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Design of the Path

For the installation of Pont de Pierre, a path through the trees, underbrush and storm debris to the bridge was cleared. Weeds and muck were removed from the stream. Drainage was added. Saplings were planted and overhanging branches were pruned. The stream bank was stabilized with large rocks.

Originally, a hop over a small waterfall was a "feature" of the walk. Several large granite slabs found in the woods nearby offered a better solution: build a bridge over the waterfall.

The path now includes the three bridges and additional Japan-inspired accents. The trail starts at the edge of the forest, next to a mica-encrusted rock that sparkles in the afternoon sun. In the summer, the path traverses tall ferns.

Borrowing a motif from Japanese shrine gardens, a tall Torii gate was erected near the entrance to this special place. The gate is based on a traditional style: two cedar logs supporting two cross-bars.
Early attempts at growing foliage behind the gate were thwarted by storms that repeatedly deposited sand at an S-curve in the brook. Creating a beach was the best use of this constantly renewing resource. In the manner of Zen gardens built of small white pebbles, the sand is raked in geometric patterns and has been dubbed Zen Beach. After crossing under the Torii gate, progressing along a granite walkway, passing the tall ferns and dogwood and turning to climb onto the Pont de Pierre's stairs, the sand garden becomes visible.
The path loops around the stream, crossing Moribahsi at the far end. A series of waterfalls cascading over moss-covered rocks, tree roots and immovable, downed tree trunks provides background music.

View year-round pictures to see the seasonal variations when walking the path.

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