Reptiles at Risk

Day 1: We're on the ROAD!!

Posted by Mary-Ellen Peckham on July 16, 2007 at 3:00 PM

Hello World!

After weeks of planning we are finally on the road - and of all days to leave- Friday the 13th ...OOOO! Luckily of all the things that could have gone wrong- a minimal number did! We left yesterday at 5:00 pm after a hectic day of last minute planning,packing, building and repairs. We realized before pulling out of the driveway that we would miss our fellow coworkers. This was marked by the tears that started at 4:30 pm with our "Bon Voyage" toast and continued to the moment Sarah Jane pulled out some chocolate for all to chow down on. Then to our astonishment and happiness- minutes after our good byes and seconds on the road; we realized we had forgotten the mirrors for the van- the ones we needed to see around the trailer- so we pulled in to get diesel fuel and had them delivered along with a last hug, a few tears and a good laugh!

In the packing and organizing, Sarah Jane attempted to take Frank Burns (resident ferret of the staff housing) as a stow away but was then informed that a van full of snakes would make a tasty meal for Frank and we decided to leave him there. At Sciensational Sssnakes!! reptile safety is our primary concern! I am sure if there was room, we would have taken all the other staff and animals as stow aways!

The trip to Presque'ile was quiet, no real news from that other than to say we realized that the tape deck in the van is broken...we have decided to fix that...SOON! (I don't know anyone who wants to hear me sing from here to Nova Scotia without music to turn up louder then I can sing!) OH- a cool sighting- we saw an osprey's nest on a telephone pole!

The show itself last night was great! The group was amazing and very patient! Thanks to all of the 400 people who attended! All the kids were so clever and intelligent and knew all the right answers. The hands on part had great participation. I am proud of all those who were hesitant to hold the snakes but then realized how harmless they are and decided to give it a try to end up loving it! I even heard a few of them say they would not mind a pet snake!!

Today we were up early, packed and on the road for errands. We realized last night when we went to get the chicken to cook for supper that I forgot to pack the freezer box - note to Orillia staff....there is a surprise in the freezer! *In fact, I meant to leave it as a fairwell present for you* We made a pit stop for some groceries and some duct tape.

As I blog for you, as we are heading to Lanark for their "Art of being Green Festival"- to see where else Jeff, the Sarah's and I are going check out the calendar on the website! So far as navigator I have ONLY gotten us lost twice and taken the long way once....yet no one else has volunteered to be a navigator in my place....Hmmmm....I'm really excited for the festival, this sounds like a great event to be able to talk with people at about reptile conservation!

Looking out the window I can see some Canadian Shield - this is really exciting for me as until this summer I have never seen it before! - I hail from the maritimes. Jeff is pointing out turtles in the small wetlands on the side of the road and it is great to see them in their natural habitat. Meanwhile Sarah B is going through Justin Timberlake withdrawl in the backseat (the no tape/CD issue) and has just told me she misses her "petit poisson" song; but she is finding some comfort in her Antoine pictures (a hockey player for the Senators). Sarah Jane is currently attempting to write in her journal but is often distracted by things out the window..especially shiny things...As for me, I am back to navigating....which consists of attempting to not get us more lost than we are...especially since we just found ourselves!

Smiles and laughter,
Mary-Ellen