The Wilds

The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio

Bactrian Deer at The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio

The Raffle

So a new hardware store opened last week in our little village in Ohio. A local radio station came by to celebrate with us. Since it is a station I listen to, I stopped to speak with the DJs. They had a raffle for a variety of gifts, and I selected my one ticket to go into the prize of The WIlds, in Cumberland, Ohio, about 20 miles southeast of Zanesville.

Surprise! Surprise! I won! I couldn't believe it. I have wanted to go for years. It has always sounded so exotic. Exotic in Ohio? Yeah. In Ohio.

It was 4, count 'em....4 tickets. Who to take? My hubby, of course. Other adults? No!

Our 14-year-old granddaughter was down the road on the way and we thought she and one of her friends would enjoy it. Indeed they were looking forward. I warned them it would be cold and to dress appropriately.

The Scarves

Sunday morning was a beautiful day. It was sunny and brisk. We picked up the girls. They were not dressed appropriately. I asked, "You have hat, scarf and gloves? Any coat?" Mia replied, "No coat, Gramma, we have our hoodies, and pockets, and some gloves." Anticipating this reply, I didn't argue. I recall my children at this age and what I was like. There was no such thing as Gramma Knows Best.

Mia & Oliva -- notice the scarves!!

Of course, once we got to the park, it was indeed windy and cold and the girls immediately huddled together in an attempt to warm each other. Super Gram to the rescue. I brought scarves for them. They snatched them out of my hands and wrapped one around their necks faster than you could say "fiddle di do." The wind tore threw us on the bus, but the scarves helped some. Yeah! Gramma.

"Flying" Open-Air Tour Bus

There are several tours available. We had tickets for the open air bus tour. Sounds great, huh? One problem, it was extremely bumpy. I mean, I saw my granddaughter fly off her seat a good two feet several times. If this happened to her, can you imagine what it was like for my hubby and me? The flight was grand. The landing part not so much. It hurt, literally bringing tears to our eyes.

Greater One-Horned Asian Rhino & "Flying" Open Air Tour Bus

Next time, no bus. We go a level up, Jeep style. There's no room for two foot high landings. Bumpy roads or not, the landing has got to be easier in a Jeep than in a bus. this is just a word of caution for those who might take a trip to Ohio to see wild exotic animals first hand, often within touching distance arm's reach.

Do Not Feed Hungry Animals

Speaking of touching, none allowed. These are WILD ANIMALS. You are cautioned right from the start that these are wild animals and they can (and do) bite. Keep your hands away!! With a great deal of emphasis on the Wild Animals. Scared me!!

Ostrich -- The Thief and Biter

In fact, we were warned that the Ostriches are kleptomaniacs. They particularly love cell phones and will snatch yours right out of your hands if you're not careful.

So here are some pictures (mostly taken by me) that are hopefully interesting enough that you will be thrilled with this blog.

The tour was an experience of a lifetime. All four of us had a fantastic time, and were completely worn out by the end of the 2+ hour tour.

If you like this post, please click "like" and leave a comment. Enjoy the pictures.

Just a Few Photos

One of the many remaining bodies of water on The Wilds, remnants of years of coal mining

Pere David's Deer

Persian Onager

Three of the hundreds of parakeets

Persian Charger's Scratching Back

Herd of Common Eland

Southern White Rhino

Curious Charger's Come Up To Bus To Greet Us

Can You Guess The Suspicious Looking Kleptomaniac?

Sichuan Takin

The Cheetah

And finally, the most graceful creature I have ever seen move, THE CHEETAH. There were two males leisurely lounging in the sun when the women came out in another area of the park. (The sexes were segregated.)

The men suddenly arose, senses peaked, and started pacing up and down the fence lines like expectant fathers. Their movement, though obviously anxious, was so graceful I could not help but think of a male ballet dancer. It was truly the most graceful thing I have ever seen. Even when they moved their heads, to look behind and to the left, they were graceful. Their head turned like the hand of a dial on a watch--no movement of the body, just the head.

I could have watched another 15 minutes. They are the fastest animal on the face of the earth. The fastest clocked speed was about 80 mph within seconds . The average is 70 mph, but they cannot sustain that speed. It takes time for the Cheetah to bring down his heartbeat after going that fast. Once he has his prey, he must recoup and as a result loses his catch approximately 50% of the time.

WHAT IS THE LESSON ?

How many of us know that the Cheetah is the fastest animal on earth?

I did. You did. Most of us do.

How many of us know that the Cheetah, on average, loses his prey 50% of the time?

I didn't, did you? I doubt most of us did as no one talks about that.

Now compare that to your online business and that of others. The ones who succeed long-term are those who continue on a regular steady pace, something that is sustainable. Those who succeed long term understand that this is not a race.

Being

1st or Fastest

Does Not Guarantee

Success.

Focus On

Who You Are

Where You Want To Be

Breeds Success!

So Slow Down!

There is

No

Finish Line.

Enjoy

The

Journey! !

I enjoyed our day at the Wilds, I'm enjoying my journey at WA, and I expect to keep the rewards of every achievement. I will lose nothing because I my foolishness in treating this journey as a race. I will not be breathless when I reach success. I will be relaxed, heart steady and calm. My success will indeed be a new lifestyle, not a one-time survivalist catch of my prey.

Your likes and comments are appreciated.

Donna