Last weekend, M and I went to visit Lodi in northern central California. I had really wanted to visit the cactus garden in Walnut Creek, but decided on a zoo trip instead.

Micke Grove Zoo is located in Lodi, just next to Stockton. It’s a small friendly town surrounded by vineyards. Ripe grapes were hanging left and right. And it looked like they were about to be harvested soon. I usually think of Napa Valley when I think of vineyards. But Lodi has some nice vineyards of their own too.

The last time we visited the place there was a lonely seal swimming in a pool. The swimming pool is gone and the seal has been replaced by lorikeets. They are pretty birds, but made so much noise.

I spotted these two Lorikeets enjoying a bath. Must be nice to enjoy a bird bath without having to worry about predators (such as cats!).

One lorikeet enjoys hanging out on M’s back. I think he likes the red trimming on the shirt - matching fashion move.

After all the noise with the lorikeets, it was nice to find a quiet place near the bamboos.

My favorite zoo animal is the Chilean Pudu. Here is one Pudu with little horns on his head. They are the world’s smallest deers. And very cute! I remember seeing them on PBS Nature episode about the Andes Mountain.

We ended our day at the zoo by stopping at the rose garden. Most of all, I was glad it was very cool and breezy for an August zoo day.

For people with children, they also have “Fun Town” with rides just like at the fair.

This sign was at the entrance of Fun Town. Sorry, no pets allowed!