A Saturday out

The weather report called for rain today but as we looked outside we saw that there was sun to be enjoyed. This meant that neither of us felt like staying home and partaking in the work tasks we had lined out for the weekend but instead enjoying some of the sunshine while seeing some of the local sites. I was excited about this trip out not only for the opportunity to see some things but also because I had the new lenses for the camera and was anxious to try my hand at photography.

Off we headed toward Bath to see the American Museum. We'll admit that curiosity got the best of us and that we wanted to see what they had to offer of our history. Of course you aren't allowed to take pictures in the museum so there aren't many pictures of our trip to this location. But we have to say that the museum was really interesting. There are several rooms re-created from boards, furniture and accessories rescued from buildings or homes in America that were leveled for a reservoir or a highway. The museum didn't offer an opinion of American history so much as a FEEL of American history that we enjoyed. Due to our Civil War interests, there the New Orleans Room and the General Store were the areas of most interest to us. The New Orleans rooms offered beautiful bedroom furniture including a vanity with a marble top which David was quick to point out that I could not have. The room also had a beaded piece hanging on the wall which appeared to be a pocket like you would expect to put letters or something in which caught my eye as being quite unique. The General Store had cage crinolines hanging on the wall and a gorgeous mint-colored silk jacket on a dummy in the store window. The jacket had some excellent detail which we were able to look at in more detail as the woman was kind enough to spin the dummy around carefully so we could get a look at the epaulets in the back. Given the detail work and the style of the jacket I would guess it being 1870's.

After this we ventured into the gardens briefly where we met the groundskeeper.

From 2009-0425 American Museum Bath

Once we had paid our affection, we were allowed to continue on into the gardens. The trees are in bloom here and it makes for breathtaking views.

From 2009-0425 American Museum Bath

From 2009-0425 American Museum Bath

Next stop was Farleigh Hungerford Castle which David has attempted to see on several occasions only to find them closed for one reason or another. The castle was sprawling by comparison to most we've seen and was obviously built more for comfort than for defence. We enjoyed the audio tour which told us of the times the Farleigh's had chosen the wrong side and therefore found themselves loosing their titles or on a couple of occasions the castle itself.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment for having seen some things that had previously eluded us we saw that we still had time to go to Longleat Animal Safari. I changed the wide-angle lens for the telephoto lens as we headed in the direction of the park. We were slightly disappointed to find out at the gate that the Monkey portion was closed due to the monkeys having contracted a virus that they can carry harmlessly but is deadly to humans. We were thankful to find the staff taking precautions and wish them the best with getting the monkeys back on track.

As we entered the park, we realized that we'd gotten there just in time to see all the excitement as some of the staff tried to herd Trevor the Ostrich. The only reason we could figure for this behavior is that he got too close to the gate in an attempt to escape . .but Trevor wasn't going to be herded without a fight and even start pecking at the jeep at one point.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

We ventured through the rest of the park without further incident and enjoyed getting some GREAT photos with the new lens. We also were thrilled that the animals were hanging out relatively close to the road and in some cases, crossing the road either in front or behind the vehicle.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

In case you are wondering, yes those are Rhinoceroses and they are closer than they appear as they passed behind us and at one point in front of us.

The tigers almost seemed to pose for us.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

The lions were hanging out and/or avoiding the mower.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

We couldn't help this one's behavior being SO much like other cats we'd seen. Aside from their size, we saw a LOT of the same behaviors you see in domesticated cats.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

And then we were reminded of the size as we watched one young male lion climb back down the tree trunk and took a look at the huge paws and claws.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

Of course the wolves always impress and this was no different. The pack of wolves they have are Timber wolves from Canada. Some of the younger ones played a bit and/or were checking their pecking order in the pack . . no matter which it was it was short lived and didn't seem to cause anyone any injury.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

After we were done with the safari we headed toward the house . . boy what a house.

From 2009-0425 Longleat Animal Safari

David showed me the Victorian Kitchen which is part museum and part store offering kitchen accessories. VERY impressive. Things were starting to close and we'd wandered most of the grounds seeing things structured more toward children in this area than the adults and so we headed out feeling quite good about our successes for the day.