look a salmon in the eye

yesterday was field trip day for amira's class...this time to Rocky Reach Dam. the heightened security was new to me (check in station at the entrance, airport-like metal detection at the door to the buildings and visitor center) but otherwise it was so familiar, and a hit with the preschoolers. of course, the main attractions for them were the lovely playground equipment and acres of green grass, and the viewing windows of the fish ladder, where you can "look a salmon in the eye" as the fish bypass the dam and journey up or down the Columbia. each sighting of a fish was met with enthusiastic squealing, each squeal and "wow" becoming a delight in and of itself! this mural is one i remember being in complete awe over as a child. the horsepower of the water over the dam. after lunch under a beautiful camperdown elm tree and more play on the equipment,it was time for the short drive back to town and normal friday activities. such a brief visit, and yet the kids were thrilled. i have to admit, it was a treat for me as well, the lovely displays of flowers, the huge expanse of green and the spectacular rocky hills rising right up next to us. it had been many years since i'd been there, and i hope it won't be as long before the next visit!