tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706063415903565372024-03-27T19:54:57.991-04:00Dave'n'Kathy's Vagabond BlogDave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.comBlogger2443125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-14895808182538380762024-03-26T19:19:00.003-04:002024-03-26T19:45:09.591-04:00Flora and Fauna in Choke Canyon State Park<p>Our original title for this blog entry was going to be, "Hiking in Choke Canyon State Park," because that is what we did today. However, on reflection, and considering all the photos we got of flowers and birds -- and the animals that got away -- we decided it would be more appropriate to give credit where credit is due: to the flora and fauna we encountered, which, indeed, made our hike enjoyable.</p><p>Despite the change in title, we will stick with the opening trailhead selfie, because that is how we do our blog: <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIAh1ZSerc534T1Ie3czFj3d69k-KDwHDqdWZjz5Ho19jKGH6GbFy1NxtWA4WRIxrabt7fGMbzLhtV1rAaSErWo93QQzmsShbZMXhyEmt6a4ZSYrVnjq807JkoJarewszbGnzXNxBun7BmufjmyxUcWkzbKyQ-pkEtVrZWV1lYP5skMYssOYDwMZYYxr2/s3345/01%20PXL_20240326_163125075_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3345" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIAh1ZSerc534T1Ie3czFj3d69k-KDwHDqdWZjz5Ho19jKGH6GbFy1NxtWA4WRIxrabt7fGMbzLhtV1rAaSErWo93QQzmsShbZMXhyEmt6a4ZSYrVnjq807JkoJarewszbGnzXNxBun7BmufjmyxUcWkzbKyQ-pkEtVrZWV1lYP5skMYssOYDwMZYYxr2/w400-h270/01%20PXL_20240326_163125075_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Choke Canyon Reservoir lies about 65 miles south of San Antonio, Texas. It impounds water from the Frio River shortly before the river's confluence with the Nueces River. Choke Canyon, prior to the creation of the reservoir, was given that name because it was a canyon in which three rivers, the Frio River, the Atascosa River and the Nueces River, converged to form the Nueces River. It provides drinking water for the city of Corpus Christi. It also provides good fishing opportunities, especially for large mouth bass and catfish. Choke Canyon State Park, located in two places on the south shore of the lake, provides access to the lake and a number of other recreational activities.</p><p>In a 50-year agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation, the City of Corpus Christi and the Nueces River Authority, the section of the park that we visited opened in 1987.</p><p>This area was once a part of Calliham, Texas, a small community boasting the first oil and gas wells in the south Texas area. Investors in oil and gas helped to establish the town from which a 68-mile-long pipeline was built to deliver the first natural gas supply to San Antonio. As the years progressed, many people moved away from Calliham and the population fell to about 120. Meanwhile, the population of Corpus Christi grew. In order to address water needs, the State of Texas acquired the property in 1981 and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation built Choke Canyon Dam, creating the reservoir and lake in 1982. The town of Calliham was relocated three miles south of its original location to make room for the reservoir.<br /></p><p>We expected a large lake, fully 12 miles long and 6 miles wide. What we found was a seriously shrunken lake. This same fate seems to have visited most lakes in Texas, including Lake Corpus Christi, where we are camping and paddled recently.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvZLnwqrtB0ID36PTdDovatdxjKzPoFbNU1pzVttO21O4ASkdkrwKubWyBB0acs-nIA3Lv3mPKVslLV_7veOLGzbv4TiC1IT_iPWWpxWf5fSVcGwpX8gLjcnjqJL6VlGFEhsE9YOG5qKSZ5YLIUjiXGQFCekseQLkOCRUphcKSjFtuLRyqAs06zjh5ubC/s3672/02%20PXL_20240326_162215759_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvZLnwqrtB0ID36PTdDovatdxjKzPoFbNU1pzVttO21O4ASkdkrwKubWyBB0acs-nIA3Lv3mPKVslLV_7veOLGzbv4TiC1IT_iPWWpxWf5fSVcGwpX8gLjcnjqJL6VlGFEhsE9YOG5qKSZ5YLIUjiXGQFCekseQLkOCRUphcKSjFtuLRyqAs06zjh5ubC/w400-h301/02%20PXL_20240326_162215759_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Riprap dozens of feet high has been exposed where water should have been. Fishermen do not seem to be fazed, however, and still stand on the shore, fishing for crappy, bass and other local fish:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey1fMtsKtuOM7zTUY1NMApQfgEO2M8lT8LM2EdWjQKlWOjoMst5uVIjKuf1xKXE33WdMvCUilfJ0k2HFzbHeLwMX136W77k9lJ70kmKG6zpADv0ovwALkvMD59BLl7cAL8i9l6oFYb_r71IJPzUbbH-rA41JnC2ne0Z-6851dEiL2DhMpyRFyI7Ab7Evk/s3672/PXL_20240326_160601140_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey1fMtsKtuOM7zTUY1NMApQfgEO2M8lT8LM2EdWjQKlWOjoMst5uVIjKuf1xKXE33WdMvCUilfJ0k2HFzbHeLwMX136W77k9lJ70kmKG6zpADv0ovwALkvMD59BLl7cAL8i9l6oFYb_r71IJPzUbbH-rA41JnC2ne0Z-6851dEiL2DhMpyRFyI7Ab7Evk/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_160601140_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The day was sunny and warm, but not too hot. We decided on a 6 mile hike to see the network of trails through the park. We were rewarded by a wide variety of wildflowers and animal life. These pretty red flowers were the first flora to greet us --<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY_7LZSnkpjVtzF1FPn_0Z8ZStZG-SwXd_1cHwGhutnK960_yiGqNhHc_yJ7XxsjU1-SVI2NSZLYUu3s5NJkMW0Rts4-QZTJ3yYKbfnDTwbJnU0nQ_MEyFcDUVvYuclYAaNU-U70HhXqNrHlNUwVpLLIT_LqBk8QiLNHEtDAT_pIES9WdIXRCpb_30wkc/s4080/PXL_20240326_163326398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY_7LZSnkpjVtzF1FPn_0Z8ZStZG-SwXd_1cHwGhutnK960_yiGqNhHc_yJ7XxsjU1-SVI2NSZLYUu3s5NJkMW0Rts4-QZTJ3yYKbfnDTwbJnU0nQ_MEyFcDUVvYuclYAaNU-U70HhXqNrHlNUwVpLLIT_LqBk8QiLNHEtDAT_pIES9WdIXRCpb_30wkc/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_163326398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>-- and this beautiful golden-brown butterfly sat still long enough for us to take its portrait:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oKz6QENd7m1rz8pdOAm_MGG_pVm2LWl7rwSDAtkgxjzEUIh7Uz0T-TXTXHj1USdTjmsqZr7iCeefnyXa2XRlV1qNPweNAIcHJGuGTa2NpHOB1Sc49397GBi1XPCBDQkQEKOyszkopt9eM7phmEcpPzYX45231XWusRBbYBlbtx9smC13nAQLcMTGXTcC/s3672/PXL_20240326_164309389_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oKz6QENd7m1rz8pdOAm_MGG_pVm2LWl7rwSDAtkgxjzEUIh7Uz0T-TXTXHj1USdTjmsqZr7iCeefnyXa2XRlV1qNPweNAIcHJGuGTa2NpHOB1Sc49397GBi1XPCBDQkQEKOyszkopt9eM7phmEcpPzYX45231XWusRBbYBlbtx9smC13nAQLcMTGXTcC/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_164309389_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All along our trail, new varieties of flowers greeted us, such as this pink beauty --<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv0VCJcCVTQ2qFP-ijcX7fIhkNq3Dkft2CoOiX5KhHfGJlbdstJT9kJ0inlIAehMNCXBVba4fu2N6gHdC3uWLtWcYt9P55EtTLBsJjZZtlyHnYCoE9LoucT-zPBsdr5p9T2lMtsouhYrqxumTNY6Wg4Ky_9d6rn9iwOOaWxau8NnbPR5pAZhLzdOmjr4P/s4080/PXL_20240326_164351700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv0VCJcCVTQ2qFP-ijcX7fIhkNq3Dkft2CoOiX5KhHfGJlbdstJT9kJ0inlIAehMNCXBVba4fu2N6gHdC3uWLtWcYt9P55EtTLBsJjZZtlyHnYCoE9LoucT-zPBsdr5p9T2lMtsouhYrqxumTNY6Wg4Ky_9d6rn9iwOOaWxau8NnbPR5pAZhLzdOmjr4P/w301-h400/PXL_20240326_164351700.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />-- and these compact little orange balls:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK-BaekkY6nAaPOpSWLOmxvIGZuZ5PTlcdCIMIrbJY6s0S8VRt_lEKjHAfROcOm3rNZdqVGEKhC81S8585nuCSsPkYyh_lL-RdO93UBebrouD3bUZCo2H4zjuD6ppli7Ml3vSs3pEo2IC59P1ltKTuAK1T60kw-23vGe3VSxX0s8vDPb7ZznsKqV8Ov5V/s3672/PXL_20240326_165710909_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK-BaekkY6nAaPOpSWLOmxvIGZuZ5PTlcdCIMIrbJY6s0S8VRt_lEKjHAfROcOm3rNZdqVGEKhC81S8585nuCSsPkYyh_lL-RdO93UBebrouD3bUZCo2H4zjuD6ppli7Ml3vSs3pEo2IC59P1ltKTuAK1T60kw-23vGe3VSxX0s8vDPb7ZznsKqV8Ov5V/w301-h400/PXL_20240326_165710909_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />More common flowers joined them, such as these daisies, which appeared in abundance in some areas along the lake (as you'll see below):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eryQS48f0vqpbF9E4XDAb0wsxx38AkZ5Cenj-Jz41yjP0hOJ0-9HPf19Lk3W_cfaiGgETdZMk-oMU2Gz8H1etU_L-mCBx0ylcZXf4fR_mmHR5wyzIxEclMJqUO01iXcT_N0nhjLfRtfiiWSCjwSEjypvbbpZi_7K8f4NeFdbsTcZRZQgXSzYiteLWhdv/s4080/PXL_20240326_165716956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eryQS48f0vqpbF9E4XDAb0wsxx38AkZ5Cenj-Jz41yjP0hOJ0-9HPf19Lk3W_cfaiGgETdZMk-oMU2Gz8H1etU_L-mCBx0ylcZXf4fR_mmHR5wyzIxEclMJqUO01iXcT_N0nhjLfRtfiiWSCjwSEjypvbbpZi_7K8f4NeFdbsTcZRZQgXSzYiteLWhdv/w301-h400/PXL_20240326_165716956.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />The dominant tree in this environment is mesquite, and the park boasts some very large, old mesquite trees, such as this dramatic fellow:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_VX1zgSobeXHrMv6otm2UW3Bdne8nGMQUQpsW85d_9enVuB5skVYDvHWu1hCfk9tv8nRX5jYvkHcPDtQ4Uu9a_2v7LylzOf59vN7wBbdkBf5XCGEUmVvZLyGfPKypDL94Z1mSgMuyAkg53bacMWvPIyvybUwmDLf91qSuQRV0X4tcCKDxxfIfU9KWbN8/s3264/PXL_20240326_170101580_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_VX1zgSobeXHrMv6otm2UW3Bdne8nGMQUQpsW85d_9enVuB5skVYDvHWu1hCfk9tv8nRX5jYvkHcPDtQ4Uu9a_2v7LylzOf59vN7wBbdkBf5XCGEUmVvZLyGfPKypDL94Z1mSgMuyAkg53bacMWvPIyvybUwmDLf91qSuQRV0X4tcCKDxxfIfU9KWbN8/w301-h400/PXL_20240326_170101580_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />However, the park is not far from its historic roots. As we looked across the lake toward San Antonio, we could see a petroleum facility, reminding us that, despite efforts, such as in the park, to return the South Texas environment to its historically prairie character, human industrial activity still affects the landscape:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFv7f8xcsvg6qYN09L3VNu5jNrWa5s6M02_CqNyOtXafTTNX-SajzIuzdpxvn7tj9ULI36DvJVVP3-L7gdzt-04sygCTUO92RuDgBHSmBLbKW2FRlagoi7tRb3t1E_Z7aKVD1C9K3PwgFCp_PDOD3d-B-A3amMcgRWvykcnWsgypH-buUu_YgK88xuC8x/s4080/PXL_20240326_170740312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFv7f8xcsvg6qYN09L3VNu5jNrWa5s6M02_CqNyOtXafTTNX-SajzIuzdpxvn7tj9ULI36DvJVVP3-L7gdzt-04sygCTUO92RuDgBHSmBLbKW2FRlagoi7tRb3t1E_Z7aKVD1C9K3PwgFCp_PDOD3d-B-A3amMcgRWvykcnWsgypH-buUu_YgK88xuC8x/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_170740312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Did we mention the daisies spread abundantly along the lakeshore?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHssXBjkVLheNc2_cHrQP1Ek_aLNJ5Bp585hbtNiWXAY2tQb7b9MW1mvhpRyo-BcUSvxSPuP5SqtKg3n_IPXxONrpjS7pFhUSKaZgW7PzSyqjASKVHbhCOp0g0kOqeGQYa2cO2pMrJ21aVB-bHZ7pZkiS8qkOy5Ebvhg5mEZZxq6tkOjIxBHMQqADrs4lq/s3264/PXL_20240326_173323649_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHssXBjkVLheNc2_cHrQP1Ek_aLNJ5Bp585hbtNiWXAY2tQb7b9MW1mvhpRyo-BcUSvxSPuP5SqtKg3n_IPXxONrpjS7pFhUSKaZgW7PzSyqjASKVHbhCOp0g0kOqeGQYa2cO2pMrJ21aVB-bHZ7pZkiS8qkOy5Ebvhg5mEZZxq6tkOjIxBHMQqADrs4lq/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_173323649_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Park materials did not disclose this little gem, which was a bird sanctuary, constructed as a haven for native birds such as the green jay, golden-fronted and ladderback woodpeckers, northern cardinals, and black orioles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwTaO9DFZ5p4TIxRXAHIgGWlXVdetIqXoUOphHXwnYjsDQ7bO3W7dyEKGYwNwQhxUvYKD2JnkVCvsD9h12gUgW14iAQHeObSmxT95Apk_DqslCdAfd3v2SUF41NwE3JmhMYKSJFWjvy4XqgFOqE9qfktMee0h9CqtsbL_pmiYhMpZDadCMi0OeP4UFT9N/s3264/PXL_20240326_173548298_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwTaO9DFZ5p4TIxRXAHIgGWlXVdetIqXoUOphHXwnYjsDQ7bO3W7dyEKGYwNwQhxUvYKD2JnkVCvsD9h12gUgW14iAQHeObSmxT95Apk_DqslCdAfd3v2SUF41NwE3JmhMYKSJFWjvy4XqgFOqE9qfktMee0h9CqtsbL_pmiYhMpZDadCMi0OeP4UFT9N/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_173548298_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We saw all of those taking advantage of the shelter and water provided in the bird sanctuary, thanks to the large blind around the sanctuary. However, we were only able to catch photos of this beautiful golden-fronted woodpecker as he (she) went about her (his) business:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjq0PPRZPfRK6AoC6LJZcD7Hgbqckd-OvPbZUXcZ1-KYP5Zzr8KV7ipaIrpWK7X1H5a54DkO0ocG__SzYoHosJ95vrax7mHyC7CSmNAe8jbdAGpT_u4O-N6Oh6G4SseySu4CWzdhCpI1A1GTNEh3OIP_JLaNNTDN7vaQSDgvnHzKm4y38XsMtbRjTKwXW/s3672/PXL_20240326_173758545_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjq0PPRZPfRK6AoC6LJZcD7Hgbqckd-OvPbZUXcZ1-KYP5Zzr8KV7ipaIrpWK7X1H5a54DkO0ocG__SzYoHosJ95vrax7mHyC7CSmNAe8jbdAGpT_u4O-N6Oh6G4SseySu4CWzdhCpI1A1GTNEh3OIP_JLaNNTDN7vaQSDgvnHzKm4y38XsMtbRjTKwXW/w301-h400/PXL_20240326_173758545_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />Fittingly, the trails in the park are named after birds. This section of Green Jay Pass was one of the more beautiful places we walked:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxKGv1mZe73A-SgFEg-PBp_mC-hqaSM7ze0KEPlVZt5mtQcoT14H0mM2oxHTL_ClW6VH12P3X7WGso4FfNvJLb57nl-K5-xW5xUhL6i0ZvrfbBtpncJN3YqUtYWdiUYG62y-IwSP5HNp67Hl1djIXs5HdYNJggiCviHJO0gCKJZLVtCGLqzAimnja7Eh6/s3264/PXL_20240326_175401283_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxKGv1mZe73A-SgFEg-PBp_mC-hqaSM7ze0KEPlVZt5mtQcoT14H0mM2oxHTL_ClW6VH12P3X7WGso4FfNvJLb57nl-K5-xW5xUhL6i0ZvrfbBtpncJN3YqUtYWdiUYG62y-IwSP5HNp67Hl1djIXs5HdYNJggiCviHJO0gCKJZLVtCGLqzAimnja7Eh6/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_175401283_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Most of the animals we spotted were butterflies and birds. We did see some small lizards, and millions of ants which, remarkably, have carved "ant highways" through the grass in many sections of the park. These little highways lead from large ant hills to various nearby regions that must be useful to the ants:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsCoMrLwhemRDeV_pMOCkwQM9Ef-LgIjYEmKM_th1SV6GpYmeaXlITYRvWYikLIgpGtyVFr0HW8ydU4irpH1eN3DedCd3Ft9TR9gvszaOTrHiFWkBkPP-ccWcN6mXJO-C2aTh63lXTODSyPzeqAEPKC9Ig9qVg6v8Ry6UHr_7WDlopM0RNEEmbUKG_NUO/s3264/PXL_20240326_180426612_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsCoMrLwhemRDeV_pMOCkwQM9Ef-LgIjYEmKM_th1SV6GpYmeaXlITYRvWYikLIgpGtyVFr0HW8ydU4irpH1eN3DedCd3Ft9TR9gvszaOTrHiFWkBkPP-ccWcN6mXJO-C2aTh63lXTODSyPzeqAEPKC9Ig9qVg6v8Ry6UHr_7WDlopM0RNEEmbUKG_NUO/w301-h400/PXL_20240326_180426612_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />Speaking of butterflies, we also spotted a number of bright, golden butterflies busy about the blossoms that lined the trails:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwpfsB6ZADz95hfw2T4jJH6RWIGPPyYJbblAVeBF6MynbL8aWRilwEtgyJN1hpqMbTndtDVe_KRGQCbbhM-ZNmf0_aQc8EGpdkEguPYNLxqX9yqHyQ_y5x05_lLDxJtzUiNsJKCP5D4PaYyEBCtk8MstHZgMjYSseGRYk0-f6zvoT2L6QrdIahvkoOy4-/s2840/PXL_20240326_181840029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="2340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwpfsB6ZADz95hfw2T4jJH6RWIGPPyYJbblAVeBF6MynbL8aWRilwEtgyJN1hpqMbTndtDVe_KRGQCbbhM-ZNmf0_aQc8EGpdkEguPYNLxqX9yqHyQ_y5x05_lLDxJtzUiNsJKCP5D4PaYyEBCtk8MstHZgMjYSseGRYk0-f6zvoT2L6QrdIahvkoOy4-/w330-h400/PXL_20240326_181840029.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><br />Another bird that is the caracara, a raptor in the falcon family that is native to South America but has begun ranging into Texas:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCX8mE4wDF0ZfmHoYp5tdpIlxj3ZlTZtXNFdW2IcXeNtHuBzs1FvgdhyphenhyphenMwWHPOP5fbdzVkYkPo-FcOVg9LqaxMtoYUTQgFbF1llk_o6f8w6Xqpf_i9kpviPhZapcMhR986z-8SeUPso2yJCr5IWHDF-PuIctvtpZFJPgmAWS-SCxnwDOF9wEeRZnS0cgf/s2475/PXL_20240326_184633623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2097" data-original-width="2475" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCX8mE4wDF0ZfmHoYp5tdpIlxj3ZlTZtXNFdW2IcXeNtHuBzs1FvgdhyphenhyphenMwWHPOP5fbdzVkYkPo-FcOVg9LqaxMtoYUTQgFbF1llk_o6f8w6Xqpf_i9kpviPhZapcMhR986z-8SeUPso2yJCr5IWHDF-PuIctvtpZFJPgmAWS-SCxnwDOF9wEeRZnS0cgf/w400-h339/PXL_20240326_184633623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Some of our bird spotting involved familiar friends, such as this great blue heron sharing a perch on the lake with a turtle. They clearly have different thoughts on their minds:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGC0qvmfvF_nfJISG21z6yi_Ks5HgLRXyClI9RebB4_kcUe_utAco-MwtWcPH_wkHBahFha_I-KmLxmd4x9qO5Q4p0acbOp3PchhliNjxvb-eFBFTtmjvJqDUoBcZA4aMbIu-HL-ATJdnXsS1UPETENHZC0URbpD28mLI_GHDjiDnLYBEBUqGs0sqWdBm/s4080/PXL_20240326_185226143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGC0qvmfvF_nfJISG21z6yi_Ks5HgLRXyClI9RebB4_kcUe_utAco-MwtWcPH_wkHBahFha_I-KmLxmd4x9qO5Q4p0acbOp3PchhliNjxvb-eFBFTtmjvJqDUoBcZA4aMbIu-HL-ATJdnXsS1UPETENHZC0URbpD28mLI_GHDjiDnLYBEBUqGs0sqWdBm/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_185226143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As we sat and ate our lunch, watching the waterfowl, the heron flew over to perch on another log -- in the company of yet another turtle:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Px-pHg9iqzI9sI030C2dwi75297VcA3KppZscWgCQKyVMA8PHVyEoob4j5HVZDwqvNGy2swMOMs_5Sjap2ke-jX_RA2lWkCA4v0uO8UrzEupzd0gWmGS0LrOoyPcOiRHQYUIFITI8pdjybcWV-bCExTOmtpb3pGoidPLpOASppJmeuTfi7pIKf0LalK/s4080/PXL_20240326_190132029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Px-pHg9iqzI9sI030C2dwi75297VcA3KppZscWgCQKyVMA8PHVyEoob4j5HVZDwqvNGy2swMOMs_5Sjap2ke-jX_RA2lWkCA4v0uO8UrzEupzd0gWmGS0LrOoyPcOiRHQYUIFITI8pdjybcWV-bCExTOmtpb3pGoidPLpOASppJmeuTfi7pIKf0LalK/w400-h301/PXL_20240326_190132029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Back to terra firma, we spotted yet another butterfly -- a beautiful sable color with chocolate brown spots:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcjTepUgF7m67kFUF9MfMsy7hu1eWgAlfD3IKHpTrF3Cw5pjPTJL0t0CWwyTYZaPH8Hw1_svuwI8iDORb4ZJ-Qq8YuCk53UVQfCOnmOsWAeNIgyHnR9dK6TplGRbTqGJmfqcL5WkxkjUjPuqiP5yhwN-Zn6sfJ4ugY3W0BlP-Nl61fV_ISbDG6UXf6qYv/s2797/PXL_20240326_190836051_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="2797" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcjTepUgF7m67kFUF9MfMsy7hu1eWgAlfD3IKHpTrF3Cw5pjPTJL0t0CWwyTYZaPH8Hw1_svuwI8iDORb4ZJ-Qq8YuCk53UVQfCOnmOsWAeNIgyHnR9dK6TplGRbTqGJmfqcL5WkxkjUjPuqiP5yhwN-Zn6sfJ4ugY3W0BlP-Nl61fV_ISbDG6UXf6qYv/w400-h395/PXL_20240326_190836051_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br />Things we did not spot include poisonous snakes, of which there are several types, and alligators (although Choke Canyon was the location of a teenager's bagging of Texas' record alligator, an 800 pound monster. </p><p>We heard, but also could not spot, a wild turkey. We spotted coyote and deer tracks but not those animals themselves. We also spotted lots of soil damaging from the rooting around of javelinas -- but not the javelinas themselves.<br /></p><p>Maybe next time -- except for the alligators, javelinas and snakes.<br /> </p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-51388368047319627972024-03-25T14:35:00.002-04:002024-03-25T14:35:49.856-04:00Goliad History Lesson<p style="text-align: right;">Sunday, March 24, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>On our way to Mathis, Texas in the RV, we drove through Goliad, Texas. We learned there were a number of historic sites in Goliad and decided to make a day trip back to explore some Texas history.</p><p>Goliad is the third oldest town in Texas and is the county seat of Goliad County, one of the original counties of Texas. The modern town of Goliad began in 1749 when the Spanish moved the Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga and the Presidio La Bahia here from the Guadalupe River.