Our Day Off and Patoka Lake

Today was one of our days off. We get 2 days off, tomorrow we are off too. We wanted to go see some other parks since we are so close to some of them. That took us farther south, and the leaves were even prettier. We left the park around 10:00 and we took the gravel road, which is right beside the park. That is the road that I got the pair of turkeys on a few blogs ago. We didn't see any 'wild' animals on the road today but there is a farm that has cows and goats. The goats were laying out on a hill in the sun. Oh you could tell they were enjoying the heat of the sun in this chilly weather. This is a Nubian, a milk goat. These are the same kind we used to raise. They have a sweet disposition and give lots of milk. This one looked very much like one we had called Sweetie Pie. She had twin babies one year, a boy and girl. Our girls had so much fun playing with the baby goats (kids) when they were little, as they would run and jump and twist. And they loved to feed them on the bottle too.

Looks like she is chewing her cud. They have four stomachs like a cow.

This pond is amazing with all the colors. We passed it on our way down south. I just LOVE the way the colors are reflected in the water from the trees.

I think the water looks like glass it was so still.

There are no words to say about this photo....except WOW!

Even though thistles are not a pretty plant they sure have neat looking flowers. This was growing a long a road we took down to a boat ramp. This little bee was so busy sticking his little head in and out of the flower. He didn't mind me being so close....he was a ''busy bee" :)

 Art has always wanted to go down to French Lick In. to see the casino and this hotel. This is the West Baden Springs. It was built in 1902 and the Atrium spans 200 feet. I am amazed that they could build something of this magnitude in the 1900's.  It reminded me of something you would see in a movie, about a king and his harem. There were no camels tied up outside but lots of trolley cars to transport guests around the resort. 

If you are 55 and over you can stay for a measly $204 a night with a TWO night minimum. Soo...how many nights would you like??

The rooms look out onto the lobby.
Some have balconies you can sit on. Me? I'd rather look into the forest and see the deer.

This is the Atrium. It looks like an enormous ceiling fan. I did like how the sky was visible.

Now 'this' is more like it. This is Patoka Lake. Look at those trees!!

The entrance to the park. 

Just look at this lake how beautiful and blue it is. This was behind a campsite in the park. There was a trail you could hike down to the lake. And yes, we walked it...wouldn't you? Look at that view!

This is Great Blue Heron (thanks Judy). He was so regal walking around the lake. He was very cautious of us and would stretch his neck out and look.  I know it is already long enough, but he would go straight out front. He was so much fun to watch. I wanted him to catch a fish but he didn't too nervous I suppose.

Two turtles in two days, I can't believe it! We were leaving the campground and on the road there went this little guy. I believe the road was very warm and he was soaking up the heat. He sure didn't know the danger he was in. Four cars passed him while we were turning around....whew he didn't get hit.

Look at that face. He wasn't as trusting as the older one yesterday. This one was a young one born this year I suppose. He never did come out of his shell, so I just sat him on the grass and got down on his level. I'm sure he is thinking what is she doing? I am NOT about to come out....just sit there all day if you like. :) 

I sure hope you like turtles because here are 17 for you to look at. And....there were more on farther  down the log. They were sure enjoying the sun. This was taken on Patoka Lake too.  I sure hit the jack pot with turtles today.

Turtles weren't the only creatures enjoying the log and sunshine.  This Heron blended in so well I almost missed him. 

Effie says, "I am sick of this cold weather. But guess I can't complain too much I am under this warm soft blanket."

The blog was giving me all kinds of problems tonight. The font is different sizes, and when I clicked on a picture it deleted it....URRRRRR I could have screamed but I got it done.......           So from Hardin Ridge we send hugs and best wishes.