These were the subjects of our field trip today. We actually had our October and November field trips both scheduled for this week, so it made for a busy week.
Today we traveled North to visit a family-owned bison ranch. First, we learned facts about the bison, then the girls each made a Native American craft -- they drew Indian signs on a piece of wood, tied on some twine, and ended up with a necklace as a souvenir.
After that we went on an open-aired, covered-wagon ride out into the field where the buffalo roam. We were able to feed the buffalo corn pellets (some even by hand -- this particular one is a calf).
These animals are HUGE when you are that close to them! Even though these mammals appear to be big and awkward, they are actually very athletic and quick movers. I was surprised when a bull quickly raised his head to receive what I held in my hand. I dropped the pellet into his mouth, but not before I was able to feel his rough tongue. There is a lot of slobbering happening out there in the field when it's meal time!
Anyway, LMG really got into this feeding time. She kept calling out, "Here baby one....here baby one..." She wasn't intimidated by these huge creatures. She kept returning to the pellet bucket to fill up her hands after she had emptied them by throwing the food out to the buffalo. She enjoyed doing her part in supplying a small portion of their daily intake of 10-20 lbs. of food.
When we returned from the field, the girls learned and played a Native American game called, "Snake." For lunch we enjoyed buffalo burgers. They were awesome! Not as "heavy" as beef. What a tasty treat!
From there we traveled to a windmill museum where 52 windmills are on display, some made of wood and others made of steel. (above) We were able to climb up inside this post windmill. Memories came flooding back from my childhood as I stood in the yard and heard, "squeeeak, squeeeak, squeeeak....." I am sure my family is smiling right now as they, too, are remembering growing up on the farm with our beloved squeaky windmill. Dad, this one's for you. Notice the name? (wrong state, but cool nonetheless)
On the way home we stopped off at the apple orchard we visited just a few weeks ago and picked up some apple cider and another bag of apples.It was another fun day, and the weather was absolutely perfect! This is such a beautiful time of year for traveling!
~Wee
2 comments:
Wish I could've been there, but it's neat to hear what you've learned!
Love, AGG
Sounds like you had a very fun day! I especially liked the windmill with the name of Fairbury on it!! That was really cool!
Love, momb
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