Once again NASA announced another shuttle launch delay. This time for two days.
Carolyn and I saw this second delay as an opportunity to explore more of Florida that we would not normally have visited. One of those opportunities was Bok Tower and Gardens, located in central Florida at Lake Wales, recommended to us by our good friend Paula.
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In all the natural beauty of the Gardens, Edward Bok believed something was missing. Remembering the glorious sound of carillons in his native Netherlands, he decided to build a beautiful Singing Tower as the focal point of the Gardens which would be crowned by a large carillon.
Bok commissioned fellow Philadelphian, architect Milton B. Medary, to design and build the majestic Singing Tower. Medary drew his main inspiration from the Gothic towers and churches of Europe, but wanted to adapt his design to the characteristics of the Florida landscape.
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The carillon at Bok Tower Gardens consists of 60 bells ranging in weight from 16 pounds to nearly 12 tons. The tower chimes on the half hour with longer sessions twice during the afternoon. The tower is truly an amazing structure, especially considering it was constructed in the mid 1920's.
Bok Gardens is a unique, beautiful, garden certainly worth the time to visit.
Bok Tower and Gardens is located on one of the highest points in Florida, and is surrounded by citrus groves.
White swans seem to pose in the waters surrounding the tower.
These gigantic lily pads were believed to be strong enough to support a small child.
After leaving Bok Tower, we returned to the Atlantic coast, where we spent the night in Ft Pierce.
While eating at Mangrove Matties, (Ft Pierce) I was fortunate to see a Manatee surface near this sign.
The next morning we turned north, exploring both Hwy 1 and Hwy A1A, on both sides of the Atlantic Inter-Coastal Waterway.
Lunch came at Squid Lips Overwater Grill - Sebastian, Florida
We explored the Atlantic Florida coast, north to Titusville and The Indian River, within eyesight of The Space Shuttle Discovery.
Late in the afternoon, we returned to Orlando to spend the night, and await any further announcements from NASA about the launch.
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"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour~
Never argue, never justify, never defend. ~Unknown~
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