Whims of Writing: George's Bakery - Chocolate Death Cake

Whims of Writing: George's Bakery - Chocolate Death Cake:   Chocolate Death Cake Check out my new short story George's Bakery - Chocolate Death Cake! I'm having fun with the challenges offe...

Rocky Ridge Safari in East Texas

Under the clear blue skies of East Texas is a gem of a drive-through wildlife and safari center called Rocky Ridge Safari that hosts over 25 different species of animals amongst the 200 acres of native trees and smooth red clay winding roads. 

A friend asked me to go with her while visiting family in Texas, and I didn't hesitate to say yes! I couldn't believe my luck in the backwoods of Eustace, very close to Canton, was an incredible drive through wildlife center. The trip was a perfect opportunity to do an animal photoshoot and hopefully shoot some great pictures right from the front seat of my friend Linda's car. 

We headed out early to be the first car in line when it opened at 10 a.m. since we knew the animals would be hungry and eager to make their way to our car. When you buy your ticket, it also comes with a good size food bag for feeding with each one. The animals were very eager to see us or rather the food we were handing out.

I'm not sure I have a favorite from our adventure today, but I think we made a friend with the camel. This camel had such personality as he poised for us, including smiling and proudly showing us his beautiful teeth! He did so many funny faces and acted like he wanted us to take his picture. He was amazing. He wasn't even interested in the food as much as the others were. He only wanted to be the star of the show, and we loved it!

Here he is showing us his beautiful smile! :-)

Making one of his funny faces :-0

Going back and forth looking pretty cool :-))

Just one more for the road....

 

Here are a few of the photographs we took to give you an idea of the many different species they currently have. These are just a few of our hundred plus pictures we took, so if this sparks your interest, you need to go. We went in at 10:00 a.m. and drove through in 1-1/2 hours, and the time just flew by! 

Check out their website at https://www.rockyridgesafari.com/ for pricing and other general information as well as directions. It was so much fun that I plan to go back on my next visit to Texas. 

P.S. Just be aware you may find a few overly friendly creatures that like to give kisses!

Traveling After Quarantine

Bergen, Norway

I can't wait to travel after quarantine! So many places we want to go. We may not have time or money for everything, but we are going to figure out some inexpensive and short weekend trips locally, then branch out. Our elderly Aunt has been watching the relaxation videos on Youtube that show scenic mountains, water, villages, and beaches from all over the world. I can't help but watch them too! Stay tuned for some new traveling blog post when we get sprung from this current nightmare. Happy trails will be here again. Keep the faith! 

Dreaming of Norway

Viking Ship

I took this photograph when we were in Norway back in 2014. I have made my grandkids a large poster with it and a canvas for my Norwegian Aunt on my husband's side. She loves it except it would be nice if she could see the buildings on the dock too. They were obscured by the beautiful ships but overall she was very pleased with it.

Waterfalls galore! I saw so many and each one was unique. The beauty of the landscape was incredible. If you have never ventured to this historic and rich culture you should! Adventure awaits you.

This is the Church on the Island where my Mother-in-law and Aunt were born and raised. It is in the village of Gursken, on the western fjords.

The beauty of the rocks of Norway

The beauty of the landscape was around every turn and place. The rocks were amazing, a work of art in nature. 

Ulriken Cable Car 

The cable car was pretty scary for me, considering I am afraid of heights, but I did it! It was well worth it for the views and awesome photographs I took while at the top. I can't recommend enough the many adventures and things to do not only in Bergen but within the whole country of Norway. It was a lifetime adventure and I hope to return again one day.

At the top of Mount Ulriken overlooking the City of Bergen

Scenic view of Bergen Norway

Pike Place Fish Market

Seattle Pike Place Fish Market

This past summer 2018, I acted as a tour guide for friends visiting Seattle for the first time. We had so much fun exploring not only Seattle, Washington but also Victoria, B.C. (which I will write about in another article).

If you visit Seattle, the main stops downtown are the central waterfront area which includes: the Pike Place Market, the Ferris Wheel overlooking Elliott Bay, Seattle Aquarium, a variety of restaurants, and unique shops. A monorail ride will take you from the waterfront to the iconic Space Needle, Seattle Center, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Chihuly's Garden and Glass exhibit.

If you find yourself in Seattle for business and/or pleasure, take the time to explore. You will be glad you did. If you don't you will miss some things that make Seattle truly remarkable.

I had to show my friends the fish market at the Pike Place Market. Pictured below, covered in ice, are some of the freshest variety of seafood.

Monk Fish

LOVE the sign on the lower bottom right

We waited to see a fish thrown into the air to a customer, and we were not disappointed. Our cameras, however, were not ready for it since we had just begun to head to the unique shops within the market. These shops sell flowers, food, jewelry, gift items and much, much more. 

I will post more Seattle and Victoria adventures as time permits. Seattle is a beautiful place, scenic, creative and entertaining, and I hope we can keep it that way.


Check out their official website: Pike Place Fish 

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Seattle Aquarium 2018

Seattle Aquarium

We loved visiting the Seattle Aquarium this past summer. There was so much variety and the exhibits were bursting with colors as pictured below:

I think pictures tell a story sometimes as much as words.

The staff at the Aquarium can be just as entertaining! 

If you haven't ever visited this great venue in Seattle, then you are missing out on a very educational experience. It is conveniently located at Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront among the quaint shops that line the harbor area.

Check out their website Seattle Aquarium for events, tickets, and location. It is fun for the whole family.  

If you are a tourist or Washington resident that loves to be a tourist in this awesome city, then check out the discount tickets at CityPass. You can get unbelievable package deals for the hottest attractions in Seattle, including the Seattle Center, Space Needle, Argosy tours and Chihuly Garden and Glass!

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