Rainy Day Adventure

Tuesday we decided to head out to Northwest Trek on Wednesday. It's about an hours drive from here and has limited hours during the late fall, so you do have to plan ahead.  (They actually closed at 3pm.) After two nice sunny days, Wednesday brought mist, rain, a little sun and more mist.

The land for this wonderland was originally donated by Dr David Hellyer and his family.  They had a vision for the over 700 acres to remain as an animal preserve and after it was established it eventually was turned over to Tacoma's Metro Park District to maintain.  The Hellyer's continued to live in their house on one of the islands in Horseshoe Lake for sometime. Dr Hellyer passed away in 2006 and I'm not sure if his wife is still alive or not.

We got there shortly before noon and were give tickets for the 12 noon tram.  The tram ride takes about an hour as it wanders thru the free range area of the park. As it travels along the driver/narrator talks about the many animals seen along the trail.  There are over 200 North American animals living at Northwest Trek.   The free roaming areas contain the animals that won't bother each other.  The predators (cougars, bears, coyotes, etc) are in large fenced in areas in another section of the park.  They are seen on the walking tour.

Like I said at the beginning, there was rain off and on and we were glad we had remembered to bring umbrellas. Shortly before 3pm we were all walked out, cold and had wet feet so we headed for the car.  I would have liked to have stayed longer but they were closing...we got there a little too late and the weather was less than pleasant. 

Anyway, please viewthe pictures I've included in the "larger" format to get the full effect.   And feel free to follow the link to Northwest Trek and do some self exploring of this fantastic place.

I was happy to hear that our Robin and family have arrived safely in Florida.    And I also keep forgetting to congratulate Barbara on the offer of a new job she received.  I believe she starts the new job on October 31st.  And Lisa, I want to tell you again how sorry I am for the losses you have had in the last few weeks.   I wish I could come and give you a big hug!    Take care, until next time........Linda

P.S. I've talked to my friend in San Diego this evening....she's ok and back home.  Although she states her house is a sooty mess, inside and out!