Stopping to Smell the Lilies

One of the things I love about traveling by bicycle is that it allows you to embrace the world around you, compelling you to slow down. Life goes by at a dizzying pace and dialing it down a notch feels good. Today is a perfect example. We have planned a tour of Seven Willows Gardens in Williamsburg as part of a loop starting and ending with Stone Crop Acres Winery and Vineyard. Despite the humidity, we have nearly a dozen participants, of which eight are cyclists. The non-cyclists who wish to enjoy the day trip without the added exercise, have the luxury of an air-conditioned support vehicle carrying a cooler of ice-cold water. Its driver will oversee the event, ensuring no one is left behind. This is significant as we have a mix of abilities and bicycle types.It will be a challenge to keep everyone together.

We have approximately twelve kilometers to cycle from the vineyard to Seven Willows Gardens where we have reserved a tour. It is a gusty day! Given that it would be blistering hot without this wind, I am happy to put up with it. We ride on the shoulder of mostly flat country roads to arrive at our destination. Although unmarked, the gardens are easy to locate as the willow trees for which the gardens are named are visible on the shore of Nash Creek.

Glenda Tolley, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, welcomes us warmly. She and her husband, Trevor, developed this property from scratch over fifty years ago, expanding it steadily to its current state. This labour of love includes eight distinct gardens spread over several acres. Beautiful statues adorn the grounds, with several sitting areas, each looking more inviting than the next. I am partial to the Creekside Garden with its cozy gazebo by the water where I can picture myself sitting quietly with a book or observing the wildlife.

The oriental lilies, growing in tall clusters of blooms, take centre stage in the Cottage-Style Garden. The spacious Japanese Garden, immaculate and minimalistic by design, contrasts dramatically with the neighboring untamed Woodlawn Garden where the mosquitoes thrive. We are enveloped by beauty and colour, our senses delightfully stimulated. Attracted like bees to pollen by the different features of the gardens, we scatter in different directions for a time losing sight of each other. In the vastness of the property, a dozen people can vanish effortlessly.

As much as I would love to spend more time in each garden soaking in the peacefulness and nature around me, my growling stomach is of a different opinion. I am pleased to see everyone trickling back to the Victoriana Garden where we started our tour. Since we still have a good distance to pedal to close our loop, I gnaw on a power bar to keep the bear within me at bay and refill my bottle with ice-cold water from the support vehicle.
The route back is scenic, and I am itching to take a few pictures. Alas, as the slowest cyclist, I cannot afford to fall behind any further. My resolve falters only once when I spot a small farm populated with a blend of animals, just too cute to resist. I especially enjoy watching the goats running up to the summit of a dirt pile. Maybe I am meant to lag; To keep pace with the others requires more focus than I can muster and would result in me missing these entertaining side attractions.

Finally, Stone Crop Vineyard is in sight! From here I can see that the parking lot is overflowing with vehicles. Fortunately, a large table has been reserved for us at the winery and we can relax in the shade. Wine samplings and pizza complement our brown bag lunches. It is a beautiful venue for all types of events including ours.
Reflecting on my day, I surmise that I could have chosen the air-conditioned tour, but I am not sorry that I opted for the huff-and-puff version. In addition to giving me a sense of accomplishment, it made the outing more memorable. I am now inspired to plan a new cycling tour. Perhaps this one will involve alpacas. You’ll have to stay tuned to find out.