Chapter 23: ch 23. Wildwood Devon
Aug. 7 1987 Thursday. Fairmille Ln 8:00am
"Now be careful kids. You all look responsible and smart so keep an eye on each other.." said the friendly bus driver. We just stop at the entrance of the turn-off from Fairmile Ln that shows a brown tourist signs for Escot Park.
"We'll do. Thanks." I replied back. The people in the bus was surprised to see 5 seven year olds with no adults accompanying them, riding the bus. Though we are commuting to Wildwood Devon Park, Kyle's Dad will be picking us up in the afternoon. The park opens at 10am and close at 4pm.
When the bus left. We started our 2 mile walk to the park entrance. Escot park is around the same place as Wildwood Devon Park. We took a few breaks now and then taking in the sceneries. The trail is a marked dirt road. There are some cars that pass by. They sometimes honk their horns at us and I made gestures that we are fine and just on our way to the park.
At 9:30 we arrived at reception building. The outside looks plain to be honest, an orage brick building. But once we enter the entrance, I see that further in there is a large open forested areas. I also saw the restaurant and checked thier menu, 'Yup they have lunch meals. On the phone they said 'cafe' so I wasn't sure.'.
"Seriously you red head foodie! The first thing you search for is the restaurant menu. Prioritize our admission first!" said Kyle.
I replied, "What do you know? When surviving in the wild, you always look for food, shelter and fire. The restaurant have all three!".
Luke then said,"Mate, we might be surrounded by trees but it's hardly considered as "The Wild" here. Just go to the admission place and check us in. Haa.. haa...I need to sit down."
I quickly went to the admission office and asked the lady maning the booth."Good Morning, Ma'am. I'm the one who called yesterday asking for a chaperone. My name is Marshall Witcherly. Is Charles around?"
When I called the park a day before, I learned that for those 16 below, we need to be accompanied by an adult. Nana gave me Charles' name and that he will be our guide around the park.
Then a young man was called in. He looks plain even when he smiles. He greeted, "Hi, you must be Marshall. Yup, I can't miss that red hair. Madame already instructed us to guide you in the park. So where are your friends?"
'Madame who?' I was puzzled so I asked, "Who are you talking about?"
Charles smile and said, "Madame Witcherly of course. She is one of the biggest benefactor that keep the park running."
'Ok. I'm not surprised but a little notice would be appreciated!', my Nana sometimes have a whimsical side herself. "Ok, I'll call my friends now. And also, can you keep it a secret what you just said from them. Thanks."
I called my friends over and turn on 'drill sergeant' mode on them,"Guys, this is Charles. He will be chaperoning us around the park. First things first, we will be going as a group. So no wandering on your own. If you like to see an animal or visit a place just tell me and Charles here. And yes, that includes going to the bathroom. Specially for the girls." I looked at the girls sternly. They might find me strick but it's one of the reason thier parents allowed them to go.
"Second, be careful where you put your hands. Don't hold the fences, don't reach out to the animals. Always ask Charles whats ok to pet and whats not. Specially you Mei..."
MeiMei just pout and just nodded. But she know herself better.
"Anything else,mom?" Kyle joked. I don't mind being called a mom, they knew my silly and stern side.
When they all nodded, I brought out my KODAK SV8300 and gave it to Charles and said, "I hope you're good at taking pictures." He looked at me with a bewildered expression.
Surprisingly we started where they keep thier snakes. I saw a albino snake with ashwinder bloodline but I didn't spare it a second glance. One of my concern regarding my beast space is what would happen if I introduce a carnivore in the group. Will the Beast Space provide live pray for them? Grace and Gavel are grass eaters so I haven't encounter such problems yet. 'I'll deal with it when such problem arises. '
I didn't see any lizards that had dragon bloodline but I did found a toad that has a bloodline of Dragon Toad. It's a species that I haven't encountered in the movies. I'll note it down as a candidate for my bonded pet. Maybe I'll find a purebred in the Menagerie in Diagon Ally.
Then we went over an area with the storks, cranes, ravens, eagles and owls. When I saw the olws, I really just want to bring them home. They're basically the mascot of the books and movies. I did see an eagle with a augurey bloodline. Sadly, no phoenix. 'Man, those flaming chickens are so proud that they rather go extinct than to mate with lesser birds.!'
We visited thier famous Beech Head Maze were I almost lost everyone.
