A lazy day

Jerald has been asking since November if we could go down to the Hawk watch platform at Cape Henlopen State Park. Every weekend finds us with a myriad of things going on, or various children aren't feeling well and so here it's March and we've not gone. Kev decided today is the day.

After church, and after an unplanned service call, we headed out. By the time we got down there, it was getting cooler and we didn't have a lot of time before it got dark. However, we had a wonderful time! Parker has decided that he hates sand in his crocs, but he can tolerate it barefoot without the crocs. This is a significant improvement from last year.

We first went to the Hawk watch station and watched for hawks. We didn't see any, not really the best time of day for it. In fact, we didn't see any birds except a few Vultures and Gulls. After a bit of bird watching and picture taking, we walked down on the beach. Well, we walked a good ways towards the beach, but it was cold and getting late, so we opted to turn around and head back to the bus.

For those that have never been to Cape Henlopen State Park, part of the park is the Fort Miles Historical area. During World War 2, Fort Miles was an important part of the nation's coastal defense. The Hawk watch platform is built atop an underground bunker area. Some of the bricks are knocked out and you can see there is still a table, couch, refrigerator and other stuff in there.

As part of Fort Miles, there were several observation towers built in the area. One of the ones in the park has been renovated and is open to the public. Kev went up with the big boys (75 feet) while I stayed below with the others. Well, actually we started up, but Magdalyn decided to only go about halfway and Aaron freaked after getting about 20 feet up.

Lastly, we went to the Fort Miles area and peaked in a baracks building, saw some of the big cannons/guns/whatever they are called and climbed to the top of the biggest bunker. Parker was a bit scared and so was Aaron. Aaron didn't want Parker to know he was scared though. It was so adorable to hear their conversations.

One conversation went something like this...

Parker: I a little bit scared.

Aaron: We don't hafta be scared. Daddy's with us.

Parker: I hope no enemy guys are gonna kill us.

Aaron: You don't have to be afraid of the em...the emen...the emenies...I mean the bad guys.

Parker: Enemies are strong though, Aary. They might killed us.

Aaron: Nope. No emenies here. They were here a long long long long long time ago, like before we was even borned.

Parker: Aary, will you hold my hand?

Aaron: Yes. I will 'tect you, 'cause I'm your big brother.

Aaron: looks at me and whispers.. "will you hold my hand and 'tect me while I 'tect Parker?"

We also saw an albino deer amidst about 15 deer feeding in a field. Later, as we walked around Fort Miles, there were three deer enjoying their dinner. We were able to get about 100 feet from them before they thought it was too close for comfort.

So fun! I'm so thankful everyone felt fairly well, the weather was nice and everyone had a great time! Glad for a nice "lazy day"!

Here are a few of the pics I was able to get before my camera batteries died.

Checking out the inside of a bunker...


This is what they saw...

My two bird lovers watching for Hawks...(J forgot his binoculars for the first time in over five years!)

Fierce soldiers, guns drawn, ready for battle...