More from Bok Tower Gardens

Of course, there is more to Bok Tower Gardens than the tower. Upon the grounds are many acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, with numerous intertwining footpaths. A visitor could spend hours on the grounds and still not see the entire complex.

Throughout the property, one can find secluded enclaves like the one pictured below. Sit down, kick back and enjoy the quiet.













One of the main paths through the gardens.
















A closeup of the intricate detail found within the back of a park bench.














Naturally, within the gardens grow magnificent plant life. The following photos are just a few my favorites, taken over many years of visiting Bok Tower Gardens. There may be a critter or two in there as well.

Enjoying Bok Tower Gardens

I've been to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, so many times I've lost count. It's a place of serene beauty where one can forget the troubles of the outside world. The words of John Burroughs, as expressed on this sign, mirror my thoughts exactly.

These photos are from various trips I made to the Gardens while living in Florida from 1987 to 1995. Not surprisingly, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark.

This is the tower, actually a 205-foot tall Singing Carillon tower. According to the official Bok Tower Gardens web site (see the links section), the tower was designed by Milton B. Medary and sculpted by Lee Lawrie. Of course, the tower would never have been built had it not been for Edward Bok, who, along with landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. transformed a Florida hilltop into a place of magnificent beauty. Please visit the official Bok Tower Gardens web site to gain a greater appreciation of this wonderful place. Better yet, make sure to include Lake Wales in your itinerary next time you visit Florida.

Here, a fellow visitor is dwarfed by the massive tower.














A prominent feature of the tower is the sundial.

My final photo of the tower provides good indication of the incredible detail that went into the design.

Late Afternoon On Clearwater Beach

After visiting Eureka Springs Park, I decided to head across town to Clearwater Beach. You may have heard of Clearwater Beach since it's a popular spring break destination. I was here during the late afternoon and into dusk. It has a different atmosphere than Siesta Beach - Siesta is, as it's name suggest, more laid back.

Looking north up the beach.

A lifeguard station.

Water action had created a one to two foot high ridge.

This is the idea of a cottage on this part of the beach.

A Hobiecat.

I don't think this alligator is too menacing.

A nice beachfront hotel.

A pier at dusk.

Looking south at dusk.

I'll close with a sunset.

More from Eureka Springs Park

One of the nice things about living in Florida was that you didn't have to worry about winter. These photos from Eureka Springs Park were taken in the middle of winter.

Probably not the kind of animal life you were expecting. This is the park cat.

Flowers.

Not sure what this one is.

Base of a Cypress tree.

Another orchid.

More orchids.