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Published: October 2nd 2012
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Polar Bear submerged!
...great thing to see. Awesome sight that the kids loved. Very impressive. Just incredible how big these bears are. Saturday arrived and was day two for us here in Carlsbad. The plan was, weather permitting that we would go to the Safari Park which is near here and now one of the San Diego regions leading tourist attractions. Weather was permitting, in fact was superb, but we got all ready to head out, went to leave...and then realised we really didn't want to. Kids were more interested in swimming in the pool, Reubs wanted to play tennis here and they both just wanted to 'hang out' for the day. So we did just that with the exception of an outing later in the evening for several hours at the outlet mall to knock off the bulk of the clothes and shoes shopping we had planned.
And that pretty much sums up Saturday...
Sunday, we were out the door just after 9.30am and heading for San Diego Zoo. We had visited there early last year but at a time when Reuben, and as a result Sandy, were unable to experience or enjoy it...so it was always our plan to return.
We travelled the I-5 direct into the city and the zoo was so well signposted it made finding
...and up for air!
...again, amazing how big these things are. it easy. Were in the zoo just a little after 10.15 and already it was shaping up as a bit of scorcher - mind you, being 5 days out of Alaska everywhere is fairly warm, but this got really hot.
Our plan was to jump on the cable car that rides high over the zoo for several minutes and head to the Polar enclosures at the furtherest point of the zoo. We stuck with the plan and did just that. Unfortunately, there was nothing polar about the temperatures and it was still stinking hot. Reuben volunteered as team photographer for the day so took the camera and most of the pictures in this blog. He did a good job.
Watched this polar bear in the water while his enclosure partner (very P.C as don't know the status of their relationship) slept on a platform in full sunlight. That didn't seem quite right - an Arctic bear sunbathing in the California sun. Regardless, both impressive animals.
Had a good 5 hours moving through the zoo, the only downside being the heat which became a little oppressive. The Arctic Fox was a hit with Caitlin, as were the Reindeer
A Dad's favourite...
...a lone Jaguar. Never seen one before so really great to see. Just a beautiful animal! (not sure why), the Meerkat with Reuben (his favourite African animal) and for dad, the South American Jaguar.
The signature of the zoo is the Panda, and this is the most popular exhibit in the zoo, so took some patience to get in and actually see them. We persevered and it was worth it as they are interesting and engaging creatures. Sandy voted this her favourite animal of the day.
Also saw the Gorillas and a wide range of animals that you seldom see in other zoos.
We finally took pity on the kids and took them back to the resort. Had a minor navigational hiccup that led to a short detour through lower San Diego city as searched for the freeway we had lost and then, once we found it, searched further for how to get back onto it. Worked out fine and ended up back at the resort around 4.30 and the kids and parents were all fairly quickly back into the pool...and stayed there for quite some time.
Then, just after dinner, around 7.30, Sandy found an urge to visit a Walmart. I didn't ask why. That would achieve nothing. So an hour
Reuben's fav...
...Reuben loves Meerkats and took photo after photo after photo of these little fellas! later, we're wandering around some Walmart Supercentre. Kids bought a couple of toys, Sandy found something or other she needed and we headed home - none the wiser as to what had prompted this sudden urge.
All good.
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The Swampies
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Roll over Lord Lichfield
Top photos Reuben if you're really lucky dad might buy you a flash camera (hint hint dad) looks likea great day at the zoo and I'm with Reuben I think the meerkats are pretty cool as well. Caitlin have you taken those shoes off yet? They look fantastic and mum says that they have lights in them too...pretty cool eh. You guys will soon be back n NZ so get ready for some more hot weather?? It's been soooo hot here NOT? Take care and see you soon