I have transformed into the most ghastly of beasts; can you even recognize me in this dastardly form?
My huge ears pick up the smallest of crinkly noises
My silent wings glide through the night air
Sometimes at terrifying speeds
I am a master hunter, known to all as the Deadly Candy Bat
I prowl the neighborhood for unattended sweets
The candy never had a chance. Truly, I am a monster!
Tiny Hippos are always on the lookout for interesting new types of fauna. We love the excitement of the hunt, plants are the most stealthy of all game, so silent. While I was visiting Governor Dodge State Park, in Wisconsin, I discovered some great specimens.
I started my exploration at Stephens Falls Trail
Stephen Falls is a mossy waterfall that is so very peaceful
First off, a relaxing nap with some lovely ferns was in order
I found this unique Walking Fern that was very difficult to track, I had to don some camouflage so as to not startle it
Yet, this tiny fern was not afraid of a wee hippo like me
Hmm… These berries look so good, but mom always told me not to eat mystery berries and I am not sure what these are. Does that mean they are mysterious?
If you look closely, you will find all sorts of tiny mushroom friends in the forest
These little fellas are Gem Studded Puffball mushrooms, must be very valuable
You must always keep an eye out for wee mushrooms, they are around every turn
While must mushrooms are very shy, this group was just bursting to meet me
Lost Canyon Trail follows a small stream and as all Tiny Hippos know, streams are the best places to find fabulous fauna
Like this Field Horsetail, a silly, ancient plant, that thinks it looks like a field of horse tails
When dealing with streams, one must be prepared to cross them
Easy does it…
Always be careful not to crush the fauna you are seeking
There was no way I would accidentally tread on this big boy
These mushrooms looked like stairs, but remember, no trampling the fungi
Sometimes, the best way to view them is to climb a nearby branch
I like these mushrooms, they look like turkey tails
While on your adventure, don’t forget to look up once and a while, enjoy the view
Small streams always bring me peace
I hope you get a chance to go fauna exploring this fall. I know that I had a wonderful time and I am sure you will too.
Argh, it is too hot!
I must go inside to find something that will cool me down
Ahhh… this is very nice, but I was hopping for something sweeter
Yes, this is more my style
Now, to make the perfect cone
It is missing something…
Thank you, Sprinkle Fairy!
Now it is a masterpiece, I must take it outside and enjoy it quickly
Delicious, the dino sprinkles really make it
Nom nom nom…
BRAIN FREEZE!
Nothing is better than a vanilla cone on a hot summer’s day. I need a dip in the pool, I have made a bit of a mess.
While visiting Baltimore I made sure to take sometime to see the bronze sculptures that grace the parks around the Washington Monument in the neighborhood of Mount Vernon (at the intersection of North Charles Street and Mount Vernon Place).
The Washington Monument stands tall behind the Marquis de Lafayette atop his noble steed.
The horse wasn’t the only dignified creature gracing the parks of Mount Vernon, this seated lion was very stoic, if not a bit aloof.
There was a wee turtle and a child playing in a fountain
A pretty lady was doing stretches in one of the fountains
I found this soldier with a smashing good hat
Isn’t that a great dragon?
There was a series of four sculptures representing different themes. This one is Force, he seemed very stern.
The War sculpture had a helmet that was the perfect for protecting a Tiny Hippo
The Peace statue was very relaxing
Order was the most frightening statue, I had to run away from a very large cat!
The sculptures and fountains that grace the parks of Mount Vernon are definitely worth a visit, see you there!
I started my visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore with a visit to the Jellies Invasion exhibit!
These little guys are Aurelia aurita better known as Moon Jellyfish. Fun fact: When deprived of food, they can shrink to 1/10th of their size to save energy.
This cluster of Moon Jellies seemed to pose for a family portrait as I was admiring them
Here are some more Moon Jellyfish that were illuminated with blue light
I just love how soft and feathery they look
Northern Sea Nettle or Chrysaora melanaster is a delicate looking jellyfish
Here you can see all of its great tentacles, they can reach a length of 10 feet!
This Sea Nettle almost looks like a mushroom
Pacific Sea Nettle or Chrysaora fuscescens was one of the more showy jellyfish
This Pacific Sea Nettle tucked its self nicely into its cap while it floated downward on its back
The Blue Blubber Jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus) was my favorite of all the jellies
The Blue Blubbers would flit through their tanks, when an obstacle would present itself, the Blubbers would just bounce off in a new direction, so cute!
This gentleman is, perhaps, a Lion’s Mane Jelly?
The Jellyfish were a delight that I recommend you visit while in Baltimore.
Meanderings Abound 