Day 829

Last year I conquered my fear of heights. This year I didn't really have any plans of conquering any other fears. Until my daughter reminded me, as we were walking in the zoo, that they had a bat exhibit.

I remember the bat exhibit from last time. I may have had a bum knee back then but it didn't stop me from getting out of there as quickly as possible. I think I only snapped one picture then (being that I was terrified to take any others). It's not like they were out to get me, it was just that they were gross, disgusting, icky, and nasty.

So this time I was determined to stay in that area and study those bats. Sit and just be with them. Even though there again was glass separating them from me it still made me a bit squeamish. But I stayed. Stayed and got some amazing pictures of feeding time. I still don't like bats, but now I'm fascinated with the pictures - and excited about my bravery.

Day 828

I'm not big into zoos but daughter loves them. She remembers going to the Portland Zoo several years ago and was desperate to return. Last time around I hadn't yet had my knee replaced so I didn't wander around the joint with her. But this time she insisted I go with. Thanks to Scooter, I did. And thanks to my new digital camera I was able to capture some good pictures. Here are my five favorite.

I might be wrong but it looks like the frog is throwing gang signs at me.

One of these birds wet on me, Scooter, and my camera. Not fun.

This flamingo never moved from this position.

Looks kind of scary to me.

Aww...