Monday, February 2, 2009

Great Family Outing

With all of us hacking away with our colds yesterday, yet really feeling the need to get out we were a bit stumped as to what to do. A hike was out, as we weren't up for it. A public place like a museum was out because we didn't want to leave behind lots of germs for others to pick up (especially this virus... it's not fun!). So... we decided to just go for a drive. On a list-minute whim I got the directions to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, figuring we might to at least be able to park and look around somewhere closeby the car and not do a big hike. Well, as we had nearly arrived at our destination, we say a sign that said Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour (!). We got so excited! This would be perfect.

It turned out to be a lovely, lingering loop through much of the wetlands areas. We saw an abundance of wildlife: geese, many birds of prey, trumpeter swans, herons, all kinds of little birds, bald eagles, and nutria. We had a fantastic time, and could not have planned a more perfect outing on purpose (todah, Hashem).

The view when you first arrive:


Young nutria:


Heron:


I thought this was beautiful!


We saw lots of birds of prey on the ground, just looking around (?).

There were many, many geese


And many, many swans


And beautiful trees.
We can't wait to go back for another visit. There are all kinds of possibilities here for future field trips.

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