</p><p>We started our history tour at the El Camino Real de los Tejas Visitor Center. The El Camino Real was a thoroughfare in the 18th century Spanish colonial era in Spanish Texas and was instrumental in the development and history of Texas. The trail has been mapped from Louisiana through Texas to Mexico with part of the trail crossing through Goliad County. </p><p>The Visitor Center is located in a reconstruction of the Custodian's Cottage for the Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtlY-MsS1ji4KurWxquVB8LnaugWIVjchLeVTLchl-xtxbbtRIW2BevOOV4sS6EpJzUZB4n2aAwI9xyJzCY4eop058ka6oe7enIDBKqmOB33dyt_vjud_p1iYxFe6UR4KkTc5OvXPL4bxNoaj9SWcr83v7AchM_pL-AAnXRXbnI6PrULD3ikFrZfe2BC8/s3456/PXL_20240324_160211573_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtlY-MsS1ji4KurWxquVB8LnaugWIVjchLeVTLchl-xtxbbtRIW2BevOOV4sS6EpJzUZB4n2aAwI9xyJzCY4eop058ka6oe7enIDBKqmOB33dyt_vjud_p1iYxFe6UR4KkTc5OvXPL4bxNoaj9SWcr83v7AchM_pL-AAnXRXbnI6PrULD3ikFrZfe2BC8/w400-h300/PXL_20240324_160211573_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Civilian Conservation Corps was assigned to Goliad, Texas from 1935 to 1941 to work on a project known as Goliad State Park. The CCC built a custodian’s complex for the park between 1936 and 1937. The CCC built most everything in the house by hand as the house was an experimental studio, testing the methods they would use to reconstruct Mission Espíritu Santo in the park. The tile was fired in a kiln on site in the park. Hinges on the doors were made in the metal shop at the CCC camp. There are 8 different doors in the cottage so the CCC craftsman could practice the various styles used by the Spanish.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWBZa_CqjaOJpRPibg5_OWAidZIxIXC0GS9Wo5Fkdsh4Lv9s19GUMzkunHJA2dNsHt0iu1jfed84Aiw7JXAwtPw0ckXlEbZXVVK9ufYJFMqF9WA_xQ8L1B1lnqvB-7Q0aQITdjuLX5Ihvu_5mnNv3Bc1H8S8rO5Iw7uOC0tylcn4mAVQuaQU7SEteUcfD/s3672/PXL_20240324_160339275_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWBZa_CqjaOJpRPibg5_OWAidZIxIXC0GS9Wo5Fkdsh4Lv9s19GUMzkunHJA2dNsHt0iu1jfed84Aiw7JXAwtPw0ckXlEbZXVVK9ufYJFMqF9WA_xQ8L1B1lnqvB-7Q0aQITdjuLX5Ihvu_5mnNv3Bc1H8S8rO5Iw7uOC0tylcn4mAVQuaQU7SEteUcfD/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_160339275_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the hand made furniture and built-in bookcases, the CCC used logs to create an offset staircase leading to the second floor. The design is a great way to save space in a small house.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjvogmMpfFrY1Yv0eqjby64u8aURv8q7PNBXC4UATKPyws8M71XXRBg7uFgfdI982mk-yC2riAK7yn9Mispb2JYsp-7BSfJOTbGp1a1PhS_y_teiMyKJwmc9MKl1EcqOD1CYWqs9IFbif2c9gkLCls-REZj85xEMlAQY8Cum-W0tPw6YobLu0gO5FN9jR/s3672/PXL_20240324_161453831_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjvogmMpfFrY1Yv0eqjby64u8aURv8q7PNBXC4UATKPyws8M71XXRBg7uFgfdI982mk-yC2riAK7yn9Mispb2JYsp-7BSfJOTbGp1a1PhS_y_teiMyKJwmc9MKl1EcqOD1CYWqs9IFbif2c9gkLCls-REZj85xEMlAQY8Cum-W0tPw6YobLu0gO5FN9jR/w301-h400/PXL_20240324_161453831_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the Visitor Center, we made our way over to Goliad State Park. This Texas state park was established to preserve the Spanish mission and commemorate historic events in Texas history. The Spanish established the mission at this site in 1749. The Franciscan priests closed the mission in 1830. The Civilian Conservation Corps reconstructed the mission during the 1930s so that it would appear as it did in 1783. The site became a state park in 1949. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6avvorVkafxdLK_-dej6UvWo5ACOxgpPpF-XHIoVAbJxR8UDyA_HYksXAm0m6OB4q2UuDIUTCCE9rVQiD26CfB01LveYU4VOPjxs8W5S3-9zkB20-Dq0qlu_XbsEvcdjqHYASsgn_gsuSqTLIXKQrzzqNryKBn0vwELTZANQpSoQHjzC-jjmg9xvdh4S/s3672/PXL_20240324_163723822_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6avvorVkafxdLK_-dej6UvWo5ACOxgpPpF-XHIoVAbJxR8UDyA_HYksXAm0m6OB4q2UuDIUTCCE9rVQiD26CfB01LveYU4VOPjxs8W5S3-9zkB20-Dq0qlu_XbsEvcdjqHYASsgn_gsuSqTLIXKQrzzqNryKBn0vwELTZANQpSoQHjzC-jjmg9xvdh4S/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_163723822_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The reconstruction of the mission was done on the actual footprints of the mission buildings. The project included the Church, Granary, Cloister, and Workshop. New construction included a store, museum, furniture and decorative metalwork, the park roads, campgrounds and picnic areas.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiMgCbWyHK1p2GwKzCGddKwNpgJZZiWDH3jMnJ2oKtKv-9vF-z6yHf4DagZkCcJUtY3kuycuUgYUxixb700kUrCtbiD9ALlQWygFvHsexKdvX61FpcRbP1t-XCJVieeC2NoBRhmi71BUEqRF3i7oD2GgHcnZJN-r6sH9ecoG70j_3fNOHrft86cKbB1Ay/s4080/PXL_20240324_163832150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiMgCbWyHK1p2GwKzCGddKwNpgJZZiWDH3jMnJ2oKtKv-9vF-z6yHf4DagZkCcJUtY3kuycuUgYUxixb700kUrCtbiD9ALlQWygFvHsexKdvX61FpcRbP1t-XCJVieeC2NoBRhmi71BUEqRF3i7oD2GgHcnZJN-r6sH9ecoG70j_3fNOHrft86cKbB1Ay/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_163832150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The granary building was filled with lots of period artifacts. Supervised by Franciscan priests, the women spun wool for clothing, made clay pots used for storage and cooking, harvested grain, fruit, and vegetables, and ground corn into meal. The men worked with cattle, farmed, and assisted with the construction of the mission and presidio. These people became adept horse riders and ranchers. Over time the mission became one of the first large cattle ranches in the region. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zkZ39E29lAbCLh-4u1bEJX3S-ehJZv_ildraSksK78xsejTfq6M07ur30c6vIuJWXdDGxEYIgU0RFI44YKUFbrddpR5qgnO0FeDmuvoMWP_w6quinZUdV1EVcsiW6l4XTrbSqYHS5fRzcm559YBqAxd6WxhHUkjO_mdyuRB1r1vgjijeVvFQJYCDLSvG/s3672/PXL_20240324_164122227_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zkZ39E29lAbCLh-4u1bEJX3S-ehJZv_ildraSksK78xsejTfq6M07ur30c6vIuJWXdDGxEYIgU0RFI44YKUFbrddpR5qgnO0FeDmuvoMWP_w6quinZUdV1EVcsiW6l4XTrbSqYHS5fRzcm559YBqAxd6WxhHUkjO_mdyuRB1r1vgjijeVvFQJYCDLSvG/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_164122227_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Inside the museum, we explored the history of the area. The native people living and working at the mission were from many groups, including the Aranama, Piguique, Manos de Perro, Tamique, Tawakoni, and Tonkawa. They chose to try life at the mission because the mission and presidio provided protection from raids. During the American Revolution, mission vaqueros herded thousands of heads of cattle to Louisiana in support of the American struggle for independence.</div><div> </div><div>Spanish soldiers from nearby Presidio La Bahia were assigned to protect the Mission. Some may still linger on the premises:<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mDfMz5HTL2oFGjCce8E4Fb0XbGBx3nxtNzU4E5QlgG7Ck5hfiP7k7_W-szJuO0Kdfk5H3ir-C8LY0P_dQbPgzQ3WEWkDs8_t7fdyA4Fninl_tLOSubjPMES16cpT_HW5wBRolXv1hpRN_yqRS8ojc7vmEYpCpzL4m6dHdBNx1G1UIMN7pDuRMehmVmga/s3672/PXL_20240324_164527172_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mDfMz5HTL2oFGjCce8E4Fb0XbGBx3nxtNzU4E5QlgG7Ck5hfiP7k7_W-szJuO0Kdfk5H3ir-C8LY0P_dQbPgzQ3WEWkDs8_t7fdyA4Fninl_tLOSubjPMES16cpT_HW5wBRolXv1hpRN_yqRS8ojc7vmEYpCpzL4m6dHdBNx1G1UIMN7pDuRMehmVmga/w301-h400/PXL_20240324_164527172_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The mission remained in service until Mexican Independence in 1821. However, two Franciscans refused to leave and remained as parish priests. By the 1830s most of the Christianized Indians had left and the mission was facing opposition from raiding Apache and Comanche. These conditions coupled with a lack of money and political turmoil in Texas forced the mission to close in 1830.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK7v2gr_MUuRs7nzDEZHEQ3JVf_YQaEk6seywDkZlFrJPhRXEET98-8Gtuc8V-HCmbL8UmI2cMRjw0Nzscmn8PwSP7GIXGOxr3bpLwxYbqbTz29n4CrCJzp4_pxHd_cmI7NvOUNobllN2e6l0WgbsqLKmgZ_5bJfvBfg0TnZMwopTXvMrKbbGv_gawsO7/s3672/PXL_20240324_164621881_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK7v2gr_MUuRs7nzDEZHEQ3JVf_YQaEk6seywDkZlFrJPhRXEET98-8Gtuc8V-HCmbL8UmI2cMRjw0Nzscmn8PwSP7GIXGOxr3bpLwxYbqbTz29n4CrCJzp4_pxHd_cmI7NvOUNobllN2e6l0WgbsqLKmgZ_5bJfvBfg0TnZMwopTXvMrKbbGv_gawsO7/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_164621881_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the mission was abandoned, stone from the site was used in new construction projects. This section of wall was the only one left standing when the CCC began their work.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0dWFFCrVzFMQjiV5cYZpFQkPrig4F_1_0KXCt-qYkUVdxRD0Afb9MdLGvSg0krHH1xmlwpnotuD3r43f61mmAnnFssi96qh-FLHhBu047LDSOytkp9kaNtTB2DTq9t-9361gkCBhF8EgBLb3mZkGRYVnG3us6sE17Uzj23I-we5LvI48ireiySorVCQe/s3672/PXL_20240324_165037331_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0dWFFCrVzFMQjiV5cYZpFQkPrig4F_1_0KXCt-qYkUVdxRD0Afb9MdLGvSg0krHH1xmlwpnotuD3r43f61mmAnnFssi96qh-FLHhBu047LDSOytkp9kaNtTB2DTq9t-9361gkCBhF8EgBLb3mZkGRYVnG3us6sE17Uzj23I-we5LvI48ireiySorVCQe/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_165037331_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After visiting the museum, we walked the walled in grounds of the mission. The fields were full of wildflowers. An old sun dial sits in one of the gardens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA8uvuOBCJ3HXMMoG95qZucqBMbN2cUOpYJANNj1fRg8EZeVMGNIAyoMUPtK4-jUUyeETqT6Wqp1-ad67w2GkiWf0uYTAa1bGQTA7JlAjwj7WQAnV1tRAL3omGHE9BodKBP-w-d9pxDItydOMOwj-OzDuyJtfmJOSo7sdPTdR7JfrsX6pez4J8wOnHEDD/s3264/PXL_20240324_170206453_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA8uvuOBCJ3HXMMoG95qZucqBMbN2cUOpYJANNj1fRg8EZeVMGNIAyoMUPtK4-jUUyeETqT6Wqp1-ad67w2GkiWf0uYTAa1bGQTA7JlAjwj7WQAnV1tRAL3omGHE9BodKBP-w-d9pxDItydOMOwj-OzDuyJtfmJOSo7sdPTdR7JfrsX6pez4J8wOnHEDD/w301-h400/PXL_20240324_170206453_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we finished our walk, it was getting close to lunchtime, so we asked a Park Ranger for a recommendation for lunch. On the way to La Bahia Restaurant, we passed the Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site. We learned that the Presidio is owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Victoria.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Presidio La Bahía was designated a National Historic Landmark and is considered the world's finest example of a Spanish frontier fort. This fort was the most fought-over fort in Texas history, participating in six National Revolutions/Wars for independence. Spanish, Mexican and Texas soldiers all garrisoned in its fortified walls. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMvswz0xectK4qCQbNkDwmTSxkbzOqvS8p9tQo2S599wP6r0CuCCIko88p8CcQ76XtKhTTsjHIfrs4ow0O0gmO_GwuCXwvb3MyKF1mKBNUZkQDaNlIXpCXPQXmFsJ5zGe7NTEjsv0SCTV0hQwkArPnNegLNL3vx3cf7C8UMaxX3fnorbCvUqh0uURaXeb/s3672/PXL_20240324_175856214_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMvswz0xectK4qCQbNkDwmTSxkbzOqvS8p9tQo2S599wP6r0CuCCIko88p8CcQ76XtKhTTsjHIfrs4ow0O0gmO_GwuCXwvb3MyKF1mKBNUZkQDaNlIXpCXPQXmFsJ5zGe7NTEjsv0SCTV0hQwkArPnNegLNL3vx3cf7C8UMaxX3fnorbCvUqh0uURaXeb/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_175856214_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Presidio La Bahía was a fort, not a mission. The chapel was erected in the quadrangle for the sole use of the soldiers and Spanish settlers living in the town of La Bahía surrounding the fort. The name given the chapel was "Our Lady of Loreto," and is the oldest building in the compound in continuous use since the 1700s.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmW8sacdfCh_CVC-30ZP96F-0SW05F-q_5SguqkpdqeYxV5Ouf2y9gYQaXXHbOBVVEc827cvqQB8E2lopP26bNg6q04CxSfris30B6sbDExTb1yPwGu3d2-CGwLOJx78bL4jy9z4O4DBVR9U8tjkLdECChGMUkN-5VBzuQ188m0AkVYslOH00C8j071zK/s3672/PXL_20240324_183359518_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmW8sacdfCh_CVC-30ZP96F-0SW05F-q_5SguqkpdqeYxV5Ouf2y9gYQaXXHbOBVVEc827cvqQB8E2lopP26bNg6q04CxSfris30B6sbDExTb1yPwGu3d2-CGwLOJx78bL4jy9z4O4DBVR9U8tjkLdECChGMUkN-5VBzuQ188m0AkVYslOH00C8j071zK/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_183359518_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The chapel is one of the oldest churches in America, and one of the only buildings in existence that has its original "groin vaulted ceiling" in place. The striking fresco behind the altar was done in 1946 by the "Michelangelo of South Texas," renowned Corpus Christi artist Antonio Garcia.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-LkS3v9Cu_SYam4Z635ADdMd9cL7BXiKUNcJM_HWvY2c4D8_9IolD_DYSjuoCKJxPKrgzpRnYHs_ATAsm-v9wB9qIOH6o1pxS2tBSHC4wVmNNdSQCKiwUk-QY5WNUB33hf_G8950U35raZ-BOpSwO6x1jRKuBxHBPu_HcS5MuuTAg_jKruWpL1Ygiw-4/s3672/PXL_20240324_182834380_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-LkS3v9Cu_SYam4Z635ADdMd9cL7BXiKUNcJM_HWvY2c4D8_9IolD_DYSjuoCKJxPKrgzpRnYHs_ATAsm-v9wB9qIOH6o1pxS2tBSHC4wVmNNdSQCKiwUk-QY5WNUB33hf_G8950U35raZ-BOpSwO6x1jRKuBxHBPu_HcS5MuuTAg_jKruWpL1Ygiw-4/w301-h400/PXL_20240324_182834380_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>During our visit, we learned more about the Texas Revolution and the Goliad Massacre. On March 27, 1836, following the Battle of Refugio and the Battle of Coleto, approximately 445 prisoners of war from the Army of the Republic of Texas were executed by the Mexican Army in the town of Goliad. The men surrendered under the belief they would be set free within a few weeks; however, this was not to be. Despite appeals for clemency, the massacre was carried out by Lt. Colonel José Nicolás de la Portilla, under orders from General and President of Mexico, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The massacre happened just a few weeks after the Battle of the Alamo. Each year, re-enactors gather at the fort to remember. We arrived just after the final memorial concluded this year's re-enactment. There were still a few camps out on the parade grounds.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXiBQ92pU9N9DH4D5lXEbkPANHv_Z2rHKwWWKhoSSZFCCP38kHE8KTZ0dAWkGZLrW1tQNDyfu2Lp8N8yc3jFkZmfHpgYNEP87mQEDwNRGIT26bCaBplR2OtNJbv8h_pK9BI1LYB662zPgU_X3W9UT4nnB2Ae6y-vKfiMs8sinAEH4sEWJYjmmHKxUWyfZ/s3672/PXL_20240324_183614232_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXiBQ92pU9N9DH4D5lXEbkPANHv_Z2rHKwWWKhoSSZFCCP38kHE8KTZ0dAWkGZLrW1tQNDyfu2Lp8N8yc3jFkZmfHpgYNEP87mQEDwNRGIT26bCaBplR2OtNJbv8h_pK9BI1LYB662zPgU_X3W9UT4nnB2Ae6y-vKfiMs8sinAEH4sEWJYjmmHKxUWyfZ/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_183614232_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After our visit to the Presidio, we took a stroll through Goliad State Park along the banks of the San Antonio River. There are five major 18th-century Spanish missions built along the historical course of the river near the town of San Antonio. The most famous mission is San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Álamo. The Presidio La Bahía and its mission, Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga in Goliad are located along the southern portion of the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_zuIyZAIZNc1VwpfWquBxkiTy4SPcx0Yf4rKLMJGKReHAULA8FWe70_JmH9dhAGnxHA2S5NFmtTj6fSBzLKssGGyrKcsJRVEMMSOrIhtCkQjII8qbD-6eXNeAT9vxE1KTe4ZBGT6jjphxF8ZLWfBQW-Hy3aTcjuAlnsqZYA7DzM-dEMU2JsW5ns98whC/s3264/PXL_20240324_185154799_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_zuIyZAIZNc1VwpfWquBxkiTy4SPcx0Yf4rKLMJGKReHAULA8FWe70_JmH9dhAGnxHA2S5NFmtTj6fSBzLKssGGyrKcsJRVEMMSOrIhtCkQjII8qbD-6eXNeAT9vxE1KTe4ZBGT6jjphxF8ZLWfBQW-Hy3aTcjuAlnsqZYA7DzM-dEMU2JsW5ns98whC/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_185154799_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>On the way back to camp, we decided to visit historic downtown Goliad. In the good old days, Goliad was known for the Goliad Stampede that included local cowboys and cowgirls pushing longhorn cattle through the Goliad square. It was discontinued after the Bicentennial in 1976 when 116 longhorns were spooked during the cattle drive and began to scatter into the crowd of onlookers and vehicles. This tradition is still talked about in the community, and they hope to carry the memory on with a Goliad Stampede Greenspace installation. This new public space will feature colorful plants, custom painted life size cattle and will be the grand entrance to the marketplace when vendors set up for Monthly Market Days. </div><div> </div><div>How Now. Colorful Cows!</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRdCtqB-vavu-rzGnjzrah-h-VsWxonr14BDFE5aHRUTLf6Gnks9ylEw4sKfFTn6natxJ747zzsShqM31a936vFRUBmpRziwUBK1sut9ErP964-NXWr8dFXnG7zK9ek-Lh2-OgT72nhKnNn9heq-R_ZFnOQ5Coopc_fRpCp2X72bbLOa-x-3Q0-U01p1b/s3672/PXL_20240324_193742529_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRdCtqB-vavu-rzGnjzrah-h-VsWxonr14BDFE5aHRUTLf6Gnks9ylEw4sKfFTn6natxJ747zzsShqM31a936vFRUBmpRziwUBK1sut9ErP964-NXWr8dFXnG7zK9ek-Lh2-OgT72nhKnNn9heq-R_ZFnOQ5Coopc_fRpCp2X72bbLOa-x-3Q0-U01p1b/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_193742529_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Courthouse Square is a quintessential south Texas small town square with stunning live oak trees and many architect designed buildings from local Goliad brick and salvaged stone from the Mission site. The Square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and Goliad was named a Texas Main Street City in 1984. </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVklyrTUE3Axl23cfK4yfQkPGr3cCiNPM8lPDsOPoFSiyGgZ36Uk7tVaIBC9OTYEqM5Q5tisTNDmQ5O0rg4jeIJxz1OAGAWjYRDWQLSnPPBW8JTi5Rd2yNZ4heo4FBhL1YrctTWrcCh9iQtsNzfApN_WtRP1-OcY32Il3K5C1Uc0vp_ruEPoN6n32lzYz/s3672/PXL_20240324_193844581_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVklyrTUE3Axl23cfK4yfQkPGr3cCiNPM8lPDsOPoFSiyGgZ36Uk7tVaIBC9OTYEqM5Q5tisTNDmQ5O0rg4jeIJxz1OAGAWjYRDWQLSnPPBW8JTi5Rd2yNZ4heo4FBhL1YrctTWrcCh9iQtsNzfApN_WtRP1-OcY32Il3K5C1Uc0vp_ruEPoN6n32lzYz/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_193844581_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Goliad County courthouse dominates the town square. A major hurricane had removed the central tower, but a major restoration was completed in 2003. The reconstruction and installation of the central tower, made hurricane-resistant, returned the courthouse to its original height.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-zhSRDjSNYLReTYd24oCPJikd-wtwc0Ao40rN31ruhvHrFilivFhU5wx6fbdOFbJ_1FVHMQwKH-HaN0Pc9i0q1qhJHaCjuUjOcgX2oYB4CxlE494p0mXV2EnViqFyiY9lDosR6Q_iueGi812MlqcnuSyBcnn9hPJCfiZYiahI1NRYjOJx3mczh8B-Ic_/s3672/PXL_20240324_193704452_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-zhSRDjSNYLReTYd24oCPJikd-wtwc0Ao40rN31ruhvHrFilivFhU5wx6fbdOFbJ_1FVHMQwKH-HaN0Pc9i0q1qhJHaCjuUjOcgX2oYB4CxlE494p0mXV2EnViqFyiY9lDosR6Q_iueGi812MlqcnuSyBcnn9hPJCfiZYiahI1NRYjOJx3mczh8B-Ic_/w400-h301/PXL_20240324_193704452_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More rain is expected, so it may be a day or two before we having anything further to blog about. </div><div> </div><div>In the meantime, stay thirsty my friends.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> <br /></span></div></div></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-69454422493826604742024-03-23T17:35:00.005-04:002024-03-23T17:35:52.463-04:00Paddling from Mustang Hollow on Lake Corpus Christi<p>What do we do on our way from Galveston Beach to our date with The Eclipse in Uvalde, Texas? Well, we look for a place along the way with stuff we like to do. We got lucky here in Mathis, Texas, halfway between those two spots. After exploring Padre Island National Seashore yesterday, we took advantage of a warm, relatively windless day to paddle out onto Lake Corpus Christi, where our campground at Mustang Hollow is located. Take a look at the map below; we are where the blue circle is; Lake Corpus Christi stretches out to our southwest. It is so huge that we had no chance to paddle out to the main part of the lake. We could only explore the estuary of the lake near our campsite. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoNenXbLu34f0QKrMPL6sYGWgs-G0P66v5ycJD9YtYQMaFwY-TSxcpqOFe6-l3a3VR-NWONkywuytKjHanmvFuxlbY1h7Vg-fBuk1ESz-Q-FIp7z7zsiZQNeI1pb3he3yufvNtwhl3dzl4FlMG4K50jybuSBx9YUrWacMblqXmtXpercp7zpBbvMV0TmD/s1032/Screenshot_20240323-152026-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="970" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoNenXbLu34f0QKrMPL6sYGWgs-G0P66v5ycJD9YtYQMaFwY-TSxcpqOFe6-l3a3VR-NWONkywuytKjHanmvFuxlbY1h7Vg-fBuk1ESz-Q-FIp7z7zsiZQNeI1pb3he3yufvNtwhl3dzl4FlMG4K50jybuSBx9YUrWacMblqXmtXpercp7zpBbvMV0TmD/w376-h400/Screenshot_20240323-152026-1.