Tue - Aug 11
Randle, Wa.
Weather: cloudy/scattered showers-mid 70’s (23C)



Long sleep-in…up at 8am...we mill around, make breakfast, mill around and then decide to check out the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), near Vancouver, Wa.



It took about two hours to get to Ridgefield and as we got closer the weather appeared to be getting better (no rain). We checked-in at the information centre and, with a few hints from the local Rangers, off we went to check out the five (plus a little) mile auto tour in the NWR.



We were told this was a great area for wildlife and we could get some good shots here, so we were excited to check it out. No let downs here...even in the afternoon in the last part of summer there was a lot to see. It took almost three hours to drive the auto loop. One of the highlights was seeing a rare white heron…we hope to get positive I.D. when we return later this week.



We also saw a new animal, never heard of it before, called Nutria. Nutria were first introduced in the United States in California in 1899, and then to the southern states in the early 20th century, for fur farming and weed control. Their history is an interesting one, with both positive and negative aspects. The Nutria is a large, web-footed rodent that is more agile in the water than on land. They look a lot like a big rat. They live in burrows, or nests, never far from the water and may inhabit a riverbank or lakeshore, or dwell in the midst of wetlands. They are strong swimmers and can remain submerged for as long as five minutes. Nutria (also called coypu) are varied eaters, most fond of aquatic plants and roots. They also feast on small creatures such as snails or mussels. They are prolific animals and were in the abundant refuge, we saw them in every water way, lake and pond.



We finished our tour, the clouds were weeping on us, heavily at times, and persisted as we drove back to Randle. Along the way we stopped to pick up supplies and then it was back to Gus. Surprisingly, even with all the rain the ground was totally dry under the conifers.



It was a long day. We stopped along the way for dinner, got home downloaded photos (forget about sorting tonight), and literally crawled into bed. The adventure continues...



To see more of 'The Great Adventure 2009' images click HERE



To see more of our animal images click HERE