Last Tuesday, I was able to take another little trip with my son, Brian. He had an overnight in San Diego, and there were open seats on the flight right after the one he was working, so I got on, and met him there and we headed off to the San Diego Zoo. I enjoyed the photographic opportunities there, and we laughed so much, and just had a wonderful day.

Leaving to CA, I had a 45 minute wait at the gate, and seated right across from me were about a dozen Marines right out of basic training. They looked so sharp in their crisp new uniforms. They were checking one another for anything amiss in their dress etc. I got all teared up thinking about their mothers, sending sons off to the unknown. When it was time to board, I was standing right next to them, and I took the opportunity to thank them, and noticed that many others did as well. Across the terminal from the Marines, were a row of pay phones and there were 7 Elders, and one sister missionary all saying goodbye to their families. I am so grateful for all of these incredible young people....protecting our country and keeping us safe, and the others for giving of their time to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Here are a few pictures from the zoo. These may look like ordinary snapshots, but they were an acomplishment for me, because I took all of them with manual settings. I learned a lot. At one point,we took a break for lunch at a little sandwich place in the Zoo. It was really good.

The Flamingos were the first exhibit right inside the gate. They are so pretty. Later in the day when we came back, they were being fed by hand, because, right along side of them were probaby over a hundred wild Mallard Ducks

One of several zebras in a herd.

The Elephants were eating and so they were not real close to us. Icaught this through the bars with a zoom lens.


This inquisitive bird stood over three feet tall, and he was very interested
in my camera

The Merecat exhibit was large. We learned that they will take turns standing watch, on this tall rock that is their look out point. He was very studious about his responsibility, turning his head almost all the way around while he watched everything he could see.

A mother Giraffe with her baby.

The Giant Panda eats 66 lbs of fresh Bamboo every day. We were lucky enough to see them at feeding time when they are out and active. I like this shot because she looks like she is playing the flute

Very serious business this eating is....

This is a large male Silverback Gorilla.

The park has a lot of these places where you can get yourself into the action by sticking your head into the scene for a photo

I forgot what kind of apes these are, but they were a cute little couple, just relaxing together

Beautiful flowers were everywhere. This one was about 8 or 9 inches across

When we left the zoo, we walked into another part of Balboa Park. I like the reflection in the water here

We ended the day playing on the beach for a little while. I really love this silouette of Brian

We were up very early to catch our flights. Mine left at 6:30 AM. This photo is of the sunrise from the window of the plane. That is not water, but clouds in the foreground.