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><p>Our campground has seen better days. It looks like it had once been a KOA, but now it is a very rustic spot out in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, the Mustang Hollow Boat Ramp (as it is denoted on Google Maps) still exists. The lake clearly has fallen in level at least 10-12 feet over the years, but our campground boat ramp still served our purpose: <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmjI8G5WENpDZCs1zeBfSgBmZjV9dzj1C9QsFiXEUyf7T7x86MFXC0QJCPR5O-l9PqrABUs-O0q2yLHwrIw-OGhYHf-S2zYH6JP5v1OaeNAd8t_HAa2u7HZT4PBzXTAAp9xiYqz9b37fqNL0MyxWTjplA9JieqNTWybTwPK3bRm3jVV-jQo9H_CHuawcN/s3800/P3230006_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmjI8G5WENpDZCs1zeBfSgBmZjV9dzj1C9QsFiXEUyf7T7x86MFXC0QJCPR5O-l9PqrABUs-O0q2yLHwrIw-OGhYHf-S2zYH6JP5v1OaeNAd8t_HAa2u7HZT4PBzXTAAp9xiYqz9b37fqNL0MyxWTjplA9JieqNTWybTwPK3bRm3jVV-jQo9H_CHuawcN/w400-h300/P3230006_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once out on the lake, on this nearly windless late morning, we thought we had stumbled on the perfect paddling day:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK4D1aCjNGzd2VvsQDZIDWGeijIFEpCbqp8cZfiF_-CwY0g-ZnFLDqBKd1Kc4hMvsYmLxaBzeubaettiapcsE0z7RKpAAzdJRjI9chT69JLYzsx6UULXubFtqL9ShmNzOGKb6OLfn21Su3uFQWICwGXPUlH0PHm4EddcYSUtfsvwftdKC2Lmp4uwXIOdp/s4000/P3230011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK4D1aCjNGzd2VvsQDZIDWGeijIFEpCbqp8cZfiF_-CwY0g-ZnFLDqBKd1Kc4hMvsYmLxaBzeubaettiapcsE0z7RKpAAzdJRjI9chT69JLYzsx6UULXubFtqL9ShmNzOGKb6OLfn21Su3uFQWICwGXPUlH0PHm4EddcYSUtfsvwftdKC2Lmp4uwXIOdp/w400-h300/P3230011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we paddled south along the Eastern shore of our branch of the lake, we witnessed an uniformly sad story: every lakeshore property had a dock that stretches out toward our neck of the lake, but doesn't reach it anymore. At least this property can boast a waterslide-to-nowhere in addition to the dry dock:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX5G1jWR_uizK0EFXw5Uq3R0PuEDHd0tEiDtz-WZu-7vSVg5VEZu-aFTMJVRiCK9E7oYWpFDqU01203aUGi-j5pZcLZiZW3QTWKBCv8iywmzHpBXtwSgL_K9KsHe-BZKdnAfn8ID_x4g-vu9TZS9XIYO7eJ3lnVbKs6uSOVXrGM45d2HbzypFemnBao7W/s4000/P3230017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX5G1jWR_uizK0EFXw5Uq3R0PuEDHd0tEiDtz-WZu-7vSVg5VEZu-aFTMJVRiCK9E7oYWpFDqU01203aUGi-j5pZcLZiZW3QTWKBCv8iywmzHpBXtwSgL_K9KsHe-BZKdnAfn8ID_x4g-vu9TZS9XIYO7eJ3lnVbKs6uSOVXrGM45d2HbzypFemnBao7W/w400-h300/P3230017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We realized that we didn't see any boats in the water. Most likely it was because none of the lakeshore properties had deep enough water access to float a boat. We think that, perhaps, we are seeing the annual low level of the lake, and that Spring rains will raise the level to where many of these homeowners can put a boat in the water. But we are pessimistic that this is the case.</p><p>For example, out in the middle of our little "arm" of the lake, we spotted this old dead tree, stretching out of the water, with white and red poles mounted on it to warn boaters. We realized that the lake must have had a much higher level at one time, for this construction to make sense.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyNfcmVbDmOEEipU3Kg-bEMQvCBdXbHUlHB6a_2Ndt9j7rF_5tWN9oXX1mYM-u8n3xhi8dqODgUSartt546TSqA2HUy7fIS5Wjy7AoEfzJJNDt3uQwTFOJ2H7lNFDNXphFsnHACWQV5loWWqVNUNxyi49OP3DR8xplKb9aLeDDGDybMlNntM7aA9sUv2R/s4000/P3230030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyNfcmVbDmOEEipU3Kg-bEMQvCBdXbHUlHB6a_2Ndt9j7rF_5tWN9oXX1mYM-u8n3xhi8dqODgUSartt546TSqA2HUy7fIS5Wjy7AoEfzJJNDt3uQwTFOJ2H7lNFDNXphFsnHACWQV5loWWqVNUNxyi49OP3DR8xplKb9aLeDDGDybMlNntM7aA9sUv2R/w300-h400/P3230030.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We thought we would follow our arm of the lake out to where it joins the main body of Lake Corpus Christi (see the first photo above). We were mistaken. The lake level has been low for so long, that our "arm" of the lake is no longer connected to the lake at all! We paddled south as far as we could, hoping to find the channel to the main body of the lake.</p><p>Never found it.</p><p>We gave up when we realized we were landlocked, and pulled ashore on the stretch of land between our "lakelet" and the main lake. The shoreline was beautiful, with fresh, tall grass on the high sections of sand, and innumerable freshwater clamshells gracing the shore below the grass:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvTO_uQQYSaRlHn0rojXDF40Xcl098gvZUXfmbq1-8Pc3-CfC8yK8tAHxhY0mohue8b6hNG68BZBiAYbYxWHbqM8gSDdtDEoPnrpQUegM_5YJpmj6xtWOPY9ybnl4v4hE4RTRXUL335jUZTiHdletgeJSOYONAOvp6VBDlA6g08UZGFx6MYFbgi2DQoKT/s3800/P3230033_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvTO_uQQYSaRlHn0rojXDF40Xcl098gvZUXfmbq1-8Pc3-CfC8yK8tAHxhY0mohue8b6hNG68BZBiAYbYxWHbqM8gSDdtDEoPnrpQUegM_5YJpmj6xtWOPY9ybnl4v4hE4RTRXUL335jUZTiHdletgeJSOYONAOvp6VBDlA6g08UZGFx6MYFbgi2DQoKT/w400-h300/P3230033_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here was the view we had at lunch:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo-xo983T1S6ZJhueUpUZ0oiJvPVEHljKK0BYO7-3SJhLGSOvLTVulRQwQrE5QELREDRgZXeush1KMpDJ9xDuq8F3Qk6nydCh1CN8H5wb11ChNOcxA-Qa04yJ_sd2YNB1OL2lOyfvvohmReKiTkpVR6PcQ7Vb7pzZ-7sQwZ3ywQtRcs0Yy03SaRUvxvHT/s3800/P3230034_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo-xo983T1S6ZJhueUpUZ0oiJvPVEHljKK0BYO7-3SJhLGSOvLTVulRQwQrE5QELREDRgZXeush1KMpDJ9xDuq8F3Qk6nydCh1CN8H5wb11ChNOcxA-Qa04yJ_sd2YNB1OL2lOyfvvohmReKiTkpVR6PcQ7Vb7pzZ-7sQwZ3ywQtRcs0Yy03SaRUvxvHT/w400-h300/P3230034_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We spotted tracks of multiple beings, including humans, deer and coyotes. We also saw shells testifying to the rich freshwater clam history of this body of water:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa5OLibIA_1IH9JkxLvM8TAZJ-7oeXP0_9xAQgK-jgF8IBf1RrOJliYmK8xLb0HopT7mINHiy-dF51KVJs-uHjyrcSnyXDLJFvQY7_qsfPkM08bBerPNe8mqBWP_paUFQZ0Xri-la9qEEbo3Y0IR0CQUFkv5eR8BlX3M6uAlPlVzgIDlThgnYGm8yGyxi/s3800/P3230038_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa5OLibIA_1IH9JkxLvM8TAZJ-7oeXP0_9xAQgK-jgF8IBf1RrOJliYmK8xLb0HopT7mINHiy-dF51KVJs-uHjyrcSnyXDLJFvQY7_qsfPkM08bBerPNe8mqBWP_paUFQZ0Xri-la9qEEbo3Y0IR0CQUFkv5eR8BlX3M6uAlPlVzgIDlThgnYGm8yGyxi/w400-h300/P3230038_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had paddled 2 miles and decided to have lunch while we were ashore. After eating, we started back, hoping we could find access to the main part of the lake north of our campground. We paddled along the shore of the "island" (now isthmus) separating us from the main body of the lake, and noted many lacunae, including this old pail, rusty and at rest in the shallows along the beach:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QD1PIfyQsYUtnKE8kswne6eE9DyRnYSPiki_3eaRqX95Qnb3pAkoaZ9gnr6o43TfYPxssP3WA2lCJzNdQ7jOmzxFTekMAQ-UZ9By-5j2n64O6kN4xB-7ZocBF6tD7mgAB_EBiG5rvAXsAn_r0q0JiwZ43hWF8t1J5l5kkvraAQWw-FfmCZKVOcakqLHx/s3800/P3230042_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QD1PIfyQsYUtnKE8kswne6eE9DyRnYSPiki_3eaRqX95Qnb3pAkoaZ9gnr6o43TfYPxssP3WA2lCJzNdQ7jOmzxFTekMAQ-UZ9By-5j2n64O6kN4xB-7ZocBF6tD7mgAB_EBiG5rvAXsAn_r0q0JiwZ43hWF8t1J5l5kkvraAQWw-FfmCZKVOcakqLHx/w400-h300/P3230042_copy.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We hoped that the paddle back to our campground would bring us past more birds, and we were right. It wasn't long before we spotted this suspicious anhinga --<br /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw2n7jTjvtqrry2W7RzdL19ePOJ1QkPFEflrMr7082hqKRAfwQ8yi6KLBwcwxcwDfMjGhzIxK2_Ps9CHsvjzkw25wv5B9mY2XqPUfUaJwxnlMyoAFsT1zr2LPNOXgqYs9YEGSIKfEzDgN0sMfYm6BQ4CqI9GXRXCi_P-4MMCG0uOAZI6X8K5i0UrroY8-/s1554/P3230069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw2n7jTjvtqrry2W7RzdL19ePOJ1QkPFEflrMr7082hqKRAfwQ8yi6KLBwcwxcwDfMjGhzIxK2_Ps9CHsvjzkw25wv5B9mY2XqPUfUaJwxnlMyoAFsT1zr2LPNOXgqYs9YEGSIKfEzDgN0sMfYm6BQ4CqI9GXRXCi_P-4MMCG0uOAZI6X8K5i0UrroY8-/s320/P3230069.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- who didn't take long to escape our gaze:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-MGhon7nk_zmnyisgsqXC8kIB9HBgeFFRSM-hM1M_E2Ox4fKp84V2_ba8yT7qjnlfkgeBqLtWsqeyEC37WqdLDIgqA0c04XdzxwN8l80se1CEcdtKOVT6ttmHVXrfh3b_MGhVKqEYzutgUtvsMX44VvqLo0Zp7KXjCjdovClqp6fAJgvTV1jXhOujNXN/s1692/P3230071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1671" data-original-width="1692" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-MGhon7nk_zmnyisgsqXC8kIB9HBgeFFRSM-hM1M_E2Ox4fKp84V2_ba8yT7qjnlfkgeBqLtWsqeyEC37WqdLDIgqA0c04XdzxwN8l80se1CEcdtKOVT6ttmHVXrfh3b_MGhVKqEYzutgUtvsMX44VvqLo0Zp7KXjCjdovClqp6fAJgvTV1jXhOujNXN/s320/P3230071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>At the four mile mark (two miles out and two back), we returned to the section of the backwater near our campground, and paddled into a ghostly, dead mestquite forest that may have grown next to the stream that had flowed here before the dam that formed Lake Corpus Christi flooded this area. It was spooky to paddle among the dead bodies of mesquite trees:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbfaODZtuRt7ghaedtTDttihyrH1h6MB62ACXschplrOgoonOpvlW9GraHK2C1TAagjWJTw3MKjvqOTzzmx9AZ5zDZeXmk1psnVK2soeXKjQdeRgHk1Lhc0WNacQ5-fLX1wB2iAaRHyGn90zZNEcJqvDTDHdmBM8J1djrq6uuYbrF6O76He5_hEFEv3gs/s4000/P3230078.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbfaODZtuRt7ghaedtTDttihyrH1h6MB62ACXschplrOgoonOpvlW9GraHK2C1TAagjWJTw3MKjvqOTzzmx9AZ5zDZeXmk1psnVK2soeXKjQdeRgHk1Lhc0WNacQ5-fLX1wB2iAaRHyGn90zZNEcJqvDTDHdmBM8J1djrq6uuYbrF6O76He5_hEFEv3gs/w400-h300/P3230078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some unfortunate boater got too close to the water hazards and lost his (her?) boat to the Lake Gods:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitcg7Gj-Cvxu67ErQyQq4Uo2nvAUbDvokh6G-s4Y0zksRd_7Fgx7bwdjnpApQ8jl2-eGk4Ip6R0m8hv6ynQ-F7iT6z0AkyIEnten2aRpeRxe-i1qU3EAbrqgswHnDqzBiSXGUAQ4Pfn3Trr4vNfXSUO_7KKOd6bV_9BiifC4NKgtjFYhADr3JoYRyPZP0/s4000/P3230080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitcg7Gj-Cvxu67ErQyQq4Uo2nvAUbDvokh6G-s4Y0zksRd_7Fgx7bwdjnpApQ8jl2-eGk4Ip6R0m8hv6ynQ-F7iT6z0AkyIEnten2aRpeRxe-i1qU3EAbrqgswHnDqzBiSXGUAQ4Pfn3Trr4vNfXSUO_7KKOd6bV_9BiifC4NKgtjFYhADr3JoYRyPZP0/w400-h300/P3230080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This tree reminded us of a flying raptor. We approached it with respect --<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVjKh4h3k7yLIGaERlv9IYhBbREQDWkEJcUF6t1ZTV2N7V_2UnuSCYupAXIJ2Vyg_o0Nk8nIIt-foiG6NFOhj837dbD2T7RGxl8fwMU8bsKfhpgsSKJnAtWW6zDKnbTVVl3gu1yiM-YfPkEMhH9rhjIUZ3ol69UgLt-sGRsAf-Nvs0TRrtraacRfFyBOf/s4000/P3230081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVjKh4h3k7yLIGaERlv9IYhBbREQDWkEJcUF6t1ZTV2N7V_2UnuSCYupAXIJ2Vyg_o0Nk8nIIt-foiG6NFOhj837dbD2T7RGxl8fwMU8bsKfhpgsSKJnAtWW6zDKnbTVVl3gu1yiM-YfPkEMhH9rhjIUZ3ol69UgLt-sGRsAf-Nvs0TRrtraacRfFyBOf/w400-h300/P3230081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- and Kathy dared to paddle behind it to show herself in its dramatic opening:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jrVWGgrdlrjmopQOGrzWJprCYek0YYGhXOqA6Wx2X_uEyLsOCc36bYB8U4dPIpiERzgbv5wmg0VQRYN2Xn__BNUrTvnv_u5XxlkP_rie4UUMUD6uotUaBfjTapxH_BakJeyjqiTxVfI9uWVkNESOboxcand6KnFvzPTIfpeVtM4fkl3vTJLPkPpuWSsy/s3800/P3230084_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jrVWGgrdlrjmopQOGrzWJprCYek0YYGhXOqA6Wx2X_uEyLsOCc36bYB8U4dPIpiERzgbv5wmg0VQRYN2Xn__BNUrTvnv_u5XxlkP_rie4UUMUD6uotUaBfjTapxH_BakJeyjqiTxVfI9uWVkNESOboxcand6KnFvzPTIfpeVtM4fkl3vTJLPkPpuWSsy/w400-h300/P3230084_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p>We continued on and found another friendly anhinga to memorialize. For some reason, the anhina are more tolerant of our presence than, say, great blue heron, who are very intolerant and fly away when we approach within 100 yards, or even white egrets, who don't let us get as close as 50 yards. So...here's to you, friendly anhinga!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjCfcvDZUuc5JrHjOgAtmAMRjHwoNGZAgYxNdPtv3kP11U0F8BvtnfAZmZ1ks3Zy1yCFd-gBNl_QaV0GjY1ZvNuKVDALp1F6aYrOg0JrXxOemyxBGMR5rhFxW_WxbjZk_afk3YOW9fk-CBSYTJfkKOlMY8VotNxiK5VHwOMRNTPC1hnaUSjC0eyd1cC8k/s1719/P3230093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1719" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjCfcvDZUuc5JrHjOgAtmAMRjHwoNGZAgYxNdPtv3kP11U0F8BvtnfAZmZ1ks3Zy1yCFd-gBNl_QaV0GjY1ZvNuKVDALp1F6aYrOg0JrXxOemyxBGMR5rhFxW_WxbjZk_afk3YOW9fk-CBSYTJfkKOlMY8VotNxiK5VHwOMRNTPC1hnaUSjC0eyd1cC8k/w400-h334/P3230093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We paddled north, past our campground, hoping to find the Northwest Passage into the main part of Lake Corpus Christi. It looked like we may have found it, when we saw this green marker on a series of pilings:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUgOU3NtKGE7_fmk0SN-WeTfCkRXu-10GgBO1TN0m7LjoF4_h2-tWk2yaxeM0y-3v6PjbGnxds-VcHvjV9wl8l7f440y1L0rnebajP_56JI-eN4C1zr8pS_u0n89VBvTBTySWrUlx06qgc-gWB_qfYWfvVAtl7lnztsZMKnX4wKGtd8MCXvihAGruugLC/s4000/P3230098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUgOU3NtKGE7_fmk0SN-WeTfCkRXu-10GgBO1TN0m7LjoF4_h2-tWk2yaxeM0y-3v6PjbGnxds-VcHvjV9wl8l7f440y1L0rnebajP_56JI-eN4C1zr8pS_u0n89VBvTBTySWrUlx06qgc-gWB_qfYWfvVAtl7lnztsZMKnX4wKGtd8MCXvihAGruugLC/w400-h300/P3230098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It turned out that the pilings were the base for a bridge that had apparently run from the shore on our side of the lake, out to that appears to have been an island in the lake:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRkMXcbwp2VUTkXTlt9DHq0YUWsiVBirBfBgj-w5_EBUP1HqIN_qgq8Ow1fIpk517s9kmS2iErDgkf6wahf01YfsOl1BMChI28A7KmvVSOPpj3g6H-pIR2lvrk2O7ERc-0MHC6AdSzQ9boVIpjsvxj65GeShP938mt_hKB4Pjmng5fehGDtwbLgZbaIuE/s4000/P3230103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRkMXcbwp2VUTkXTlt9DHq0YUWsiVBirBfBgj-w5_EBUP1HqIN_qgq8Ow1fIpk517s9kmS2iErDgkf6wahf01YfsOl1BMChI28A7KmvVSOPpj3g6H-pIR2lvrk2O7ERc-0MHC6AdSzQ9boVIpjsvxj65GeShP938mt_hKB4Pjmng5fehGDtwbLgZbaIuE/w400-h300/P3230103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Past the pilings, we found what probably was the channel to the main part of the lake. But all we could see was grass, and we were getting tired and pessimistic about paddling along grassy islands, looking for passages, and not finding any. So we concluded that our section of the lake is, in fact, now separate from the main body of Lake Corpus Christi. Our little lake is its own ecosystem.</p><p>We turned back to paddle to our put-in spot. We passed a mooring for several small boats presumably owned by campers at our campground:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifof7LrmvvpFEnsuZ0g6fT71-EOq5LyRuATfBYYoO4il8FLFa1HYspR9i5QyPxz-4R5hTcIS9zkrrfN52k9u9ngkoQUB4tA3oDVM9LN0ReMOe7xB81RXT8K4FpwscxDO3KHpDndAwUT_O58E10uDfseUKG_SBVgqMj5xp0rR81fUVOV6WoC55vyWN-AG-3/s4000/P3230106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifof7LrmvvpFEnsuZ0g6fT71-EOq5LyRuATfBYYoO4il8FLFa1HYspR9i5QyPxz-4R5hTcIS9zkrrfN52k9u9ngkoQUB4tA3oDVM9LN0ReMOe7xB81RXT8K4FpwscxDO3KHpDndAwUT_O58E10uDfseUKG_SBVgqMj5xp0rR81fUVOV6WoC55vyWN-AG-3/w400-h300/P3230106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some egrets were enjoying the sun and fishing along a point near our campground, and we caught one who was not as skittish as the others, giving us some memory of his flock:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5Xy4odWKjNblfuhoeXGEtv4q1jfXYg8QLtQIa0IhmsVrHW2aO2Qc0YGAamKpMdSL6swJivXoX6nCeE8VfeXF7FVW5boBAm3imtiMcl5Go4TFRg5JqGQ1WA8tS7jM3uxv2yGvZW40zNywUUyBkz5dvU0an6gv31ft9s7NNElTeRyd5Ha3AhyphenhyphenDb1dF0PNT/s1581/P3230110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1446" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5Xy4odWKjNblfuhoeXGEtv4q1jfXYg8QLtQIa0IhmsVrHW2aO2Qc0YGAamKpMdSL6swJivXoX6nCeE8VfeXF7FVW5boBAm3imtiMcl5Go4TFRg5JqGQ1WA8tS7jM3uxv2yGvZW40zNywUUyBkz5dvU0an6gv31ft9s7NNElTeRyd5Ha3AhyphenhyphenDb1dF0PNT/w366-h400/P3230110.JPG" width="366" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By now, it was into the afternoon, and the winds had picked up. We had an energetic paddle, into the wind, back south to our boat ramp from the north end of our estuarine branch of Lake Corpus Christi. We had paddled nearly 5 miles in about 2.5 hours and felt that we had enjoyed a rather unusual and unexpected environment.</div><p>Here's to the next paddle. May it be as joyous!<br /> </p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-6280098552480136862024-03-23T17:35:00.004-04:002024-03-23T17:35:40.169-04:00Padre Island National Seashore<p style="text-align: right;">Friday, March 22, 2024 </p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>After our time at Betty's RV Park in Abbeville, LA, we made our way over to Galveston Island, Texas. Dave spent much of the time back in Philadelphia puppy sitting for our daughter, while I visited with an old childhood friend, Jan, who happens to have a house in Galveston. Once Dave returned, we both got a chance to catch up with our RV friends, Don and Janis. The weather in Galveston was some of the worst we experienced. There wasn't much opportunity for outdoor adventures to blog about.</p><p>On Wednesday, we made our way from Galveston to Mathis, Texas. We are just an hour away from Corpus Christi and Padre Island. While Thursday was pretty much another wash out, Friday promised to be clear and sunny. After some morning fog, we made the drive to Padre Island National Seashore Visitor's Center.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlRWBvO_BWGZJz28IQl4h-ddZPAoFyklad7PUmvqM50OTFYzVKnlUxl9QbP570yj94XE3Qu8rYAZ_gMXAJ8KXlu0vg0_6IYFgFa0N8G-lRpIpxs0EwKAfWfu2ps6Thq17DU8b63_zq_NUm-4CmaI3rMAvy6HzlpVjx1OjswpBnx9_JobcM7GROfbTkVBz/s3840/PXL_20240322_154757886.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3840" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlRWBvO_BWGZJz28IQl4h-ddZPAoFyklad7PUmvqM50OTFYzVKnlUxl9QbP570yj94XE3Qu8rYAZ_gMXAJ8KXlu0vg0_6IYFgFa0N8G-lRpIpxs0EwKAfWfu2ps6Thq17DU8b63_zq_NUm-4CmaI3rMAvy6HzlpVjx1OjswpBnx9_JobcM7GROfbTkVBz/w400-h300/PXL_20240322_154757886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once you pass the entrance, it is a five mile drive to the Malaquite Visitor Center. The park embraces 70 miles of sand beaches, windswept dunes, grasslands and tidal flats. Kathy happened to spot a coyote marking his territory by the side of the road. By the time we got the camera out, the coyote trotted off into the grass. If you look in the lower right hand corner, you can just see the tip of its ears and the back of its head.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hvZ4hMaRLXrOiZ3Im1ATt7zFtWout6hyphenhyphenhmp63MfOxUquRg_JRHrAQrfFSv8c8gcIVr1oLtOv8NmVCd99OyQ_I0kDxg7y1U74aZB1A878K6T8YRMeK7Ic7N3VAkKnzm2qtilDj2Wxxku91Ez6Th_RMz8XOWcWRZzei95Ea6z8jm8Bbemq67nPCFljrGEW/s2367/PXL_20240322_155607178.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="2367" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hvZ4hMaRLXrOiZ3Im1ATt7zFtWout6hyphenhyphenhmp63MfOxUquRg_JRHrAQrfFSv8c8gcIVr1oLtOv8NmVCd99OyQ_I0kDxg7y1U74aZB1A878K6T8YRMeK7Ic7N3VAkKnzm2qtilDj2Wxxku91Ez6Th_RMz8XOWcWRZzei95Ea6z8jm8Bbemq67nPCFljrGEW/w400-h288/PXL_20240322_155607178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just down the road from the coyote was a pair of Crested Caracara, also known as the Mexican eagle. This bird of prey is actually a falcon. It is found throughout Central and South America but has been found as far north as Texas and Arizona. Crested Caracaras are not shy or reclusive and are generally easy to spot in the open landscapes they inhabit. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lBl3MQ185CTh2xgHBLygmBDCcgRBUc26J_XM9s-Ei2Z6SqyR7B6G2YsTymaluj_b1Zsba_qL_ZlcGXGrXR-ITkQ-M5Wb6W5h_Rb4jSd_xjaRjSp59o-JXDKskS48uWq3ZhfIvPmztjeMdYSDoqusu0y3TMCsiQcGkwE9S45a0PXgrbiWOKWCIAVEY2xl/s2343/PXL_20240322_155844721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="2343" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lBl3MQ185CTh2xgHBLygmBDCcgRBUc26J_XM9s-Ei2Z6SqyR7B6G2YsTymaluj_b1Zsba_qL_ZlcGXGrXR-ITkQ-M5Wb6W5h_Rb4jSd_xjaRjSp59o-JXDKskS48uWq3ZhfIvPmztjeMdYSDoqusu0y3TMCsiQcGkwE9S45a0PXgrbiWOKWCIAVEY2xl/w400-h213/PXL_20240322_155844721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we arrived at the Visitor Center, we confirmed with the park volunteer that it was a coyote and not a fox that we had seen along the road. Apparently, there are no foxes on Padre Island but lots and lots of coyotes. Based on the number of bikinis we saw, Dave would disagreed with that statement. Ranger Dave is always on the lookout for foxes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0U05oTYJeMTRMe7sA2YFRtMMKHwjxVtGc53oE_bdArTlmEeRG8Zz7vGFob9SkmXdMna_3kH9ff2nzquwgDLhHqdfdfChztfzcSfxS1hPm0kFSUCRgg1Fa3USSzQ7wlon9UP8xemQi5Ol3VeFMlLgrtHAlyeulmAnVpzlTLnqWySNwCc_LRMCVPIjqI7Q/s3672/PXL_20240322_160905192_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0U05oTYJeMTRMe7sA2YFRtMMKHwjxVtGc53oE_bdArTlmEeRG8Zz7vGFob9SkmXdMna_3kH9ff2nzquwgDLhHqdfdfChztfzcSfxS1hPm0kFSUCRgg1Fa3USSzQ7wlon9UP8xemQi5Ol3VeFMlLgrtHAlyeulmAnVpzlTLnqWySNwCc_LRMCVPIjqI7Q/w301-h400/PXL_20240322_160905192_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While the Visitor Center was small, it did have a gift shop, small museum and large deck to sit and enjoy the view.