South Lakes Safari Zoo Trip

Posted by Glyn Wade

The animals had heard we were coming

I thought I’d better write this for now although Elric did offer to do it for me. However, I’m not sure his range of profanities are the sort of things your delicate eyes want to see on our site!

Thanks to Alan’s excellent organisational skills we recently took a trip to the South Lakes Safari Zoo. 29 of us piled onto a Stanways coach and we were soon winging our way up north to the Lake District. We’re not sure they were the right 29 people as we just set off when all the seats were full but we took them anyway.

I’ll join but…..

There was a lot of chatter and laughter on the way which must have been somewhat annoying for Darren as he’d just come off a night shift but he did manage some kip on the way back. He also sat next to Hayley who apparently only sat on the back seat so she could moon at other vehicles….apparently…. She did manage to keep her urges in check but this was still a camera club trip like no other.

Elric was allowed an ice cream after not swearing for a whole minute

As we approached the zoo Ken took over the last mile directions and we were soon two miles away. After going round a roundabout a couple of times we found our way back to the sign Ken had navigated us past

Alan with his mates

We were met on the car park, given some instructions and then sneaked in through the No Entry signs so we all felt a bit rebellious. And we were off!

Some members had to spend the day behind bars as their reputations preceded them

The zoo isn’t massive but has some very impressive animals and big enough enclosures for them. There are areas where you walk in amongst the animals which are superb, viewing platforms so you are not shooting through fences or glass for some animals and even a train for just 50p that a number of us seem to have ridden. Expansion plans are in progress and I’d highly recommend a visit.

The rare Seeney seen in a scene chasing a train

Our day included a meal and this was delivered bang on time in a nice, comfortable restaurant and was pretty good and well presented.

Rob posed for a catalogue shoot while we were there

So, all in all, a very good day. We got back safely thanks to our driver but we’re not sure we brought the same 29 back as we just left again when the 29 seats were full. I think I may have talked an emu into joining the club but he was having trouble with the application form when I left.

And we all shot each other

Thanks again to Alan and to everyone else for your company and for sharing in a fantastic day….. oh, the glorious weather was thanks to me by the way!

Some people even took some photos of the animals, more can be seen on our facebook page and here’s a selection: