World Bird Sanctuary and Elk Park

The World Bird Sanctuary and Elk Park were places that I have never been to before. When we went to see the birds, it started snowing. No other visitors weathered the storm, so our group was the only one there. The workers at the Sanctuary looked happy to see us and brought the birds up close and personal to us so that we could see their beauty first hand. 

This was the first time that I had seen a bald eagle up close and it was awesome to see our national bird and its beauty.

Our professor told us to hide behind a tree, such as the one above, if the elk started charging at us. However, none of the elk charged while we were there. 

They seemed to be very used to people, and we walked up very close to them. 

This is one of my favorite photos. It shows the weak baby elk who is very small in build, and it also shows the elk at the bottom right who is the leader of the pack. He is watching over the group at all times. 

Castlewood State Park

Castlewood State Park is a reason to pick up the hobby of hiking. Every step along the trail offers a beautiful and unique view. Early in the 1900s, this area was a popular retreat for partying St. Louisians. There even use be dance clubs around this area but the vast valley and beautiful scenery are what remain. 

I liked this picture because it shows the sudden drop of the cliff if one would keep walking, and it also shows the vast valley on the right. 

When walking down from the top of the cliff, there is this unique abandoned staircase that has become part of the forest.

The Saint Louis Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the nicest Zoo's across the country.  One of the best things about our Zoo is that is the price of admission is free. 

The sea lion exhibit of the Saint Louis Zoo has been built in the last couple of years and cost a mere 18 million dollars to build. There is a tunnel that you can walk under that is made of glass so you can see the animals all around you. 

I liked this picture because I think it captures the orangutan's face inside his exhibit and shows his emotion. 

I had never been to the zoo before where there was snow on the ground so it was interesting to see how the animals looked in the snow. The zebra's looked especially awesome with the snow showing their black stripes greatly. 

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

The Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located in South County near Highway 270 and Highway 44. There are multiple trails that one can walk through choosing either a long or short loop around the beautiful area. There is an education center at the beginning of the park that one can visit before walking around. 

 This bridge was the first of many throughout the half-mile loop at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. After crossing the bridge, that is over the road below, there is nothing but nature for the rest of the walk. 

 I took this picture because I feel like this shot displays the idea of simply sitting back and enjoying the nature all around us. "In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous." -Aristotle