American jungle.
I read that this park is northern edge of where native rhododendrons grow. And these native plants don't bloom (in our area) until the middle of July. I had hoped maybe they'd be in bloom on the day we visited since the non-native varieties are blooming now, but I guess this gives me an excuse to go back in another month to see the flowers.
There was definitely lots of new growth though, and some of the trees still had leaf buds. You can see new growth in the next photo and the leaf buds in the one after that.
The mountain laurel in the park was just starting to bloom though so we did have some beautiful flowers along our walk.
The walk wasn't s long as we'd thought it would be, but it was actually a great length for such a hot day. Afterwards we went to lunch at Elm City Brewing for lunch. You can see my daughter's cider and my beer, which was a huckleberry sour which was quite refreshing for a hot day. You don't see a lot of huckleberry things around in New Hampshire, so that made it even better.
The blackberry wheat beer probably would have been a good choice too with the heat. The food was tasty, and I really enjoyed having time to catch up with my daughter. Plus, when we went to the brewery we got one of the swing tables, which didn't swing unless you pushed it, and according to my daughter, are one of the desirable places to sit.
And I've never sat at a swing table before. 😏
Have a great T day and week ahead.
19 comments:
...wow, what a treasure. I wouldn't expect rhododendrons in NH!
I didn’t know that some rhododendrons bloomed so late. Our bushes were finished blooming more than a week ago. Michigan doesn’t have any native species, though. Yours look interesting.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
What a wonderful day with your daughter Such a lovely spot for a walk too-perhaps cooler in the woods.
Stay cool during your hot spell hugs
Is the walk under the trees cooler and less humid than the weather outside? If not, I would wait for ideal weather.
OMGosh, want to see Rhodies? Come to my town. We are known for Rhododendrons. We are famous for them. It is against the law to cut one down. I love that idea of a swing table seems like fun. That menu sure has some good prices.
Awesome that you had a great time, Erika. I would certainly love to take a walk in the wood daily.
What a wonderful day!!! You both are very lucky. I never heard of a swing table - sounds "dangerous"!
To a happy new week, hugs
It looks like you had a great time with your daughter on this little adventure!
Beautiful photos!!
The only time I've seen a rhododendron was in pictures. You saw an amazing amount of them.
That swing table looks fun. For the life of me, I can't begin to image what a huckleberry sour beer would taste like. However, it was perfect for T this Tuesday, Erika.
And to answer your question, NO, I have not received a card from you, but thanks for asking.
Who knew that there were rhododendrons in New Hampshire? Thanks for letting me know. All in all, sounds like a very pleasant day despite the hot, humid conditions. It’s been a long time since my daughter and I have been for a walk together, just the two of us. Usually we are at least four and sometimes six. Very agreeable but just the two of us would be great, too. All the best - David
I really enjoyed walking with you and wow, that swing seat looks so much fun 😊. You know me, I'd love to try one of those beers too - cheers and Happy T Day wishes! Hugs, Jo x
What a lovely day with your daughter! Happy T Day!
I've never seen rhododendrons like that! Brave woman, a walk like that in this weather! I love the restaurant. That reminded me of huckleberry days at the lake before new neighbors built over the huckleberry lot.
So nice to have some real Summer temperatures. Going back to see the Rhododendrons will be something to look forward to. Nice to spend time with your daughter, too. When we first moved here, my whole street was covered with Mountain Laurels. Now they seem to be all gone. The one we had got some sort of blight. The ones in your photo are just gorgeous. Happy T Day
16 acres of rhododendrons! What a treat it will be to see all of those in bloom!
Glad you had such a wonderful day with your beautiful daughter, Erika.
What a treat to go see the rhododendrons. There are rhododendrons in the UK and they are very beautiful, but they have gotten out of hand and are now considered invasive.
What a shame you didn't see them in bloom. But as they are near your daughter, you'll just have to come back when they do.
Your drink sounds very nice. Looking at the description, it would be the sort of thing I like. I like sour anyway. I have never tasted huckleberries though.
Swing table? That's a new one for me. Did you find anyone to push you? Otherwise there's no point to sit in that desirable place.
Nice photo of your daughter.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
Now that you said the blooms won’t open until July do you plan to go back, Erika? We have never been to this state park, so it may be good for a future road trip. You and your daughter had a well deserved lunch stop and I have eaten while on a porch swing either.
I always love a good walk in the woods! Thanks so much for taking us along with you! Looks like a wonderful day and great way to end it with a swing table lunch!
I always start off just having a flick through your photos and as i did I said, in my head, 'gosh this looks like a jungle'. It really does! How wonderful though to see it when the rhododendrons are in full bloom (cannot believe I spelt that). Love these flowers.
I once had a beautiful one well three in fact, in our garden. I sent away for them, two prospered but one was straggly - then all of a sudden they were nowhere to be seen. Don't get me wrong, the straggly one died early on but the other two were magnificent and then one year poof! Gone! The heads were white with a deep burgundy throat on each small flower that makes up the head. They looked like a bunch of orchids in a way. Wish I could find a photo of them as I know they once featured in my blog.
Love the sound of your beer, you find the most fascinating food and drink which makes me long to come back to America for a long holiday.
Hugs, Neet xx
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