Today, for the first time in years, I chaperoned a field trip for the boy. Went up to Jacobsburg State Park. Park rangers covered three different areas — hiking, orienteering, and birding.
There was a lot more walking than I usually do, and I’m glad I used both ankle brace and cane. My legs are weak and weary, but it’s a good feeling.
Pretty much all of the birds we saw are the same ones I see in our yard and neighborhood — hardly surprising, given how close the state park is. Turkey vultures, American crows, American robin, sparrows, chickadees. The ranger did identify a flock of pine siskins, though, and titmouse and nuthatches, so that was cool.
I’m glad I went. The boy’s getting to the age where these opportunities are less frequent, even if he isn’t embarrassed to be seen with me in public, and I need to take advantage of the chances I have.
Sounds like a fun and educational outing (re the other birds the ranger identified). And yay for opportunities for spending time with your son!
Thanks, Ashe. It was pretty nice!
Sounds like a winning opportunity all the way around. Good thinking for the brace and cane. They do help.
Last week, I was using both regularly. This week, I’ve only needed the cane a couple of times (Wednesday being one, and Sunday at the girl’s soccer game the other). May abandon the brace this weekend.
My ankle’s been bothering me since I ran for the school bus with the girl (twice!) a couple weeks ago, so I’ve been trying to be gentle with it.
Did you take any photos? I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Hope the son did too. Oh, photos of the birds, I mean. It sounds like it was interesting.
I didn’t get any photos of the birds at the state park. However, yesterday one of the neighborhood red-tailed hawks posed at the top of our blue spruce for me. It’s not as close as I got with that picture on the grass, but it’s still a decent shot.
And yes, the boy said he enjoyed it, too.
Sounds like a lot of fun, and I hear you on the taking opportunities when they come.
Thanks, Margaret. 🙂 It was fun.