I am on my way to Baltimore…
I wonder what I will find.
Tiny Hippo Goes to Baltimore
Monthly Archives: May 2013
Tiny Hippo Goes to the Railroad Garden
I recently took a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden where I had an immensely good time exploring the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America. These miniature gardens are filled with all things tiny, I felt right at home. The great thing about this garden, other than the fact that it is full of small things, is that it depicts great American landmarks using many natural materials.
Let me welcome you to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America
Everything is to scale in this garden, the little bridge is perfect for the Santa Fe train
The Seattle Space Needle looks better than ever made from branches and a large mushroom
I was lucky enough to survive one of the eruptions of Mount Saint Helens. I fear that the placement of the house at the base of the mountain may have been a poor choice.
This small Mack Engine delivers open-air passenger cars to a station.
The hilly landscape of San Francisco can be viewed by a trolley car.
In the background, notice the stunning riverboat, the Belle of St. Louis
This wee hiker was traversing the wilderness
Trains chug along tracks high above the ground, they must get dizzy, right?
I just loved the miniature Napa vineyards filled with the smallest grape vines (of the ivy variety)
At the center of the train garden was a small depot housing trains not currently in use
The sign says everything you need to know about the wonderful caretakers of the garden. All of the wise gentlemen volunteering at the garden were very kind and thrilled that a Tiny Hippo had entered their domain.
While admiring Mark Twain’s boyhood home I noticed a colorful tent in the distance…
It was none other than the Ringling Brothers Circus, their famous train can be seen in the background
After seeing the circus I was not surprised when I encountered this train with a face and moving eyes
No tour of the landmarks of America would be complete without a glimpse of the White House
I highly recommend that you take a stroll through the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America the next time that you visit Chicago Botanic Garden. You will find it more than charming and should you have any questions, just ask one of the wonderful engineers who will be more than thrilled to help you.
I just love this peaceful farm
The logging train works high above visitors heads
This train passes along the foot of Mount St. Helens
Tulip Time
Tulip Time is an annual festival that occurs in Pella, Iowa on the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in May.
Everything is very clearly labeled in this fine town
I had never been, so I thought this would be the year to make the journey. Unfortunately, the weather did not agree with my decision so I waited out the rain and went to visit the tulips the day after the festival ended. Thus, I missed out on the many fun attractions that I am told Tulip Time has to offer, such as parades, the Tulip Queen and Court, and the quilt show. This did not dampen my spirits, while I do love a good parade and a cuddle with a fine handmade quilt, my true passion is for tulips!
I am indeed a Hippo who is smitten over spring tulips
The Tulips may have been wet from the rain but they still made for a great place to frolic gleefully, as only Tiny Hippo’s are known to do
The variety of flowers was just amazing, from delicate whites..
to playful pinks and greens…
there was even this one lone yellow tulip in a sea of red
I was able to take some time to look at the other attractions that Pella has to offer, including this gorgeous Vermeer Windmill
This fountain adds charm to the center of the city, though they don’t seem to want anyone to play in it
The large sundial seemed to be out-of-order while I was visiting
A lovely man was able to offer me a lift on his bicycle, I am not sure how he managed to peddle it in those large shoes, but we did arrive safely
Giving gifts of tulips seemed to be a well honored tradition that I was pleased to take part in
There was a huge grandstand which I believe is used during the many parades that Tulip Time has to offer
But most importantly, were the tulips!
The tulips of Pella were very exciting, I was all tuckered out at the end of my visit
This fountain adds charm to the center of the city
Tiny Hippo and the Tulips
Everything is clearly marked in this great town
The variety of flowers was just amazing
Valery Gregiev Tulip
The Tulips may have still been wet from the rain but they still made for a great place to frolic gleefully, as only Tiny Hippo’s are known to do
Magnolia Tree
The tulips of Pella are very exciting, you will be all tuckered out at the end of your visit
to playful pinks and greens
But most importantly, were the tulips!
White and Pink Tulip
Pink and Orange Tulip
There was even this one lone yellow tulip in a sea of red
Windmill
Orange spiked tulip
Yellows
This lovely man was able to offer me a lift in his bicycle, I am not sure how he managed to peddle it in those large shoes, but we did arrive safely
The large sundial seemed to be out of order while I was visiting
There was a huge grandstand which I believe is used during the many parades that Tulip Time has to offer
Orange Tulips
Red and Yellow Tulip
White and Pink Tulip
Pink and Green Tulip
Everything is very clearly labeled in this fine town
I was able to take some time to look at the other attractions that Pella has to offer, including this gorgeous Vermeer Windmill
Purple Tulip
Valery Gregiev Tulip
Giving gifts of tulips seemed to be a well honored tradition that I was pleased to take part in
Valery Gregiev Tulip
Orange and Yellow Tulip
Squirrel on his perch
Meanderings Abound 