A Brief Visit to the Newtown Battlefield Site in Lowman, New York

So while driving back from my mom's place in western New York on Friday afternoon, it dawned on me that perhaps I should take a few minutes just to stop at a site that I must have passed dozens of times now over the years without ever once stopping. This would be the Newtown Battlefield State Park in Lowman, New York.

Now keep in mind, this was a visit to one spot which I pass on the highway pretty much every single time that I go up for a visit to my mom's place. Twice, of course, because I inevitably pass it on the way back, as well. 

This time seemed like a good idea to stop. The day was perfect. Sunny but neither too hot nor too cold. And while I admittedly wanted to get home, it was not urgent, and I was not pressed for time in any serious capacity. In other words, this felt like as good a time as I likely would get to explore this little monument at my leisure.

And so I stopped. Please make a note, I did not stop and visit Newtown Battlefield State Park. That would have required a commitment and time which, frankly, I did not have. This was just a brief stop at the spot where i could see an old-style British flag from the colonial days, as well as a marker which is visible sometimes from the highway. 

However, I did stop to take some quick pictures of that flag and the markers. Also, to learn a little bit more about the battle which took place here.

It turns out....

Anyway, it was interesting. Of course, I took some pictures as well, even though they have that annoying "Galaxy A 15" thing on them.

You can likely still make out the signs and such as they appear.

Enjoy. 

Pictures From a Drive in Rural New York State

I decided to take a drive in the countryside while visiting family in western New York.

Not surprisingly,  it was both beautiful and peaceful.

Here are some pictures from that afternoon. 

Enjoy. 

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton

The highlight of our abbreviated trip to Canada on Wednesday was a visit to Hamilton, Ontario. Specifically, we went to the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Now, I had been there once before, the better part of two decades ago with a former girlfriend. Back then, I did not have a cell phone, and so there were no pictures which I took from that trip. She probably gave me some pictures, but who knows what ever happened to those?

This was my second ever visit to these gardens, but the first for my brother. 

There was a rich assortment of different plants and fauna. Part of the gardens are indoors in glasshouses, so that there can be visits during the generally brutal Canadian winters. 

Unfortunately, we arrived too late to be able to visit the rock garden. 

Next time.

Anyway, it was interesting. There were cacti and a whole section on Mediterranean plants. There was a medicinal garden. One tree resembled a banana tree, although neither my brother nor I are informed enough about these matters to know conclusively.

Of course, there were decorative gardens, as well. 

It was a soggy day. But sometimes, I feel rainy, wet conditions actually may enhance pictures. Hopefully, that was the case for this day.

Enjoy.