Missouri Creek

These pictures are of a creek behind my house. I live in a rural area in Missouri. This time of the year the water is always the clearest because the rains are not heavy enough yet to cause flooding and muddy up the water. I have enjoyed time in this creek skipping rocks, building forts with friends, and swimming on hot July days. It is relatively small but full of wild life such as minows, crawfish, and the occasional duck. I thought it would be nice to share my own little piece of nature that I hope you will enjoy as much as I do. 

Castlewood State Park

Castlewood is a Missouri State Park. This park has trails for hiking, biking and horse back riding. These pictures were taken on the lone wolf trail. After a short 5 min hike one will reach the top of the hill that over looks the river where the hiker can see for miles. This park is great for an afternoon or midmorning hike to view the sunrises and sunsets. 

This is a trail that leads to the edge of a cliff where one can see
 the river and look out over the valley. 

In the foreground is a small part of the river
that a hiker can see from the bluff

Park bench screw with the river out of focus in the backgroud

Fallen timber on the trail 

Moss growing on the shady side of the hill

Lone Elk Park and World Bird Sanctuary

Lone Elk park and the World Bird Sanctuary is apart of one of the many state parks that Missouri has. This park offers visitors the chance to see owls, hawks, bison, and elk up close and personal. As visitors drive through the park there are places to have picnics and enjoy the scenery. 

Red tailed hawk, native to missouri

Bison just off the road way as a light snow is falling. 

An elk cow grazing in the woods 

A bull elk eating just off the road

St. Louis Zoo

The St. louis Zoo is one of the most popular attractions for visitors. This Zoo is free to the public and has many different animals and shows for one to enjoy. The pictures below display only a few of the many different types of animals the Zoo has for one to see. 

 Each specie of animal has its own section in the Zoo. This picture was taken in the indoor ape enclosure when one of the orangutan came up to the glass to pose for a picture. 

Felines, even the big ones enjoy there naps, but with there still being snow on the ground these big cats stayed cuddled up against the wall of their enclosure. I was lucky enough to get a picture right as the lioness rose her head. 

This pair of Zebras were standing side by side enjoying the warmth of the sun as the snow was starting to melt around there hooves. 

The final stop on this adventure to the Zoo would not of been complete with out a stop at the penguin exhibit. These penguins were outdoors enjoying the sun as well. Unlike the penguins from the Arctic, these penguins found the weather a bit cold. The penguins photoed above are from the tip of South Africa and are used to warmer climates.