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for the glowing review! "Go ask Alice...
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She's an erudite charmer; you'll have fun!"

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Morro Bay

Morro Rock

Photo © Alice Joyce

On a day-trip detour from my immersion in Paso Robles Wine Country

I drove from Paso to Highway 41, following its path SouthWest to the Pacific Ocean.

Morro Rock - Photo © Alice Joyce

Continuing south along Coast Highway One, passing through Cayucos, Morro Bay emerges as a city with the casual ambiance of a small beach town enlivened by tourism.

Morro Bay Photo © Alice Joyce

The Morro Bay State Park is a relaxing spot to enjoy ocean vistas, people watching, and a bit of beachcombing, while the bay offers a commanding approach to Morro Rock and numerous photo ops of the iconic form. Check out Google maps for intriguing satellite views of the park and the rock.

Quieter still and beautifully serene is the lagoon area’s saltwater marsh, a place where nature buffs will want to spend time identifying the many shorebirds. Just past the marina you’ll find the parkland’s Museum of Natural History.

Morro Rock Marina Photo © Alice Joyce

Morro Rock may have been named by a Portuguese explorer because of its similarity to the turban of a Moor: El Moro. Another theory is based upon the Spanish word – morro – meaning pebble, or used in reference to similar mountain formations. The town has a rich history, reaching back in time to the Chumash Indians. If you’re planning a trip, visit morrobay.org to find news and special event listings.

A Listing of State Parks on California’s Central Coast

More on my Paso Robles Wine & Food Sojourn on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz

August 29th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Nature | One comment - (Comments are closed)

Marc Nucera .. Tree Sculptor

Should you be traveling in France in the weeks ahead, you may wish to include a visit to the exhibit, D’après Nature at Galerie Deleuze-Rochetin À Arpaillargues in your itinerary.

Galerie Deleuze-Rochetin: 'D'apres Nature'

For readers of this site, you may recognize the name of land artist and tree sculptor, Marc Nucera.

The art of Marc Nucera has been one of the most popular features to appear on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz.

Marc Nucera .. 'Listening To Trees'

Look for updates on Marc’s work to follow.

August 1st, 2011 | Tags: , , | Category: Art, France, Landscape, Nature | 2 comments - (Comments are closed)

Iconic Ira Keller Fountain: Portland

In the book, 1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die …there’s an entry I wrote for an iconic 20th Century Modern public space in Portland, Oregon: Ira Keller Fountain Park.

Ira’s Fountain: Dedicated by the City of Portland to Ira C. Keller
“Strength and Beauty Come From Us – Not From Tyranny”
You’ll want to download a self-guided Walking Tour Map to experience the downtown’s trove of fountains.
Designed by Angela Danadjieva, associate of renowned American landscape architect, Lawrence Halprin, the interactive water feature achieved the goal of providing access to water so that people might revel in its sensory pleasures. The city of Portland acknowledges how fountains can enliven a neighborhood, and to that end, offers such pleasurable spots for families and friends to gather.
In this city that celebrates fountains, the Ira Keller fountain reprises in all its contemporary angularity the wondrous power of the natural world, encountered an hour or so outside the urban environment.

Mt. Hood (Photo: Alice Joyce)

As in the crags and commanding waterfalls of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, the lure of rushing water produces a compelling, profound effect on our sensibilities. Explore Portland and you won’t be disappointed. The city itself is a vibrant hub for adventures of all kinds, from wine and foodie fun to street festivals, markets, and proximity to rejuvenating outdoor activities.

Multnomah Falls (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Eco-friendly in every way, the city boasts convenient public transportation, a haven for cycling, and a wealth of green spaces – scroll the link — And stay tuned for additional features on the parks, gardens and scenic wonders of Portland and environs.

Columbia River Gorge (Photo: Alice Joyce)

May 1st, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Landscape Architecture, Nature, Portland | 3 comments - (Comments are closed)
 
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