Winter Day Excursion, The Clouds!

As we were leaving Northwest Trek the clouds were rolling in. It had been a beautiful sunny day for most of our day out. We got dripped on at both the Wildlife Refuge and at Northwest Trek, but it was only because the trees were covered in snow that was melting. These pictures were taken as we were leaving the park and on our drive out to the highway. I loved the way the bright sun contrasted with the dark and looming clouds. If they seem redundant, it's only because they probably are, but I couldn't pick a favorite, so I posted all of them.

Winter Day Excursion, part 4

We got to see a lot of animals. I didn't get good pictures of the mountain goats or the bighorn sheep. We didn't get to see the caribou herd because the upper roads were too icy to travel. It was a fun day, though and Logan really enjoyed seeing the animals.


These two bulls are from the first herd of elk we saw.





The bison were on the roadway so we had to wait while they dispersed.



Then they were right next to the tram.





This is the dominant male elk. His antlers are all broken and chipped from the clashes to prove his dominance.



The herd crossing the road in front of us. They were also blocking our way at first.



Someone's lost antlers.



The moose were hard to get on film. They just wouldn't cooperate and give me good angles. Here is the bull moose.



Here is the one female that didn't turn her back on me completely.

Winter Day Excursion, part 3

We got to see lots of animals on our trip to Northwest Trek last week, but I think this one was my favorite. He is a Giant Pacific Salamander. I found him to be so cute I had to laugh. Something about the little face with his sucked in lips which make him look like he forgot to put his teeth in just cracked me up. Plus, you have to love the pink gills which make it look like he's wearing a boa and those startling blue eyes!.











Logan had a super good time and made some friends. Here are some pictures of Logan enjoying himself at the different centers and on the tram.

He is running to get another puppet and almost ran into the other grandma that was there.


Enjoying the snake. I'm so glad he missed the part where the snake swallowed a live mouse that was in the tank. I'm glad I missed that, too.


Making a wreath.




We told him the tram was a 'train' that was on wheels instead of a track. He bought our story and enjoyed his ride on the 'train'.


A preview for tomorrow's blog:

This is the dominant elk in the elk herd. The big animals were all right up next to us, even blocking the road while we drove through.

Winter Day Excursion, part 2

After our trip to Morse Wildlife Preserve we took Logan and went to lunch at a little Mexican restaurant. We then headed to Northwest Trek. It is not normally open for the weekdays in the winter, but they were having a special day to celebrate winter. They had little centers set up to teach us about winter care for the animals. We had a great time and Logan enjoyed himself. We got to see lots of animals. Here are the eagles and owls. I will do the other animals tomorrow.


The Bald Eagle.



The Golden Eagle.



The Snowy Owl.



The Great Horned Owl.



The Barn Owls.