I was suprised how nice Norfolk’s zoo is … it’s pretty big, the animal displays are reasonably updated and humane looking, and the range of wildlife is pretty startling considering the location. Besides, there’s nothing like watching turtles making whoopie with your family.
For some reason, I love hiking around abandoned farmland. It must be my hippie upbringing, but my favorite hike (Susquahannah State Park) is also around the same type environment. I must have spend half an hour walking around an old abandoned barn on the Merkle property.
Speaking of which, I should really do Susquahannah again. I don’t think I have been there since I got the new camera.
Not much of a hike to and from, but the payoff (the falls themselves) was amazing. I’ve never had much chance to play around with shutter speed near water before, and that in itself was a lot of fun. Hokie, but fun.
Went to the zoo today, with a borrowed telephoto lens. Cheap little thing, but it still managed to take some great pictures that just wouldn’t have happened with my regular 28-70mm lens. Also, turns out that you don’t need tickets to see “Butterstick” the panda… Just go to the Panda Cafe and peer over the wall in the outdoor dining area.
Hiked the Old Stone Fort Trail in Harpers Ferry National Park. Outstanding hike. While the views weren’t particularly great, the breastworks, trenches and other relics of the Civil War add a terrific historic element to the trek. Overcast day, which was great for the cloud shots, but lousy for pretty much everything else.
Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry NHP
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unclevanya/sets/…6746/
![[Downtown College Park, College Park, Maryland]](https://theparkerfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/87690694_b179922642.jpg)
my grandfather was both born in college park, and was a professor at the university of maryland, so it was fun spending some time wandering around.
Wanted to go to the Building Museum for quite some time, and had the opportunity when my parents were in town. Great lines, and stunning architecture. Take the tour, which gets you on to the 4th floor which is otherwise closed to the public.
![[]](https://theparkerfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/115015724_4056326067.jpg)