The Tower and The Swans

Bok Tower Gardens: Part I

Bok Tower Gardens is located on the highest point (324 ft) on the Florida peninsula. Whatever possessed Mr. Bok to build a carillon tower in the middle of nowhere is beyond me. The Tower is faced with beautiful pink Georgia marble which has recently been cleaned. Flora and fauna (especially birds) are carved into the marble. The colorful grilles that I thought were stained glass are actually glazed ceramic tiles. Currently, the Tower is undergoing structural restoration so there is some scaffolding in some of my photos that you'll see later.

According to our volunteer tour guide, there has always been a mating pair of swans that live in the Reflecting Pond and Moat. But there was a problem. When the swans actually mated and produced heirs, Mama Swan became overprotective and would chase visitors. The family was moved to a sanctuary and ever since all pairs of swans have been two males. That's right, the swans are unknowingly living an alternative lifestyle. But the swans and the koi living in the Moat aren't dummies. If you linger too long next to one of the food dispensers, they make a bee-line to you.

The Boys making their way from the Reflection Pond to the Moat.

Mr. Tough Guy

If you don't have food, the swans will go after your shoes. Good thing I wasn't wearing flip-flops! Next time I'll remember to bring quarters for the swan/fish food machines!