An Actual Outing!

Jim and I had our first outing since the outbreak! The Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens are open for reservations. This is phase 1 of re-opening.

 

Now we must be aware of standing 6 flamingos from each other.

The animals have no idea what humans are dealing with right now.

Certain beasts probably enjoy people watching again.

High touch zones are well labeled with "caution".

Bronze statues throughout are blocked off since these are also high touch items used for photo ops.

We always have to stop by the meerkats since they are smile inducing creatures.

These two were deep in conversation of the intellectual sort.

White rhinos are still due to arrive in the fall, as scheduled. The habitat is coming along.

Frogs were enjoying themselves this day too. This big guy looks like an ornament but was real.

It felt good to simply be out again. With the limited capacity it was a quiet, peaceful day at the zoo.

I hope you are able to find things to enjoy too. This is one place where we feel safe since it is easy to keep distance from others. It may be months before we feel comfortable enough to eat in a restaurant again since case numbers are still on the rise here.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Recent Zoo Visits

It is always a treat walking thru the Riverbanks Zoo.

We never know who will model for us.

Apparently these guys don't need much to be entertained. A Budweiser box will do the trick!

Big daddy came right up to the window. It is amazing to be inches from such a magnificent beast.

Cute baby action was occurring while it was brunch time.

The squirrel monkeys enjoy the top of their habitat to soak in the warm sunshine during the cooler months.

Porcupines can be petted. I had no idea this was possible until seeing a caregiver hand feeding this little guy while petting in between bites.

Since I have always been a cat person, the black footed cat is a favorite to see. Since felines love their sleep, this is a rare sight!

It was feeding time for many of the animals which is always entertaining.

I hope some of these made you smile today while our world is in chaos.


Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Riverbanks Trail

Occasionally I blog about visits to the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens here in Columbia, SC.

While one can take a tram or walk the road between the 2 major aspects of the park, Jim and I prefer this nature walk that goes along the Saluda River, connecting the parks.

While it is paved, it is rocky in parts! I love how the designers worked with the landscape to create the trail.

Above you can see a skinny tree that is growing in the way of the path.

The trail is full of natural beauty.

With the river nearby, there are creeks with calming sounds.

One should also pay attention to their footing as not to disturb the wildlife.

Before the Botanical Gardens existed, it was discussed to turn that entire area into a historical preserve. I am glad things were designed the way they were since we now enjoy both!

As you can imagine, the sound of the river is quite soothing here.

The ruins seen along the river are that of the Saluda Factory. It was the first water powered textile mill in South Carolina which ended up being destroyed in the Civil War.

There is a log cabin in the woods here containing artifacts, information and pictures relating to the history here.

The trail is tricky and steep in parts so it is not for everyone.  

I hope you enjoyed this river trail. 

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

A Little Zoo Fun

Here is a special visit to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC.

We witnessed these little ladies hanging out together! 

They just want to touch and taste everything.

Of course one of the moms is nearby to check on their safety.

These are the internet stars in the viral video of gorillas not wanting to get wet in the rain. 

I love the thinker pose in the background below. Dad simply chills out all day in the shade entertaining the humans with his funny poses.

We also witnessed a seal and sea lion feeding for the first time.

This little guy did some tricks.

For some reason onlookers are not standing on this side of the habitat so Jim and I experienced front row viewing.

This zoo has a wonderful aquarium too. Photos come out terrible due to reflections and dim lighting. These eel things poking out of the sand were photogenic though!

My favorite aspect of the aquarium is the living coral. It is stunning with its endless colors and shapes!

We also saw one of the gibbons walking the tight rope with great dexterity.

I hope these photos made you smile today!

On the business front, here is a custom order I just filled for a teacher. She requested 5 ID lanyards in the school colors to surprise her co-workers with.

After viewing the school website the combination of leopardskin jasper, silver leaf jasper, white howlite and black obisidian captures the theme perfectly!

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Jurassic Park in South Carolina

The Riverbanks Zoo has an entertaining new exhibit running through October 31. We took a trip back to Pangea to see all these prehistoric dinosaurs.

The creatures are animated and vocal adding to the amusement.

Herrerasaurus

Carnotaurus

Microraptor

I just had to pet the adorable Kentrosaurus.

Spinosaurus

Deinosuchus. This guy looks familiar but gigantic compared to what we are used to!

Hadrosaur

Cryolophosaurus

Therizinosaurus

T-Rex, the king of dinosaurs!

Protceratops

Minmi

Oryctodromeus

Leaellynasaura

Dakotaraptor. This guy had wings, but like ostrich, he did not fly.

Pachycephalosaurus

There were also gigantic animated rats from back in the day!

If you go:
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC
$5 for the general public
$4 for members

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val