Day 72 - Rehabilitation

Today was honestly both awesome and relaxing though it did have it's down moments. For the most part the most I did was feed animals and work on protocols. Us two interns did 8am feedings for raccoons, squirrels, and mice. A rehabber and I worked on the Snowy Owl's bandages and cleaned out her temporary home. She also did dishes, made more food when we needed it, and overall all three of us finished up 8am chores around 10 which is pretty early.

After that the intern left for REGI to take a bird while I stayed back and worked on protocols until 12pm. I did 12pm feeding then we worked until 1pm before taking an hour lunch. I had to answer the door once because a Belted Kingfisher came in. Sadly he died due to stress which made me very sad, I felt like it was my fault but honestly all I did was hold her for maybe 10 seconds. I was literally the ONLY person at the center since everyone was either off, at Paddle for the Wild Side, Antigo, or went home for lunch. Speaking of Paddle for the Wild side, after 2pm feeding and lunch the other intern returned and with the rehabber the three of us switched with two other interns at the event.

The event is basically to help out the center by promoting our canoe raffle and giving us a chance for donations while a boat shop down the street in downtown minocqua (also one of our board members) allowed people to use his kayaks and paddle boards for free. Many people seemed to show up. The three of us tried paddle boarding for the first time but due to not having balance anymore I actually fell off into the lake. I went under but had a life jacket on which I honestly felt hindered me then anything. It made me float when I did not wish too and thus felt like I went into shock more then anything upon hitting the water. I am a very good swimmer so having something hold me back only made me stressed. I inhaled some water and felt pressure in my ears, that finally went away hours later, but overall was fine; just embarrassed.

At least I can say I attempted the paddle board. To give you an idea of what it is here a picture of one of our interns being a pro at the paddle board.

It was hard.

I then kayaked for the first time. I may have ended up 100% wet from falling in but I still wanted to go out and have always wanted to kayak, so I did. I went out decently far before feeling uncomfortable. Paddled around for a bit and overall enjoyed myself in the kayak. Should have gave up the first time I fell off the paddle board and just kayaked but I was too stubborn. Learned my lesson I suppose but again, still had fun. Just know that lake water does not taste good at all and its uncomfortable feeling algae on your feet.

After the event was over and I helped tear down we drove back to the center. I was in pain for a good few hours due to water in my ear. I am hoping the water all came out and that I won't get an infection. I took pain killers so it helped out greatly. At least I can sleep normally without ear pain. I went to Rockets frozen yogurt in two with the assistant education director and a rehabber. Got cheesecake and some greek berry flavors mixed with plenty of toppings. My favorite was these green berries that pop in your mouth like star burst or something. Price was based on how much your bowl weighed vs what was inside so you could create your own bowl like it was a salad bar. After we ate and checked out a shop across the street (t-shirts and hoodies) I was taken back to the center because I wanted to relax. I helped feed at 6pm, 8pm, and am about to do the 10pm but otherwise I relaxed, played facebook games, and of course worked on finishing up this blog.

I leave this post off with a good night and a picture of one of our three baby red squirrels! They  are growing fast! May open their eyes soon.

UPDATE: Paddle at the Wild Side pictures! Im in a kayak in two and on the paddle board in the other pics. I looked angry but I promise I wasn't!!! Bright sun!