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Aaron Reed was on road trip in August
to the Pacific Northwest and describes his encounter
with this big giraffe:
"…Funny story, that. We'd
gotten a bit off-track in the Gilford Pinchot National
Forest (and like many wrong turns, that one led
us to some marvelous vistas); consequently, we were
running a couple of hours behind-schedule. After
crossing the Cowlitz River at Elbe, Wash., I took
a right, following the signs to the Nisqually Lodge
in Ashford (just outside the eastern entrance to
Mt. Rainier National Park).
Between Elbe and Ashford, my headlights caught the
giraffe-shape craning its neck over a fence. I didn't
know if I was hallucinating or if someone really
had a giraffe in a pasture there. I actually turned
around to look at it again. The next morning (after
overnighting in an honest-to-God caboose back in
Elbe -- the lodge was full), we drove that stretch
again and stopped to take a picture. I wish we'd
taken the time to tour the entire sculpture park…"
The artist behind this 17-foot tall
creation is Dan Klennert. Many of his sculptures are
on display in a four-acre park he calls Ex-Nihilo
- Latin for "Out of nothing." It's an appropriate
name, because Klennert creates his sculptures out
of discarded junk. You can read more about his work
and see some excellent photos online at "Recycled:
Spirits of Iron." The sculpture park is open
all year, and Klennert's gallery is gallery is open
to the public May to October, 10 am to 7 pm. Admission
is free, donations are accepted. The artist can be
reached here.
Location:
Ex-Nihilo Sculpture Park (pronounced "Ex Nee-Hill-o")
About three miles east of Elbe, on WA State Route
706
Near the west entrance to Mount Rainier National Park
Elbe, WA 98330
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