Field trip to the North Carolina Zoo with Judy – March 1, 2017
YOUNG AT HEART
Camille was hoping someone would accompany her to the zoo and Judy said, “I’ll drive!” Clutching google directions, Camille proposed they take the scenic route, doubling their drive time with a series of missed turns, ultimately pulled over beside a disintegrating crossroads shack, celebrating the reemergence of cell phone signal while Bob looked up their coordinates from home.
THANK YOU, JESUS!
The Thank You Jesus signs were a gift from heaven, a welcome diversion as Judy eyed the gas gauge and Camille fretted about not bringing her NC State atlas. Their playful attitude revived, they giggled like school girls and began counting their blessings. Tapping each other on the shoulder, pointing, and shouting, “Thank You, Jesus!” as each new sign entered their field of vision, they tried to out-do each other with eagle eyes. All told, Camille and Judy spotted nearly fifty signs.
WATER BABIES
There’s nothing more relaxing than watching otters, seals and sea lions swim around and around.
UN-BEARABLY CUTE
These two black bears had something fun going on. One lay sunning while the other paced around behind the rock and back. Each time the pacer reached the sun bather, sunny playfully raised his/her massive paws. Their coats were thick and shiny, a clear indication of good health and cold nights. Camille and Judy watched them in their dance for some time, wishing they could submerge their hands in the dense, black fur.
PIEDMONT TOTEM
A ceramic tower representing the interdependence of animal life.
NORTH AMERICAN MAMMALS
This handsome Red Wolf reminded Camille of Chris, and the American Bison of her twenty years in Colorado.
FLORA
It wasn’t just about fauna. There was plenty of flora, too. Such as this early-blooming azalea and artsy-looking cactus outside the glass-domed Sonora Desert exhibit.
DESERT DWELLERS
Blue-tongued skink, Frilled dragon lizard, and an intimidating Sidewinder behind glass.
CAROUSEL
Judy and Camille vowed to return to wander through the African exhibits and a take ride on the carousel when it opens in April. Next time, they said, they’ll drive straight out Hwy 64 with an atlas on the back seat.