The day after Christmas, me, my husband and my sister did something amazing. It would have been more amazing if the temperature wasn’t two degrees above absolute zero, but I won’t ruin the moment with bitching.
We drove about an hour north of my mom’s to the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley, FL. I found out about this wonderful place via the equally wonderful Thoughts Appear’s Blog. She had such a great experience there and when I found out that the preserve was so close to my mom’s, I knew I had to go as well.
I am so glad that I did.
Normally a picture like this would be captioned with "And their bodies were never found"
That’s me in the middle. Don’t let the smiles fool you, we were freezing our lily-white asses off. But, this was a once-in-a lifetime experience, so we gritted our teeth and experienced with a vengeance.
This is one of the British Columbia Wolf pups. He was very curious. My husband says he will never wash that coat again. But, we didn’t just see wolves behind a fence. No, we were right in the middle of them.
These are Gray Wolves. It’s hard to tell from photos exactly how big these animals are. They are big, like large dogs. They move differently, though. It was exhilarating to be so close to them. Hearing them howl was beyond amazing. Then, I got to touch one.
It’s kinda hard to tell, but that is a wolf belly. I rubbed it. I also held wolf paws in my hands. Awesomely fantastic in every possible way.
Well, except for the cold. Now that we know how close the wolves are to my mom’s house, we will definitely go back when the weather is warmer. If you are ever in the area I highly recommend it. It’s a bargain at only $15 a person. An air-brushed t-shirt from Panama City costs more than that and who really needs another air-brushed t-shirt. Even one with fringe.
What a unique and awesome way to spend the holidays!
I thought so. Thanks!
Lucky you, now two of my blogging buddies have been touched by wolves…who’s next?
We are spreading the word of wolves to blogland! I hope more people go.
You know… at first I was going to correct you in that it probably wasn’t ABSOLUTE zero… but the wolfies are just so cute!
It’s funny how all animals — domesticated or otherwise — can never resist a belly rub!
The belly rub is universal. Even T-rex loved a good belly rub I’ll bet.
Very Cool! You and Thoughts are my heroes as I am a chicken who is slightly afraid of wolves, and ET. $15 bucks a person is fantastic. You can barely do a movie ticket for that price anymore. I look forward to when you go back when it’s warmer so I can once again allow my inner coolness to live vicariously through you!
The wolves were so calm and sweet, that I don’t think it would take long for you to forget your fears. I can’t wait to go back either!
You posted pics! Awesome! I loved the British Columbian wolves.
I can’t wait to go back either!
The BC’s were the sweetest! I will have to go back and take my mom. She will love it!
Wow, what a fantastic experience that must have been for you all. I’m quite envious!
It was fantastic, thank you!
Made it too Florida, eh? Did you learn to speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Yiddish? Did any cops shoot at you? Did you drink Cuban coffee which makes your aorta explode? Oh, I see. Panama City. Redneck Riviera! Miami about 1,200 miles away by car.
Yes, we were up in the Panhandle. A completely different world up there from Miami. It’s actually still the USA up there.
That is an awesome thing. Hard to believe those things are close cousins to the chihuahua.
I know! My worthless mutts are decidedly non-wolflike.
Excellent job you did! You know there are dogs that are as intelligent as a 5 year old kid… and wolves are close related to dogs! Have you read Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat? It’s a great book that could change everyone’s opinion on saving animals and preserving nature! Keep the good work going! LET THE WONDERFUL NOISE OF THE SEA ALWAYS SOUNDS IN YOUR EARS! (a greeting of my water dragons’ hunters – my Tale Of The Rock Pieces).
I haven’t read the book but I did see themovie. Wolves are amazing animals and are a keynote species. This preserve is all about educating people about the importance of wolves.
I want to do this. And when I do, I’ll get one of those wolf in the moon shirts to commemorate it.
You must do this, but get the t-shirt before hand so you can get your picture taken with a wolf while wearing the wolf shirt. Epic!
I think I need a 50 by 50 list. Or a bucket list. You never know.
Here’s a sentence I never imagined myself saying, until you two crazy gals came into my life: I want to pet a wolf.
Why label it? Just call it “A list of crap I want to do” and have at it.
It was an awesome experience – be you crazy or not!
Wow! That sounds like a wonderful experience! Wolves are such beautiful, misunderstood creatures!
Oh, it was! I recommend it to everyone. You learn so much about wolves while you are there, too.
Holy shit! First Zombies and now werewolves. I think living in British Columbia would freak you out Amy. I go hiking over on the north shore of Vancouver and walk into bears. I bump into coyotes on my runs. I have been stalked by cougars (well I’ve never actually seen one…but they are stalking, right?). We have orca and humpback whales swimming around our ferry boats. And last week there were 6 seals sitting on the dock in my front of my place. We even have snails.
Walk into bears? Bump into coyotes? I hope you at least say “excuse me.”
But, seriously, having such diverse wildlife right outside your door is amazing. I would love that! Wouldn’t love the snow, however. It would be freaky to go for a walk and come up on a bear. I would love to find a preserve where I could pet a bear.
And, watch out for the cougars. They can be specially agressive once they have a few martinis in them.
There’s no snow here Amy. Well, once or twice a year. The West Coast of Canada is the tropical belt. There are palm trees here for pete sakes.
Oh and you don’t pet the bears here. They are like rage-infected zombies and will eat you and vomit blood in your face. Rather you giggle nervously, wet your pants and throw raw meat at them. And pray.
You spell funny and have palm trees. I’ve learned more about Canada from you than I ever learned in school. I would never pet a wild bear. No matter how radly awesome it would be. How rad would a rage zombie bear be? Gotta get Hollywood on that one.
Speaking of wildlife in the Redneck Riviera, it is only one big step from being civalized. I live in town and I’ve had a cayote in my front yard, they are constantly having to remove black bears from trash cans, trees and yards, and I’ve also seen possum and a red fox. I am not the only cougar on my street either.