Prehistoric Gardens in Oregon.

 I totally geeked out at this place.  I was driving along and saw a roadside sign for the Prehistoric Gardens and thought, why not stop and take a look. 

Honestly I wasn't expecting much of anything, but I was not just pleasantly surprised, but blown away by the 23 life size sculptures, nestled into some lovely old growth rain forest.     And as I wandered the paths, couldn't help but wish I had some kids with me to explore this fantasy land.  

Cause that is what this was.   

And this almost 70 year old had a blast walking the path and discovering the denizens of this magical place.  I also realized, I'm almost as old as this place.  

Started by the late E.V. Ernie Nelson, this magical and pardon me, but I'll continue to use the term magical, -place was a labour of love.   Mr. Nelson conceived of the idea and after three years of construction opened the gardens in 1955, and it seems to have become a yearly trek for many people.    

The Brachosaurus, standing nearly 40 feet tall, ( I believe I have the dimensions correct).   He looked right at home here.  

Next up is the Tricerotops... 

We then come to the Anklyosaurus

Some baby Tricerotops.  Just hatched even. 

Plus this interesting fellow...

Came up on this guy towards the end of the tour and had visions of Jurassic Park run through my mind but it wasn't a Pterodactyl at all.

There were quite a few other dinosaurs, and I don't remember the names but here are some more pictures.  I do want to say that if you're in the area of Port Orford, Oregon, stop on by and take a look.  

The Trachodon

Stegosaurus

Somewhere I remember reading that they were painted, more for visual interest, but have also read somewhere, that scientists now believe that dinosaurs were all kinds of colors, so who knows,  Mr. Nelson might have been right on the mark with his colorations.