Pamukale Turkey

Grandma and Grandpa went to Pamukale Turkey.

Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.  (wiki)  (Trojan War)

The site is considered to be one of the oldest Health Spas in the world.  Ancient  people came from all over the Meditrainian to sooth their problems in the calcium enriched water.

nice shoes

San Juan Island Kayak

Grandma and Grandpa went Kayaking around the San Juan Islands.  These islands are in Puget Sound of Washington State.  The only way to get to there is by Boat.  There is a big ferry boat that carries cars to some of the islands and there are other islands that can only be accessed by private boaters.

Here is a picture of Grandpa in his Kayak.    All of the camping gear and food is stowed in the front hatch.  We had to take sleeping bags; ground pads and a tent.  We also took pots and pans to cook our meals.  Lots of planning to make sure everything fit.

Here i a picture of a water tank at the State Park Campground.  The fresh water came from a deep well.  The water was held in this structure.  People can get fresh water from deep wells because salt water is lighter than fresh water and it stays on top.

Here is a picture of a giant Slug on the trail.  This slug is called a Banana Slug.  Can you guess why it is called a banana slug?  The banana slugs of the SAN JUAN ISLAND ARE THE SECOND LARGEST SPECIES of land slugs in the WORLD.  They can grow to almost 9 inches long.  

The banana slugs breath air and have "eyes" that see light and movement on the ends of stalks on their heads.   They can move almost 6 inches per minute.  That is not very fast. 

About one hundredth of a  mile per hour.

Do you know what the slug said when it rode on the back of the turtle?

Wheee !!!!

Loads of Love

Grandpa and Grandma

Hawaiian Style

Grandma and Grandpa went to Hawaii.  Hawaii is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean and one of the United States of America.  

Here is a map showing Where in the World is Hawaii.

Grandma and Grandpa went to Hawaii to be with friends and fly our paragliders.  One friend made a nice video " Emerald Hills" of our flights on Saint Patrick's Day. -  I have attached a video link upper right -.    We were all very excited to be able to fly in such wonderful weather at such a beautiful place with such a lucky vibe.  Grandma is on the red glider seen on the opening page -  Grandpa is the Blue and Yellow Glider and blue helmet.

Here is a picture of Grandma flying  on the Island of Oahu.

There are many wonderful things to do in Hawaii.

Hawk in Flight

Here is a picture Grandma took of a Hawk in Flight. 

Here is a picture Grandpa took of Grandma taking the picture of a hawk in  flight.  

Hawks are predatory birds, also called raptors.  Hawks have excellent hearing, curved beaks, taloned feet, and the best eyesight of any animal, including humans.  Research found that a hawk can react to a rabbit from a distance of two miles.

Hawks, like lots of  birds, pair with a mate for life.  The pair will  return to the same nesting site year after year to raise the kids.  If one dies the other will try to find a new partner and will build a new nest, even if they go back to the same area.  

Most hawks would rather run away than fight.  They are sometimes harassed by other birds, such as owls or crows or starlings.  Have you ever seen a hawk being chased by smaller birds?

Hawks mostly hunt by sitting on a perch and watching for prey.  When they see their food, they swoop down to the ground after it. Rarely, they will also fly in search of prey.   They usually go for small mammals, like mice chipmunks and shrews.

Here is a picture Grandma took last fall of a  hawk in our yard.  This one is a fledging red tail.  She has a mouse in her talon which she is hiding under her feathers while she perches on one leg.   

Here is a picture Grandma took through the window of our truck just after the fledgling red tail dove down onto our driveway to catch the mouse.   Fledglings  are the young birds which have just learned to fly and are trying to live without their parent's support.  Fledglings often make mistakes.  Like not looking for a truck coming up the road before going after a meal.  

Grandma and Grandpa hope you have enjoyed learning about hawks.  Hawks live everywhere.  Even in Big Cities.  Perhaps you will see a hawk circling high in the sky.

Loads of Love.