Monday, August 8, 2011

Cougars and Otters and Bears OH MY!

A trip to Boone = adventure!
We had a great time with Grandpa and Grandma Claire. (a few weekends ago) You can always be sure that there won't be a dull moment at Grandpa's house. He keeps us hopping and we love it! 
First stop, Grandfather mountain!  I had not been there since I was a child. It was a lot of fun getting to see the animals and walking across the swinging bridge.
When we first got there it was raining. We were a little bummed but decided to keep going with the plan. The animals weren't cooperating with us. They too were hiding from the rain. When we got to the cougar enclosure we noticed that in 10 minutes there was going to be a cougar "enrichment". We weren't sure what that meant but figured it would be our best chance to see them  so we waited.  Pierson tried to catch rain drops off Grandpa's umbrella while Maylin just picked her teeth! lol

 The enrichment was a success! A girl came out and told us a little bit about the cougars. While she was talking the sun came out! Yippie. With the sun (and frozen chicken broth cubes) the cougars came out! They were beautiful creatures. Pierson and Maylin were enthralled with them.
 On to the bears. There were three of them. They sat and looked at us as intently as we were watching them. I would love to know what goes through their minds.
Otters. These are cute little guys. They were happy to see the sun too. They frolicked in the grass while we watched.
 Fun fun fun! Walking across the mile high bridge was fun. It definitely doesn't swing as much as the old one did! (Thankfully!) If you stop and stand still you can feel it moving though! :0
We had a great time even though we missed Daddy. He had to work that day but came up to join us that night. 
My little hikers on top of the mountain.

Hanging out with Grandpa! (PS grandpa we are GLAD you are feeling better!!!)
Pierson hanging out a mile in the air!

After we left the mountain we stopped to play in a creek. 
I am not sure what statement Pierson was trying to make with this "outfit" I think it was a misguided attempt to stay dry. It didn't really work but it sure was funny. He did learn to skip rocks that day though. Grandpa is always so full of fun.
Maylin's attempt to skip rocks looked more like she was playing fast pitch softball. :)
Of course we stayed dry the whole time... Yeah right!
Would you like a side of sass with that?
Yep that's my girl streaking through the forest. 
Caught ya!! :)  Grandpa is a great sport and a lot of fun!!!
Catching Gold Fish!
That evening we headed to Blowing Rock for dinner and a little fun on the playground.
It was a great day. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Claire for EVERYTHING! More about the rest of our trip soon!

2 comments:

Emily H. said...

Last time my sister and I did Grandfather Mountain with Grandma Claire, she hid in the back seat and sung hymns! The bridge was covered in ice but we scooted across anyway!

Kristi said...

Oh wow, I had forgotten about Grandfather Mountain. Totally need to get my bunch up there even though I bet we won't have as much fun without Grandpa Mickey.
We're pretty glad that he's feeling better too!