At around 12:05 we had lunch at the Coach House Restaurant. There are other people with kids. It was kinda awkward when Charles gave us some privacy to have our meal. Other adults keep asking where are our parents or do we have a guardian. My meal kept being interrupted b'cuz I have to keep explaining to people.
After lunch, since we still feel a bit full, we went to where we can pet the rabbits and chickens. Then we walk to where the beavers are. Oddly, we have to walk back to the other side to see the otters.
There is a large area for the wild boars, bisons and horses. When I looked at the side, I'm surprised to see kangaroos and wallabies. ' aren't you fellas a long way from home?. '
There were fallow deers, red deers, elks and reindeer. 'Haaa.. Stags and does.' I suddenly remembered Harry's parents. I always ask myself. What role would I play when the canon starts? My main objective is just to let the prophecy play out. 'But can I really just stand there and do nothing?' I'm always scared of Intervening and cause something to go off script'. I put my worries aside for now.
When we move to where the badger, weasels and ferret were placed. 'Badgers?...that reminds me Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw? Slytherin is definitely not an option. I don't have prejudice against them. But if I go there with a identity of half-blood that was raised by a squib, I'm pretty sure I will be tasing people left and right when they try to "put me in my place".... Gryffindor...ehh..I'm too close to the MC... I might need to move independently at some point. So that leaves me with the bookworms and puffs..."
"Earth to Marshall... Marshalll....."
I was still thinking, '..in some fanfic they say the bookworms have thier own room...'
"Marshall..... guys... I think ...."
I'm still thinking, '...but the puffs have more lax attitudes.. I think I never heard anything troubling the house. Well, maybe for that Cedric guy....'
Then I sense danger near me! *Pak!* "You Red Head Foodie, what are you thinking about!" It was MeiMei with her infamous 'shin kick'.
"Ouch..! Ok.. ok.. Sorry, just got lost in some thought." I was rubbing my shin.
Jeanne commented, "Is it food again? But your face was too serious."
"No, Nana said that I might go to an exclusive boarding school in Scotland after Primary School. It was where my 'Dad' went when he was eleven." I might as well give them a heads up. This guys might think to follow me around. I don't want to blindside them when the Hogwatz letter arrives.
There was silence and I kinda feel guilty looking at thier faces. MeiMei was about to cry.
Luke spoke, "Is it a done deal, mate? Will you still comeback?"
I nodded, "They said since it was a tradition in my father's family to go there. You guys know I don't have any memories of my parents. I have Nana to tell me stories about my 'Mom' but I have no connection to my 'Dad'..." I let my words sink in for a moment. Then continued," And yes dude. I will still return for Christmas and for Summer Breaks."
When they heard what I said they gave an understanding look. So Kyle said, " Well thats a bummer, man. But we understand. ...Is that why you keep organizing this outings. For memories?"
I just nodded. There's no need to say more.
"Ok.. then. Memories we shall have!" Jeanne shouted. She is the most mature among them. Then they cheered up a little and we proceeded with touring the park.
We came to our next destination where they placed the large carnivores. There are bears, foxes, a lynx, European wildcat and a pack of wolves. The arrangements of the enclosures made me laugh. There is a small plot for Soay Sheeps in the middle. 'Will those poor sheeps be able to sleep at night?'
What surprised me was the bloodline of a Dire Wolf in one of the wolves. I thought about it, if the Dire wolf is the same kind in the Game of Thrones, then its a pass. They are just a big predator. Even if the spring gives them new attitude its not in line with my plan to strengthen the healing effect of the Spring.
The last animal enclosure we went to was for the red squirrels. They're actually very cute and we were even able to feed them off our hands.
We ended our tour watching a live demonstration of the keepers making some of the animals do tricks and a bit of education about wildlife preservation. I even got to experience an eagle owl taking a perch on my hands. I look at it and though, 'I just want one!'
We went to the bathroom before leaving for the exit. And as you might expect, there is a line. After I was done, I waited outside. Facing the restroom is a building labeled "Conservation Office" with a big transparent window for viewing. I went for a closer look.
I saw animals strap in some tubes like in a hospital. 'I think this is where they take the animals that were injured.'
As I look further to the side. I saw in a corner a very ugly chick with grey down feather and long beak. It was surrounded by hay and its cage was labeled "Grey Heron". I thought, 'thats one ugly chick'. Out of habit I checked with Siri...
Me: Is there anything special or magical with this grey heron chick's ancestry?
Siri:....!.....!.... BENNU bloodline detected!
I exclaimed, "Fuck, what's is a fucking Bennu?!!!"
~end chapter ~
Be back on Monday.
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