Even on the worst day, and my recent trip to Vancouver for my semi-annual dental checkup seemed like a “worst day,” we can find something to make our day a little better. Usually when I visit Vancouver I meet up with fellow teachers, but that wasn’t possible with Covid-19 restrictions, the second time that has happened this year. To make matters worse, it poured most of the 120 mile I drove; there were cars off the road and rescue vehicles blocking lanes, not to mention idiot drivers who didn’t seem to believe you don’t have to drive the speed limit on flooded roads, though it was clear to me after the RAV hydroplaned twice.
Thankfully, by the time I got to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge the rain had slowed to a drizzle, and I was able to get in a three mile walk before sitting in the dentist’s chair for an hour and another three hours to drive home.
Unfortunately, there weren’t a lot of birds on the refuge because they hadn’t flooded most of the fields yet. I did manage to see some birds I don’t see in Tacoma. In fact, I was greeted at the entrance by a Great White Egret.
I probably wouldn’t have taken a picture of it since it refused to pose for me and if I had been in California where they are as common as crows, but, since I haven’t been to California much this year, I took several shots.
I also managed to get several shots of White Pelicans flying overhead, another bird I seldom see in the Puget Sound area.
Red-Shafted Flickers are common in Tacoma, but this was still my favorite shot of the day.
He may have been posing for me because he knew I was having a tough day.
Why don’t you get a dentist in Tacoma? There are plenty.
After living in Vancouver for 35 years, I appreciate a chance to go back and connect with old friends; plus, I really like the dentist.