Because I deserved it, I escaped the dining room table work mess for a design inspired hike and took my walking companion with me.
![mixed terrier mutt](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Buddy-600x410.jpg)
This clever way to disguise a guardrail ranks high as an outdoor design inpiration. So grab some fallen wood and go to town. It seems like it would take hours to construct this.
![stick fence](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/stick-fence-600x450.jpg)
![stick fence](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/stick-fence2-600x450.jpg)
As I continue my design inspired hike, hidden houses and wildflowers galore capture my attention. I love a well-manicured yard as much as anyone, yet I love seeing unkempt wild landscapes.
![mountain house](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/hidden-house-600x450.jpg)
![wildflowers](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wildflowers-600x450.jpg)
And take a look at the gorgeous nest attached to this otherwise unattractive wall.
![bee nest](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/bee-nest-600x354.jpg)
And some reclaimed yard art makes an appearance.
![reclaimed yard art](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/yard-art-600x800.jpg)
And at about mile 2.5, we arrive at my favorite part of the walk, a detour onto the private property of a retired horticulturalist.
![old roof vents](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/roof-vent-art-600x450.jpg)
Furthermore, ignore the sign as he welcomes walkers on his property, but no cars, thank you very much.
![private road sign](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/private-road-sign-600x800.jpg)
He’s almost ready for winter. Good grief, that’s a lot of wood.
![wood pile](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wood-piles-600x450.jpg)
Sit a spell with a rather enjoyable spot for the view.
![outdoor seating](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/outdoor-seating-600x450.jpg)
The moody bamboo thicket casts some lovely shade on this part of his property.
![bamboo thicket](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/bamboo-thicket-600x450.jpg)
And what is all this property without some very unusual yard art?
![piano insides yard art](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/pianoart-600x800.jpg)
![charred wood outdoor art](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/outdoor-figural-art-600x800.jpg)
![...or, as I like to call him, migraine man](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/outdoor-figural-art2-600x800.jpg)
At mile 3 we exit the man’s property and see lovely plants and mini waterfalls.
![spider grass](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/spider-grass-600x450.jpg)
![mini waterfall](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/mini-waterfall-600x800.jpg)
And finally the reward for this climb culminates in my favorite view.
![long range mountain view](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/mountain-view-600x450.jpg)
Another favorite sight is one of many round houses that were built in this area. A particularly charming older couple owns it while working the property like mad folks and maintaining a lovely walking trail.
![round house](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/roundhouse-600x800.jpg)
Finally, as we near mile 4, some more inspired house appointments.
![rustic lamp post](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rustic-lamp-post-600x800.jpg)
![chevron fence](https://formandfunctionraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chevron-fence-600x450.jpg)
I hope you are all enjoying a “balanced” summer of work and rest and nature…happy trails.
I love this walk, Carole. Thanks so much for sharing so I could relish the experience once again.
And I can’t wait to have you back here to walk again, my friend!!