Hadn't been to the Woodland Park Zoo in awhile. Maybe since elementary school. It seems like many of the exhibits have been remodeled or renovated since then, but it could be I just don't remember those details. We got the discounted winter rates, and animal activity. Not much, that is to say. I think everyone and everything was just trying to stay warm. Lots of huddling in little corners and such. The Pacific Blue Chowder house served us some clam chowder that really hit the spot, along with a complimentary fry. That was a little bingo.

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In Deadwater Slough, off the Snohomish River near Everett, WA, there's an old abandoned boat. It's been there for years, isn't unknown, and apparently might be there for awhile. It's been on the back of my mind to take pictures of it since I first noticed it several years ago. I had some free time this past weekend to go out shooting with one of my nephews, so we settled on this and I started mapping out how we might get access to it. As it turns out, just north of where the slough joins the Snohomish, there's a little park called Spencer Island Park. Maybe standing on the south tip of the island would get us close enough for a telephoto lens? ... Wait, what's this park all about now? Maybe it'd be worth checking out. Plus, no mapping and brush-busting necessary. And it wouldn't be a problem for the family either so my little girl could get some fresh air. Talked myself right into it. We headed out just before dusk. The abandoned boat at Deadwater Slough would be tabled yet again.

As the tide came in, the sun set, and the temperature dropped, we walked along the main trail and watched for birds and signs of other wildlife. There were mostly ducks and herons, lots of them. For being so near the city, the setting also offered some neat wetland reflections and landscapes. And although it wasn't totally serene (there were some funny smells that we chalked up the saltwater and there were other folks about), it was something to explore. If we didn't get any startling imagery, we at least found a new place to take a stroll. That's something, isn't it?