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylFO6a4tr_HBda3m2gA6hkYjPNBfXylKkbzasZ2S6f9VliKj-EMR-7icTuXfojIKGqhjZZLZjW-zT4B1vz06H-FcSCeLvXUFzGZgugpbgjBDmZia3ddLG_nVakFWttf2jpfn87ItjfaKwy7TIgfCu_R86_-aFq5sRDfWEA_scvOtsin_sD29ixO5R4RUI/s3672/PXL_20240322_161655824_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylFO6a4tr_HBda3m2gA6hkYjPNBfXylKkbzasZ2S6f9VliKj-EMR-7icTuXfojIKGqhjZZLZjW-zT4B1vz06H-FcSCeLvXUFzGZgugpbgjBDmZia3ddLG_nVakFWttf2jpfn87ItjfaKwy7TIgfCu_R86_-aFq5sRDfWEA_scvOtsin_sD29ixO5R4RUI/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_161655824_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Powder-soft beaches line Padre Island's sun-soaked shores, and gentle, shallow waves of the Gulf of Mexico tumble onto land. This postcard-perfect setting has helped Padre gain fame as a prime year-round beach haven.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi6e-UOGUJ1q3BeTf5_9S-Pqd_Uuxc4oHeaUTX1iOTK0QmtPovn5L-WIHx8kxbC25lMZL2eTy06WMohOa-jWhRLf90ylIGf_G9soKjAYc8zeQmIWafivQFJdfFC-gRvv638UhdcJJxi_sFg8DtTid2ABkFgtXjDuSIt1JAyt0Zyjm63IU7pMscbyviOhi/s3672/PXL_20240322_162215087_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi6e-UOGUJ1q3BeTf5_9S-Pqd_Uuxc4oHeaUTX1iOTK0QmtPovn5L-WIHx8kxbC25lMZL2eTy06WMohOa-jWhRLf90ylIGf_G9soKjAYc8zeQmIWafivQFJdfFC-gRvv638UhdcJJxi_sFg8DtTid2ABkFgtXjDuSIt1JAyt0Zyjm63IU7pMscbyviOhi/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_162215087_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sun, sand and surf... what a perfect combination.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XYzF5_PZwGaVB_pVYljePOQPvvKkSkfr30loqwjMs-MkiwZxOBNfv9NDUbCkExUL3Qc3N7v70C506Zsa5_Rb0VnwEgbz71Wf2QCFuKx4MtcVVgElRb9z7dItrLj6Yb0QYXO70xbDhWuiitaWxu1cUeUM3AS5x-YtCdHtvwMsnTg4MNvHwcGp_GrZKWQ7/s4080/PXL_20240322_163054336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XYzF5_PZwGaVB_pVYljePOQPvvKkSkfr30loqwjMs-MkiwZxOBNfv9NDUbCkExUL3Qc3N7v70C506Zsa5_Rb0VnwEgbz71Wf2QCFuKx4MtcVVgElRb9z7dItrLj6Yb0QYXO70xbDhWuiitaWxu1cUeUM3AS5x-YtCdHtvwMsnTg4MNvHwcGp_GrZKWQ7/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_163054336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meet the newest member of our stuffed menagerie...Padre the Octopus!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsp1qBdLjvU_4LrVpsX9sbjiJcp9LXc7UXgJk0Rd8ZE7Guclc_dcQKWgePhwf5VKolGvFJt1Hx_1f1dq4dXe2IG2uU7I6ybAPNPldoPg7n8iaIpVIryFJ0cEXSgT_aosLZdCImpXbcXDEcVhFwQKa6TUgUPXn79zFvPWb-xMsVvDlBtvkjjNT2I9pN9vS/s3672/PXL_20240322_163124955_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsp1qBdLjvU_4LrVpsX9sbjiJcp9LXc7UXgJk0Rd8ZE7Guclc_dcQKWgePhwf5VKolGvFJt1Hx_1f1dq4dXe2IG2uU7I6ybAPNPldoPg7n8iaIpVIryFJ0cEXSgT_aosLZdCImpXbcXDEcVhFwQKa6TUgUPXn79zFvPWb-xMsVvDlBtvkjjNT2I9pN9vS/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_163124955_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Look out Padre! The sand piper is coming in for a closer look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTLndryn2EaoUkddHTKlSDsviqbq6rFMtN6Vj51xPxZCKpbY5crXAhGlDoT8VVLtKJpDpIpQux2H4fEHUkJK6zE1daXShouWDn2uJE6q1Zt_xF5GCmnSSs0soRwgphtZGZG2XO44wyfcQlKQCst0tJAC6WP5cj-y-yJMBrnXe3CHsa8ITNsOmM4MbVTe6/s4080/PXL_20240322_163238858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTLndryn2EaoUkddHTKlSDsviqbq6rFMtN6Vj51xPxZCKpbY5crXAhGlDoT8VVLtKJpDpIpQux2H4fEHUkJK6zE1daXShouWDn2uJE6q1Zt_xF5GCmnSSs0soRwgphtZGZG2XO44wyfcQlKQCst0tJAC6WP5cj-y-yJMBrnXe3CHsa8ITNsOmM4MbVTe6/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_163238858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before we started our beach walk, we made sure to note the location of the Visitor Center. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UwH1uYqlkdHgrBRL2nTtsk_9Yqi5h4ia6COFmFdenQoIeihfKDr0wciszwQ4xRFmQMmkNm-lKvfVx4aNAvzSZldyDF_vPSG5BjsyxwwPPqNUVot0zANSgNQQPwzhBXycO5FS8Ev4FTJv7QAtIjz-8wGCbMO5EDImZ4DSlSLlzF-g1JZSs5B0DNRG0JFc/s4080/PXL_20240322_163939489.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UwH1uYqlkdHgrBRL2nTtsk_9Yqi5h4ia6COFmFdenQoIeihfKDr0wciszwQ4xRFmQMmkNm-lKvfVx4aNAvzSZldyDF_vPSG5BjsyxwwPPqNUVot0zANSgNQQPwzhBXycO5FS8Ev4FTJv7QAtIjz-8wGCbMO5EDImZ4DSlSLlzF-g1JZSs5B0DNRG0JFc/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_163939489.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sand blowing off the Gulf beaches forms the dunes lining the island's eastern shore. These are known as the “fore-island dunes.” Their existence is critical to the island because they form a natural dike, which prevents storm tides from inundating and consequently destroying the grasslands.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx8zsyt5WwQY1oiJbPrvPTbrJbMX3nenN5Nk6n9X3aalp9K3CUVdKbHuIe9SGjcEAU1X3W0B1jRny3oVXyO2A_80xOK10rusl2zJ0bMSDm8XTa31P72isAz08wxS051pVEglXZTy1Z4TowY52SvAR-cGXiaP70KGi4BEiw_ehutcCW16Gss6Oto4kvrLh/s4080/PXL_20240322_164122845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx8zsyt5WwQY1oiJbPrvPTbrJbMX3nenN5Nk6n9X3aalp9K3CUVdKbHuIe9SGjcEAU1X3W0B1jRny3oVXyO2A_80xOK10rusl2zJ0bMSDm8XTa31P72isAz08wxS051pVEglXZTy1Z4TowY52SvAR-cGXiaP70KGi4BEiw_ehutcCW16Gss6Oto4kvrLh/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_164122845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While Padre Island as a whole is not as crowded as Galveston, we did encounter other visitors on the beach. The surf was a bit rough today because of the wind, so, building sand castles seemed to be a favorite activity. We stopped to admire "Castle Dolph."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulsj4RxnwQMzd7aE8xlnhRg1cn9L2qihzZxxIyJMW8c7m2bs8EqZ19vlKwmClEdg_b6r0PL38UycAQARPfgwFx4VxPQ9etIzQSpcHuvais8f9_lFfqjiVSuZFvopImPevk12_MSXxVBwhbecBDo-X8aGewMSVZ-51xT8beggjT-t1KB1m1W1xvPS7B3fB/s3672/PXL_20240322_164242302_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulsj4RxnwQMzd7aE8xlnhRg1cn9L2qihzZxxIyJMW8c7m2bs8EqZ19vlKwmClEdg_b6r0PL38UycAQARPfgwFx4VxPQ9etIzQSpcHuvais8f9_lFfqjiVSuZFvopImPevk12_MSXxVBwhbecBDo-X8aGewMSVZ-51xT8beggjT-t1KB1m1W1xvPS7B3fB/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_164242302_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent several hours just strolling along, enjoying the sun and looking for beach treasures or photo ops. Pictured below is <i>Feather In Sand</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9puVfCQYnb4BpsHBUnmuosSKL3xrdNAO1R2sd8KGZl9Wwt1JkLzbmg_ptlEHm1CdH0loWDTzDuCM5FP13-baQfr8crq0pjnUV7UzPhMUvwW2wXyaEOPFag_a5_5Oy0kFRg2AWPqvBvMnNUBtGh7d5dZGqNB-4TiZpG5Vtw5PfSLI5sIyrpCJJjgvi5T1/s4080/PXL_20240322_164504862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9puVfCQYnb4BpsHBUnmuosSKL3xrdNAO1R2sd8KGZl9Wwt1JkLzbmg_ptlEHm1CdH0loWDTzDuCM5FP13-baQfr8crq0pjnUV7UzPhMUvwW2wXyaEOPFag_a5_5Oy0kFRg2AWPqvBvMnNUBtGh7d5dZGqNB-4TiZpG5Vtw5PfSLI5sIyrpCJJjgvi5T1/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_164504862.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another artistic interpretation... <i>Pen Shell Perspective!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf4uJIdZ8v9T7stDxy0J6nI3CicRlSzMLhy_oX-MA1MwENvtw1CE-eSdsc0gu1otv2N4m9Y9gTX3kZq0YOBvgOt4D_9EgSZuUswDqdR2-c2bnAJGoBC9nwpbFs2p3RHymkqEoK1enr-px1aZty9g3FhPtVey-eODuElnFT3n00Z9xvBrmcEg1EpEDTldT/s4080/PXL_20240322_165228474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf4uJIdZ8v9T7stDxy0J6nI3CicRlSzMLhy_oX-MA1MwENvtw1CE-eSdsc0gu1otv2N4m9Y9gTX3kZq0YOBvgOt4D_9EgSZuUswDqdR2-c2bnAJGoBC9nwpbFs2p3RHymkqEoK1enr-px1aZty9g3FhPtVey-eODuElnFT3n00Z9xvBrmcEg1EpEDTldT/w301-h400/PXL_20240322_165228474.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While we knew there were certain beaches on Galveston Island that you could drive on, we didn't realize that all Texas beaches are public highways! The National Seashore prohibits vehicles for a one miles section in front of the Visitor Center. However, the remaining 60 miles of beach are open to driving and primitive camping.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQYUEC5UzpPi14nNyeGIzyq8Ne39plAGaIaCwrrZEiQityj3rPSPmkGc_OqiIRxa12xt8gNciJzE0A5TE2WCiLyX2v8lDhvGUyDemmxzjcjvVD5ZKCmLJMr6vIYD91JOXNEoPf4I3-hSwOzcagO1c-BQADD3sgGB8vlfsz6ELZDgzP-KSD8vskPdRX6Yl/s3672/PXL_20240322_165930521_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQYUEC5UzpPi14nNyeGIzyq8Ne39plAGaIaCwrrZEiQityj3rPSPmkGc_OqiIRxa12xt8gNciJzE0A5TE2WCiLyX2v8lDhvGUyDemmxzjcjvVD5ZKCmLJMr6vIYD91JOXNEoPf4I3-hSwOzcagO1c-BQADD3sgGB8vlfsz6ELZDgzP-KSD8vskPdRX6Yl/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_165930521_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Always on the lookout for beach treasure, we thought we scored a pair of aviators! Arrgh matey, there seems to be a lens missing!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFJfInSTnVPZJphXsFqkOTu_Koh9G9_09RtQxLd59P-8cI3VLi-LN4ff9nRzfsxQiFoNbUiZokp2LEfxd3CYHB1V5LrmeqPjuvCTCThz5wqad6BnVNjdl9_4EsreYSs0SiWgEBkhZtJ0HMNBHmnrFPD5sQ8A3P2Bm3porcYNFNdV-pkeIzaZBCktqTwYC/s4080/PXL_20240322_170204099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFJfInSTnVPZJphXsFqkOTu_Koh9G9_09RtQxLd59P-8cI3VLi-LN4ff9nRzfsxQiFoNbUiZokp2LEfxd3CYHB1V5LrmeqPjuvCTCThz5wqad6BnVNjdl9_4EsreYSs0SiWgEBkhZtJ0HMNBHmnrFPD5sQ8A3P2Bm3porcYNFNdV-pkeIzaZBCktqTwYC/w301-h400/PXL_20240322_170204099.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While the SUVs, pickup trucks and small RVs made their way down the beach, we managed to catch these oyster catchers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Q33CC0rEn096WZelCgaKC0L-DVqXGWckRaGmhxKjG_PFn1gKnRNgZAPX3D7zHTc7fRC5Qf5qlj4T1N4q7DKq4x1evHpVghyIjseF0pD1_TZOjUVicztIAzJJDp9NoNwQi8g8RefNdADS9bHIhy0uG4vKsFmP0qY06ZhBQyvH33h_93lpwuNfNfVlsBD/s4080/PXL_20240322_170335997.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Q33CC0rEn096WZelCgaKC0L-DVqXGWckRaGmhxKjG_PFn1gKnRNgZAPX3D7zHTc7fRC5Qf5qlj4T1N4q7DKq4x1evHpVghyIjseF0pD1_TZOjUVicztIAzJJDp9NoNwQi8g8RefNdADS9bHIhy0uG4vKsFmP0qY06ZhBQyvH33h_93lpwuNfNfVlsBD/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_170335997.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While bringing an RV onto a beach that most likely will flood at high tide isn't our idea of a good idea, we couldn't help but admire how cute this little purple combo looked highlighted against the dunes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnq5eOoRaAud1S1T4TEYSp8zqqBBTKGdItmao2ogUW-7JkxcznMuYTaOv2mCRXBfOkGx-BPDBgqLcKxUekOWpJCB3iwsebAA1zP2FYjIWNvPCELL8TGh2XwX3n2ejLbmOlYo5BF2INkVfEbXtYN7RNdVSD9WhJHvGcBtydP6tDbzXEYEHfTWSKaEop3E8/s4080/PXL_20240322_170612990.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnq5eOoRaAud1S1T4TEYSp8zqqBBTKGdItmao2ogUW-7JkxcznMuYTaOv2mCRXBfOkGx-BPDBgqLcKxUekOWpJCB3iwsebAA1zP2FYjIWNvPCELL8TGh2XwX3n2ejLbmOlYo5BF2INkVfEbXtYN7RNdVSD9WhJHvGcBtydP6tDbzXEYEHfTWSKaEop3E8/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_170612990.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At first, we thought this campsite was abandoned by spring breakers who decided to leave their tents behind. We later learned thatthey only went into town to do some shopping. The wind had picked up when they were gone and flattened their camp. Beach camping is not for the faint of heart.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HXHrZBQHEaYkJaqN482lcvXh3KQ-RY5UeLhr8LJv7-bfQ7vJ-CcQavuN1oK-6t74gGCsfmTi0CaQjH0yGF5EC6TQ_kQdCQ6zI05nazXea6pvbnW9VgIDP6_anI5MY2VO1xermhDUHKqC1RL0K6uzFZ9rBZPeEYi8K0TA7-Mflr7GHBsIUXHUvM_9duet/s3672/PXL_20240322_171054818_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HXHrZBQHEaYkJaqN482lcvXh3KQ-RY5UeLhr8LJv7-bfQ7vJ-CcQavuN1oK-6t74gGCsfmTi0CaQjH0yGF5EC6TQ_kQdCQ6zI05nazXea6pvbnW9VgIDP6_anI5MY2VO1xermhDUHKqC1RL0K6uzFZ9rBZPeEYi8K0TA7-Mflr7GHBsIUXHUvM_9duet/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_171054818_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a couple miles, we decided to head back to the "no vehicles allowed" section of the beach. We leave you with a laughing gull. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O3GJE2SGAGswPTanN56n9GUCO5qD_giA5moBVq6VpXkFHWZAysxXXbe84VVERxwfuS-2gKHBqXArWI1i1QS4Ma6fhtq4FZzHNvjmf6b1SSenlxt4w37GF2iWgwIchnvKnjAPJ7irAFth8Vg7zsg32Lh3tGbK0rAf4ZgFN4B49eHtObJxQ2HjL_c1Iv27/s4080/PXL_20240322_171643574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O3GJE2SGAGswPTanN56n9GUCO5qD_giA5moBVq6VpXkFHWZAysxXXbe84VVERxwfuS-2gKHBqXArWI1i1QS4Ma6fhtq4FZzHNvjmf6b1SSenlxt4w37GF2iWgwIchnvKnjAPJ7irAFth8Vg7zsg32Lh3tGbK0rAf4ZgFN4B49eHtObJxQ2HjL_c1Iv27/w400-h301/PXL_20240322_171643574.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We finished our foray onto Padre Island with a little grocery shopping and some "American" Thai food. The weather the next couple of days looks good. We hope to get our kayaks out tomorrow. Stay tuned.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-70558442054214924032024-02-29T20:45:00.003-05:002024-03-01T07:10:05.826-05:00Leap Day in the Teche Bayou National Wildlife Refuge<p>Happy Leap Day! It's February 29, 2024, and we finally have nice enough weather, without social obligations, that we could plan a longer outing. It was too cool and windy for a paddle or bike ride, so we chose to hike. The trouble with Cajun Country is that there just aren't very many longer hiking trails in the nearby area. We finally found an interesting one about an hour's drive away, in Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge. It was so exciting we jumped for joy! <br></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_4ca5h3BmslCpUe6WyWY8P3NfR3-YYnmS9b_H_9FYVz2hL9s0QYjK8JxJMp-RKlE3V4AX2kz7T9sDf_O5w4m14WILVkZNopZnk5lXjfZMayzQEDh0qV333qcmYgbQ7m0oIBajwiLcrzPvuyyvF8pr2uy4ji_7JLAQ7wl3mEbyg4VEY9ijoXLdRsm57fd/s3456/01%20PXL_20240229_161154942_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_4ca5h3BmslCpUe6WyWY8P3NfR3-YYnmS9b_H_9FYVz2hL9s0QYjK8JxJMp-RKlE3V4AX2kz7T9sDf_O5w4m14WILVkZNopZnk5lXjfZMayzQEDh0qV333qcmYgbQ7m0oIBajwiLcrzPvuyyvF8pr2uy4ji_7JLAQ7wl3mEbyg4VEY9ijoXLdRsm57fd/w400-h300/01%20PXL_20240229_161154942_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>Bayou Teche is a 125-mile-long waterway in Louisiana which was the Mississippi River's main course when it developed a delta about 2,800 to 4,500 years ago. Through a natural process known as deltaic switching, the river's deposits of silt and sediment caused the Mississippi to change its course to its present location.</p><p>Bayou Teche is named after the Teche Band of the Atakapas nation—represented, fittingly, by the snake—who, for thousands of years, were at home among the lotus flowers there, settling in encampments along the bayou’s ample ridges, smoke-drying deer meat and hunting alligators. The name Atakapas—which means “man-eater” in Choctaw—originated as a slur toward the tribe, rumored to practice cannibalism. In their own language they call themselves Ishák—meaning “The People.” The last speaker of the Ishák language died in the early twentieth century, taking the living language with them, but today descendants of the Ishák nation continue to call southwestern Louisiana home.</p><p>Once described as the “most richly storied of the interior waters, and the most opulent,” Bayou Teche was the center of a booming cypress industry in the early 1900s. The Teche winds its way through four parishes and ends in the Atchafalaya Basin, an essential source of food, timber and fur, a refuge for escaped slaves and a natural resource for enterprising Cajuns and Creoles.<br><br>One of the more celebrated groups of South Louisiana’s many colonial immigrants came from Acadie, which is now Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. These people of French descent were exiled from their homes in Canada by the British when they refused to abandon their Roman Catholic beliefs to worship as members of the Church of England. Rejected even in their home country of France, they were dispersed along the Atlantic coast of present day U.S.A. Some found their way to south-central Louisiana and settled along the banks of the Bayou Teche. Many customs in south-central Louisiana have their roots in the traditions of the Acadian settlers. Descendants of this group are still in the area and are proud of their Acadian (now corrupted into the term “Cajun”) heritage.</p><p>Our hike began at a flood control dam on Bayou Teche, in what is now the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge (note that our loyal Jeep Dusty is waiting patiently for us in the far right of the photo below):<br></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6Sr2P63OkIe5vcibABZE7MXHqnThMxgaz6zxkrCEkSD_Y3tkpCnkL0U1ONSStut06AT2Tlb6SlDlqLBFCaDcKzP34jjN0Iae1ez6hq3gobGbr8HCwKbgj0uxWeP6Cda8qunm5OUOnn6wE0zdHXt6cxaL3GwYOCVTWO953de00zAuMcGbvTBeLXiqjtgN/s3672/02%20PXL_20240229_185208992_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6Sr2P63OkIe5vcibABZE7MXHqnThMxgaz6zxkrCEkSD_Y3tkpCnkL0U1ONSStut06AT2Tlb6SlDlqLBFCaDcKzP34jjN0Iae1ez6hq3gobGbr8HCwKbgj0uxWeP6Cda8qunm5OUOnn6wE0zdHXt6cxaL3GwYOCVTWO953de00zAuMcGbvTBeLXiqjtgN/w400-h301/02%20PXL_20240229_185208992_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge comprises 9,028 acres of wetlands, water and bottomlands forested with hardwoods and cypress-gum forests. The endangered Louisiana black bear is relatively abundant throughout the refuge. Other wildlife species include alligators, wading birds, ducks and bald eagles. In the early 1990's, the native black bear's numbers had fallen, due to habitat loss, to about 100 bears and was listed as an endangered species. Bayou Teche NWR was established to combat this population decline.<br></p>Where we parked for our hike, there were still some remnants of old industrial activity, or equipment used to construct the canal and levee at the spot on Bayou Teche where we started our hike:<br><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-Aic6AK5SBAa4OyYJuzrbkSPlxW03uEs6JzlxLV_mjqBmV9vFDx2GDEf3qmkOvFHIZwW5CQUAsZGSrmKR_H_cadp-CGF4ikQeTXRVrp2dYhCkVSacllCOqpfk1PUAhLIpRJzYVestSxW0patLsba0nJVOkVrMCRNPtzOpuRbqArcaQCsbRQXRBqA3As4/s3264/03%20PXL_20240229_185502294_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-Aic6AK5SBAa4OyYJuzrbkSPlxW03uEs6JzlxLV_mjqBmV9vFDx2GDEf3qmkOvFHIZwW5CQUAsZGSrmKR_H_cadp-CGF4ikQeTXRVrp2dYhCkVSacllCOqpfk1PUAhLIpRJzYVestSxW0patLsba0nJVOkVrMCRNPtzOpuRbqArcaQCsbRQXRBqA3As4/w400-h301/03%20PXL_20240229_185502294_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>The main trail in Bayou Teche NWR runs atop a long levee alongside the bayou. We had swamp on one side, bayou on the other, and meadow up top:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRX_VUhbaGBIN_6Y1wQGfyj6VszmY5K0tTiwocpoy7Shja0klbRYACQ7q9Riyc1wbO3xZ8-PxYJ2xe0kTXtrO_ZlRJzjsnN42XfuUqRxmQcJRobLa-EyLPwsUCs4IHehjmNLYPAOtdMTXS_L9eJrWoq-zVC13kixV-ErsvbZGlhV5Ebx93h7do11dXt9E/s3264/PXL_20240229_161612487_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRX_VUhbaGBIN_6Y1wQGfyj6VszmY5K0tTiwocpoy7Shja0klbRYACQ7q9Riyc1wbO3xZ8-PxYJ2xe0kTXtrO_ZlRJzjsnN42XfuUqRxmQcJRobLa-EyLPwsUCs4IHehjmNLYPAOtdMTXS_L9eJrWoq-zVC13kixV-ErsvbZGlhV5Ebx93h7do11dXt9E/w400-h301/PXL_20240229_161612487_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>Toward the beginning of our hike, we came across a boardwalk nature trail festooned with informative signs explaining the wildlife that is common in the Refuge:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbn2LQ8sJaZV7V-FZ2YJ2JQOUioaqsPYpJcATxD_bIV77M99GSkI2quVXVWKMmjsBY6yMc2GWP5hyDTpx_K1x9Xq9yDUXsTPc3wlSr1-yxyu7D0c0mebjL19Nw77JdObo0ADX02Kjtw7N5fWWlWHOyv8W1RKsI8CP6sknm40gvmnVxPnTmgTnLE8fIxXx/s3264/PXL_20240229_161749457_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbn2LQ8sJaZV7V-FZ2YJ2JQOUioaqsPYpJcATxD_bIV77M99GSkI2quVXVWKMmjsBY6yMc2GWP5hyDTpx_K1x9Xq9yDUXsTPc3wlSr1-yxyu7D0c0mebjL19Nw77JdObo0ADX02Kjtw7N5fWWlWHOyv8W1RKsI8CP6sknm40gvmnVxPnTmgTnLE8fIxXx/w400-h301/PXL_20240229_161749457_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>The boardwalk was a short quarter mile or so, exposing visitors to the interior of swamp lands. One very unique bird box perched above the still waters of the swamp:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RSUiUIFyicSsa8x3Dy54lYLyhQawcZYPynb-002LneB6f9X802YijwGMBXYk3hI_SfxRSvWFtwix6HUpDkRR-Wf13GXQ1NHj1CkoeXJ_Ql6eN9g-BBWjwrKNRGF8TTUSc7c_tIm1_4JZlNO3wtsnM7lGb9-TvtKPbRd9oZxfO255F9-SqausyMLzuK1B/s3264/PXL_20240229_162216525_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RSUiUIFyicSsa8x3Dy54lYLyhQawcZYPynb-002LneB6f9X802YijwGMBXYk3hI_SfxRSvWFtwix6HUpDkRR-Wf13GXQ1NHj1CkoeXJ_Ql6eN9g-BBWjwrKNRGF8TTUSc7c_tIm1_4JZlNO3wtsnM7lGb9-TvtKPbRd9oZxfO255F9-SqausyMLzuK1B/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_162216525_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>As we walked the boardwalk, Kathy spotted movement in the water below. David got his camera ready, and captured this photo of a swimming muskrat (or was it a nutria?) emerging from under the boardwalk:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7X6-cypjK1vb-5d-OhTs5X3VCnKnhfkHYD9rxafXJAIiMFytHoKbcQIo0y6mi0qU4wyc2G_FAhgArZHctIvJpGrLKSWfsQ8xA64bsUfvJNV06QR0G7S5JnXf8bgnEs6DTSXxzHgtDWOIo76oS6Exghl4jQb8wv764S8xbpoEWjdhsF1B45wsrjyjr8j2/s2427/PXL_20240229_162630200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1845" data-original-width="2427" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7X6-cypjK1vb-5d-OhTs5X3VCnKnhfkHYD9rxafXJAIiMFytHoKbcQIo0y6mi0qU4wyc2G_FAhgArZHctIvJpGrLKSWfsQ8xA64bsUfvJNV06QR0G7S5JnXf8bgnEs6DTSXxzHgtDWOIo76oS6Exghl4jQb8wv764S8xbpoEWjdhsF1B45wsrjyjr8j2/w400-h304/PXL_20240229_162630200.