Back to Nature

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It was a beautiful weekend to spend outdoors!  My folks, Sophie and I ventured to one of our favorite northern Virginia parks to visit in the springtime: Huntley Meadows.  The last time Sophie was here, she was in a stroller!

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After a stop in at the Visitor Center to see the exhibits and purchase a souvenir visor, we were off on our adventure.

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As soon as we got to the boardwalk part of the trail, we were treated to the sight of this baby muskrat lunching on some grass.  So cute!  Looks like a beaver til you see his ratty tail...

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The frogs are so hard to see, but we managed to catch sight of a few.

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We saw at least 35 giant snapping turtles, but they were very hard to photograph.  This little guy was east to "catch" as he made his way across the mud.

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SO many tadpoles, in various stages of metamorphosis.

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My dad spotted this snake sunning himself on top of some rushes.  Not sure what kind he is, but I would have just walked on by if it hadn't been pointed out to me!

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And, most exciting of all for Sophie, she got to leave the park with a new pet.  Her inchworm "Inchy" has survived transport in a bag and a cup, and is now comfortably situated in a plastic container that has been all pimped out by Sophie.  Inchworm heaven!

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Was it outdoor weather in your corner of the world this weekend?  What did you do?!