Shaw Nature Preserve

John took today off and we drove across town to the Shaw Nature Preserve.  This preserve is known for its wildflowers.  Even though I think we missed the peak, it was still beautiful.  We took a couple smaller hikes in order to see some of the wild life.  We saw a wild turkey but missed the picture...but this next guy was quite a surprise!  I think John needs to stay away from wild animals.  The snake got a little annoyed and coiled, but fortunately did not strike.  No, he's not poisonous, but a bite would still have been bad. 

Black Rat Snake

This little guy let us get a little closer then scurried away.  Zoom in by clicking on picture.  He's got a really pretty underbelly.

The wildflowers were in bloom everywhere.  Here are just a few.  I'm sorry...I just couldn't decide which ones to leave out...they were all so pretty.

See what I mean...how do you decide?!

There were also a couple gazebos.

...and the view from the Overlook.  The river is out that way.  We didn't do the trail to the river this time or make it out to the Wetlands.  We saved that for next time.

Isn't he handsome?  Love those blue eyes.