The area that Boise, Idaho sits in is not exactly pretty. I mean, it does have its own beauty in a way, the rippling high desert-y landscape is a testament to endurance and adaptability, but also, as my friend says, the naked mole rat hills of Boise are not the most enticing.
But, Boise has something special, The Green Belt, a huge chunk of parks and greenery that runs through the heart of the city along the river. Every time I visit the city I get to check out a new part of The Green Belt, and it never disappoints!
This time I got to see the Kathryn Albertson Park, which is a forty-one acre gem in the middle of town. It's such a quiet and serene little patch of greatness!
What struck me right away is that the park is not over cultivated or curated. It's definitely got a natural vibe. There's paths, ponds, and benches galore! And the human activity was all of the smile-inducing variety.
There was a mother getting maternity photos among the trees and flowers, people in suits just ambling about enjoying a bit of nature, people strolling with their pets, their loved ones, and their friends. The overall vibe of the place was quite delightful.
The place reminded me of a refuge in the heart of industrious existence. A scene that we came upon as we rounded a corner really cemented that ideal in my perception as I was faced with a limping buck in full velvet. The poor guy had a bad hip, but he just strolled down the sidewalk like he owned the place, with not a care in the world, and possessing the countenance of a creature who wasn't under the crushing weight of existential fear.
So, it was after taking in the above scene, inhaling the scent of all the ever-present flowers, and smiling at the antics of the humans partaking in the park's delights, that I came away from the place feeling all sorts of just happy. If you are ever in Boise and just need a moment to be, or restore that sense of "be"ing, then I truly recommend a stroll through the park, it's a delightful place for a meander or promenade.
And as most of the time, all of the images in this post were taken on the author's very well traveled this week iPhone.
