Black Swallowtail

I was half-way to the big city (Flint) to do some shopping when my alarm/calendar went off. It read...Applewood...11 a.m.- 2 p.m. It is a large estate that is open to the public only occasionally. Also...Shelley's (Naturelover) daughter works there.

I knew it was kids day, so I hoped I could get in. I parked the car, and hit the front gate.

"Are you here for the scavenger hunt?"

"Uh...yeah." (I thought I might have to do the hunt to get in.)

"OK...here's your map."

I couldn't resist. Off I ran to my first clue...the giant frog. The big frog is surrounded by smaller frogs shooting water. There are puddles formed by the water. I waited until 4-5 kids were in my line, and I slammed my foot into the puddle...drenching the little clue hunters. While their mothers tended to them...I ran off towards the next clue.

The next clue was in the apple orchard. Since I didn't want to take the time to figure out the clue...I hid behind a tree until I saw a kid find the clue. I dove in like a hungry seagull, and grabbed the clue. His mother yelled, but couldn't catch me.

I can't continue this. I didn't join the scavenger hunt, although I probably could have won it. The people at the gate just let me in...not even checking my camera backpack.

As you can see...I did find a couple of butterflies...taking many pictures. But, the plants took the day. So many colors...so many bees. I put WAY too many pictures on my FLICKR PAGE...but the many colors were hard to pass up.

It was great to see the little ones with their mothers and grandparents running around the grounds. Something to be said for being outdoors. Maybe next year...we'll take Merrick.