The weather forecast called for hot and humid weather, but we were undeterred. We met at the Takoma Park Community Center at 10 and were soon cycling down Maple Avenue to the Sligo Creek bike path. Lucky for us, the path is shaded almost the entire way up to Wheaton Regional Park and Brookside Gardens. We made an unscheduled stop at the flea market at the outdoor skating rink, but alas, no great bargains were to be found.
We ate our lunch along the banks of Pine Lake and then strolled through Brookside Gardens in its full summer glory. At the gazebo overlooking the pond we counted at least 15 turtles swimming or sunning. The rose garden dazed us with the brilliant colors of dozens of varieties of roses. The giant sundial delighted us all and told the right time to boot.
The ride home, as they say, was all downhill from here. Literally, that is, not figuratively. Everyone agreed this bike ride is a keeper and Brookside Gardens is a treat in every season.
