The party’s over….

After years of trying to keep up with the overgrowth of our labyrinth, we are going to dismantle it. Aside from twice when we invited friends, we have had 3 visitors since it was installed. We have mulched and remulched it 3 times. I have moved those rocks 4 times. I’m tired of the cost of mulch. I’m tired of the guilt of not keeping it up in the heat. Chuck’s tired of weed eating it. And I don’t feel like it’s doing anything for anyone.

So, we’re going to lift up the plastic and overgrown mulch in February and plant clover seeds in the ring around the center. We’re going to keep the center intact and create a place for flowers. Andy’s daffodils will continue to come up. I think I’ll move my irises from the side where the blueberries are. And we’ll finish off the hazelnut hedge with butterfly bushes.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the gazing ball. But, I’m not disposing of it.  I don’t intend to quit walking.  I’m just not going to have one in my yard anymore.

St. Mark’s Methodist Church – Belmont, NC

This labyrinth is on the WWLL. But, they have lost their website and the domain was bought by a church in Virginia. The address is 701 Secrest Ave., Belmont, North Carolina 28012

The basketball court is at the back of the property and the labyrinth is painted there. The paint hasn’t been refreshed in a while. But, it’s still usable.

Locals don’t seem to expect it to get much action.

He was having a video chat with a friend while he practiced and pretty much ignored us.

First United Methodist Church – Belmont, NC

Pull into the parking lot and you can’t miss it. You won’t find it on the Locator, though. Nor will you find any reference to it on the church website.

The labyrinth, as the sign says, is under cover at the back of the playground.

There’s a water fountain and plenty of places to rest. There was even some hand sanitizer left nearby.

Copies of their explanation of labyrinth purpose and use are available, too.

All Saints Episcopal Church – Gastonia, NC.

This one is on the WWLL and clearly marked by the church.

It’s a modified Chartres rather than a Cretan pattern, even though it is 7 circuits.

There is handy parking and seat for pre- and post-walk contemplation.

It’s next to the community garden that the congregation established as a memorial to the 26 people who were murdered at Sandy Hook in 2012.