Last Sunday, my friend and fellow photog, Tess, and I spent late morning and early afternoon exploring Tacoma with our cameras. I met Tess in a photography class last year and we've had a couple of photo outings since then. She's working on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) in a civil service position that required her to leave her home and her husband in Williamsburg, VA. Since she's working on contract, she's basically taken a leap of faith to get into the federal system. That has left time on weekends to explore Washington with her camera. She's seen more of it than I have and I've been here for decades!
We started at the Seymour Botanical Gardens playing with the light and the floral colors. Stadium High School was of interest, since it was the backdrop years ago for the movie,
Ten Things I Hate About You. Next stop was the Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way. What fun! We could have spent a lot more time, but Nana-duty called and I had to leave to take care of Ben. Since there are many more interesting places in Tacoma, we'll have to plan for Exploring Tacoma, Part II.
I spent last Saturday morning at Lakewold Gardens photographing volunteers who, along with a few talented staff members, keep this unique destination beautifully maintained. I couldn't help but take photos of the mansion, statuary, the impressive Empress tree, and other unique features of the estate grounds which gently slope down through old growth trees and fern grottoes to the lake's edge. To see all the photos, visit www.BonnieKingPhotography.com.
Lakewold's own brochures tell the story: Located in Lakewood, Washington (12317 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W. 98499), Lakewold offers landscape architecture by Thomas Church surrounded by rare and native plants, State champion trees, over 900 rhododendrons, 30 Japanese maples and stunning statuary. A Washington State historic landmark, Lakewold's Georgian-style mansion and historic architecture complete the 10 acres where visitors can step back in time to an elegant past or enjoy a relaxing moment to contemplate the future. 
From my perspective as a garden lover and photographer, this enchanting venue on the shores of Gravelly Lake is also ideal for weddings, meetings or other events. Picnicking is permitted. There's even a gift shop with truly unusual garden tools, gifts, delicacies, plants and garden art. Don't miss it. There is an entrance fee: Adult $9; Senior, Student, Military $6; Children under 12 are free. Special group rates are also available. Call 253-584-4106 or 1-888-858-4106. You can also visit the Lakewold Gardens website at www.lakewoldgardens.org 
