In 1979, my alma mater was given the gift of spring by Chubu University, located in Kasugai, Japan. That school gave cherry trees to Ohio University in Athens in celebration of OU’s 175th anniversary.

They line a section of the bike path along the Hocking River and are a symbol of spring and beauty that have become an important part of the city’s tourism. A few years ago, National Geographic recognized Athens as one of the best places in the U.S. to see cherry blossoms.

They were at peak this week so we headed over for a closer look one evening. They really are beautiful but my phone pictures fail to capture the fine details of the cherry blossom, leaving me wishing I had taken my camera along for the walk. 

People walked by and admired the colors. Some took selfies while others set up chairs and blankets for picnics while they waited for lighting to go on at dusk. Children in Easter clothes and a pretty girl in a cap and gown had professional photos made while others jogged by, seemingly unaware there were even trees.

This person stood, staring up in awe, clutching a fallen blossom and smiling. I think they were my favorite of all the strangers there.

If you ever have a chance to go and like that sort of thing, I highly recommend it.  

OU was founded in 1804, just one year after Ohio became a state and is the oldest university in Ohio. If you ever see someone wearing OU green, the appropriate response is “Go Bobcats!” We aren’t fond of being mistaken for that school north. More importantly, the OU campus is gorgeous so be sure to stroll around when you visit and stop by uptown Athens for a good meal at one of their unique locally owned restaurants.