Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year for cycling. The colors of changing leaves, the bluebird skies, the crisp cool air; they all make this time of year special. But since September 8th, I've not been able to ride my bike. Instead, I'm learning to appreciate my nearby neighborhood on foot. Despite living in Watertown for 8 years, we had only attempted to explore the Mt Auburn Cemetery once, because while they allow cars on the roads within the cemetery, bikes are banned. We were practically tackled at the gate the one and only time that we attempted to explore.
Sadly, it's not that the caretakers don't want tourists to come appreciate this beautiful place with lovely trees and chapels and monuments and an amazing view of the Boston skyline. In fact, every year the local paper includes Mt Auburn Cemetery as a great place for leaf peeping. But after being chased away, we found other tree-filled park like cemeteries where we could ride through on our bikes at a respectful pace and take in the beauty of autumn.
I've described some of the nearby cemeteries as parks with granite monuments etched with the names of the people who have paid to preserve the land.
Forced off my bike this year, I've been walking lots for therapy and seeking out new places, so I decided to try Mt Auburn again, and I found a magic place. In recent weeks, I've made it a regular destination, but this past Monday, I found it on fire! I only had the camera on my phone, but was happy to find that the phone captured the beauty of the day quite well. I've tried to cull my photos, but I just loved the reds of the day, and practically filled the memory on my phone with pictures. I'm sharing just a fraction of them here.
If you go, there are bike racks at the gate. Bring a lock, and enjoy a nice stroll. Then head across the street to Sofra for a delicious lunch or dessert.
Thanks for the great shots! Also, so glad to see that you're out and walking and enjoying this time of year.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'd say your phone did a pretty awesome job capturing the color. Very happy to see that you are up and about.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. I'm glad you are finding some beauty in the world as you recuperate.
ReplyDeleteWow! You've caught some amazing colors! Those Japanese Maples in particular seem quite excited. This cemetery reminds me a lot of Hollywood Cemetery in my hometown of Richmond, VA. I don't remember if bikes are allowed there or not, but it's a great place to stroll with a camera. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures of the New England fall are lovely and melancholy at the same time. Fall is that kind of season. Something about the light and the passing of summer’s youth and knowing what is ahead. Fall causes me to reflect. And that is good. Reflection is like the pause between two breaths. You kind of need it to enjoy each one.
ReplyDeleteIf I were bitten by a shark, it would take me a long time to return to the sea. Time is your friend. Time is your enemy. Be still and think, Pamela. You have time for that.
J from Philly
Bonjour Pamela,
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard how you're progressing, but I hope that you're healing sooner, faster, quicker, more betterer. As a newbee randonneur in 2003 you were one of the folks I read/heard most about......an inspiration.
Ride Long and Prosper.....and healthy too