2BP: Squirrels 'n' Stuff

February 29 - March 4, 2016

With the weekend behind us, we all settled into a regular routine for the week.  Pongo.  Work.  Hospital.  Dinner.  For the next four days, that was basically my life.

Canada Goose -- Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, OR

Bald Eagle

We woke up early enough one morning to get to Baskett Slough.  The light wasn't very good.  Still, I took some photos and Pongo enjoyed the short drive through the refuge.  It was his only real adventure for the rest of the trip.

We saw a bald eagle.  It was high on the hill, though, and Baskett Slough doesn't allow dogs out of cars even on leashes.  So, I had to settle for long shots from the parking lot.

Aside from this short trip to Baskett Slough, Pongo had to settle for walks around the neighborhood.  We spent a lot of time taking walks, though.  They were good for both of us.

Western Gray Squirrel -- Salem, OR

We saw a lot of squirrels on those walks around the neighborhood.  I suspect these sightings were Pongo's favorite aspect of the entire trip.  He seems sworn to rid this country of every squirrel he sees.  It's an obsession with him.  Sometimes it's entertaining to watch him get so focused on something, but it's not so fun when he just about yanks my arm off trying to catch the damned thing.

Western Gray Squirrel -- Salem, OR

By Friday, my mother was settled in and recovering at home.  Dad had things pretty well under control.  It was time for us to head home.  We made a brief stop at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge on our way out of town then bombed our way home.  That was pretty much it.  Mom continues to do well in her recovery.

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, OR