Wanderings And Ponderings

A Stroll Through the Portland Japanese Garden On a quiet morning in downtown Portland, a buddy and I decided to walk from our hotel to the Portland Japanese Garden. The route wound through the city and into Washington Park, and while it was uphill in spots, it was not bad at all. By the time we reached the entrance, we felt like we had already eased into the slower pace the garden promises. Even before I took ten steps inside, the city noise seemed to fade. The air felt cooler and fresher, like the garden had its own climate set apart from the bustle just outside its walls. The path curved gently ahead, leading us past moss-covered stones and neatly raked gravel beds. A small stream gurgled quietly under a wooden footbridge, the sound blending with the soft rustle of leaves overhead. Every turn revealed a new scene, a carefully placed lantern, a cluster of maple trees, or a pond where koi fish drifted lazily through the water. We followed the path uphill to a wide view of the city. Th...

I recently had the chance to visit Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas as part of a professional development opportunity, and honestly, I loved it. I spent the day wandering through the park, enjoying the sights, sounds, and awesome craftsmanship that keeps the heritage of the Ozarks alive.   A Living History in the Ozarks The Ozark Folk Center opened in 1973, built on a vision to preserve and share the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozark Mountains. It remains the only park in the United States dedicated solely to Ozark heritage. The park’s layout is like a small mountain village, with pathways winding through artisan shops, gardens, and performance spaces. Every building hums with the rhythm of hands working with traditional tools and techniques.   Music in the Heart of the Ozarks To start my day, I wandered into the Visitor Center, where music spilled from the auditorium. Rain had been in the forecast, so they had to move inside, but that ...

 On my way back from a trip to Kentucky, I made an impromptu stop at Ozone Falls State Natural Area in Tennessee, and I’m glad I did. It turned out to be one of those quirky little adventures that sticks with you, not just for the scenery, but for the whole experience. Getting There (and Parking Realities) First things first: parking at Ozone Falls is limited. There are a few official spots directly across from the trailhead, but the rest is mostly shoulder parking along a state highway. It felt a bit risky to leave the car there, but I took the chance, and all turned out fine. Exploring the Top of the Falls I started the hike by heading to the top of the falls , where the creek dramatically disappears over the cliff’s edge. Only a few others were up there, making for a surprisingly peaceful moment. I crossed paths with a family enjoying the day with grandkids (at least that’s the vibe I got), and a slightly more eccentric couple, he was photographing her in a swimsuit as she ...