Warning – photo of a hairy spider at the bottom of this page.
Although it was an early start this morning, we took it easy. The plan all along on this holiday was to take it easy. Previous holidays have been quite hectic and usually leave me needing another holiday to recover. This time, thanks to Bruce’s generous offer, we had an extra couple of days so we planned a leisurely itinerary.
Rufus went to Paradise Farm, the kennels we’d found and approved yesterday. He seemed happy enough to go and didn’t look back as he went into the kennel block. Back at the Barn, we took a stroll up to the top field where the pony was waiting for her carrots and some grooming. The hens in the next field down were out and followed us as we went to see if they’d laid any eggs. They looked like a procession following the regent. One hen was straining in the hen house so we didn’t disturb her.
After caffeine, we decided to go to Tropiquaria. It’s a small zoo with lots of other things to see and do. It’s a fallback for wet weather for us as it has a large indoor play barn, with castle and ball pit. What more could I ask for? The tropical room has a number of exotic birds and other creatures including a fine display of spiders, each one of which has been bred to look menacing and just a little too hairy for my liking. Despite the fact that both Em and I have held tarantulas in our hands, these made us nervous.
We toured the outside grounds, sailed the seven seas on the pirate ships, found the raccoon that had escaped from its cage (and was trying to get back in) and slid on the cable ride. If only I could upload the photos of me being a kid again (and again).
Then it was time to go and pick up Rufus. We got to Paradise Farm and he was waiting. By the time we’d got back to the Barn, I could see he was tired and not long after we’d settled, he was flat out and snoring by the big side windows. As I type, he has only roused himself because I’m eating a thickly buttered crust, and he knows he’ll get a bit.
franticsmurf 