Our World Tuesday: Fort Fisher, the Aquarium

Last week, we visited Fort Fisher, which is south of Wilmington and was an important defense against Union naval forces during the Civil War.  The earthworks are in pretty good shape considering their age and Mother Nature's lack of concern for sites of historical significance.  

This directional marker makes it pretty clear that times change, and Mother Nature doesn't get much consideration in the process.

Of course we checked out the canon.  We couldn't see above the earthworks, though, and we wondered how much seeing your target had to do with firing at it.

The walk around the fort took us through a marsh teeming with young birds and frogs and filled with tall grasses that kept these marvels hidden, for the most part.

After our visit to the fort, we proceeded to the aquarium, where we met this box turtle prowling about for lunch

and this albino 'gator who didn't much love being stuck in a kiddie pool when there's so much real water out there to enjoy.  

Zoos and aquariums seem to me to be variations on Alcatraz for wildlife, but I sometimes wonder if these animals aren't sacrificed for a good purpose--to make people aware of the splendid wonders of the world beyond the pavement.  Yet, the people who go to these places get that or they wouldn't be there.  I don't know.

Our World Tuesday