First Day of Summer Vacation

Today was the first official day of summer vacation with the grandbabies.

We had breakfast, headed off to Wally World to get Rach a bathing suit, 

then we made a bee line for the best park in all of Reno.

After getting our sunblock on, and the bikes unloaded,

Brenden and Rachel couldn't wait to make a trip around the now familiar landscape.

There are lots of walking paths, a maze with tall grass that waves when the wind blows,

a three story tall play structure, lots of shade with tables and benches,

and this magnificent metal structure that stands high above all us humans.

I never get tired of looking at this sculpture depicting three different poses

of a Great Blue Heron.

At least that is what I think it is.

You might not think you would see these magnificent creatures here 

in the high desert of Northern Nevada.

But we have lots of wetlands in the area where the park is located.

And Herons.

This installation piece also has large bird foot prints stamped in the concrete pathways

suggesting the bird(s) wandered the grounds a bit

before taking up a roost.

 

The first thing Miss Rachel did when we arrived was shout over her shoulder as she ran,

"I'm going to look for the bird feet prints, grandma!"

I took off right behind her, and as I approached the bird sculpture 

I immediately noticed a rusty patina that was gained over the winter.

Last year it was gleaming silver.

I love to stand under the bird in flight, and marvel at the strength of the beating wings.

It seemed a fitting symbol for our first day together for summer 2011,

the grandbabies and I.