Go outside and explore

Here are some highlights from a recent trip to Cedar Ridge Preserve. My friend Tore hadn’t ever been there and the last time I had been there was at least 3 or 4 years ago. I was happy to discover not much has changed. It’s still the same beautiful and secluded place that I remember and there are plenty of signs that warn about poisonous snakes. I still haven’t ever seen a snake but I do heed the warnings.

You might be wondering about the photo below. No, I didn’t spit on a plant and neither did Tore. There were lots of plants covered in these bubbles – way too many for two people to be responsible for. The bubbles are the result of spittlebugs. Spittlebugs produce this protective covering to hide from predators and to stay hydrated. Click here for more info on the spittlebug or do a Google search.

The photo below is particularly exciting. I didn’t know I photographed a caterpillar until I downloaded the photos to my computer.

Toward the end of the adventure, I spotted a lizard. Then I spotted a second lizard. Then a third lizard… all on the same tree. They were pretty accommodating – I managed to get close to them without spooking them… too much. A very quick Google search suggests they are Broad Headed Skinks – but I leave it to experts out there to confirm.