Penance

Here's the dealio, internet followers: I kind of feel guilty for the extreme degree to which I geeked out on y'all last post. It was fairly epic, even for me. So when, on Tuesday, Sam and I decided to have an adventure on my last day of vacation, I vowed to bring the camera along and document it for you, the voracious voyeuristic public. So I did.  And what adventure could possibly be manly enough to make up for musical theatre? Oh, I dunno, how about.... DINOSAURS! ROOOAAAAAAR!

Yep, we went to the American Museum of Natural History aka Dinoland. This is a trip I've wanted to make since the moment we landed in New York because, lowly creature that I am, I have never seen a real dino skeleton. Or an even remotely realistic approximation. Having watched Jurassic Park on a wall-sized television a few nights before had only added to my dinolust. I took waaaaay too many pictures of our adventures, but I've broken them down into simple, easy to follow along categories. I'm sorry the pictures are kind of small, but do you have any idea how long it takes to upload photos to this thing?! Feel lucky you have images at all, lowly readers. 

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

For the first time here at NewCoast, we have a special guest extra special extra post! That's right, see the post below this one for a surprise feature that I guarantee will tickle your funny bone in all the right places. But now, on to the main event! 

DINOLAND

First Stop: Awesome Stuff!

This is a fossil of a tiny flying dinosaur. I think it looks like a cross between an angel and a dragon, and the color is beautiful to boot!

I had to sneak past a security guard to get this picture, since the hall was closed. What security guard, you ask? You know, the teeny-tiny little white dot under the dino's tummy. Lesson we learned: dinosaurs were really freakin' huge.

Best part about this picture? The dino's tail kept going another good five feet over my head, getting thinner and thinner as it went. Also, gotta love artificial footprints. Such authenticity!

The T-Rex speaks for itself. Look at those arms! Oh wait, you can't, they're too tiny! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

I found myself wondering if this guy just carried around whole tree trunks... in case he needed a snack or something.

DEATH FROM ABOVE!

Second Stop: Sam Reactions

"Those jaws perplex me on many levels. But I can't move, or he'll eat that kid!"

"Run, lady with the camera! Save yourself!"

"What a noble and handsome beast.... hmm? What giant elk? What are you talking about?"

Third Stop: I Don't Know What That Is, But It Really Wants To Eat Me

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Nooooooooooooo!

Ok, at least this one is big and ridiculous enough for me to...

Aaaaaaaah, it has a baby! Run for your life!

If.... I don't move.... it'll just.... keep... climbing............................... right?

The whale duck! The whale duck! It can swim, it can walk, it can fly, NOWHERE IS SAFE!!

Fourth Stop: Fun With Signs

Alas, no one remembers Tyrannosaurus's older brother: Albert.

Sam had spent 15 minutes the day before explaining how big dinosaurs had two brains. He found out the hard way that the internet is a dirty, filthy liar.

I mean, when would that NOT be handy???

Ah yes, the noble Patriotus NewEnglandus

Ponies are also dinosaurs! Little girls of the world, boys may no longer make fun of your pony obsession! Take to the streets!

Wow. Bunnysaurus. I want one... don't you?

Last Stop: Random Town

For some reason I had a really strong mental image of these slathered in BBQ sauce. I grossed myself out real good with that one.

Ah, my favorite kind of dinosaur: fill in the blank! I shall name him Imaginosaurus.

Ok, this picture didn't turn out very well. Allow me to explain: the little white piece of paper explains that the actual skeleton that's supposed to be here is on loan to another museum, so the drawing is temporarily replacing it. And what is the drawing of? An eagle. Eating a pony. Let me repeat: An eagle ... eating ... a pony. Science is awesome.

And with that, our adventure drew to a close. We wandered around Central Park for a bit... what's that? Why yes, you can see some lovely photos. Here ya go!

All in all, a most glorious adventure. I wish there was a way to show you pics from the amazing planetarium they have there, but maybe I'll save that for another post. Don't forget to scroll down for the Extra Special Extra Post! You know you wanna. 

Love to all