Wolf Sanctuary of PA

Earlier this year we visited the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, which is located in Lititz. It is home to a variety of wolf packs. And an education facility for those looking to tour and learn about wolves. You can take a tour most Saturdays and Sundays, it is just $12 a person. You can also reserve a tour on a Tuesday or a Thursday for $15 a person. Additionally, they offer private tours and full moon tours. You can find out more by visiting their website.

The wolf sanctuary provides refuge to these wolves, since PA is not a natural residence for wolves. They provide food and a land for them and also happily accepts donations. You can sponsor a wolf by visiting their membership page. It can help the sanctuary provide and meet the wolves needs. You can also purchase gift certificates, donate, or purchase merchandise here.

It’s an interesting experience and you’ll learn a lot about the wolf packs. Plus, you’ll get to watch the caretakers feed them and see the unique personalities that each of them have. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in the area.

ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is located in Hershey, PA and is associated with Hershey Park Entertainment and Resorts. In fact, it is adjacent to HersheyPark. You can visit the zoo separately or as part of your day at the park.

The zoo is open year around and spans 11 acres. If you want a special, check out $5.50 Fridays, which runs from January 29th-March 18th this year. They also offer an annual community weekend (no charge for tickets). The event took place this past weekend (January 30th-31st).

Learn more about the zoo by visiting their webpage, they offer education programs, behind the scenes tours and information on conservation. ZooAmerica’s page also features a kid’s section (including information on birthday parties). You can also learn how to get involved including employment, volunteer opportunities, and job shadowing.

 

Winter Storm Jonas

Winter Storm Jonas definitely didn’t fall short of expectation. At least not in our area! We got hit with more than 24″ of snow in two days. And most of it fell Saturday.

Our area was actually experiencing a pretty warm winter up until recently. Then it started to get colder and eventually “crap hit the fan,” and winter decided to come all at once…

Saturday felt like a never-ending storm. Snow continued to pile up and the wind was relentless. But Sunday was like “the calm after the storm.” Although the shoveling wasn’t fun, the views were absolutely breathtaking. Here are a few shots from our backyard. Did I ever mention that I love this view?!

Missing the OBX

Well, it’s a new year and it’s starting to feel a lot like winter. The temperatures have been below freezing this week. And I can’t help but yearn for warmer months and a trip to the OBX. So I’m sharing with you this picture which was taken during our September trip to the OBX. Fond memories come to mind and I can almost picture the sand between my toes.  Anyone else missing barefoot beach weather or is it just me?

 

Ducks in the Snow

I don’t know about you, but where I live, we’re currently experiencing a warm winter. I almost have to remind myself that it’s December. We’ve had highs in the 60’s. So I thought I’d take today to reflect back on past winters. This picture was taken in December of 2012. We had an incredible snowfall and decided it was the perfect excuse to get out the camera. This is one of my favorite shots of the ones we took. How often do you see  ducks in the snow?

Christmas Kitty

Thanksgiving has officially passed, which means we’re setting up for Christmas in our household. We set up the tree, hung the stockings, and put out my collection of Nutcrackers. To quote Meredith Wilson, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” And we’re not the only ones enjoying the festiveness. If you’ve seen any cat/Christmas memes or vids, you know all too well, that cats have a “special” relationship with Christmas trees. Luckily for us, our cats don’t knock it over or try to climb it (maybe because it’s artificial?). However, they do love to lay underneath it. And Shadow (the cat pictured here) likes to chew on the fake pine needles (she has an obsession with plastic…). Anyway, this picture was taken with her laying on the arm of the couch with the tree lights in the background. Keep in mind, for your holiday photos, Christmas lights make for great bokeh! Anyway, we hope you had a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the season!

Autumn Leaves

A couple years ago, my husband and I took a trip to the PA Wilds. The area is breathtaking during the fall color change. You can see vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. It’s really quite remarkable. And now that fall is on its way out, it seems like a good time to remember the beautiful start of the season. So enjoy these awesome warm colors while you can and get ready to bundle up because winter is right around the corner.

 

Sunset in OBX

The night crept up on us this evening. We had prepared to ride out in the
boat to a local island. However, the four of us couldn’t all ride in the boat at once, especially with all the gear. So, my stepdad (the captain) had an idea to basically ferry us over. My mom awaited at a local marina, as my stepdad drove my husband and I towards the island. On the way, we caught the glimpse of dolphins swimming near by. However, as we got further out from the bay we made the realization that the water was just too choppy. In the end it turned out to be a good thing, because dusk was creeping in quickly.  We turned around and were dropped off at the marina where we had left our car and my mom awaited. My mom and stepdad took the boat back to the shore-house, as my husband and I picked up the car. We beat them home just in time to catch this stunning image of the two of them arriving. Although we may not have made it to the local island, between the dolphins and the sunset, it was definitely worth the short trip!

HMPS Apple Fall Fest 2015

The end of daylight savings time reminds us that autumn is in full swing and winter is just around the corner. One of the things we love most about the season is the beautiful array of colors from fall leaves to festive gourds.

This photo was taken at the Haldeman Mansion Apple Fall Fest. It’s an annual event that takes place in Bainbridge, PA every October. The mansion is a historical building, birthplace of Samuel Haldeman. The event offers attendees the ability to tour the grounds and enjoy old fashioned fun. And what’s a festival without some delicious eats!? There are a number of tasty menu items including the ever popular apple dumplings. You can learn more about the event by visiting the HMPS website.

Enjoy the fall season and get ready, because winter’s coming! And no, that’s not a Game of Thrones reference.

Night Sky in Hatteras, N.C.

So often our skies are filled with light pollution. We miss the beauty that lies beyond the street lights. However, there are points in the OBX that allow for a better view.

Where we stayed in Hatteras, gave us the privilege of witnessing some of this natural beauty. The 180 degree view from the house allowed us to see for miles.

Nightly, we sat out on the deck enjoying the stars. However, this particular photo captured a faraway storm. The night sky would get dark and then occasionally a blip of light would be seen across the horizon.

It’s a reminder that natural beauty exists, but sometimes we have to sit still long enough to appreciate it. Our lives fly by at an incredible speed, yet we miss so much when we don’t take time to “breathe.”