|
|
The logistics of managing memorable moments…
Referencing “The Vacation” (Bonnet Shores, August 2013):
A photo capturing one of the carefree moments shared by my mother, sister and I graces the top of my cedar chest where it keeps good company alongside a solo of my father, their wedding photo, and a recent one of my grandnephew. Every day when I dust, my eyes mist when they peruse the Bonnet Shores snapshot because my sister and I both had an inkling of what we know for certain now: The summer vacation of 2013 was as good as it gets!
As time continues to wrought change, the summer vacation of 2019 involved managing logistics to accommodate family members ranging in age from 9 to 90. Once more, we pulled off our traditional Rhode Island lighthouse harbor tour aboard the ''Ava Pearl''.
For me, the highlight of the week centered on the day my sister and I devoted to my grandnephew, exploring the grounds of Roger Williams Park Zoo in the capital city of Providence. Founded in 1872, one of the oldest zoos in the United States, it has been nationally recognized and acclaimed.
As soon as we stepped out of our vehicle, my grandnephew led the way, determined for us to see more than 160 species of animals scattered throughout the woodland setting. We did!
For a time, we couldn’t find the snow leopard. Our navigator studied one of the area maps, certain we’d missed a turn along the pathway, and figured it out. Eureka! It would have been a shame to have missed viewing such a majestic animal. The sign indicated it uses its long, bushy tail as a scarf to keep warm.
I’ll never forget being beheld by the observant eye of one of the African elephants munching near the guardrail. It was fun to find those critters that chose to hide from public view within their habitat.
Thanks to my grandnephew, this visit to the zoo put me in touch with my inner child, observing the innocence and lack of guile in the surplus population of those under twelve years of age. Their unabashed exuberance and amazement at each discovery was priceless. Plus, the three of us indulged in ice cream.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my sister and grandnephew baring their wild side, daring to strap themselves in their seats on the Soaring Eagle, an exhilarating zip ride. Many people, myself included, gazed in awe from take-off to landing. Noted, my sister’s maniacal laugh and screams.
If you thought three hours at Roger Williams Park Zoo was enough for us to drag our tails through the exit—no way! My grandnephew was game for heading to the playground at another local park. And, more ice cream.
Thanks to logistics, three amigos enjoyed a day for the young at heart so our hearts could soar like an eagle.
|
|
|
|
what an excellent read
never stop writing
m
You reminded me of those get-togethers at the lake in northern Wisconsin over Fourth of July and/or Labor Day. Great times for all ages in our extended family.
Ron
Blessings, Eva.