Deer Park

As my kids get older (i.e. old enough to sit still for a long car ride, pack their own bags, maintain intelligent conversations, not scream or pee in public, etc.) I’ve started to be nostalgic for places I loved as a kid. Last weekend we visited my parents on the Oregon Coast and made a day trip to West Coast Game Park Safari, or as I called it as a kid – Deer Park.

The last time I visited, my husband was carrying my oldest around in a backpack, so maybe 10 years ago? It hadn’t changed much from my childhood memories at that visit, and it still hasn’t.

You still see the same weathered signs (coastal air does that.)

You still walk through the gift shop.

You still buy ice cream cones filled with deer and goat chow.

The free-ranging goats and assorted deer still single out the smallest children and knock the cones out of their hands as soon as you walk through the gate.

The place is still lousy with peacocks and peahens.

The animal enclosures are still charmingly rustic.

You are still separated from huge beasts by mere wire and electric fence.

And the best part – you still get to hold BABY ANIMALS. Gah!