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Published: June 20th 2017
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The Huntington
The Huntington Geo: 34.1472, -118.144
We hadn't made any plans for today and slept in a bit, but still got up in time for our free breakfast. At breakfast we shared a table with an older couple from Arizona. When I said we were from Loveland, CO, they surprised us by saying they had lived in Loveland until 1974! Last year they traveled back and visited their old house on Namaqua Hill. Out of all the people in this hotel, we meet them?!
After breakfast, Jeff went to the room to clean up and I went to the exercise room to do physical therapy for my new knee.
Okay, we have a plan for the day. We are going to "The Huntington." I've heard of the Huntington Library but didn't realize that in addition to the library, there are also botanical gardens, and art collections. When we entered we learned that a botanical garden tour was beginning in 5 minutes. We joined the small group and enjoyed a great tour of about 90 minutes. Our guide, Sherm, has been a docent and leading tours for 22 years - quite a record of volunteerism. There are more than a dozen gardens covering 120 acres (the grounds
Our tour guide, Sherm
Our tour guide, Sherm are 207 acres). Our tour visited the Japanese, Chinese and Rose gardens along with the incredible conservatory.
When the walking tour ended, Jeff and I went to the "Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art"'where we enjoyed several hours of wandering. We cut our art gazing short because the afternoon sun was slowly lowering and we still wanted to walk through the Desert Garden. But first, food! We made our way back to the Chinese garden area and had a tasty lunch in the tearoom (garlic shrimp egg roll and vegetable chow mein (with great noodles) and a cup of very good tea.)
The Desert Garden is a HUGE collection of mature cacti and other succulents. It was gorgeous! We wandered for quite a while...it started to get a bit windy and the loss of the bright sun made us feel chilled. That warm tea wore off quickly.
As we started out of the Desert Garden, a "SAV" - special assistance vehicle - which is a 6-seater electric cart- stopped to ask if we wanted a ride. I had been walking with my cane all day and the driver didn't need to ask twice. We jumped in and soon we were at
Chinese Garden
Chinese Garden The Huntington's exit.
Driving back to our hotel we were SO surprised to see the sidewalks of the main drag, Colorado Blvd, were being quickly transformed. People were staking out their viewing spots for the tomorrow's Rose Parade. I'm not just talking about people setting out chairs to reserve a space, but entire families with real mattresses, fire pits, charcoal grills, and in one case, a generator to power a 32 inch flat screen TV and DVD player! We were so captivated that we made a U-turn and went up and down the street again just to gawk! Obviously, this is a well established tradition but what is different this year is that the temperatures in Pasadena are going to hit a record low (around 30 degrees, I think) so there has been a lot of news coverage of those camping out on the street overnight. It looked like fun.
The photos below are little snapshots of our day.
This was a wonderful way to say good bye to 2014. Now, Jeff and I are going to open and enjoy our champaign.
Happy New Year to you all!
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Robin
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Hi -- As always, very enjoyable reading about your travels. I will have to add the Huntington to my list. Who knew people spent the night on the sidewalk to watch a parade???? Enjoy, and Happy New Year!