Okay, so yesterday I finally made it to that wildlife sanctuary I’ve been meaning to check out. It’s called the “Wild Acres Refuge” – pretty straightforward, right?
Getting Started
First thing, I looked up their hours online. Didn’t want to drive all the way out there just to find a closed gate! They’re open from 9 am to 5 pm, which gave me plenty of time.
Next, I packed a small backpack. Essentials only: water bottle, some trail mix (gotta have snacks!), sunscreen (even though it was a bit cloudy), and my binoculars. I almost forgot my camera, but thankfully I remembered it at the last minute.
The Drive and Arrival
The drive was about an hour, mostly highway. Once I got off the main road, it was all winding country lanes. Pretty scenic, actually. I rolled down the windows and enjoyed the fresh air.
When I arrived, I parked in the designated lot. It wasn’t too crowded, which was nice. I grabbed my backpack and headed towards the visitor center.
Exploring the Sanctuary
At the visitor center, I picked up a map of the trails. There were a few different options, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. I opted for a medium-length trail that looped around a lake.
- Trail Walk: I started walking, and it was immediately peaceful. Just the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees.
- Bird Watching: I spotted a few different kinds of birds. I’m not a bird expert, but I recognized a robin and a blue jay. I even saw a hawk circling overhead!
- Lake View: The trail led to a beautiful overlook of the lake. I sat on a bench for a while and just took it all in. It was so calm and serene.
- Photo Time: I took dozens of pictures, trying to capture the beauty of the place. I am not sure if they’ll do it justice, but I tried!
Heading Back
After a couple of hours, I completed the loop and headed back to the visitor center. I felt refreshed and relaxed. It was exactly the kind of nature escape I needed.
Before leaving, I stopped by the small gift shop and bought a postcard as a souvenir. Then, I hopped back in my car and drove home, already planning my next visit.
Overall, it was a fantastic day. It is really great to have a place like that where i can get the natural. I would say, If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, definitely check out a wildlife sanctuary near you!
