One Last Adventure

One Last Adventure

I still had a few hours before I had to leave for the airport and I decided to make the most of my time.  The Oregon Zoo was about a 20 minute ride from my hotel and I figured that if I timed it right, I might be able to get a few pics in before I had to head to the airport.

In an effort to maximize my time at the zoo, I planned on getting there right when it opened.  With some luck with traffic, I arrived at the gate at 8:57.  Three minutes before the official opening time.  I planned ahead last night and did some research on the internet about the zoo so that I wouldn't waste any time.  I packed one camera body, my 70-200 lens and an extender.  I knew the extender would be helpful because most of the time, the animals are far away from the fences.

Entry and parking combined was $8.00.  A bargain.  The zoo grounds were beautiful.  It was a cool and overcast morning so I was hoping that the animals would be active.  I figured they were probably also going to be fed soon which would make them lethargic, so I wanted to get photos of them as soon as possible.  Luckily for me, the zoo was not as big as Brookfield.  Everything was well laid out and the lands are close in proximity to each other.

I knew that I wasn't going to be able to see everything so I did the best that I could with the time that I  had. I went from exhibit to exhibit snapping away.  In two hours worth of time, I snapped about 250 photographs.  Not bad.  My time at the zoo was up.  It was just enough time for me to drive back to the hotel, pack my camera equipment away and head to the airport.  And, my timing for leaving the oo couldn't have been better either as all the school field trips and young families were making their way through the entrance.  Thank you Oregon Zoo for a great time.

Here are some of the photos that I took of the animals today.

  Well, my son said it best as I was speaking to him before I boarded my flight; "you sound tired Mom".  I am.  What an exciting week I had.   I know that I saw a lot of different things, but I feel that there is still so much out there to be discovered.  I will be heading back to the Pacific Northwest for more adventures.  Maybe another jump off the bridge and definitely a guided Hike to Mt. Hood.  I love this area of the United States.  It is so beautiful I wish I could stay here forever. 

I truly enjoyed the time I spent with my daughter Shannon.  What an amazing girls she is.  This week; our adventure together will always hold a special place in my heart.  I love you Peanut!