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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

A Study in Animal Backsides or My Trip to the DC Zoo

Hi all, we are back in sunny NC after a quick trip up North! I'm a little late linking up for the Weds Blog Hop, but hey, better late than never! Thanks again Fitness Blondie and Vodka and Soda for their respective hops! Also, be sure to check out Hey Trace, she's one of the co-hosts this week!

The Hump Day Blog Hop


Vodka and Soda

I apologize for the long post, especially for those popping over from the hop who aren't used to my rambling. This post is chock full of pictures, my fantastically crappy iPhone pictures. I was reading up on a blogging group and one of their requirements was that you feature high quality, professional pictures. Nope, not gonna happen. You get me and my off center, bad lighting pictures. Enjoy!

Yesterday morning we left Western NY bright and early. Of course a stop to the glorious Tim Horton's was in order. I also had a sour cream glazed timbit. Seriously the BEST donuts. Every single other donut I've ever eaten gives me a stomach ache. Not Tim Horton's though!


After about 2 hours of driving, it was time to for breakfast. We stopped in Central PA at the Dutch Pantry. In that part of the state, there's a strong Amish population and the food definitely reflects it. I really did take a picture of the place mat and all the delicious deserts. OMG, I remember eating so much Hot Fudge Ice Cream Cake in high school. I swear I haven't seen it on a menu since then.


Kev had to get the 3 for $1 Apple Fritters. They tasted exactly like they looked. Amazing...


I went with the traditional eggs, sausage and biscuits and ate probably a third of it. It was exactly what I wanted to to be.


Funny enough, one of my friends from college used to work there a while ago AND she was in town that day. We were apparently passing each other on that stretch of highway. So close I swear on one of these trips we'll finally meet up.

And a picture of the PA Turnpike, for no reason, except for me to turn into a cranky old man and complain about how ridiculous the tolls are. When I moved away about 10 years ago, I used to frequently drive the turnpike to get home. It was .90 between exits. NINETY CENTS. Yesterday it was $2.60. Thankfully I didn't even look at the price from Breezewood to Pittsburgh, I might have lost my mind. It was $4.40 when I first moved and something like $12 the last time I checked. The road is just as crappy as ever and there's no reason for it to be that dang expensive. OK, rant over. (fist shake)


After being on the road for a while an iced coffee was in order. I confess, I'm cheating on my Breuggers Hazelnut coffee. I've developed a new love for Einstein's Vanilla Hazelnut coffee. Iced and hot, they're both delicious. Flavored by beans and not syrup, amazing. Now to find one nearby.


Finally we got the the National Zoo in DC! Animals!!


First up, Prairie Dogs! Oh, look, a picture of its butt. (Needless to say, this theme carried throughout the day)


We got some side-eye from a tiger.


I found my new favorite animal, the lion faced golden tamarin. It was SOOOOO cute! 


Then we saw the backsides of some elephants. Nope, they never turned around.


We never did see an otter but I was really amused by their names. I love that Whole Food was the naming sponsor and they chose food names. Except Kevin. I wonder who Kevin is? Hmmmmm


Next we moved over to the Pandas. They were all asleep.


The we saw Panda Mission Control. It looks like ALL the Pandas were sleeping. 


After the pandas we found the backside of some Zebras.


One of the things I was really looking forward to was seeing the invertebrate house. Octopus and squid and stingrays are some of my favorites but unfortunately it was closed until further notice. The guide said there wasn't enough funding to keep it open. It stinks but it's also a reminder we need to support our National Parks and Zoos. The admission was free but they rely on donations to keep the exhibits open. 

Instead Kev bought me an octopus. I named him Mr Squiddles. He also gives great side-eye.


We had a fantastic time at the zoo, it was a great way to break up the trip. Now I'm harassing Kev for a trip to the NC Aquarium the next time we head to the beach.

What's your favorite animal??


4 comments:

  1. That looks like a great trip:) Breakfast looked wonderful!!!

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  2. Thanks! We had a great time and the food was delish! Now I have to detox out all the delicious food I ate last week. :)

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  3. I love Zebras but at zoos I like to see Polar bears I don't think I've seen a Panda bear in SA... hmmm going to have to add it to my bucket list ;)

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    1. I love the polar bears too. I'm a fan of all animals but I really prefer the cold weather and water ones. I always head to the penguins and the octopus first.

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