Photos by Cheryl Landes

I love water lilies. They’re delicate, yet strong. They thrive in places other plants wouldn’t dare. Some of the lily flowers look like they landed on the edge of a big leaf but somehow stand there without balancing. Others hang out in the middle of a leaf like they’re lounging on a raft floating in the water. Some lean in as if they’re watching and listening. Others hide in the leaves and shyly peek out at the world.

Mingus Park in downtown Coos Bay, Oregon, is my favorite places to see the water lilies. The lilies here have pink and white petals with bright yellow stamens. They’re visible east and west of the tiny island with the lighthouse on the 0.6-mile footpath winding around the lake in the center of the park.

Here are some pictures from one of my walks to admire the water lilies. May their beauty bring you joy and inspiration.

See more photos of Mingus Park at:
Armchair photo tours: A stroll on the Mingus Park footpath