The luxury of benches

"Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us. We need hours of aimless wandering or spates of time sitting on park benches, observing the mysterious world of ants and the canopy of treetops."

~Maya Angelou

If you're like me, you like your park benches rustic and unadorned: two concrete ends supporting a wood seat and back. It must have a back. How could it be comfortable otherwise? And the back must tilt backwards--not much, just enough.

The only suggestion I have is that the wood be kept well-painted so that it doesn't splinter. There is nothing worse than telling a nurse at the emergency room that you have a splinter in your butt. 

I have for your consideration one bench manufactured by Amish craftsmen. It looks comfy and durable (price: $578).

If the Amish-built bench is beyond your budget, less expensive models are available. The concrete ends are a little coarser, and the seat and back are made of pressure-treated 2-by-4 lumber. With proper painting or waterproofing, the bench should last many years. Check out your local hardware store for materials.

The bench below features the same construction, but it's fancier. The back has a welcoming curve to it, which enhances comfort. The cock ring is optional.

The bench on which this next gentleman sits is fancier still, and the color is a striking blue reminiscent of the Mediterranean blue seen on the roof of buildings in the Greek isles. I like the way the blue plays against the weathered gray fence. This bench is entirely of wood, which makes periodic relocation easy.

In my book, garden benches must be crafted of wood, a natural material that maintains a relatively even temperature. You've seen street benches like this one on the left. They're usually manufactured of tubular and sheet steel clad in vinyl. Steel heats and cools quickly during the course of the day. The vinyl feel too slick. They might work along city streets, but certainly not in the residential garden.

One-person benches are fine, but wouldn't you really enjoy accommodating two or three people?

If a proper bench is not available, any level surface will do.

And finally, here is my favorite bench. It's located near the lake at The Woods, the clothing-optional gay campground in eastern Pennsylvania. I've had some great conversations (et cetera) on this bench. And, during quieter times, some wonderful solitude.

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