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>Having finished our boardwalk experience, we turned our focus to the main trail along the levee. We were surprised to find that Spring is starting to visit this area. We first noticed a bush of pretty little flowers along the water:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuL3VrIUUJs9F96OJk_KAMWi1PtGLOXtYJhMIaGV3rXbiugWK9HyM7QYjrX7u0eH04yCdD-Q84S6XQ2_swj9fA1LJ0BCS89oACW_M0R52c9_LsdolOtN51adjPkpMoo_skzLwwORLFsY_SkYat5F5nfNyoJZ1B_Hjh9fLgRVApv1m1q4hjikzdFbb0D7S/s3672/PXL_20240229_163113572_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuL3VrIUUJs9F96OJk_KAMWi1PtGLOXtYJhMIaGV3rXbiugWK9HyM7QYjrX7u0eH04yCdD-Q84S6XQ2_swj9fA1LJ0BCS89oACW_M0R52c9_LsdolOtN51adjPkpMoo_skzLwwORLFsY_SkYat5F5nfNyoJZ1B_Hjh9fLgRVApv1m1q4hjikzdFbb0D7S/w400-h301/PXL_20240229_163113572_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>A little further along, the bayou, which was narrow at this point, opened up into a broad, shallow pond inhabited by ducks and other waterfowl:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurrlHQ3CRtGih6CJhhgYpvcZptbTDFueyHypktLrGkIOCgsLBS5GHTnL5t0Nq8aqiNn5mPupaf4-KZIDvL1a17ivxURzxCw-BkoRaVtbaQ6htExVuhI4UCLIL-AixNvFAymZ8noG0tlvXO7uysdpe_6EgopEoJ5pM0stDmzQfjpo9YZUifeLr-8105_an/s3264/PXL_20240229_163140511_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurrlHQ3CRtGih6CJhhgYpvcZptbTDFueyHypktLrGkIOCgsLBS5GHTnL5t0Nq8aqiNn5mPupaf4-KZIDvL1a17ivxURzxCw-BkoRaVtbaQ6htExVuhI4UCLIL-AixNvFAymZ8noG0tlvXO7uysdpe_6EgopEoJ5pM0stDmzQfjpo9YZUifeLr-8105_an/w400-h301/PXL_20240229_163140511_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>Thistle are starting to appear and blossom along the levee:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSepXe5bMk6_CPzSfKEt4JKtLw_Tlb82GXC76r38DJ0ojJwSsoFF9NOR5C43sXJaKBXSjO1LNf4B10-Z-aKwVExtA6Mwt4nU5C95g0Po0VeBRuPH6DdXr73xHhHEMUFZKO_RJj96RC7Ry0xvQFLUciFUyH1rNP96m5AUnLoaNLpLb_xwRsdZpHjiqs2Xo8/s3672/PXL_20240229_163420118_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSepXe5bMk6_CPzSfKEt4JKtLw_Tlb82GXC76r38DJ0ojJwSsoFF9NOR5C43sXJaKBXSjO1LNf4B10-Z-aKwVExtA6Mwt4nU5C95g0Po0VeBRuPH6DdXr73xHhHEMUFZKO_RJj96RC7Ry0xvQFLUciFUyH1rNP96m5AUnLoaNLpLb_xwRsdZpHjiqs2Xo8/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_163420118_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>Other small wildflowers are appearing, such as these white coneflower-like blossoms --</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXCAZlAHYVyLVX65229a1cttZcbkvlusfmEX1tpSrM6c2NHQMpXCDBQPQisdnE-dW0wIEjK2TksXheBXtWlOOHttV5lgVaVlC00D_4CUUFx_oXciHuY1qFlewRUKq78QDf7LSXR68ThCfuXHg6zQnSNR009CcDOtuwfDHCRQOqp7ogS1j7056aUBhZK1Z/s4080/PXL_20240229_163630159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXCAZlAHYVyLVX65229a1cttZcbkvlusfmEX1tpSrM6c2NHQMpXCDBQPQisdnE-dW0wIEjK2TksXheBXtWlOOHttV5lgVaVlC00D_4CUUFx_oXciHuY1qFlewRUKq78QDf7LSXR68ThCfuXHg6zQnSNR009CcDOtuwfDHCRQOqp7ogS1j7056aUBhZK1Z/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_163630159.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>-- and these pink-fuschia cuties:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjtRPkAa77rxQOY7DnaDHNcLD74U3nEuw5XiNs2BwTmycKCaGgSku2DUzUAIY6f-MruaTzUNeOj_tz2EXUHh810w00QMC7VO6L-kMwFI1xFH3Zsd_yUHmHgc-8qxXSIggsr3w_pj6C7_AkSj5XyL9tL5Oy4CwUXeiyWVb-F4QA-5ZNAsolERtjTPN_A5G/s4080/PXL_20240229_164430315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjtRPkAa77rxQOY7DnaDHNcLD74U3nEuw5XiNs2BwTmycKCaGgSku2DUzUAIY6f-MruaTzUNeOj_tz2EXUHh810w00QMC7VO6L-kMwFI1xFH3Zsd_yUHmHgc-8qxXSIggsr3w_pj6C7_AkSj5XyL9tL5Oy4CwUXeiyWVb-F4QA-5ZNAsolERtjTPN_A5G/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_164430315.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>Several pipelines and other utility lines cross through the Refuge, and are responsibly marked by signs cautioning against interfering:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xhyphenhyphenK_EkBT89fIKmvjbidl7DnAE0o1RngkxM28Qjg7hYc7JR4W74-weVxaDuy3Yt6hO8uc69aXcrjyvdwO7xAbNao0VQ4ZrUQOnfLAzbVRfhAC4NVzY11PeqUQUIB2H2dtHtHwTTrqOIy-kRWf-FJUaBKob49GlQBesI3GnycYh-vRJ4K5UFvr_1s9v_O/s3264/PXL_20240229_164829445_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xhyphenhyphenK_EkBT89fIKmvjbidl7DnAE0o1RngkxM28Qjg7hYc7JR4W74-weVxaDuy3Yt6hO8uc69aXcrjyvdwO7xAbNao0VQ4ZrUQOnfLAzbVRfhAC4NVzY11PeqUQUIB2H2dtHtHwTTrqOIy-kRWf-FJUaBKob49GlQBesI3GnycYh-vRJ4K5UFvr_1s9v_O/w400-h301/PXL_20240229_164829445_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>Along the way, we spotted yet more wildflowers, these bright yellow:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjBWERsp9qTeIl-02yS74l1HduMmd30sno1rh-U9I4dcsFspk079S8OQsYM9_TGXn1CBdI5zgmWlsdft6aTav4uv6L6zW2tHWzHJmAoCFH7GN3C-9yR-bbKwVTq9IaIpGqguOI8ogI_CAGGepAn0tt7GUgMoYO9Au9kw7qUbYEEfiAtzpDgtvEFhK3vAw/s3672/PXL_20240229_171345240_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjBWERsp9qTeIl-02yS74l1HduMmd30sno1rh-U9I4dcsFspk079S8OQsYM9_TGXn1CBdI5zgmWlsdft6aTav4uv6L6zW2tHWzHJmAoCFH7GN3C-9yR-bbKwVTq9IaIpGqguOI8ogI_CAGGepAn0tt7GUgMoYO9Au9kw7qUbYEEfiAtzpDgtvEFhK3vAw/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_171345240_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>In some places, the swamp, festooned in variegated greens, looked more like a pastel watercolor than reality:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq825AnHqB1f1doHWRX8YLMQ4fbHEHJuUOdsp5CCHKipwinaHMtR71nb8mCfxK14X1Clzb7ZgBUzFv96j41dYJGwrmtkGfvmslIEZQXHjcAU4_piQ95HEefUjCXUA71nVJUgky5o4bP9VWoEHHZDVXI9nSySCMjeNynyFIfIKwbTFe89WGFypHbZiYldD/s3672/PXL_20240229_172522188_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq825AnHqB1f1doHWRX8YLMQ4fbHEHJuUOdsp5CCHKipwinaHMtR71nb8mCfxK14X1Clzb7ZgBUzFv96j41dYJGwrmtkGfvmslIEZQXHjcAU4_piQ95HEefUjCXUA71nVJUgky5o4bP9VWoEHHZDVXI9nSySCMjeNynyFIfIKwbTFe89WGFypHbZiYldD/w400-h301/PXL_20240229_172522188_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p>Spanish moss hung everywhere from live oak and cypress trees along the levee. One mass of Spanish moss was so large, and hung so low, that David was able to give it a hug:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpD3uucYdjS0eH_18db9t0nHlmHSa73Pk54qTzDEveItnFsiI1-aFINnVEpAcuDX3Tg9hSyG4U-UDsjSlROCYimK0UiipZmoPZEaepYRY6kC90nPGtmyZmL_4y0lfbnlKVUUcoApyixEIjNtJaXQEDAaALWYPF3wkYVsQCWnkdFrIzM50Xbs9_Mbss_mo/s3264/PXL_20240229_180625485_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpD3uucYdjS0eH_18db9t0nHlmHSa73Pk54qTzDEveItnFsiI1-aFINnVEpAcuDX3Tg9hSyG4U-UDsjSlROCYimK0UiipZmoPZEaepYRY6kC90nPGtmyZmL_4y0lfbnlKVUUcoApyixEIjNtJaXQEDAaALWYPF3wkYVsQCWnkdFrIzM50Xbs9_Mbss_mo/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_180625485_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>We reached the turnaround point of our 5 mile hike and stopped for a hot lunch of beans, rice and crawfish. After a short rest, we turned around and hiked back the way we had come. Perhaps it was the angle of the sun, or perhaps we were not so distracted by the views on each side; but, on the way back, we spotted several places where animals had tracked up one side of the levee from the marsh, and down the other to the bayou:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLgckTFLTAMXDFQyuCG_BvQZnP0uIdKTRx9BKPwE36YhOd4Pw2hy5LgqtlG-bTJp4k6lv-DOha2i1GjrzubKnZm-0tP3HfV1uTFGCWl7Hk7HU1xfLlx7PPgaINwTqeOQvoPyrPihiqZ2Fk_PEiyPrnEAZHGq_l3F3gBV84akV_6Dz97X1DEIY_L3LAwm0/s3264/PXL_20240229_180722958_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLgckTFLTAMXDFQyuCG_BvQZnP0uIdKTRx9BKPwE36YhOd4Pw2hy5LgqtlG-bTJp4k6lv-DOha2i1GjrzubKnZm-0tP3HfV1uTFGCWl7Hk7HU1xfLlx7PPgaINwTqeOQvoPyrPihiqZ2Fk_PEiyPrnEAZHGq_l3F3gBV84akV_6Dz97X1DEIY_L3LAwm0/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_180722958_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>We were surprised that we hadn't seen these tracks on the way out, but in any event, looked more closely at the tracks. We could see where they exited from the swamp. David followed one track back into the swamp and could not determine what had made the track. We finally surmised that these were alligator slides.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1t-c_QusofxIhRHii4B6oH4pbxnlVuaPbhF0LCp9EAFTq1ZfxpY3T19kz5db4QvPKmBvabcWkbgAljE_fEKEeRZWan_P7P-AOVXJOjvLcwRgowb6gYslQ0btUhJCjJUJZbe2Ixg5JCsAssb1-iHInH3hCiux3rOVaY7XUjmhYq85EFevzGch9vXXjZvP/s3264/PXL_20240229_180827147_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1t-c_QusofxIhRHii4B6oH4pbxnlVuaPbhF0LCp9EAFTq1ZfxpY3T19kz5db4QvPKmBvabcWkbgAljE_fEKEeRZWan_P7P-AOVXJOjvLcwRgowb6gYslQ0btUhJCjJUJZbe2Ixg5JCsAssb1-iHInH3hCiux3rOVaY7XUjmhYq85EFevzGch9vXXjZvP/w301-h400/PXL_20240229_180827147_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p>We also spotted what might have been a fox den dug into the side of the levee, and stretches of levee occupied by what appeared to be a city of gopher holes.</p><p>At times on our walk, we gazed at pairs of hawks, either hunting along the bayou, across the swamp, or chasing off vultures or crows or other birds trying to encroach on their territory. We never had much of a chance to photograph the hawks before they flew off, but we finally snapped this photo of one of them:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HHtqLHHYbFk3kRdq8M7yhd5yLdjKdEPScq3cJKQWW4kUeTm6b0AMAk-XzRPvKpk2zaipLdD15Hz6krRtzaRuui1_CEuLVHsp_I90YCgGolSxvaTj6Osn4DFjnuRQKz39C-pHxdJTg8_AK71v9-LdWkjh2JZ9XX0NejujKignT6gSNpVxK4HzZFNcZ9YT/s1650/PXL_20240229_182004338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1650" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HHtqLHHYbFk3kRdq8M7yhd5yLdjKdEPScq3cJKQWW4kUeTm6b0AMAk-XzRPvKpk2zaipLdD15Hz6krRtzaRuui1_CEuLVHsp_I90YCgGolSxvaTj6Osn4DFjnuRQKz39C-pHxdJTg8_AK71v9-LdWkjh2JZ9XX0NejujKignT6gSNpVxK4HzZFNcZ9YT/w400-h296/PXL_20240229_182004338.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>All in all, we saw more wildlife and wildflowers than we had expected. Levee walks can get boring if there are no special attractions along them. In this case, we had the flora and fauna, as well as the bayou and swamp on opposite sides of the levee, and the hike was done before we knew it.</p><p>This stay at Betty's RV Park involves mandatory Happy Hour, so we had to head home to walk Ruby Cat and do other chores, including preparing some snacks for the Happy Hour attendees. It turned out to be a busy and productive day.</p><p>See you next adventure!<br> </p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-60674138670841020362024-02-29T20:45:00.001-05:002024-02-29T20:45:23.016-05:00Jungle Garden Hike 2024<p style="text-align: right;">Monday, February 26, 2024</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hi Blog!</p><p style="text-align: left;">After leaving Davis Bayou in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, we made our way to Betty's RV Park in Abbeville, Louisiana. After getting settled in, we had a wonderful weekend with our friends Dan and Susan from Illinois. More on those adventures in another blog. </p><p style="text-align: left;">After two days of eating and drinking, we felt we needed to stretch our legs a bit. One of our favorite places to hike in the area is the Jungle Gardens on Avery Island. Avery Island is home to the world famous Tabasco Factory. It was also the home of Edward Avery McIlhenny, the son of the founder of the Tabasco Factory, who created the 170 acre gardens with plants from around the world. We have visited Jungle Gardens twice before -- <a href="https://davenkathy.blogspot.com/2018/01/hot-times-at-tabasco-plant.html">once in 2018</a>, and <a href="https://davenkathy.blogspot.com/2020/03/another-visit-to-jungle-gardens-on.html">another time in 2020.</a> No matter how often we visit, each visit is special and we see things we hadn't seen before.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The three mile trail starts at the Gift Shop. Other than day use fees at various state parks, the Jungle Gardens is one of the few hikes we actually had to pay to hike. However, it's a small price to pay to help the local economy and maintain the gardens for future generations.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcptFMI9f00jhi8hbb1d1UU5siK9TTiwuVcdByavZLOocU94ECG9BFekLDSvScjiTGQTgSvWn5l87uUch5-88W2-J73hkYsEUd4QU_y5UmQ3y5mIN72oHgUXz3jmnyAyUvEh9fdSt2q9qBcmqis8IZxTQvnn7YZi3O1FdseMIPzNoVkyrybnTyaMme007C/s3456/PXL_20240226_161514140_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcptFMI9f00jhi8hbb1d1UU5siK9TTiwuVcdByavZLOocU94ECG9BFekLDSvScjiTGQTgSvWn5l87uUch5-88W2-J73hkYsEUd4QU_y5UmQ3y5mIN72oHgUXz3jmnyAyUvEh9fdSt2q9qBcmqis8IZxTQvnn7YZi3O1FdseMIPzNoVkyrybnTyaMme007C/w400-h300/PXL_20240226_161514140_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We started our hike under a canopy of live oaks. As we made our way along the park road, we decided to take a side trail known as the Bayou Petitie Anse or Marsh Trail. No sooner did we get on the narrow trail, than we saw momma gator sitting in a pool by the side of the trail.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWCiT3Cr-hCS7Q618RK7THTZqV3C7RbDK4FVD_pRFDxoO06LrwnlKqKJ7fP5FtvSEr_RJEkNcZlzbuVUTZOKSdt6ksYHXraIDKswy8wuzJx5DCAooCbJD2tzFqFTygd7agwlqD16yMahHeHiGQDTw69pAOBP-D1arfHu0Fbt5DxP51uInXke66ighlTVP/s4080/PXL_20240226_162920073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWCiT3Cr-hCS7Q618RK7THTZqV3C7RbDK4FVD_pRFDxoO06LrwnlKqKJ7fP5FtvSEr_RJEkNcZlzbuVUTZOKSdt6ksYHXraIDKswy8wuzJx5DCAooCbJD2tzFqFTygd7agwlqD16yMahHeHiGQDTw69pAOBP-D1arfHu0Fbt5DxP51uInXke66ighlTVP/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_162920073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were two baby gators. The smallest took off as soon as we approached. Junior was not inclined to move from his sunny spot on a small island next to the trail.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1suWdgPGDkkDnmnPoHZVHTna3Unqvcuq0jrTTzvwDisqLbFpTn8KvtMLatS3UeNtFvZWixfNdF5AIUt0k7An4sKWj0tgv6KHVKwDdy-UZyLCAsEPXe-7UDgnJx3Bi4pzMsk_NYGsJZYnbzBHLLgYkQl6uMgACn9qCpCu6k4v9yST1Bkvoa4PJrKz396g/s3672/PXL_20240226_164149769_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1suWdgPGDkkDnmnPoHZVHTna3Unqvcuq0jrTTzvwDisqLbFpTn8KvtMLatS3UeNtFvZWixfNdF5AIUt0k7An4sKWj0tgv6KHVKwDdy-UZyLCAsEPXe-7UDgnJx3Bi4pzMsk_NYGsJZYnbzBHLLgYkQl6uMgACn9qCpCu6k4v9yST1Bkvoa4PJrKz396g/w301-h400/PXL_20240226_164149769_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a series of ponds that run along the bayou. The gators enjoy sunning themselves on the banks of the pond.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTE4W4M7hIYdYdbvxtD9k5KfOhhjZWYMSuUFkgBtQeZvrVdZ02JJlt38SyN6jiU07QO3LoGM_PI3ZI6nEXos4qNS51ETT67BKGqA4nVjG_aE0A1eBsYNmZSxKXspEzdEMXVz_yIqpYyRefcgGQs0NpPhCBS6wuRhwrbF117ZblNw20xdYJ_tjmWMXO4ZY/s3672/PXL_20240226_164744110_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTE4W4M7hIYdYdbvxtD9k5KfOhhjZWYMSuUFkgBtQeZvrVdZ02JJlt38SyN6jiU07QO3LoGM_PI3ZI6nEXos4qNS51ETT67BKGqA4nVjG_aE0A1eBsYNmZSxKXspEzdEMXVz_yIqpYyRefcgGQs0NpPhCBS6wuRhwrbF117ZblNw20xdYJ_tjmWMXO4ZY/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_164744110_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We call this photo, "The Three Amigos."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGtHDxJdje6jMSJn96poSC6mJIyIWq3iXCKM2yjk296wbu4DKcxwtjW3f8QEJfSr0e5Tf5G7AuMSA46BTzvuZmjBACZNX8tuMZM42nDYgddJYtmYOIWL8ld1LABvUBIGhFsHDYEbya-I_zD-XMomHqHonvD3voHNhxR1Mjsh8eZYfTrv38AL4djFXeF85/s3672/PXL_20240226_165248721_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGtHDxJdje6jMSJn96poSC6mJIyIWq3iXCKM2yjk296wbu4DKcxwtjW3f8QEJfSr0e5Tf5G7AuMSA46BTzvuZmjBACZNX8tuMZM42nDYgddJYtmYOIWL8ld1LABvUBIGhFsHDYEbya-I_zD-XMomHqHonvD3voHNhxR1Mjsh8eZYfTrv38AL4djFXeF85/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_165248721_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A snowy egret keeps one eye on the Three Amigos as it fishes for lunch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhdtrlY_0MXFriiA2xqv6TcW5RiE3o9NmAWuLcqp1Ayi_M3t6MZLBBOSk1Iy71v4EosHpyWixVJerAZIfhbv2ZSA4ClAhy6yFYd61B4c2o4x-qhidjMLp6wD29_SjxBF3xxW7Gkoc3SmQqbbPgGjBKlHm2qovzR78ps7wiwqn6p5nTqqPkzLP8IRnfT5D/s3672/PXL_20240226_165302822_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhdtrlY_0MXFriiA2xqv6TcW5RiE3o9NmAWuLcqp1Ayi_M3t6MZLBBOSk1Iy71v4EosHpyWixVJerAZIfhbv2ZSA4ClAhy6yFYd61B4c2o4x-qhidjMLp6wD29_SjxBF3xxW7Gkoc3SmQqbbPgGjBKlHm2qovzR78ps7wiwqn6p5nTqqPkzLP8IRnfT5D/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_165302822_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This little blue heron didn't seem to notice there were three gators sharing the same bank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC91Oh_BRIM_gNrBP2pgZALRi6Y46wvAOU7zbZ00oj0dcEUD22CjcyHrB5-XdLVk8T7XAKm9UCPXE21c1yKYUHBQ3IhGf786CYpCtAINtZ_QcHBi3USaP2IwHYENpXp3lridPF4IxPz5936EbXnUfpuJvsuG_uq5pZstiRdcuZ6XECoHca0wCbdC7oeDk/s4080/PXL_20240226_165408629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC91Oh_BRIM_gNrBP2pgZALRi6Y46wvAOU7zbZ00oj0dcEUD22CjcyHrB5-XdLVk8T7XAKm9UCPXE21c1yKYUHBQ3IhGf786CYpCtAINtZ_QcHBi3USaP2IwHYENpXp3lridPF4IxPz5936EbXnUfpuJvsuG_uq5pZstiRdcuZ6XECoHca0wCbdC7oeDk/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_165408629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Great Blue Heron was enjoying having this little island all to himself.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uOfw9iQo1DNIfzbI2u_lPSGdhxkSK5n0-ueUGvV4YwPhmQHIklGSu-sV0yM7xr6mH-DKHusdz0nBviOn9DhX6yXd-biKGlqyfG9Ul8yGz9MxG0pF51CfO5fHxerbmADv5sP-Ak76MuUy3MLOAtDV19SzoXAA_CGtk8qoVFwYCnwIKPoNfpToB0hH4h1t/s3672/PXL_20240226_171301898_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uOfw9iQo1DNIfzbI2u_lPSGdhxkSK5n0-ueUGvV4YwPhmQHIklGSu-sV0yM7xr6mH-DKHusdz0nBviOn9DhX6yXd-biKGlqyfG9Ul8yGz9MxG0pF51CfO5fHxerbmADv5sP-Ak76MuUy3MLOAtDV19SzoXAA_CGtk8qoVFwYCnwIKPoNfpToB0hH4h1t/w301-h400/PXL_20240226_171301898_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Cleveland Oak is over 300 years old. It was named for Glover Cleveland who hugged the tree when he visited Avery Island.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWRSDyXQFNnjXCmno8w9O57hFj_fP7Qm8TLOIzmroakskrLra9Qm_wWSjFYHH6N8CrLmHx08QEJjb-2GFHtp4McffJRwoBuT6ekNYngHHelw6LJr__foEPE9pv7jwi00EZjqlp5o4jhT450yRMY4Mf-d42ZPhoBzXc0qkWJvoSxS3zaMgWbBZM9rluhml/s3672/PXL_20240226_171624174_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWRSDyXQFNnjXCmno8w9O57hFj_fP7Qm8TLOIzmroakskrLra9Qm_wWSjFYHH6N8CrLmHx08QEJjb-2GFHtp4McffJRwoBuT6ekNYngHHelw6LJr__foEPE9pv7jwi00EZjqlp5o4jhT450yRMY4Mf-d42ZPhoBzXc0qkWJvoSxS3zaMgWbBZM9rluhml/w301-h400/PXL_20240226_171624174_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> The path from the Cleveland Oak led us to the Asian Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXRTsketX_mMOOYkpPq1ML5d8y0I5Cprh1hSXVHgOIXuaOXONNRmb2pCw84r639Tk5z22dEfEHVBP8RxdX95izIgYcjLQ66W_9yx56_ZorfaExIMxS5WaCQvnLa6PsCKsFkpfjjnJNNXG7nkNd7WHp4weRa53OUBKBOBy3E_Y4JrFI58epkA4_UkRBJAJ/s3264/PXL_20240226_172106662_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXRTsketX_mMOOYkpPq1ML5d8y0I5Cprh1hSXVHgOIXuaOXONNRmb2pCw84r639Tk5z22dEfEHVBP8RxdX95izIgYcjLQ66W_9yx56_ZorfaExIMxS5WaCQvnLa6PsCKsFkpfjjnJNNXG7nkNd7WHp4weRa53OUBKBOBy3E_Y4JrFI58epkA4_UkRBJAJ/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_172106662_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along the way, we saw this turtle sunning himself at the edge of the pond.