As much as I talk about gardening and my garden you'd think my happy place would be in my garden wouldn't you? You would be wrong. My happy place is next to the running trout stream at Fort Campbell's Clarksville Base. This most likely is because by the time I reach this stream I've already walked a few miles and I am sore, and tired, and just want to relax. I cannot think of a better place to relax and get happy than here by the stream on Fort Campbell. I sit down under the bridge and get lost in the serene views all around me.
The bubbling of the stream lulls me.
The water full of fish cheers me. It cheers me so much I sometimes wish to go for a swim in this clear stream.
But alas, reality sets in and I must be on my way as I still have a few miles in front of me to get back to my car and to my home. The memory of the trout stream helps to keep my feet moving, one in front of the other.
A little about Fort Campbell's waterways: There is a cooperative effort between many agencies to stock not only the running stream but the ponds in the Clarksville Base area. This area behind the above sign is more of a marshy area with ponds that is frequented by geese, turtles, otters, and fish of course. It is not the running trout stream I showed in the pictures above. In fact, I don't think the two join one another but this waterland would drain into the stream at some point I am sure. I stay on the trail so I have no idea how the water all flows together but common sense tells us it does.
Trout are stocked here and in the stream. As I read this sign I often think I should bring a fishing pole one day. It would be lovely to catch a fresh trout. Mr. Fix-it's happy place is anywhere he is fishing so I think he'd like my happy place too, but he rarely walks with me. That should change one day when he retires. Perhaps we'll both go fishing for trout. It will only be me that will eat it though because as much as Mr. Fix-it loves to fish, he does not like to eat fish.
The next picture of the gnarled tree overhanging the stream says so very much about this stream. Sometimes the stream runs so fiercely it seems as though it will sweep everything away, yet the trees hang on only to show evidence of the current that can pass through this stream in the form of exposed and gnarled roots.
Wildflowers abound all over Clarksville Base. I believe the above wildflower is Rudbeckia triloba. The wildflowers along the way to my happy place make the journey so much more interesting and bearable. The old bones and muscles don't work quite as well as they used to. I've been walking this trail for over ten years now. While in the Army we had to walk it twice and then some in order to make our 12 mile hike. I'm glad those days are behind me. Now I can stroll at a leisurely pace and enjoy the views and the flowing water.
After the long walk and a sit down in my happy place at Fort Campbell I come home to my own garden. And yes, I do have a happy place here. It is not quite so spectacular as the stream in the wild backwoods, but it does have water and fish....
in the garden....
Where is your happy place and why?
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden
It sure is nice to have a happy place. I too like to watch the flowing of water in a stream. I've found such places in different places to calm the mind. Sure wish I could find a safe place here such as that.
ReplyDeleteThat stream is a wonderful place to sit and relax, to contemplate, to dream to be energized all in one.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend ~ FlowerLady
I admire your long distance walks you have and you had!! The 12 mile hike must have been something! I think that it is very important for our health to walk regularly!! The stream looks so serene. It would be lovely to fish trouts there!
ReplyDeleteAnd your beautiful koi! They look happy and healthy in your clear pond!! Surprised that the water is amazingly transparent!!
Such a beautiful place--it would certainly make walking such a long distance more enjoyable. I think it's great that you take these long walks--how far do you actually walk? Another reason I wouldn't have made it in the Army--I don't think I could make it 12 miles!
ReplyDeleteThe route is just under 4.5 miles. It is all flat and an easy walk. Rarely any traffic. Just me and the trees, flowers, and animals. The occasional snake will cross my path. It is very, how to put it, rewarding I guess to walk each week as it is about the only exercise I do other than gardening.
DeleteTrout are yummy! Aunt Marion always used to cook trout for New Year's Eve. All the many lakes that are in the Princeton area are known for trout and salmon, thus all the guides and camps in that area.
ReplyDeleteYour fish look like they all grown a lot this summer. They must be very happy.
Yes, they are growing by leaps and bounds. What was the significance of trout on New Years Eve for Aunt Marion?
DeleteThat is a lovely place you have nearby. Where I live in London I'm very close to the countryside. Some people even think that my borough is not part of the British capital at all! Like you, I enjoy walks in the woods, and near streams. There's a lovely river that runs near where I live and sometimes when I'm out jogging, I run alongside it. It makes me happy. Thanks for those beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
I'm just happy, when I'm at home, having supper with whole family. Your place looks tempting to have a break and look at the beautiful nature.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your special place. It looks inviting.
ReplyDeleteThose are your fish at the end??? The pond is looking awesome!
I as Jean, noticed the growth of your fish! They sure are happy in your beautiful pond. That must be a wonderful walk with so much scenery along the way. I would jump in that water in the summer months. But doubt I would make it that far in the heat. I was at my "Happy Place" today. On our boat at the lake and we are headed back again tomorrow! Enjoying the last of the warm days before the temps really fall in our neck of the woods...
ReplyDeleteNo idea Tina. Just something she did. It was not fresh water fishing season so I think it was just to have a treat from the freezer to start the year off with. It always had trout in it. Next time I talk to Phil I will have to ask if there was a special reason. Never heard of one so do not think there was one.
ReplyDeleteLove the trout stream. There is one that runs through Carlisle Barracks in PA, clean and clear. Love a babbling brook. I have many happy places, whether it is in my backyard walking through the garden or along our road looking at all the untamed wilderness, I find I am completely drawn into the surroundings. I think my neighbors think I am a little nuts...they will drive by and see me staring off into the woods. oh well. :-)
ReplyDeleteTina I can see why you love this spot...sitting by my pond is my special place in the garden....
ReplyDeleteHow delightful...I love streams and as a kid explored them every chance I got. These days Radnor Lake is my happy place. It's beautiful and peaceful. xogail See you Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteOh my Tina. You hit the nail right on the head. I'm often asked what I find so fascinating about trout fishing. There are many reason but the best one author Judge and author Robert Travel mentioned in his famous poem on the subject. It was because, he wrote "trout are found in the most beautiful of places." Indeed. Be careful about jumping in for a swim though as trout are only found in crystal clear and very very cold water....:)
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, i can fully understand why you chose that as your favorite place. I also love water bodies most especially if there is water action and a waterfalls. It is good it is just a walking distance from you. And your own pond has already big kois, what a sight!
ReplyDeletePlaces like this are my happy places too. There is something special about the lack of vibrant color of garden flowers that is very relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I have several happy places, and none of them are gardens, unless you count God as the gardener.
ReplyDelete