Dog days of summer

 

The dog days of summer have been anything but, at least from my perspective in southwest Ohio. Below average temperatures, culminating with the coldest July on record, and above average rainfall, have made being outside rather pleasurable. The first stop deals with Cincinnati's Krohn Conservatory, and although I have disclosed the location in the past, it was in relation to the ever-popular "Butterfly Show," a showcase of thousands of butterflies that roam a themed garden. There is more to this crown jewel, housed in an Art Deco glass canopy, such as an indoor rain forest and a desert garden.

 

 

 

The dampness and the unseasonably cool weather continued along my trip to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky. Rather than partaking in the historic building stock, as I previously have done, I decided to hit some of the more remote trails -- such as the Shawnee Run Trail. Much has changed within the past year; many hay fields have been converted into reclaimed lands where native plants and flowers can thrive. Other wildflowers along the trail were also in bloom, and although it was considerably dark and gloomy during the mid-day, it never rained and the cool weather kept the bugs and ticks at bay.

 

 

This is one of the only remains of a fulling mill at Shawnee Run. In operation during the 19th century, it was one of two such mills in the Shakertown area. The process of fulling was never widespread outside of New England.

 

During the mill's usage, water was channeled from the stair-stepped waterfall to a large stone structure on the opposite bank through a large wooden bridge. The fulling process involved shrinking and closing the gap between fibers on wool garments, while removing the oil from the wool, enabling it to be dyed. It required the wool to be submerged in a tub of water, mixed with a specific clay, soap or urine, and was then beaten or rolled upon.

 

 

 

Click through on the Dog days of summer for more photographs from my latest blog entry!

So lovely to look at, but not bring home.

Very nice! I wish there were more!

I commented too soon! I clicked the link. Very, very nice & lovely!

Nice work...it's nice to branch out and do something different from time to time, and I'm glad we got to benefit.