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGnudF5TT9hhfrBjKah3DAFMK-FvDMXHkM95MfgfbY8WXrQZs4jaWUc3GPj__qGfQ2OaCS3n3Ech-tSOaYxuETgRqG66yhuoaFFQXUicVAF2Tw4QJkx6PcWITl-dZGkjT4osRZ4UKOqrp_H9UPdyaB2Zhja09yE3OZeHzg0s3mLiRObNqarTGLOF4qCGo/s3672/PXL_20240226_172120650_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGnudF5TT9hhfrBjKah3DAFMK-FvDMXHkM95MfgfbY8WXrQZs4jaWUc3GPj__qGfQ2OaCS3n3Ech-tSOaYxuETgRqG66yhuoaFFQXUicVAF2Tw4QJkx6PcWITl-dZGkjT4osRZ4UKOqrp_H9UPdyaB2Zhja09yE3OZeHzg0s3mLiRObNqarTGLOF4qCGo/w301-h400/PXL_20240226_172120650_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the path, we came upon a beautiful shrine housing a 900 year old Buddha. The Buddha has became a focal point for visitors and still serves as a centerpiece at the Gardens. In recent years, the shrine has become an active place of worship for local Buddhists, who conduct a number of ceremonies there throughout the year - most notably on Buddha’s birthday. We were astounded at the large amount of money offerings in open dishes around the shrine -- none of which had been disturbed.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKTNVW2_B9n1v8hOKdL-aG49DcoyNhC1hf_Db-RW4n4gFgGcd7Etb0cGu-P9TZ3xbbPaLIDc9hUtsiIKTWZb9l5X81dl6diTTjCXzGxHk0_DhyphenhyphenS6Ef4VSeYWUq3ctbBVUlKQkfkDz9rrvjEWTrZyGaEBehLKEr_SGnZUgrG2i9ezrlBMjmYO8SIhFsoge/s3264/PXL_20240226_172332558_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKTNVW2_B9n1v8hOKdL-aG49DcoyNhC1hf_Db-RW4n4gFgGcd7Etb0cGu-P9TZ3xbbPaLIDc9hUtsiIKTWZb9l5X81dl6diTTjCXzGxHk0_DhyphenhyphenS6Ef4VSeYWUq3ctbBVUlKQkfkDz9rrvjEWTrZyGaEBehLKEr_SGnZUgrG2i9ezrlBMjmYO8SIhFsoge/w301-h400/PXL_20240226_172332558_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just below the shrine, a Great White Egret fished for lunch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGCe7f5mpqahc4p-tQBb2NoE8g88Ddpf2utgRC4bbLcu-KL74L2HmDtjWpu7n7V4YWiQrXxlL_wDNsWp7MT2futL0Ruy7UiZgXxUZwirNlHayD7koOFTAVKahSsbqgyoprDs_SjWj-J8yLyEBSEkuhpN8GJzW90kc1udLGBjPuwqMINa8tPZB5GrB9x3V/s3672/PXL_20240226_172420669_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGCe7f5mpqahc4p-tQBb2NoE8g88Ddpf2utgRC4bbLcu-KL74L2HmDtjWpu7n7V4YWiQrXxlL_wDNsWp7MT2futL0Ruy7UiZgXxUZwirNlHayD7koOFTAVKahSsbqgyoprDs_SjWj-J8yLyEBSEkuhpN8GJzW90kc1udLGBjPuwqMINa8tPZB5GrB9x3V/w301-h400/PXL_20240226_172420669_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are thousands of camellias in the Jungle Gardens. They bloom from December to March. While most of the blooms had past, we were still able to find a few.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdFEz1P8snBc2Eqg_R0S8qGh68TmhZXC_yfyFEbh6fsMjGTiW2-OuazBwjjRPxqgkkKkDSUp-8HSmpO-WwgkYXdDTdHaIemF75re0HbB0qbwE94glBPZ1F4KNKD_XVVkNUylByn5Ui2g6hmR8gTj1sezszsfEY_CYOA2H_J6X-eJKWyqFJFpXsUZtB8ZJ/s4080/PXL_20240226_173255335.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdFEz1P8snBc2Eqg_R0S8qGh68TmhZXC_yfyFEbh6fsMjGTiW2-OuazBwjjRPxqgkkKkDSUp-8HSmpO-WwgkYXdDTdHaIemF75re0HbB0qbwE94glBPZ1F4KNKD_XVVkNUylByn5Ui2g6hmR8gTj1sezszsfEY_CYOA2H_J6X-eJKWyqFJFpXsUZtB8ZJ/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_173255335.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The azaleas are just beginning to open up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3zpff_pvUeyrv52rOO6tYEOWsBCSqaZFLdwuO7aQ-oaxm21vqYQ-k14zRufJwYGBfyUwOYSIfC3oMRv6Y2Q1G-NTjk71uA0lw1qBJLBG3HuAV7Om8dPbewKgEKSlti-vH1EHK-dYglhoHL3JwIVIHUfOlTPxq6Djk86yROkIY5Bxe44xh1AeSn0yXXW5/s3672/PXL_20240226_173629652.PORTRAIT_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3zpff_pvUeyrv52rOO6tYEOWsBCSqaZFLdwuO7aQ-oaxm21vqYQ-k14zRufJwYGBfyUwOYSIfC3oMRv6Y2Q1G-NTjk71uA0lw1qBJLBG3HuAV7Om8dPbewKgEKSlti-vH1EHK-dYglhoHL3JwIVIHUfOlTPxq6Djk86yROkIY5Bxe44xh1AeSn0yXXW5/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_173629652.PORTRAIT_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This massive live oak seems to be sheltering the lovely pink azaleas.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoJUBh-RDu02KjqpOiowDJqAn8mCnIC3iVonQYZD70gWNGFJACZ4J8-s_Wku0wPjFjC7-icmivdCfIXJNpqgVIFx5hINZ05M4-bdeZVsMCyDsyP_FXt7CufryuqdL_qRKcgw_Ar5nzwPlaVPF29cFT0X7DerBClVMX8ioU6GGb51vRAg_S80-u-iUN2M9/s3264/PXL_20240226_174044047_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoJUBh-RDu02KjqpOiowDJqAn8mCnIC3iVonQYZD70gWNGFJACZ4J8-s_Wku0wPjFjC7-icmivdCfIXJNpqgVIFx5hINZ05M4-bdeZVsMCyDsyP_FXt7CufryuqdL_qRKcgw_Ar5nzwPlaVPF29cFT0X7DerBClVMX8ioU6GGb51vRAg_S80-u-iUN2M9/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_174044047_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After strolling through the camellia study gardens, we made our way over to Bird City. This famous rookery began as a bird colony in the 1890s. Alarmed by local plume hunters who were killing thousands of egrets to use their feathers for ladies’ hats, Mr. McIlhenny gathered up eight young snowy egrets and raised them in an aviary that he built on Avery Island. The birds were released in the fall to migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, and six of the birds (and their mates) returned to nest in the spring. Today, hundreds of snowy egrets call Bird City home.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJWDKL10Wzq7uaRMusL2dRLJa1XYrDXluP9KMWKLeOyL3g2zFLAHIFFiRnjujCy5zXIDrPoSCEcozfuGh3rUx6XowhSbvOkgVdYux9kfXdBjeMowCzthUuGCMq7-b0Ki5FGqg_8_8aqy8vgTWJXonumZmxkcHzjtutdHiq7p9rFasIgDitMuJMeCogFSh/s3672/PXL_20240226_174541812_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJWDKL10Wzq7uaRMusL2dRLJa1XYrDXluP9KMWKLeOyL3g2zFLAHIFFiRnjujCy5zXIDrPoSCEcozfuGh3rUx6XowhSbvOkgVdYux9kfXdBjeMowCzthUuGCMq7-b0Ki5FGqg_8_8aqy8vgTWJXonumZmxkcHzjtutdHiq7p9rFasIgDitMuJMeCogFSh/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_174541812_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are even a few Great Egrets in the mix.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaveW9woBmLh8FQ0liriB-Z5k2965yz91QrxR_kdxzr9i4io8zyAmP196EPCnCUCCmCaa6-WXIqvlVF4dhTO4z5dUX-Nb0ZbqgQEen9eHK-CzW17hu-Q6VAbWETiZIpRixUBMFAJTr-brJrSjl9yFg_BFLdYMU8_ZcmXy1a4uDKGpzHIGj2blrZ20WFtSD/s3672/PXL_20240226_174652684_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaveW9woBmLh8FQ0liriB-Z5k2965yz91QrxR_kdxzr9i4io8zyAmP196EPCnCUCCmCaa6-WXIqvlVF4dhTO4z5dUX-Nb0ZbqgQEen9eHK-CzW17hu-Q6VAbWETiZIpRixUBMFAJTr-brJrSjl9yFg_BFLdYMU8_ZcmXy1a4uDKGpzHIGj2blrZ20WFtSD/w400-h301/PXL_20240226_174652684_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we finished our hike, we made our way over to the restaurant next to the Tabasco Gift Shop. After enjoying our Cajun crab cake smothered in crawfish etouffee, we proceeded to shop for the latest hot sauce creations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As with most adventures when staying at Betty's RV Park, we ended the day with another Happy Hour with our fellow RVers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's to more adventure! <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-90020012899033956682024-02-20T20:09:00.001-05:002024-02-20T20:09:36.674-05:00Paddling Davis Bayou Again<p>We were last here at Gulf Islands National Seashore, in Ocean Springs, in 2018, when <a href="https://davenkathy.blogspot.com/2018/02/paddling-davis-bayou.html">we paddled portions of Davis Bayou the first time.</a> We weren't entirely happy with the visit, because the tide was low and we didn't have a chance to explore deeply into the estuaries. We hoped that, this time, we might hit the high tide and paddle up further inland.</p><p>We didn't quite get our wish. We could only get out one of the days we are here, and the tides were not entirely favorable. We were able to paddle at mid-tide, which let us paddle a little deeper into the bayou. However, the weather was cooler and the sea breeze was stiff, so we had to deal with the added elements of wind and waves.</p><p>Still, the day was beautiful and brilliant. We worked our way against the wind and waves, out into the deep, outer reaches of Davis Bayou --<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7Wl4rernH3eYbuTmMMxFDUTI43ADjqF_I9EWactpupnGz_nc9CaW0UEEkOknNj1o5fzu382jKKQVK88LyBMc72r5SJFZe0utdvEQM42O3TeStOpKU8v4EIryBGXngHLArdeAmKSo3DiIAu2-sHrJy2GlRQ_9-hDIqSXNwStzsWJAKa_rc5Wmc8qJMEV_/s3600/P2200002_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7Wl4rernH3eYbuTmMMxFDUTI43ADjqF_I9EWactpupnGz_nc9CaW0UEEkOknNj1o5fzu382jKKQVK88LyBMc72r5SJFZe0utdvEQM42O3TeStOpKU8v4EIryBGXngHLArdeAmKSo3DiIAu2-sHrJy2GlRQ_9-hDIqSXNwStzsWJAKa_rc5Wmc8qJMEV_/w400-h300/P2200002_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- and then around a point and into the estuarine channels:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8XKxjTn2aRU2sKNkO8l88CVnGCtSKzjg5ROSvF6VEnHjqGB_eOqSTBGVLdGJnO-JyBpPC8NVlqR2ZYYBo3fnxrihdxU9YGl1PvMsJ76CFF3HhwkZ4p6n2YBwe7TJUUhoLHibBl-BPNM551Iw9f7573wXqhkd7-NcNlPXXr3Zw98ya6JTEZVECWGwyr-1/s3600/P2200003_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8XKxjTn2aRU2sKNkO8l88CVnGCtSKzjg5ROSvF6VEnHjqGB_eOqSTBGVLdGJnO-JyBpPC8NVlqR2ZYYBo3fnxrihdxU9YGl1PvMsJ76CFF3HhwkZ4p6n2YBwe7TJUUhoLHibBl-BPNM551Iw9f7573wXqhkd7-NcNlPXXr3Zw98ya6JTEZVECWGwyr-1/w400-h300/P2200003_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our first stop was a small bridge that we had visited in our 2018 paddle. It looked just the same:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPtw3eaoGYWUDCPL35SimbzlvWXMFgMb2p76Ip7OOSLzO6LcmF5cIJ83h1Kdo_EQEWZyMnVh00yUVfkah6i4razvegfFhG0XGZyoBiPodf0ufPJ7Qy7AfCfpq7VjmrBEUJ_wFVliEVZvsW8FF4ZePvTPBoRY9yq9DpgskU_KQgBuMFq7jXIdq6qBAK5pf/s4000/P2200010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPtw3eaoGYWUDCPL35SimbzlvWXMFgMb2p76Ip7OOSLzO6LcmF5cIJ83h1Kdo_EQEWZyMnVh00yUVfkah6i4razvegfFhG0XGZyoBiPodf0ufPJ7Qy7AfCfpq7VjmrBEUJ_wFVliEVZvsW8FF4ZePvTPBoRY9yq9DpgskU_KQgBuMFq7jXIdq6qBAK5pf/w400-h300/P2200010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We couldn't help taking another photo of our passage under the bridge --<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUF40qfAW7WNl5QmV5bWGzHKY89UkcAnTPGRMLdCLJ8YGvHz_G7lJDeqP7bT6VxgyGaY-fp83pzSJ0t123BBb4ofGezQmcpOwo2__VpB00cpL3DxQSZJS4nFCDRdTV5FhbiJ_MfJHjzjgPjjmq47X7JV7321g-OQufWZM96qAw0BVk_exBMn0CYSeEBJu/s4000/P2200013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUF40qfAW7WNl5QmV5bWGzHKY89UkcAnTPGRMLdCLJ8YGvHz_G7lJDeqP7bT6VxgyGaY-fp83pzSJ0t123BBb4ofGezQmcpOwo2__VpB00cpL3DxQSZJS4nFCDRdTV5FhbiJ_MfJHjzjgPjjmq47X7JV7321g-OQufWZM96qAw0BVk_exBMn0CYSeEBJu/w400-h300/P2200013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- and of Kathy's sweep back under the bridge back on our way out of the backwater:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxV3m13TarzXfq7uM2I-rFsIMSoLIjbB0jZIzN8HgtxA20LW3QWuxZ36S24t1gfPu3HPYXenXN_VxN-EBt3VMFluWx_kiT6UiC_I1iVCIDzcXkDjhyW4E45ojzZ0ytZczML4UEFPT-KyXDyzoeMdW0nyihxRFjpdBJz5IpxnClesMN-AP_WZMr6nxzF8G/s4000/P2200018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxV3m13TarzXfq7uM2I-rFsIMSoLIjbB0jZIzN8HgtxA20LW3QWuxZ36S24t1gfPu3HPYXenXN_VxN-EBt3VMFluWx_kiT6UiC_I1iVCIDzcXkDjhyW4E45ojzZ0ytZczML4UEFPT-KyXDyzoeMdW0nyihxRFjpdBJz5IpxnClesMN-AP_WZMr6nxzF8G/w400-h300/P2200018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>But there were new experiences this time. As we reached the boat ramp dock area, we spotted this fellow pulling in a crab trap. He had been successful, although the crab was on the small side:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR0T-sv0DtZpQcMAjxW0BOEDAm6TMt4tD5zD83DnSX8tbXYiQIwUcmZovw_tmTajB40GRqXuJOOSkVfdOzRxx5rzpb-JYOhCokao1phiuOrSu-db2s_nna-J9GFPz8E6KbQq5Yu8fBAkbyvoQBUEY4ODyEUjlrDRWMV1ByYJD7Lzev-YaczKicVA_hI9Z/s3600/P2200021_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR0T-sv0DtZpQcMAjxW0BOEDAm6TMt4tD5zD83DnSX8tbXYiQIwUcmZovw_tmTajB40GRqXuJOOSkVfdOzRxx5rzpb-JYOhCokao1phiuOrSu-db2s_nna-J9GFPz8E6KbQq5Yu8fBAkbyvoQBUEY4ODyEUjlrDRWMV1ByYJD7Lzev-YaczKicVA_hI9Z/w400-h300/P2200021_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We wanted to get over to the Visitor Center and its fishing piers and boat moorage, so we made our way out into open water. This cormorant had beat us to the punch, and sat himself on one of the channel signs, looking for signs of his next meal:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVWIeO1woH5PrCJcbgEv8MY1nYs0JaRI411MBSr_dXrKSjwxczYd1SKDJNfw4yYoU4p1-EbL_bDzziVN5L4uLbxVnb5OsbW6prdzNFm_rUFE0M2Krn8eLj1SLuQh4gng5gAuZq1IZll9nBKAGJGA3g-_h2XpazZZEoJbu48JYSp23I8cbtVd9RyKjxK6H/s3600/P2200030_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVWIeO1woH5PrCJcbgEv8MY1nYs0JaRI411MBSr_dXrKSjwxczYd1SKDJNfw4yYoU4p1-EbL_bDzziVN5L4uLbxVnb5OsbW6prdzNFm_rUFE0M2Krn8eLj1SLuQh4gng5gAuZq1IZll9nBKAGJGA3g-_h2XpazZZEoJbu48JYSp23I8cbtVd9RyKjxK6H/w400-h300/P2200030_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Kathy chose another channel marker ("red right returning") so that she would be in the deep channel as we paddled out into the deeper water:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqZlvDuNHB6yVjh4ftQGR6beC9JEn9UwlQlgxePJtJ6HSYMDHyGaq1A59z-4kSXJ7UyyjoZ5jwP9w9vK6HtyjV2MUmTwwz7XC8loH_hAi-WTH1jXG_Ei7ifBYunBHP5ANpWLhfsBbh77rC22JaXbGj4MBh1qLU8UTF0vjWhWxuIG4Xg2Enp5lE1Jknuao/s3600/P2200034_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqZlvDuNHB6yVjh4ftQGR6beC9JEn9UwlQlgxePJtJ6HSYMDHyGaq1A59z-4kSXJ7UyyjoZ5jwP9w9vK6HtyjV2MUmTwwz7XC8loH_hAi-WTH1jXG_Ei7ifBYunBHP5ANpWLhfsBbh77rC22JaXbGj4MBh1qLU8UTF0vjWhWxuIG4Xg2Enp5lE1Jknuao/w400-h300/P2200034_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We rounded a point past the Visitor Center and had the Park Service fishing dock and boat moorage in sight, when Kathy spotted this osprey on a large, dead tree, feasting on a fish it had caught:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjvmi7tFxhJXN57uerjyrBiW3IPFUEnGvlmfGP357JDDxsZ5vRbTM7DTtIMDY3o_tKgV8iMXXl9a-uyrS1D-aPcX1YdMAuzDyrpm-fDUZwXpzhN74SCEq6B04kQm9bUia57PgPzCQ_Km3GGhyzMnHGzzn5okhMN89tvBZ_AM8sDQCUGBjUwjJGfu9V-nL/s3600/P2200035_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjvmi7tFxhJXN57uerjyrBiW3IPFUEnGvlmfGP357JDDxsZ5vRbTM7DTtIMDY3o_tKgV8iMXXl9a-uyrS1D-aPcX1YdMAuzDyrpm-fDUZwXpzhN74SCEq6B04kQm9bUia57PgPzCQ_Km3GGhyzMnHGzzn5okhMN89tvBZ_AM8sDQCUGBjUwjJGfu9V-nL/w400-h300/P2200035_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>David was able to get a little closer, but the osprey started to get nervous, so we paddled on without further disturbing its lunch:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVxnxjyJbUwRjGyN9LH9PW8sjjucLzZuKXcNnZsOh2BCadUzfupOluG1zaVu-M5_UbJzfW-zz3S4ApNOe0qan4DdmdQkgMXlrNhvTvf1NHixVbXM42dLG8SAlD2Sm7BchaJoGqb4Q1bh_ICw2y5pvY9QKhGGxQf-_nYbaSGNeCypUpkFrcVMcEPk_qVIA/s3600/P2200047_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVxnxjyJbUwRjGyN9LH9PW8sjjucLzZuKXcNnZsOh2BCadUzfupOluG1zaVu-M5_UbJzfW-zz3S4ApNOe0qan4DdmdQkgMXlrNhvTvf1NHixVbXM42dLG8SAlD2Sm7BchaJoGqb4Q1bh_ICw2y5pvY9QKhGGxQf-_nYbaSGNeCypUpkFrcVMcEPk_qVIA/w400-h300/P2200047_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We turned to the NPS fishing dock --<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNRHMaZDLOk35xR_OYWXV3zO74FP7vZi_2qwuNzgza4lLBwqy4ZjlIgd0HkcZ94VRrVH6NMA1pV29NTnj85L3Rz0bQDzTaYwBTfDBUPrCriJ_zsZbezci8LCSWyCG-ts93IDl9PoWBld0JEebMJaSxwr9yye4ld2CaStjKOpNxSCTuxexZsLNpnuGEmF7/s3768/P2200049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="3768" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNRHMaZDLOk35xR_OYWXV3zO74FP7vZi_2qwuNzgza4lLBwqy4ZjlIgd0HkcZ94VRrVH6NMA1pV29NTnj85L3Rz0bQDzTaYwBTfDBUPrCriJ_zsZbezci8LCSWyCG-ts93IDl9PoWBld0JEebMJaSxwr9yye4ld2CaStjKOpNxSCTuxexZsLNpnuGEmF7/w400-h249/P2200049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- and the moorage where the Park Service had constructed a breakwater to protect its patrol boats:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd9SysnwwA1SxRqGCqAlMzeilBv8y0mLsxFVMNUmOGuAIQ4lRjesCS8HVdffRa4C6kZZvUTtbRBPaaa-K5sQ8EumolpAu1IcDYcZR466Ersh-S5Lk5pY7PtkrIW1CxsYhzMKbEHNY1VKf9nySZiIsHd8sw0a5XUhkCdeWy5gwRb-cLxDpjduPgZ-D0yRC/s3600/P2200051_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd9SysnwwA1SxRqGCqAlMzeilBv8y0mLsxFVMNUmOGuAIQ4lRjesCS8HVdffRa4C6kZZvUTtbRBPaaa-K5sQ8EumolpAu1IcDYcZR466Ersh-S5Lk5pY7PtkrIW1CxsYhzMKbEHNY1VKf9nySZiIsHd8sw0a5XUhkCdeWy5gwRb-cLxDpjduPgZ-D0yRC/w400-h300/P2200051_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We hadn't realized how many boats this NPS unit had until we paddled past the breakwater and spotted all of the boats, large and small, fast and faster, moored under shelter and ready to go:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK-WVBpZgqiX1Hlmmg2i6OxEsxghagBd7_UDHPbTfnQlyo3BPM5AbspBc-A_szuzjghiuOiUBuXa7a5mvmqhqH1lk-ZoUB1FvT-RWItzzJ-X5HiVP-tFmaz3J8nPigQZj2aD5JpzsvmaDrc-_Z88ZmvrYBGP4VaLy-5d9tucKz0tow8yuaD3WbWn8YcbO/s3600/P2200053_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK-WVBpZgqiX1Hlmmg2i6OxEsxghagBd7_UDHPbTfnQlyo3BPM5AbspBc-A_szuzjghiuOiUBuXa7a5mvmqhqH1lk-ZoUB1FvT-RWItzzJ-X5HiVP-tFmaz3J8nPigQZj2aD5JpzsvmaDrc-_Z88ZmvrYBGP4VaLy-5d9tucKz0tow8yuaD3WbWn8YcbO/w400-h300/P2200053_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Thus having satisfied our curiosity about the NPS infrastructure, we turned back. The wind and waves had picked up, and it was a bit of a challenge to maintain our heading back into calmer water. As we paddled, we spotted Biloxi and the Biloxi Bay Bridge out across the water, in the background in the photo below:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPShxLVdqCmkNN-vP_c_b1vUo6Xl05HJaZPTjITeJIpwkjapphbM4Z693cAx3ncB_xcLZaSil9Ro-E9hMWd3qvDaqs8Pgto18AWMp4neoEp5pDTKlM9djZWS1WAgaxpg3n2P7RRt0-J3dhWAl7g-L-gpSBwDUAb7exQlKM3IN3Qi_IAI1htIJleBNn2rnO/s4000/P2200057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPShxLVdqCmkNN-vP_c_b1vUo6Xl05HJaZPTjITeJIpwkjapphbM4Z693cAx3ncB_xcLZaSil9Ro-E9hMWd3qvDaqs8Pgto18AWMp4neoEp5pDTKlM9djZWS1WAgaxpg3n2P7RRt0-J3dhWAl7g-L-gpSBwDUAb7exQlKM3IN3Qi_IAI1htIJleBNn2rnO/w400-h300/P2200057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Park Service has a boathouse on one of the bayou channels, perched on pilings down a long boardwalk from the Visitor Center building. We had learned the other day that the boathouse is closed to visitors. It appeared that the boathouse and its boardwalk access had been damaged by a recent hurricane, and have not had an opportunity to be repaired yet -- thanks to the insufficient funding the National Park Service gets from Congress in these penurious times. Still, the boathouse looked intact and capable of functioning. It has beautiful lines:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtr_rNpIxmnQJamSysnlPr-wilAo-DRi223-mW4Hqp2Ra3ugAmqIWgqecvIpVH0KuV8jIr2KDW_-q-xvBt8nfdtKw6rVqb62bJub0MNU5sM1mzcRiKan-r_DyEg5EqAxqYPWkddtGqq99sjoObF5mnNFqdjFIDe47JAZNKjfp_Tc4rUXRCmUzZ9Gy7yOc/s4000/P2200062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtr_rNpIxmnQJamSysnlPr-wilAo-DRi223-mW4Hqp2Ra3ugAmqIWgqecvIpVH0KuV8jIr2KDW_-q-xvBt8nfdtKw6rVqb62bJub0MNU5sM1mzcRiKan-r_DyEg5EqAxqYPWkddtGqq99sjoObF5mnNFqdjFIDe47JAZNKjfp_Tc4rUXRCmUzZ9Gy7yOc/w400-h300/P2200062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Visitor Center, too, is an attractive, low profile building that nestles into a grove of trees on a peninsula of David Bayou. We spotted it as we paddled past:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U5Pkl3hC0yeg0dk61chC8crka8OyNUQLn-IGSr1bQWTS-s6jtOoCtEk4U_psZpBMcQjTJEP4TbgfPGtlfqShYy4vpTF5jnhEx2SbU5O2_qsw4SeFMLQU0iJkaEws7luhfxDdOi-2H-aGo_uOidEZAP_fexoKwihCS7zIA9jjzxGUyCyhnVHz5dXAckUh/s3600/P2200066_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U5Pkl3hC0yeg0dk61chC8crka8OyNUQLn-IGSr1bQWTS-s6jtOoCtEk4U_psZpBMcQjTJEP4TbgfPGtlfqShYy4vpTF5jnhEx2SbU5O2_qsw4SeFMLQU0iJkaEws7luhfxDdOi-2H-aGo_uOidEZAP_fexoKwihCS7zIA9jjzxGUyCyhnVHz5dXAckUh/w400-h300/P2200066_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We didn't expect to see a lot of wildlife, but did hope for some shorebirds and raptors. As it turned out, we weren't disappointed. The whole last half of our paddle was graced by one sighting of birds after another. This bald eagle soared over our heads as we paddled back out from inspecting the boathouse:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRyLJwEVikT3gYE218qPE7__XFoym-b07CvN83q8-GajEdXEsqZriPVgia97NuPnNBozqRXNYpXd2G5WAWUyU1E85FHPVdvCcEP0TBo4QbC-rN5vf8rJC-STFFLN1wLdVfpRZBiF0ryhAUxlcYFKcDiASyL-Ler7p9YlMgF42Eu644w-FD4whwpc_KPYD/s4000/P2200078.