A Deep Creek PhotoJournal

Not long ago, we got the chance to spend a few days at a friend's cabin in the Deep Creek Lake area of western Maryland. A very different type of vacation for our family! We slept in every morning, relaxed at the cabin reading and playing games, and did some hiking and sightseeing in the area.

Here is the beautiful cabin we stayed in:







The lake itself was chilly and bleak this time of year! And we visited Deep Creek State Park on Thursday - the day it snowed.







We went by the Discovery Center but it's only open on weekends in the offseason.  However, we were lucky in our timing, because the naturalist had just headed over to feed the raptors at the aviary.  So we had a great personalized Question & Answer time there.  It's really difficult to get a decent picture through two or three layers of chicken wire, but I did my best and I think you can make out the birds a bit in these shots.


Red-tailed hawks


Barred Owl


Great Horned Owl









The birds are all rescued and these ones will not be released again.  The hawks both have damaged wings and are unable to fly well enough to hunt.  The owls had head traumas and are partially blind - their vision is impaired enough that they wouldn't be able to hunt either.  These birds were rescued after being struck by vehicles - such a shame.  But at the same time, what a treat to get up close to them - they were beautiful, even with broken wings and cloudy or missing eyes.

These carved bears were displayed at the Discovery Center when we went back on Sunday afternoon for a quick look before heading home.



We spent a bit of time watching the birds around the feeders outside the Discovery Center - it was hard to get good pictures though!



Wisp resort is nearby, and DH and the kids all rode the Mountain Coaster.  I took pictures, but they really didn't turn out well.