If you are looking for a weekend getaway ... something out of the ordinary, a way to commune with nature … then Fossil Rim is right for you. Ever wonder what a safari trip is like? Curious to see a giraffe or zebra up close? What if I said you could tell your friend what it’s like to look an ostrich in the eye (slightly scary)?
Be forewarned though ... Glen Rose, Texas, is a small town –with limited dining and shopping options – and the directions to Fossil Rim are confusing, but once you hit your destination, Fossil Rim will offer you an awesome adventure!In the morning, during the included breakfast, I saw numerous deer, Addax, Oryx and cranes up-close at the watering hole. I learned from Brandi (who has been a staffer at Fossil Rim for more than 10 years) that the giraffes are “thieves” and needed to be kept apart from the visitors. Her impersonation of giraffes and her stories about the animals at the rim were priceless.
However, the highlight of the trip lies in the tour. We went on the guided tour and our trip included a staff-only route and zero damage or danger to either our cars or ourselves. In retrospect, the noises we heard the evening before were from the maned wolfs, living nearby. We received certain warnings before the trip that animals could be overly friendly. Our four-hour tour enabled us to feed the animals and pet the giraffes. Animals in the wild included rhinos, wolves, zebras, ostriches and wildebeests.
While watching a child on my tour feed a zebra, I was surprised when a European Red Deer with antlers, nuzzled my arm, looking for food.
It was a delight to hear Kelly, the guide, tell safari tourists that ostrich's eyes were much larger than their brains. Our bus had to drive on before these pesky creatures became too aggressive for food!
It is a rare treat to be able to see and interact with such a diverse group of animals.
Know before you go that you are going to see the animals and view them in the wild. My group chose to stay in platform air-conditioned tents located by a watering hole. The amenities are minimal in the tents, but the break from the buzz of televisions, telephones and technologies is priceless. Plan on bringing books or board games if you go in a group for evening entertainment.
In-Town Treat – You must try the pie at Pie Peddlers. They are 100% homemade!
Note: The dinosaur prints at Dinosaur Valley are a bit of a let down and just another tourist trap. But this is a viable option you are looking for a place to hike and walk on trails.
Posted 8/30/09