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRyLJwEVikT3gYE218qPE7__XFoym-b07CvN83q8-GajEdXEsqZriPVgia97NuPnNBozqRXNYpXd2G5WAWUyU1E85FHPVdvCcEP0TBo4QbC-rN5vf8rJC-STFFLN1wLdVfpRZBiF0ryhAUxlcYFKcDiASyL-Ler7p9YlMgF42Eu644w-FD4whwpc_KPYD/w400-h300/P2200078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We headed back to the vicinity of our boat ramp, and found a side channel with some pelicans diving and fishing. We decided to work our way closer to watch them. While we couldn't get an action photo of these skilled skydivers, we did find one fat and happy pelican catching his siesta on a fence pole by the water:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCgUzK_Mwa3xdbAQnfG4WvWhlMdYAvHnpglXJ3QuHs5IRvUt8wiCTZPB2Q_He0mKodWnGptEfQkPPI3AWmS55w6Bch1QxNGUtUi9usg_F5-sslXR8diz8YAdxJcgEgqubzXr5efGexmQlAQca6d3l3nceaRTE4KsZyAAIEBD0evst-tsQpHgNluhL_8HX/s4000/P2200088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCgUzK_Mwa3xdbAQnfG4WvWhlMdYAvHnpglXJ3QuHs5IRvUt8wiCTZPB2Q_He0mKodWnGptEfQkPPI3AWmS55w6Bch1QxNGUtUi9usg_F5-sslXR8diz8YAdxJcgEgqubzXr5efGexmQlAQca6d3l3nceaRTE4KsZyAAIEBD0evst-tsQpHgNluhL_8HX/w400-h300/P2200088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our campground is set at the end of one of the arms of the estuary in David Bayou. We paddled over to see if we could spot our RV perched high above the water. Kathy finally spotted it, but not before we ran into a Great Blue Heron fishing quietly at the end of the cove:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvUmGVJfUEUuv0HtJMwbbjYVdT4IVtnb-0d9T-q_2X3DosHvjLiUvH4OugWDNjihiVk4HuyH9MA8qSxCzyGAIt8BvbsD5kFVSV4FcoPPB5FAoi1xah7pKacaiKjLLM3O-qO2i7d9HQKZlediChOsOykJ6vo1nj4xS_kxQs7b2dyscComww1qLDKRqvXVT/s3600/P2200108_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvUmGVJfUEUuv0HtJMwbbjYVdT4IVtnb-0d9T-q_2X3DosHvjLiUvH4OugWDNjihiVk4HuyH9MA8qSxCzyGAIt8BvbsD5kFVSV4FcoPPB5FAoi1xah7pKacaiKjLLM3O-qO2i7d9HQKZlediChOsOykJ6vo1nj4xS_kxQs7b2dyscComww1qLDKRqvXVT/w400-h300/P2200108_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>He really wasn't happy with our approaching him, and before too long, he took flight, squawking in indignation as we got closer:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMHlixXKGDAlgZzMSNseAuh6wWxSX-2uhkX-4xXWluolG_7vMZN-DBlxTedgVQd8Sxg2a-tJdY9Cvd22Vb-dNmHreUVSWSEZ4_g58-7HP5jIriqrH0NEIUIH41hhwrNqVAFHR6EmI28wz-VJvJLIlV6a6o785euMFSOq6FUeY8Z3yeelC4CvBftq6kmJR/s3600/P2200111_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMHlixXKGDAlgZzMSNseAuh6wWxSX-2uhkX-4xXWluolG_7vMZN-DBlxTedgVQd8Sxg2a-tJdY9Cvd22Vb-dNmHreUVSWSEZ4_g58-7HP5jIriqrH0NEIUIH41hhwrNqVAFHR6EmI28wz-VJvJLIlV6a6o785euMFSOq6FUeY8Z3yeelC4CvBftq6kmJR/w400-h300/P2200111_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>He didn't fly far, however, and we ran into him again as we worked our way back to our boat ramp. We got close enough for a photo or two, but assured him that we were not going to approach as closely as we just had. He accepted that assurance and remained steadily focused on his fishing, with just one eye on the human intruders.</p><p>It was a short paddle back to where we put into the water. As we got to the boat ramp, two other groups of kayakers suddenly appeared and paddled in to debark. We were surprised they came back this quickly, because they had not set out until we had completed half our paddle. Perhaps the wind, waves and cooler temperatures were not to their liking. In any event, all three paddler groups quietly packed up their kayaks and equipment and headed back to the campground -- us to plans for a tasty dinner of chicken, onions and Moroccan carrots. It warmed us right up after a cool outing.</p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-35834193901430454532024-02-19T20:58:00.002-05:002024-02-19T20:58:45.206-05:00Hiking Tuxachanie National Recreation Trail<p style="text-align: right;">Monday, February 19, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>After yesterday's hike in the Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, we thought we would find a nice bike trail. Not far from where we are camped in Ocean Springs, Mississippi is the DeSoto National Forest. Named for 16th-century Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the forest is 518,587 acres of pine forests in southern Mississippi. It is one of the most important protected areas for the biological diversity of the Gulf Coast eco-region of North America. It is also home to the Tuxachanie Trail, which runs for 12 miles through the forest. The trail was listed as a bike trail on All Trails, but when we arrived at the trailhead, we learned Tuxachanie Trail is a National Recreation Trail open to foot traffic only. So, our bike ride turned into a hiking adventure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjG6En7jD8s-v5RN5yq2WhIRHFeIkkswmz_TCfU4gNhAY5O4U_wyDlsIyEAJfE7qvoDoeT9GxATSyF2G9geTB6Y77b483dApl1GhcKGY5p6WsbQuG_b16_Xte7mJGBGY5mtulT5SNQ-rcf7XIhx5_5ae3YdR6YSkPlCb6mR31aWXycOyttR7dC9bH5Y3B/s3456/PXL_20240219_192332288_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjG6En7jD8s-v5RN5yq2WhIRHFeIkkswmz_TCfU4gNhAY5O4U_wyDlsIyEAJfE7qvoDoeT9GxATSyF2G9geTB6Y77b483dApl1GhcKGY5p6WsbQuG_b16_Xte7mJGBGY5mtulT5SNQ-rcf7XIhx5_5ae3YdR6YSkPlCb6mR31aWXycOyttR7dC9bH5Y3B/w400-h300/PXL_20240219_192332288_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>There are several trailheads for the Tuxachanie Trail. We chose to start at Airey Lake. The Airey Camp is a primitive camping ground. There are no numbered sites, but several picnic tables are available. When we arrived, there was only one person camping. His homemade trailer is one of the more unique RVs we have encountered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aE09ugyUZ4wwOqIMkJlTTud9mwHeiS_HLQv344fs3LFIScxni6yHmDFQuwmmrTIDPdTsxKLJtYbj6MX7M8aRQ_CcZ7Xi-yI_48WQaPgHWNI7OVxojtDF49I_rS996XgHJtMd9teTu7d53x9yUu4Q1E5XhC9qpBU7M_SMOrZNPoJHF06cYSZ6TwHgp30g/s3672/PXL_20240219_191634789_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aE09ugyUZ4wwOqIMkJlTTud9mwHeiS_HLQv344fs3LFIScxni6yHmDFQuwmmrTIDPdTsxKLJtYbj6MX7M8aRQ_CcZ7Xi-yI_48WQaPgHWNI7OVxojtDF49I_rS996XgHJtMd9teTu7d53x9yUu4Q1E5XhC9qpBU7M_SMOrZNPoJHF06cYSZ6TwHgp30g/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_191634789_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As today was the Presidents Day Holiday, we were not surprised to find several fishermen trying their luck on the small lake. As we made our way around the lake, we asked one fisherman how he did and he said he had just caught at 5 pound bass!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOMf9uheqc9dRG9WXZ5ACkGQ8lwCHt197kpRPKMrkIVoPMg5itAjWfcolTXlq28eE_hR5kOuVEoW8bOWXLaQ3G33h3NDSHjxXYSNraRZ2GUxj_liPndQUGAwrk_JaMk-jBxsScT1aSdhXZZecqZqfDG3xwUvZmRHvHh5Xs1DkXuD2D-MQpXMrm4rRJ-pS/s3264/PXL_20240219_191650020_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOMf9uheqc9dRG9WXZ5ACkGQ8lwCHt197kpRPKMrkIVoPMg5itAjWfcolTXlq28eE_hR5kOuVEoW8bOWXLaQ3G33h3NDSHjxXYSNraRZ2GUxj_liPndQUGAwrk_JaMk-jBxsScT1aSdhXZZecqZqfDG3xwUvZmRHvHh5Xs1DkXuD2D-MQpXMrm4rRJ-pS/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_191650020_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>What the lake lacked in size, it more than made up in beauty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDzu5v5G2oCCbelXqHUD3TRAYr2fpeH6h9fj72m-AbiLj29ut4wWnF91GlX_gVUC4uo8UCEArbnnXRZbvIo90papwWYJtih51lECcJ83r-r4TeaGZcIiGY13GHDsy0xUPwMy3qfk8-AEold7-3ualSINt_GxBlo7loWv_bG_uQ_R4kQSkJp5y72ahHUjr/s3264/PXL_20240219_192543062_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDzu5v5G2oCCbelXqHUD3TRAYr2fpeH6h9fj72m-AbiLj29ut4wWnF91GlX_gVUC4uo8UCEArbnnXRZbvIo90papwWYJtih51lECcJ83r-r4TeaGZcIiGY13GHDsy0xUPwMy3qfk8-AEold7-3ualSINt_GxBlo7loWv_bG_uQ_R4kQSkJp5y72ahHUjr/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_192543062_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The lake is almost in the middle of the hiking trail between miles 5 and 6. We could either hike east or west from here. We decided to first go east in search of Copeland Springs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxYApNqXYGg42ZyqgOK_b5gPlrj2O3uEcRwroBsbhCuGttEKQpsDeo1PzgFliLGq5y-TC8021nZ9EqWDz7etStMBcPIYaBteXT_uBE0NGBWhw_PV39LvM1DUA-2iqHxQfipLwTnAN2cE2Q6YrjOLB5_xf5XShOyyBK_uPQj_bxT92CXfGZ3O488u_1MCN/s3264/PXL_20240219_192726608_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxYApNqXYGg42ZyqgOK_b5gPlrj2O3uEcRwroBsbhCuGttEKQpsDeo1PzgFliLGq5y-TC8021nZ9EqWDz7etStMBcPIYaBteXT_uBE0NGBWhw_PV39LvM1DUA-2iqHxQfipLwTnAN2cE2Q6YrjOLB5_xf5XShOyyBK_uPQj_bxT92CXfGZ3O488u_1MCN/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_192726608_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The De Soto National Forest was created in 1934. The main job of the Forest Service in Mississippi was to replant trees that had been heavily removed by logging in the early 1900s. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Airey Work Center in 1935 as a base for its work in replanting the forest. The lake and campground were part of the original camp. </div><div><br /></div><div>The name Tuxachanie is a name derived from the Choctaw language meaning "fragments of hominy-boiling pots are lying there." We didn't see any hominy-boiling pots, but we did see several mile-markers along the trail.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8BkD4xWC9IH5JhFKibXME1IK7Fhoj4hC7wSJcjZbLKbA_K9je8h269MRuu1oPHJCrd0hGH2kAxVprbDjWpeYgfSUfweM9AaR7aAQTDm8iRo9ULBTNXl1L74NJokWRqluTvaAXwTlo5tVUD07gu7FsjAUs2tZHPEorPyK3Tecvei_hjln3IwhN82YjWO6/s3264/PXL_20240219_193447636_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8BkD4xWC9IH5JhFKibXME1IK7Fhoj4hC7wSJcjZbLKbA_K9je8h269MRuu1oPHJCrd0hGH2kAxVprbDjWpeYgfSUfweM9AaR7aAQTDm8iRo9ULBTNXl1L74NJokWRqluTvaAXwTlo5tVUD07gu7FsjAUs2tZHPEorPyK3Tecvei_hjln3IwhN82YjWO6/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_193447636_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We are still a little early for spring, but we did notice a few flowers starting to bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBf93qWVKp5jYNzbTFK8Sa5E_eqd7r0iNQKFlSTFgFMFSBXqyge15UgOUoPBevexQyAeAYC09-fRUtnnRb-jOmLNr7WTGR8rj644qn5Id2glKl_GydkTjIbbUB3bsUZWQOEWcptAjt845nx-sOr1fBeMCIhOTjmL8_rzkdVCHayhpsIt1e6iA9VMOryIO/s3672/PXL_20240219_193602480_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBf93qWVKp5jYNzbTFK8Sa5E_eqd7r0iNQKFlSTFgFMFSBXqyge15UgOUoPBevexQyAeAYC09-fRUtnnRb-jOmLNr7WTGR8rj644qn5Id2glKl_GydkTjIbbUB3bsUZWQOEWcptAjt845nx-sOr1fBeMCIhOTjmL8_rzkdVCHayhpsIt1e6iA9VMOryIO/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_193602480_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The exact location of Copeland Spring is not noted on the forest map. However, Google Maps does show a location. There had originally been a side boardwalk leading to the spring, but it has since been destroyed: </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_-zTq8jGhXr6FZnpIROdXR-_LN7IFqqmoiGLBtKGMgfM61gJDzAEFOkt6tJQp1ny0M4wHNkixwFiVmTGa9Q2-ASluui5LyIZGMCOZGjkbkiJbzRlwGKfY_EMt9S16dkI4U-VCfSahuO4caB9IdX17Aw8wIf3Da8XrwKhoIDLzpHJFswtj9OZUxlDkn3n/s3264/PXL_20240219_195151020_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_-zTq8jGhXr6FZnpIROdXR-_LN7IFqqmoiGLBtKGMgfM61gJDzAEFOkt6tJQp1ny0M4wHNkixwFiVmTGa9Q2-ASluui5LyIZGMCOZGjkbkiJbzRlwGKfY_EMt9S16dkI4U-VCfSahuO4caB9IdX17Aw8wIf3Da8XrwKhoIDLzpHJFswtj9OZUxlDkn3n/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_195151020_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div> Huricane Katrina hit this area hard. Despite the ruined boardwalk, we discovered a side trail to the spring.<br /></div><div> </div><div>It is reported that the Copeland gang would come to water their horses and rest enroute from their hideout on the Pearl River in Hancock County to the Black Creek on the boundary of Stone County. Besides James Copeland, among other members of the gang were said to be two men named Wages and McGrath, who posed, respectively, as an evangelistic preacher and singer. While they engaged a community in a religious revival, they stole their horses. They were later caught and hanged.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOzu_LtL_94z3aUKGq6DxslWO-x3FrJpOCmkXaXY2v5PTFe9mvIlMlvbceHLzfmFLCd9Q1jmyHDN6iamBAO0nHeq6dXR2QC09bNdBxpd_GAwnhDZ97ld_1EjLQUXnU7E4UrsnC8Bw6c4322mo7VFh7CDMX_H1paz-v2GlS61cywCjkIE_ymGnsUnkjsu_/s3264/PXL_20240219_195448828_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOzu_LtL_94z3aUKGq6DxslWO-x3FrJpOCmkXaXY2v5PTFe9mvIlMlvbceHLzfmFLCd9Q1jmyHDN6iamBAO0nHeq6dXR2QC09bNdBxpd_GAwnhDZ97ld_1EjLQUXnU7E4UrsnC8Bw6c4322mo7VFh7CDMX_H1paz-v2GlS61cywCjkIE_ymGnsUnkjsu_/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_195448828_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The spring itself was several feet deep. The water was crystal clear and cold!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm88t9lmJuMhndP3fDKRYW3Fv5w-ddQDtQ18aefr-V-85nvKB7zEfDIsEkOFEEWGPMD0G84E_ZJz1BTt2DiyDOsT3Kx5QXfUcPZj2c2MBn632DKGNkF-dyTmR-8JZPCfULNCEzAdsgQSHWdDcA20QGlkosTPsSr8DMt2vdN9M-8lC2nXzyDnhTZOVoe0V/s3672/PXL_20240219_195522316_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm88t9lmJuMhndP3fDKRYW3Fv5w-ddQDtQ18aefr-V-85nvKB7zEfDIsEkOFEEWGPMD0G84E_ZJz1BTt2DiyDOsT3Kx5QXfUcPZj2c2MBn632DKGNkF-dyTmR-8JZPCfULNCEzAdsgQSHWdDcA20QGlkosTPsSr8DMt2vdN9M-8lC2nXzyDnhTZOVoe0V/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_195522316_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After finding the spring, we decided to head back toward the lake and hike in the other direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pine forests need fire to stay healthy. If the fire gets too hot, the bark can burn through. Sap will rise to the surface to protect it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii5uSb_c20piJDF1lfiTlbqTErGAWJ7b9CvoVynqUsrGiLQP9IG_6Y0guEfSnEqVa5ToPcQ3jEx2VJShbpx5ODVGKpPynCYRw4BUda7oeyLgbxk826Sr7OtElOejcIUvoUpSoNuxFrWnP4H225ADCfxiAAIDXKXHnWowjsZX-AEU5aw0dMHz1OMl5Nm7F/s3672/PXL_20240219_200443281_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii5uSb_c20piJDF1lfiTlbqTErGAWJ7b9CvoVynqUsrGiLQP9IG_6Y0guEfSnEqVa5ToPcQ3jEx2VJShbpx5ODVGKpPynCYRw4BUda7oeyLgbxk826Sr7OtElOejcIUvoUpSoNuxFrWnP4H225ADCfxiAAIDXKXHnWowjsZX-AEU5aw0dMHz1OMl5Nm7F/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_200443281_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back at Airey Lake, we noticed this bird box on the lake shore.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK9G8A_RFo1RzUxlIrIaDf27qTXoTXXLHE_5ZGm-zYX4V32EpScDZWfgYtYeGcb2kHnYUxJSOasoPx_coChqk1CHYF3JKzNyTeWOxGNkQCNnnJ-rJhO-ZSgbusocT7nTqlcIJrpHldwHvH7eDo2iOXJq1SpKVSOaRLZseftZFaE6vPZHs1SG7GPdSmRfI/s3264/PXL_20240219_201223661_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK9G8A_RFo1RzUxlIrIaDf27qTXoTXXLHE_5ZGm-zYX4V32EpScDZWfgYtYeGcb2kHnYUxJSOasoPx_coChqk1CHYF3JKzNyTeWOxGNkQCNnnJ-rJhO-ZSgbusocT7nTqlcIJrpHldwHvH7eDo2iOXJq1SpKVSOaRLZseftZFaE6vPZHs1SG7GPdSmRfI/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_201223661_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to hike around the far side of the lake. We weren't sure if we could make it through the wetlands. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uP2dnmm7rFnFTCH4oDS-0kb1Dq5z9F9iSx2Y8IZI71aFM_WpnfM7tp8QXjIutc2GmprSebRDZ_WJyTGSB3na8o-0vxAh5Rpb2fKZbNMFyAGxyVCTTD6QHxNg_PTkfqwthHEVGXjqoC1JkN8DlI53Pqx1jZ3-mKCqIFynTR4HuF0MHnoKJAwUIL-IQTH3/s3672/PXL_20240219_201415157_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uP2dnmm7rFnFTCH4oDS-0kb1Dq5z9F9iSx2Y8IZI71aFM_WpnfM7tp8QXjIutc2GmprSebRDZ_WJyTGSB3na8o-0vxAh5Rpb2fKZbNMFyAGxyVCTTD6QHxNg_PTkfqwthHEVGXjqoC1JkN8DlI53Pqx1jZ3-mKCqIFynTR4HuF0MHnoKJAwUIL-IQTH3/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_201415157_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>We were pleased to see several boardwalks over the wet spots.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMmSxLmQKFIMLKHSYkYh9Qy0Mgr23QIC9oCJxQZCO_E_oZc9CjKXc4pAmhJh3z5cKujtNxGXwl_Y9gtRwEY5fprBexViQ3i4JnzyAyHU_C6NkBz_FRDUx8Jt92451g5XfX-WlP-RGKY8RpBPsQa7zfwdAWyoo90TOsIrkGU1XqABk8wdCm2B6y3O9NGbk/s3264/PXL_20240219_201946413_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMmSxLmQKFIMLKHSYkYh9Qy0Mgr23QIC9oCJxQZCO_E_oZc9CjKXc4pAmhJh3z5cKujtNxGXwl_Y9gtRwEY5fprBexViQ3i4JnzyAyHU_C6NkBz_FRDUx8Jt92451g5XfX-WlP-RGKY8RpBPsQa7zfwdAWyoo90TOsIrkGU1XqABk8wdCm2B6y3O9NGbk/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_201946413_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The westernmost five miles of trail follows an old abandoned railroad bed which once served the sawmill of Dantzler Lumber Company at Howison, MS. Our trailhead at the lake was at the eastern end of the five mile rail bed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_crsRcKRXBR_bA2xFp5qBWwkrXrmc6rXwkcA2TWaeevsCLVAD2yHrYxDA1tYB6nXJIcgDztcERWtoWhpNH6mpHTjiI5sHjQxU0xXHYRlymHMqsLBBaDaKPWbZ2IDuI3ZbOs_XlxmGLg-0iZ9YLodekktgB2esqFTVAzDm8mDFg_z23xND6qTgTj96cF1/s3264/PXL_20240219_202048428_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_crsRcKRXBR_bA2xFp5qBWwkrXrmc6rXwkcA2TWaeevsCLVAD2yHrYxDA1tYB6nXJIcgDztcERWtoWhpNH6mpHTjiI5sHjQxU0xXHYRlymHMqsLBBaDaKPWbZ2IDuI3ZbOs_XlxmGLg-0iZ9YLodekktgB2esqFTVAzDm8mDFg_z23xND6qTgTj96cF1/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_202048428_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we started hiking on the old rail bed, we were hoping to see some of the old railroad trestles, but at each stream crossing they seemed to be missing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b7MghJbv0bW_53PtKkV7De4Vq25SPh7RtCBslJ9lA9u11WpxnR3pFftua6-Hao2LQa8BNAkk0bHz0CohzNioS6ehvDrKtwQr5qD7W50VhyphenhyphenykIKx-PTROBUGvR3sWZ0e3SB0OoD2Bnrp21QVkLObFny6W5inlUFEd4yfpbVtm9v7nSwcxIDI1hTxI3RDe/s3264/PXL_20240219_204200425_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b7MghJbv0bW_53PtKkV7De4Vq25SPh7RtCBslJ9lA9u11WpxnR3pFftua6-Hao2LQa8BNAkk0bHz0CohzNioS6ehvDrKtwQr5qD7W50VhyphenhyphenykIKx-PTROBUGvR3sWZ0e3SB0OoD2Bnrp21QVkLObFny6W5inlUFEd4yfpbVtm9v7nSwcxIDI1hTxI3RDe/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_204200425_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This crossing had a boardwalk.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCKcPglRE_D6qCbt09zA8Izb8s9ke1sZ7ys2iNq-MAQU90QH67P4775BIKSxhnIBK_FuyWlmzgtEkG9u6SWLeMeKTi7zsRuS8xRnwPUKbIFAZZ95Pt7Gy1QWM4XeRlbPAKYI7WWdFVI8bagK32vDobDgMxtqTW-g-RpEn070OqedegG8UAkMgDVUp_fWh/s2458/PXL_20240219_211050498b_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2189" data-original-width="2458" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCKcPglRE_D6qCbt09zA8Izb8s9ke1sZ7ys2iNq-MAQU90QH67P4775BIKSxhnIBK_FuyWlmzgtEkG9u6SWLeMeKTi7zsRuS8xRnwPUKbIFAZZ95Pt7Gy1QWM4XeRlbPAKYI7WWdFVI8bagK32vDobDgMxtqTW-g-RpEn070OqedegG8UAkMgDVUp_fWh/w400-h356/PXL_20240219_211050498b_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The next crossing had brick patio pavers piled high enough to walk across the stream.