Shellburg Falls

Our next outdoor adventure with Grandpa and Grandma Benjamin was to take them on the short hike to Shellburg Falls.
When we got to the trailhead, this lovely, an American Finch I think, was pecking away at some seeds someone had put out.


And with all the van doors open as we got ready to head out, this guy snuck in.


Finally, we got on our way. Here, you need a leaf hat.




Emmett has a rock to hold his leaf hat in place.


Now what did Emmett find? (and yes, he's wearing a Spiderman glove)


After a little research it looks like this is a Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea principis) and thankfully the boys didn't get bit, considering it looks like that's not uncommon!



We had to prod and prod to get Emmett to leave the little guy alone. Finally he put him down on the concrete edge of the bridge over the lower Shellburg Falls. Sadly, we didn't get them to leave it alone soon enough and in the last moments he was holding him, the lizard got injured.


Playing on the bench near the lower falls.




Crazy driver!


The easy way through?


Shellburg Falls from the lower view




In the cavern underneath


And around the other side




Getting wet


Ugh, more creepy crawlies, slimy ones this time. Ugly slug.


And now a snail.




It was a fun hike! A little while after we got home my Dad came to me and asked what I wanted to do with the dead lizard on the bathroom counter. WHAT?! Oh dear, apparently Emmett picked up the damaged lizard on the way back out and pocketed him. When it comes to critters, that boy is still a little too like Lennie Small (Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck). He just doesn't know his own strength and proper handling.