Beautifully written and painted. I love that you noticed the wheelchair access. I think of that more often now, as my friend who I paint with has a husband who is wheelchair bound. She often points out places where wheelchairs can't access. So now I look at the world in a different way. I love that the tulips were accessible to everyone. What an extra gift to notice.
Oh, Candace, yet another glimpse of our best world. And you reminded me of something special I need to share.
Here in Idaho, we have more designated wilderness areas than anywhere else in the contiguous states. About an hour from where I live is the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the soon-to-be White Cloud Mountains wilderness. North of my home a very short distance by air is the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness that is 2.3 million acres.
Although these wilderness areas ban most mechanized and or wheeled vehicles, during the negotiations that led to the establishment of the Frank Church wilderness, compromises were made to leave the existing backcountry airstrips open.
Once, when I flew into Chamberlain Basin, the site of an old ranch deep in the heart of the Frank Church, for a few days of peace and solitude, I was surprised to watch as one small airplane after another landed and taxied to the tie down area. I think there was somewhere between 8 -12 airplanes in that flight.
As I watched, pilots and helpers got out and unloaded wheelchairs and walkers. Then they assisted passengers of all ages exit the aircraft and were helped, if needed, into wheelchairs and walkers. All were sporting big airplane grins, the kind people get when they fly in small aircraft for the first time.
It took me a few moments to figure out what was happening and then (don’t hold this against me), I felt a little moistness around my eyes and a lump in my throat. Those good and generous volunteer pilots were sharing their love of the backcountry with people who might otherwise never get a chance to see the grandeur of that magnificent place.
I am always amazed and grateful when I witness the goodness we humans can do when we set our minds to it.
Your posts are a balm for my heart each week. My father, who often partnered with a wheelchair to get him to and fro towards the end of his life, was also a master gardener. He so would have appreciated the thoughtfulness of these tulip meadows.
Thank you, Candace! I feel that joy and kindness, and the shower of rain from each tulip flower as it is turned upside down. Bless you for sharing this beautiful story of terraphilia blooming. Much joy to you as you walk this world.
Your posts bring such beauty to the world. Thank you.
This was so lovely I was almost there.
I love spring tulips as well. I have a yellow art glass vase I fill for a few weeks each spring. Orange, yellow and pink. Like fresh air to me.
Thank you, for this. All of the good in the world - so simple it could easily be missed. Thank you for the pause & reminder.
Beautifully written and painted. I love that you noticed the wheelchair access. I think of that more often now, as my friend who I paint with has a husband who is wheelchair bound. She often points out places where wheelchairs can't access. So now I look at the world in a different way. I love that the tulips were accessible to everyone. What an extra gift to notice.
Just gorgeous!
Thank you, brought tears to my eyes!
Oh, Candace, yet another glimpse of our best world. And you reminded me of something special I need to share.
Here in Idaho, we have more designated wilderness areas than anywhere else in the contiguous states. About an hour from where I live is the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the soon-to-be White Cloud Mountains wilderness. North of my home a very short distance by air is the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness that is 2.3 million acres.
Although these wilderness areas ban most mechanized and or wheeled vehicles, during the negotiations that led to the establishment of the Frank Church wilderness, compromises were made to leave the existing backcountry airstrips open.
Once, when I flew into Chamberlain Basin, the site of an old ranch deep in the heart of the Frank Church, for a few days of peace and solitude, I was surprised to watch as one small airplane after another landed and taxied to the tie down area. I think there was somewhere between 8 -12 airplanes in that flight.
As I watched, pilots and helpers got out and unloaded wheelchairs and walkers. Then they assisted passengers of all ages exit the aircraft and were helped, if needed, into wheelchairs and walkers. All were sporting big airplane grins, the kind people get when they fly in small aircraft for the first time.
It took me a few moments to figure out what was happening and then (don’t hold this against me), I felt a little moistness around my eyes and a lump in my throat. Those good and generous volunteer pilots were sharing their love of the backcountry with people who might otherwise never get a chance to see the grandeur of that magnificent place.
I am always amazed and grateful when I witness the goodness we humans can do when we set our minds to it.
Your posts are a balm for my heart each week. My father, who often partnered with a wheelchair to get him to and fro towards the end of his life, was also a master gardener. He so would have appreciated the thoughtfulness of these tulip meadows.
beautiful
Thank you, Candace! I feel that joy and kindness, and the shower of rain from each tulip flower as it is turned upside down. Bless you for sharing this beautiful story of terraphilia blooming. Much joy to you as you walk this world.
I can see them!
What a beautiful day for you and your little family!
How beautiful! This reminds me of picking wildflowers with my mom. 💝
Just so gorgeous Candace 🌹
What a beautiful breath of fresh air in my day 🌷😊