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Florida Holiday Series #2 - SOUND DIRECTIONS (2 BOXES)!


Polk County. Lake Wales, FL, south of Orlando
Placed: 15 August 2001 at BOK
TOWER GARDENS by Sandi and HREF="mailto:dougspike@aol.com">Doug Spike


http://www.boktowergardens.org/


Rated: Moderate (walking mulched, scenic walkways). Wheelchairs and
strollers are available.
Level: Medium difficulty, but worth your time! We suggest you use the
GuideMap given to you at the entrance.
Admission: Very nominal fees for adults and children. Picnic areas
provided, or stop by the cafe in the new Visitor Center Complex.

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BOK TOWER GARDENS is a national historic landmark located at the summit of
Iron Mountain in central Florida. With its serene gardens, vast wildlife,
gentle solitude and beauty, it is said to be: “a glorious tapestry of
nature.” There are numerous paths to explore and one could spend several
hours ambling and not see it all! BOK’s centerpiece, the Carillon Tower,
reigns over the highest point in Florida. Here the views of the countryside
are phenomenal! The carillon strikes each 1/2 hr. followed by a chorus of
the bells. At 3:00 on most days, you can hear a LIVE recital by the resident
carillonneur.

The Garden’s website is linked above. It will provide you with a map for
directions to the property, along with a tremendous amount of other
information. Check it out!

Please enter the grounds on foot through the new Education and Visitor Center
Complex. You may wish to visit the Orientation Theater, Exhibit Hall, or the
Carillon Cafe. Both the Gift Shop and the Plant Shop are wonderful, and may
be best left for the end. Ready to start now??
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BOK Letterbox #1:

First, seek out the small statue of St. Francis feeding the birds. Which way
does his face point? Follow in the direction of his nose as he is telling
you which pathway to take next. When strolling this pathway, you will be
passing by a bench dedicated to "Judge Warlow," and you will arrive at a
‘T.’ Both routes are very scenic, but if it’s the letterbox you’re after,
choosing the path to the right will be wrong for now.

Take three dozen paces down the mulched path and you will find a secluded
seating area on your left. Enter that area and rest on the black wrought
iron park bench. In the 12 o'clock position you will see a medium-sized
magnolia tree. Past it, at 11 o'clock position, grows a giant live oak tree,
surrounded by a palm tree and other greenery. Discretely, check out the base
of the palm tree. Did you find what you were seeking?

You may wish to go back to the bench to stamp logs, write us a note, etc. Ple
ase replace the box as you found it while passersby are not looking! This can
be a very popular, busy place from January-April, especially.

If you wish to continue looking for letterbox #2 at this time, we suggest you
return on the same footpaths just taken until you find the bench dedicated to
‘Mrs. T. P. Wallow, Sr.’ Sit on the bench. After resting a bit, follow the
short path directly ahead leading to a gate. Pausing at that gate, you will
find a very special view of Historic Pinewood Estate. (Notes about this
secluded property are found in your Guide Map.) While there are other routes
to take to seek box #2, we thought you should not go home without at least
peeking at this lovely, Mediterranean-revival showcase.


BOK Letterbox #2:

Find Exedra and the Sunset Overlook. This area is the highest point in
Florida!! Isn’t it beautiful? When you’re ready to leave this breathtaking
view, take one of the mulched paths due south.

Look for a short westardly path off this main path. It leads you to a
monument with dove carvings which is a tribute to Edward Bok. After taking a
moment to enjoy this monument, walk to the left side of it and go BEHIND it.
(A route taken only by a few people!)

Proceed walking west through a small parking area. Ahead of you lies an
older building (former Education Center). Walk to the left side of the
building, past the short, black chainlink fencing, and down the old steps.
(Anyone looking??)

At the landing of these steps you will find yet another overwhelming view.
Look at all the space! Notice all the live oak trees with dead cypress
hanging down? The live oak with a "snag'" is the one to go to. (Refer to
'The Knoll' in your GuideMap to see a picture of a snag!) At it's base is a
long log of one of the old trees. Which end holds Letterbox #2?? (Be
careful; it's shoved in quite aways. Need a stick? Any animals living in
there?) Enjoy stamping and returning it safely. Thanks.

Have you heard the Singing Tower yet? You may get to the back side of the
tower by taking a much less populated route: simply proceed south from
letterbox #2 site, along the vast lawned area and climb up the short hill to
the tower’s oak grove. You have now arrived at one of the Garden’s quiet
listening areas. Relax and enjoy!

As you leave the Tower area to complete your explorations, don’t forget to
view the various angles of the Reflection Pool (Circle 2 on the GuideMap.)
Have you seen the family of swans in residence there? Most people don’t know
they exist. Shh-h-h. It’s special!!

If your time (and energy level) allows, you should see circled areas 11 and
12. The Preserve Trail is a 1/2 hr. walk through a longleaf pine forest with
shaded benches and signs posted to guide you on your observations of the
natural Central Florida Ridge ecosystem. Did you take time to go to The
Knoll? (Circle 13). You won't be sorry. This trail terminates at the
parking area.

We hope you have had an enjoyable day. Comments are always welcomed in the
log books or at our websites above.