A Nice Walk to Africa

I had to start with this picture because it is so incredible!

(We teased Steve that he was trying to get a job with National Geographic, but he really does take great pictures. You will see his work throughout this post)

All the animals seemed to be up really close and willing to pose for pictures! It was a great day at the zoo.

Nicholas had been begging for months to go to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro and we finally put it on the calendar for Saturday, November 19th. That was the first free Saturday we had in months - no scouts or soccer games! The last time we went to the zoo was when Naomi was about 6 months old. It was definitely time for a return trip. We headed out bright and early in the morning so we could spend the whole day there enjoying all the sites.

We started out in North America. The kids really enjoyed watching the animals. I was surprised at how many of them were up close and really active. Naomi wanted to have her picture taken on this rock. She loves to model for the camera.

I told the kids that if they weren't good this crocodile would be happy to help keep them in line. He was so close we COULD had touched him, but.... nuf said.

The seals were especially entertaining. They would swim around and play peek-a-boo with the kids watching through this underwater viewing area. They would swim right against the wall so the kids could not see them coming. Jeremy nearly jumped out of his skin the first time the seal used this surprise tactic. It appeared out of nowhere and the kids loved it.

Bored in a gourd!

The sea otters are always a favorite, but they wouldn't hold still for a picture so the kids posed with this sculpture.

I have only ever been this close to a real buffalo once and that was all it took to convince me that once was enough. Buffalo smell really bad!!! The kids loved this buffalo, though.

INTERMISSION

After walking three miles through the North America exhibits we met some friends at the half-way point for lunch. We needed the rest at that point and a chance to refuel before tackling the 2 miles of Africa.

The first stop was the aviary. The flamingos were outside the front doors to the building. Naomi wanted to know if the flamingo had been hurt because it only had one leg. Then she saw this... (look below)

...a headless flamingo!

Her sympathetic little heart was about to break when the flamingo finished grooming itself and it's head popped out.

The Tufts brought the wagon for Callie (in the front), but Haylie and Naomi hitched a ride whenever possible. I can't say I blame them. The zoo is 5 miles from top to bottom. That is a long way to walk on little legs.

Inside the aviary there was a sign with all the birds that you could see during your visit. The kids decided to play "Find the Bird". Here are pictures of our favorite finds.




Nicholas had a great time holding Callie's hand. He has decided that she is the cutest toddler in the whole world and if he can't have another little sister he will adopt her (IF/WHEN she will let him).


















The gorillas and meerkats were up close while they enjoyed the warm sunshine.

Here we are with our friends, riding a nice kitty cat.

At the entrance to the zoo they give all the kids stickers that say "I belong in the zoo." My kids are trying to find a way to get to stay here forever. They do a great impression of a monkey.



































As you can see, the walk was worth it. All the animals were out and the kids had a great time.

Do we look tired?

YES WE ARE!!!!

That is why we took the bus back up to North America! Thank goodness for public transportation.

All-in-all it was a great day and we slept VERY well that night. Walking to Africa would wear anyone out - but it was worth the trip. We recommend that everyone try it at least once.