Most years, our first foray to the zoo is during Farm Babies, which usually starts towards the end of April. The zoo opens up the Farm and there are usually some baby animals to pet. It’s not a big a celebration as it was in years’ past, but who can resist petting baby goats. Not us.
This year, YA broke tradition by waking up last weekend and suggesting we go to the zoo that day. I didn’t have any plans, so off we went.
Our normal routine is to start with the inside exhibits – first the Tropics and then the Minnesota Trail. We skipped the Bird Show as they re-jiggered the winter show last year and we didn’t care for it too much. Then we walked on the lake bridge to see the tigers, caribou and moose then around the Northern Trail – the Bactrian camels were all out sunning together – it looked like they were at a symposium:
The two takins that were out were having a great day, chasing each other around; we’ve never seen them that active. One of the snow leopards was also enjoying the sunshine (see the header photo). In fact, that did seem to be the theme of the day; many of the animals were enjoying the sunny day.
After winding back to the main building through the Grizzly Coast, we had our lunch, augmented with french fries. Had to hit the gift shop, although we almost never purchase anything. Then sea lions and weedy sea dragons and sharks before we headed home. A wonderful day.
How do you like your sunshine? Porch? Adirondack chairs? Chaise lounge? Hands and knees in the garden? Sun lamp?
Trail Baboon 
I prefer my sunshine “speckled” through trees under which I walk along a path or a non-busy road. I like it to come over my shoulder from behind, and brighten the landscape in front of me as I move along.
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Sittin’ in the morning sun..
Feet in the water.
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Yes!
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VS, which zoo is this – I should probably know this…
Sitting on a bench or blanket by a lake, if it’s not to breezy – Lake Winona is perfect, but you usually need to have a jacket ready except in hottest weather – then the breeze is really nice.
Take-out coffee early in the day with friends, or wine later on, is a plus.
Also just sitting out in the back for a quick “sun meditation” is nice if there is time.
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I’ve been calling it the New Zoo for almost 50 years but I think I’m probably the last hold out. The Minnesota Zoo is the one I’m talking about. Although it’s a good ask because YA and I also visit the Como Zoo regularly.
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And then there’s Fawn-doe-Rosa…
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Coming up soon… we usually go in May!
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In winter, skiing on fresh snow, perfectly tracked through the forests of northern MN. Warm sun on a cool day on the golf course is pleasant too, especially in September. Also love it canoeing across a BWCA lake on a windless morning, listening to loons and watching an eagle float across the sky.
Chris in Owatonna
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MN state zoo
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I avoid bright light whenever possible, including the sun.
Clyde
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Rise and Shine Baboons,
I am headed out of town for the weekend, so back on Monday. I prefer my sunshine in the morning while gardening.
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Depends on the temperature. I don’t like the sun when it’s 80 degree’s and humid.
But the sun on a 30 degree winter day feels pretty nice.
Or after all day in the theater, it’s pretty nice to get outside and feel the sun on my face.
After I sold the milk cows and I didn’t have to run home to do chores and milk, I could stay at the theater. It didn’t take long to realize 15 hours inside wasn’t healthy. A person needs to get outside, even if it’s just to sit on the loading dock having lunch for 45 minutes.
Kelly and I were just saying yesterday, we need to get the deck chairs out on the veranda. Maybe this weekend.
“Veranda Chairs”?
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Nice and sunny in Montreal today, but cool, about 50° F. My meetings started today, but Husband got to the McGill University bookstore (our hotel is close to McGill) and to a grocery store for snacks a provisions. Hebhad lunch in a Portugese Cafe. Wonderful food here!
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I like sun any way I can get it, but my favorite is sunlight reflected on a body of water–Lake Harriet, Lake Superior, the ocean, whatever. We’ve been sitting in the sun on the deck on folding chairs when the weather is warm enough, and getting impatient for nicer weather so we can set up the table and chairs.
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Sun is great, and in ND we have quite a bit, but the wind wrecks any enjoyment of it.
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Is it almost always windy?
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Yes.
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