May Day in Leavenworth

Although the origins of the May Pole seem to be lost in folklore and pagan history, the celebration of May Day remains as a way for people to celebrate the arrival of Summer in the northern hemisphere.  Leavenworth, WA decorates a huge May Pole in the village square and welcomes tourists to join in the fun.  Clowns circle the crowd on unicycles and juggle for their entertainment, while a band dressed in lederhosen play polkas on Sunday May 10 , 2009.  If you have never visited the colourful town, try to do so.  It is always a treat to stroll the streets and enjoy the decorative buildings.  This town knows how to entertain!

Find The Back Roads

I always enjoyed Robert Frost’s quote: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled.”

The other day I drove the back roads not far from my house and was able to capture this wonderful old structure that is a homestead of one of the area’s earliest settlers.  The Haynes Ranch near Osoyoos stands with dilapidated pride, defending its right to exist along with the burrowing owl that nests in the desert landscape on the same hillside.  The elements, will soon claim this historic reminder of our pioneer past and how sad it will be to lose this landmark.  In the harsh light of a cold winter day, it looked so lonely and I could not help but pause, just as Robert Frost did on his silent road and think about how quickly time marches on.

When you travel, take time to explore the back roads and investigate the less travelled places.  There may be a totally unexpected delight just around the next hidden corner.  To quote another author, Marcel Proust, ” The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”  Happy exploring!