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBskvetccigDSU6e-u35zJwlvoRih-CfUPGmxtf7N13yYE6xc7-mifiF0EC_-poB8F8eOesFB7BIdRlvLgVZRsrJNzDo-CaRX1L5F10akfm1kcSRFnpHwqMrCDvoQRejblA-SopXwiMpoDhK_Nz2m2fjSYqgrsf-2RlrnEqwTkOgaK6z9vL_DNWAuR6hEF/s3264/PXL_20240219_204835260_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBskvetccigDSU6e-u35zJwlvoRih-CfUPGmxtf7N13yYE6xc7-mifiF0EC_-poB8F8eOesFB7BIdRlvLgVZRsrJNzDo-CaRX1L5F10akfm1kcSRFnpHwqMrCDvoQRejblA-SopXwiMpoDhK_Nz2m2fjSYqgrsf-2RlrnEqwTkOgaK6z9vL_DNWAuR6hEF/w301-h400/PXL_20240219_204835260_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>No sooner does the Forest Service repair a trestle then the next hurricane dislodges it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWSCx5lvFXh1SWQGUf8spNUsPMKObilC221OvigUSLaj86glH2zfLbmgO6Ul71CJhSFHt_RDSEYEkFKROUT4b7ur-Z_sIYlc_luXSX_pzYuGJwrDoOCHZ03DcjK1ouvOJEyf40EICEBpNvpeNnjluiVHc5C1ddR2cW5Zk68aw1hVfa5VFRXbhbDxGGZpW/s3264/PXL_20240219_205053934_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWSCx5lvFXh1SWQGUf8spNUsPMKObilC221OvigUSLaj86glH2zfLbmgO6Ul71CJhSFHt_RDSEYEkFKROUT4b7ur-Z_sIYlc_luXSX_pzYuGJwrDoOCHZ03DcjK1ouvOJEyf40EICEBpNvpeNnjluiVHc5C1ddR2cW5Zk68aw1hVfa5VFRXbhbDxGGZpW/w400-h301/PXL_20240219_205053934_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We decided to make this ruined bridge/trestle our turnaround. It was almost a straight shot back to the trailhead. If the weather warms up, we hope to get out and paddle tomorrow. Stay turned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-7601440583214733422024-02-18T17:18:00.000-05:002024-02-18T17:18:12.334-05:00Blues, Brunch & Bayou - Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR<p>After two days of rain here in Ocean Springs, just across from Biloxi, Mississippi, we were eager to get outside today; but the weather is cold today after the fronts collided yesterday. "Cold and sunny" usually means a hike, so we looked for a hike nearby. Unfortunately, this Gulf Coast area is short on really interesting, longer hikes, so we decided to pair a lunch with an afternoon hike, taking advantage of the warmer, sunnier afternoon for our outing.</p><p>A little more consideration produced the idea of a brunch with Blues music. "Is there such a thing nearby?" A little research turned up <a href="https://www.groundzerobiloxi.com/">Ground Zero Blues Club in adjoining Biloxi</a>, which, providentially, features a Sunday brunch with music. Perfect!</p><p>Today, the venue featured Buddy Leach, a noted blues saxophone side man, and Marty Loper, a well-known local singer, performing as "Side Pocket": <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfNO1V7R-szAhLB4114nMojcHTnfLNQzbWYWBzwDV1d7hPglOxqxnH7BarlyY4kZmjh5bL1B1AwNzU0LlrcmUgav4q-1nFJ-G2yIjouX49AIYhDl-6FeVNn2Bqvi4uRuKxJwg_JNg7aaS99Ol7BYmlSgWKQMzUXeRaEftup0axEk_bYlbDGKDUD7cym16/s1080/01%20side%20pocket%20duo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfNO1V7R-szAhLB4114nMojcHTnfLNQzbWYWBzwDV1d7hPglOxqxnH7BarlyY4kZmjh5bL1B1AwNzU0LlrcmUgav4q-1nFJ-G2yIjouX49AIYhDl-6FeVNn2Bqvi4uRuKxJwg_JNg7aaS99Ol7BYmlSgWKQMzUXeRaEftup0axEk_bYlbDGKDUD7cym16/w400-h400/01%20side%20pocket%20duo.jpg" width="400" />:</a></div><p></p><p>We dropped over at 10am and enjoyed a scrumptious Gulf Coast style brunch while listening to this duo perform recognizable Blues standards. It was exactly what we hoped to find.</p><p>With tummies filled and ready to hike, we headed out to nearby <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mississippi-sandhill-crane">Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge</a>, which is only a few miles from our campground:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyjsLhOy__m3v1Prlrmp4YHvkDEHl-J_AMgmZ9f1ZCc0Cl_lCJPehVYVys44rqKFWwPqy4CYp9QExHZB3tlujC2iNlITAjPC4pgZmloPDAw0gLNW5ArWtQ9fGU0UXgYm-EJqpvi1iplQtxEpl7zScWL47E08her4tSAJz38wSH3RBFidIGP7YJLfYYw_c/s3840/PXL_20240218_172551809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3840" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyjsLhOy__m3v1Prlrmp4YHvkDEHl-J_AMgmZ9f1ZCc0Cl_lCJPehVYVys44rqKFWwPqy4CYp9QExHZB3tlujC2iNlITAjPC4pgZmloPDAw0gLNW5ArWtQ9fGU0UXgYm-EJqpvi1iplQtxEpl7zScWL47E08her4tSAJz38wSH3RBFidIGP7YJLfYYw_c/w400-h300/PXL_20240218_172551809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Refuge was established in 1975 under authority of the Endangered Species Act to protect the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and their unique, and itself endangered, wet pine savanna habitat. The crane population, at that time was only 30-35 birds, is currently at approximately 130 birds. Through captive rearing and reintroduction to the area as well as wild birds nesting in the savannas, the crane population continues to grow. The refuge also protects and restores the last large expanses of wet pine savanna, primarily through the use of prescribed fire. The wet pine savanna is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the U.S. with more than 30 plants found in a square meter of land.</p><p>The Refuge encompasses a variety of ecological zones, from bayou, to wetlands, to marsh, to pinewood flatlands. Toward the beginning of our hike, we had a chance to enjoy the environment along Davis Bayou, which is part of the same water system that borders our campground at the Davis Bayou section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLkkAi1sByLQCpfzd9wWjNXy1RzPwXhyphenhyphen0v2Z6qaCB_UNeQ_z6dih_djdxCKpeoMlZF8vfmuGGlOdEG07mv31tLP_hlZM-93wD41foMuPnzh9WT3iWPA9BKPOmbIankcFM3lMnp4drEwmsVDlpSKsXnq27_pQNOLpLdTuOcPROQF2iD_OVgePo5GtwYRpP/s3264/PXL_20240218_173119872_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLkkAi1sByLQCpfzd9wWjNXy1RzPwXhyphenhyphen0v2Z6qaCB_UNeQ_z6dih_djdxCKpeoMlZF8vfmuGGlOdEG07mv31tLP_hlZM-93wD41foMuPnzh9WT3iWPA9BKPOmbIankcFM3lMnp4drEwmsVDlpSKsXnq27_pQNOLpLdTuOcPROQF2iD_OVgePo5GtwYRpP/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_173119872_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Refuge offers hiking trails, but they are not very lengthy. Two trails, blazed in red and green, total about 1.9 miles altogether, which was not as long as we wanted -- so, although the trails form a figure eight loop, we decided to hike around them, and then back again, for an almost-four-mile hike.</p><p>The trails are well maintained and marked. Where the going is wet, some sort of boardwalk if provided:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdck1-zd2WqqzVRpb6UunMtPhJIEu_G5KendhVzIeJh9fmw3R-U4cEKQScy9YVYt6ixc0Xo1HuwAu8esYdEjN-4ampDITRELrjnr_rKBfq8ly-2izfCziqKVwPDx4Vjbl6roa2KFeAEf8O-EbGQOtcuLdTQAwUKG0WlBOrhp8yLj4k8tmVij5Rovj0TfBd/s3264/PXL_20240218_173448794_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdck1-zd2WqqzVRpb6UunMtPhJIEu_G5KendhVzIeJh9fmw3R-U4cEKQScy9YVYt6ixc0Xo1HuwAu8esYdEjN-4ampDITRELrjnr_rKBfq8ly-2izfCziqKVwPDx4Vjbl6roa2KFeAEf8O-EbGQOtcuLdTQAwUKG0WlBOrhp8yLj4k8tmVij5Rovj0TfBd/w301-h400/PXL_20240218_173448794_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>There are a number of benches for resting along the trail:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyXH9d2lguXWKm20JdDefiLQTCinD33HOUJ8GGBAzWlZ2yheGLPxHq5_0f7iGE2MBMXPc1KdqfC91H2VzEogu9QGUPqvk1NLCGPu3tmUq-Xsuc6KkyfZNZjtaHBwizArIcY3DtfhpLEfvHT7xmqukqnrRNBk32VXZ4DSVgkFrZm7UL24a7HsDv3zBBtIi/s3264/PXL_20240218_173712356_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyXH9d2lguXWKm20JdDefiLQTCinD33HOUJ8GGBAzWlZ2yheGLPxHq5_0f7iGE2MBMXPc1KdqfC91H2VzEogu9QGUPqvk1NLCGPu3tmUq-Xsuc6KkyfZNZjtaHBwizArIcY3DtfhpLEfvHT7xmqukqnrRNBk32VXZ4DSVgkFrZm7UL24a7HsDv3zBBtIi/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_173712356_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We chose the outermost trail sections around the loop, so we continued along the waterway during the first part of our hike:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7BpZN1f00kckZWkH0HbcmrXnC8WYI6C1Eh8T3Y46cIYhh7efHf3Ffd0-2KYvISraAMk5xNYI8riMPR0ekozPyPaJK70M_9mGoS8CMFQLRxeM8MlToQr_c3Y3EHc59h1soeycWUXPqIYB9JXWT_sLOpYSekzPvtb4vyTzs5lEZRCrD3MP6N1OUaYS8DVB/s3264/PXL_20240218_174020758_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7BpZN1f00kckZWkH0HbcmrXnC8WYI6C1Eh8T3Y46cIYhh7efHf3Ffd0-2KYvISraAMk5xNYI8riMPR0ekozPyPaJK70M_9mGoS8CMFQLRxeM8MlToQr_c3Y3EHc59h1soeycWUXPqIYB9JXWT_sLOpYSekzPvtb4vyTzs5lEZRCrD3MP6N1OUaYS8DVB/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_174020758_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>At one of the observation decks alongside Davis Bayou, we scared up a great white egret, who took off into the trees almost faster than we could photograph it -- although we got a snapshot of it as it fled:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytQhTCl57_RKxsXBakptTdWn9qKft-BKjoJuUL5HSFRLiaaB6Juz9gQXI08Z_XJDXGbjdoZSTxazsjvQup1Z2-eN435LLVmyPoyl2hhJUA_fXOCFvx6wRQ5S6UUFMYgkIpmI2mbjismpSnR7K00FC2eSfzR2Sr3JTrsQ5NKZnKAN1iSJQEvN0XFE9nfFI/s3672/PXL_20240218_174024835.NIGHT_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytQhTCl57_RKxsXBakptTdWn9qKft-BKjoJuUL5HSFRLiaaB6Juz9gQXI08Z_XJDXGbjdoZSTxazsjvQup1Z2-eN435LLVmyPoyl2hhJUA_fXOCFvx6wRQ5S6UUFMYgkIpmI2mbjismpSnR7K00FC2eSfzR2Sr3JTrsQ5NKZnKAN1iSJQEvN0XFE9nfFI/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_174024835.NIGHT_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>At another spot, we could look downstream toward a boat ramp and a highway bridge across the waterway --<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA-t20spFx7It4w5HLx7UAXE79F7SdsOLODPaLN1wdjdajt828xX13GX98f-6yUlH_l-9o5viIfwtmYO6ErjbOqG7NIalKDi474nzIQcUOO-aVZkhFXXdAguT3cIoSxY6hZeQOoFYbSGLMcY8uzcmFP-AXhVcR3P-AJewOObd0H4SAq1MNBSrEDWEM2_c/s3264/PXL_20240218_174328824_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA-t20spFx7It4w5HLx7UAXE79F7SdsOLODPaLN1wdjdajt828xX13GX98f-6yUlH_l-9o5viIfwtmYO6ErjbOqG7NIalKDi474nzIQcUOO-aVZkhFXXdAguT3cIoSxY6hZeQOoFYbSGLMcY8uzcmFP-AXhVcR3P-AJewOObd0H4SAq1MNBSrEDWEM2_c/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_174328824_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- and were treated to this view of some pelicans flying their way upstream, looking for some easy fishing:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ1nfAA5sZ-FaVHIxidPmvELERl4q7r5xqXCJM9MVhxL9lbNjquRgjkmaXdAmURDfwR3JQFpHGcksXGcD2k9hTv5NWBrdvfl61CQRzlm358Q8jpL78HER6N-PZFGqeyooYfJ679R365r_G3pN5DwTV7aBm0Q5iLwH91vRTnk0CJ1mt31lDWPTVlra_vda/s4080/PXL_20240218_174400308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ1nfAA5sZ-FaVHIxidPmvELERl4q7r5xqXCJM9MVhxL9lbNjquRgjkmaXdAmURDfwR3JQFpHGcksXGcD2k9hTv5NWBrdvfl61CQRzlm358Q8jpL78HER6N-PZFGqeyooYfJ679R365r_G3pN5DwTV7aBm0Q5iLwH91vRTnk0CJ1mt31lDWPTVlra_vda/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_174400308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The observation decks were numerous enough to give us several opportunities to look for wildlife:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWajjkwvH6Bbgszj0nq2-7BTzfqvjIHAe-SX4qEWyHQNyR1hg_aW5VTnldWfsEnP9yyOMDhpttlynNgj4C-WPD6lLwrIlRFfOHjfjqYvxxAjXV25-MJPT-2BQM5gZqoKa3Z0KKutIG3PEYHqFrPdoAtCs8Vu_NVldQNWF0ZkCDj9ROJl0a7Jd6-Cb9sO1Q/s3264/PXL_20240218_175018691_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWajjkwvH6Bbgszj0nq2-7BTzfqvjIHAe-SX4qEWyHQNyR1hg_aW5VTnldWfsEnP9yyOMDhpttlynNgj4C-WPD6lLwrIlRFfOHjfjqYvxxAjXV25-MJPT-2BQM5gZqoKa3Z0KKutIG3PEYHqFrPdoAtCs8Vu_NVldQNWF0ZkCDj9ROJl0a7Jd6-Cb9sO1Q/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_175018691_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>None were to be seen, but the natural scenery was beautiful:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjJRZtMHsTzgAPWxuK-Bdt9696kSqOB-EB8trd5_IKU_KGVPdA7Vqg6kFu6eJHJnd8o_lvFQX6I3_Iyijjnn7D_QYpaB45ioPmmRhNn8p94tTGE-mJVNELHPM5Dx3QwGeiHHfs9Ug6S8eAVm-iRqdPcxzk3WC_5g0nwdR1PbModGe6cqKry6MEj58LB5f/s3672/PXL_20240218_175046554_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjJRZtMHsTzgAPWxuK-Bdt9696kSqOB-EB8trd5_IKU_KGVPdA7Vqg6kFu6eJHJnd8o_lvFQX6I3_Iyijjnn7D_QYpaB45ioPmmRhNn8p94tTGE-mJVNELHPM5Dx3QwGeiHHfs9Ug6S8eAVm-iRqdPcxzk3WC_5g0nwdR1PbModGe6cqKry6MEj58LB5f/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_175046554_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Turning in from the bayou, we worked our way through the wetland section, crossing several bodies of water. The water below is called a "bayhead." A bayhead is a freshwater swamp, which can occur near salty or brackish water. but is isolated from them. In contrast to a marsh, which mainly fosters grasses, a swamp features mainly trees. This bayhead, as well as the other swampy areas in the Refuge, contains gum trees, bay trees and maples, in contrast to the pines and palms of other ecosystems in the Refuge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kcDfmfEE17wl5M3bdpP05cZRTASxL1teIMzkwC1JhUi9e1elNTjzonAEaQ4MNg43_GLtAnwp9LMbGdhEkyML2d3266oEgvR68lD-Gspiv4GZQIT5-BRsvczriDyCiKHzYxZU5WaYdO9Q4TdvOZvgI_oHvXWY32quKpvVF0NfiaNCKlc46t1Sz90CxBQ5/s3264/PXL_20240218_175528872_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kcDfmfEE17wl5M3bdpP05cZRTASxL1teIMzkwC1JhUi9e1elNTjzonAEaQ4MNg43_GLtAnwp9LMbGdhEkyML2d3266oEgvR68lD-Gspiv4GZQIT5-BRsvczriDyCiKHzYxZU5WaYdO9Q4TdvOZvgI_oHvXWY32quKpvVF0NfiaNCKlc46t1Sz90CxBQ5/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_175528872_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br />This whole section of the Refuge provided us with water crossings. Some had bridges, some boarwalks, some had rocks -- and this one boasted a row of stumps stuck in the water. Although the stumps wobbled as we crossed, Kathy conquered them like a veteran:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNazjka5_1KDO2LU_A8rVBh3JyRIFvh3dGr3xQFVaRccsuF-iWfrl8n7yEo68f3eD86wiIXhl-bgfMcytoNpkf3Zcmurvz8jGJszJGAw_JJAL1l1n9bwO5s0qkFyRZGXBZ-XDWQE56XtdGfTlosH5xMxXPyBzzfp5JicmAYzRoLtvuj8RtrvUux_iLuAZ/s3264/PXL_20240218_175947498_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNazjka5_1KDO2LU_A8rVBh3JyRIFvh3dGr3xQFVaRccsuF-iWfrl8n7yEo68f3eD86wiIXhl-bgfMcytoNpkf3Zcmurvz8jGJszJGAw_JJAL1l1n9bwO5s0qkFyRZGXBZ-XDWQE56XtdGfTlosH5xMxXPyBzzfp5JicmAYzRoLtvuj8RtrvUux_iLuAZ/w301-h400/PXL_20240218_175947498_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then again, some water crossings required hopping from fallen log to branchy perch to wobbly log:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqGM9i8sYIjJt1McGDb_BbtgNs9K_CqWm2g3rMUW16yId5TwgJYgFApL2R1BOEVaj5NgRaEy4Bk4G8xoQa__87qFFueNsmiRXp79yxBdASVyOcTaV8j4ByLMoonlLV-XsEB2FYt19KWv_6xPE6nZwBvPmOofQas84WmcSDwUm9JtEuSbPQnQ2ObTgNzOR/s3264/PXL_20240218_181016639_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqGM9i8sYIjJt1McGDb_BbtgNs9K_CqWm2g3rMUW16yId5TwgJYgFApL2R1BOEVaj5NgRaEy4Bk4G8xoQa__87qFFueNsmiRXp79yxBdASVyOcTaV8j4ByLMoonlLV-XsEB2FYt19KWv_6xPE6nZwBvPmOofQas84WmcSDwUm9JtEuSbPQnQ2ObTgNzOR/w301-h400/PXL_20240218_181016639_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Kathy was alert enough to realize that the bayhead ecosystems might contain pitcher plants -- those carnivorous plants that sneakily lure bugs into their parlors. She was right. Once we looked, we found a goodly number of pitcher plants, this being the prettiest:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIBd0tJjMjyBtC1aPE0qtE2WlZbgEV9__IPpnuTAseXdng00LMlFj5RbGtr4PoJjhvci0YB1Tc9UEC1BQCli8aSC9R7uk1iRcP2Iv7ylNnNhHuBPjMQgOg974LAMya1QsQSXts1nGpc7IZhL0B3m5rz_MQ_Y86Ftq9cUAmM886EXrBSNV6xgAUvQGSjYi/s3672/PXL_20240218_183208831_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIBd0tJjMjyBtC1aPE0qtE2WlZbgEV9__IPpnuTAseXdng00LMlFj5RbGtr4PoJjhvci0YB1Tc9UEC1BQCli8aSC9R7uk1iRcP2Iv7ylNnNhHuBPjMQgOg974LAMya1QsQSXts1nGpc7IZhL0B3m5rz_MQ_Y86Ftq9cUAmM886EXrBSNV6xgAUvQGSjYi/w301-h400/PXL_20240218_183208831_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we left the bayhead zone, we noticed a number of trees were tagged with pink flags. One, Kathy noticed, also had a metal label stating that it was a Red Bay:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PVeogzyD0DpLbU4p5Y1eU0yWuT1V0PRVvoQOazEBSDjSqxfo_IIw7bjH8fVoODVkLKbKK2oUXKs4ivugaeprOCPmLEg4LEf1v66RJnbtFUxfJzxs-ud_m103kNzzfpINbRYs0Tx58i829-H9omMQIG-4nmQ66duomnuj4LHtc-ViUNWKuD6yNkrdRc-x/s4080/PXL_20240218_190612175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PVeogzyD0DpLbU4p5Y1eU0yWuT1V0PRVvoQOazEBSDjSqxfo_IIw7bjH8fVoODVkLKbKK2oUXKs4ivugaeprOCPmLEg4LEf1v66RJnbtFUxfJzxs-ud_m103kNzzfpINbRYs0Tx58i829-H9omMQIG-4nmQ66duomnuj4LHtc-ViUNWKuD6yNkrdRc-x/w400-h301/PXL_20240218_190612175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Red Bay tree is a small, evergreen tree in the laurel family, native to the southeastern United States. The plant is not widely used now for medicinal purposes, however members of the Seminole tribe formerly used it as an emetic to induce vomiting. The dried-up leaves can be used as a condiment. While it is related to the bay laurel, from which we get the bay leaves that are used as herbs in cooking, its leaves are not the same. The wood is hard and strong and can be used to build boats, cabinets and for lining the interior of structures. </p><p>And that, dear students, is the end of our nature lesson for today. Only know that we got great exercise along with our learning!<br /> </p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-43099556983802300192024-02-15T15:04:00.002-05:002024-02-15T15:04:24.285-05:00Back In The Bayou Again!<p style="text-align: right;"> Thursday, February 15, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>After leaving Navarre, Florida on Wednesday, we made our way to Davis Bayou Campground in Mississippi. We last visited Davis Bayou back in 2018. A lot has happened in 6 years since our last visit. This area of Mississippi was hit with six different hurricanes - Michael (2018), Barry (2019), Delta, Sally, Zeta (2020) and Ida (2021). </p><p>After a move day, it always feels good to get out and stretch our legs. We decided to walk over to the Visitor's Center. Along the way, we stopped at several side trails.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFc96I0xkPSExSfmr60exvJif2fhRAXN6HW-4QlU8E5-jAeUHz_YBk80naNuFPGBzEjebDE4gl4aebcp96HSFlT3V9ASQT7kRS8HwB0zMitAGF1uVUZhf9Bg5fSrdr89CbopargW3eDPml9sygMItPb_LyDF6hb_HgI9Nqs_JQ6NcczfhYDwEYpYUs6zf/s3456/PXL_20240215_143829953_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFc96I0xkPSExSfmr60exvJif2fhRAXN6HW-4QlU8E5-jAeUHz_YBk80naNuFPGBzEjebDE4gl4aebcp96HSFlT3V9ASQT7kRS8HwB0zMitAGF1uVUZhf9Bg5fSrdr89CbopargW3eDPml9sygMItPb_LyDF6hb_HgI9Nqs_JQ6NcczfhYDwEYpYUs6zf/w400-h300/PXL_20240215_143829953_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just after starting down Nature's Way Trail, we came across a very tiny replica of a $100 bill. It couldn't have been more than 2 inches. After snapping this photo, we decided to leave it on the trail for the next person to find.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQe_0YxPrjPBC15baGtJYXlmMdg7zdyByorbZwEzQ8CYec8rF-7Lf6p19xtxtZS1SNr07FaQEk49hTf5aGw47rOeAwefnRwSgmpltETV3THCCYvmy1clI-jhDrEDzgAWsLDHmW7kNnSTurMNA188H2od2wTZokn5Uv1i6aaJuGaILpEAcJql656wJJSIM/s4080/PXL_20240215_144012643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQe_0YxPrjPBC15baGtJYXlmMdg7zdyByorbZwEzQ8CYec8rF-7Lf6p19xtxtZS1SNr07FaQEk49hTf5aGw47rOeAwefnRwSgmpltETV3THCCYvmy1clI-jhDrEDzgAWsLDHmW7kNnSTurMNA188H2od2wTZokn5Uv1i6aaJuGaILpEAcJql656wJJSIM/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_144012643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The loop trail starts in a coastal forest. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7tjXpyYm3ig8_LrE3LDnLryq2n-Kgqjxw4qm7vQ-_STvoxCBsvVDkxFwwc9BWjd2zFMWKFdHuSa0kcROs0F0nDPsWNuP7vt68HIhIlh5krrgj6WOVFNhfcK9OKprrdaUGlthqTlhdhWoj_qeuw2ck3WPAvbM-JLl8snfbsoU4j0hZc4vKRtEFYqIO4iB/s3264/PXL_20240215_144128774_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7tjXpyYm3ig8_LrE3LDnLryq2n-Kgqjxw4qm7vQ-_STvoxCBsvVDkxFwwc9BWjd2zFMWKFdHuSa0kcROs0F0nDPsWNuP7vt68HIhIlh5krrgj6WOVFNhfcK9OKprrdaUGlthqTlhdhWoj_qeuw2ck3WPAvbM-JLl8snfbsoU4j0hZc4vKRtEFYqIO4iB/w301-h400/PXL_20240215_144128774_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail had numbered stops along the loop. We didn't have a copy of the trail guide, but we have done enough of these types of trails to know that this stop was probably describing the southern magnolia or loblolly pine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz63oX2s7d61yobmWPC0V6-D1xRf7z8nUJx33nb5slMzNRarEjYJjPwtuHutq1IjKR3IPLKyUgvqTDbMMPxtp-Wif92ZhIZqCddhK11QsrzVPcaXSwytTgYYeqGkByZL6sXp0fp_GtyzqwCMAzO5Jr39M-1v3Hfr48lQ0zw3P9ekz021bZA4O-GJ6FZuQ/s3264/PXL_20240215_144445363_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz63oX2s7d61yobmWPC0V6-D1xRf7z8nUJx33nb5slMzNRarEjYJjPwtuHutq1IjKR3IPLKyUgvqTDbMMPxtp-Wif92ZhIZqCddhK11QsrzVPcaXSwytTgYYeqGkByZL6sXp0fp_GtyzqwCMAzO5Jr39M-1v3Hfr48lQ0zw3P9ekz021bZA4O-GJ6FZuQ/w301-h400/PXL_20240215_144445363_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We came to our first observation platform. It obviously didn't stand up to a recent hurricane storm surge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9nL4rs5EE1DFQocHxg2o_0AmZKPddcWwNTWZIErnqwf88Ul9k3VV2ycAiOgbAba3GdN4qLQwAwwbUaf5wp4-hXsxP8BMOb-BqLk_aIKu-ID5LOcOOMGmUjSdnwLv5Ji5EyLjiUk5VOGif-8aUjdH0URRvgRyB3kqC07WOX_uVd7C4Ay6QuwdC7ughzSd/s3264/PXL_20240215_144600037_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9nL4rs5EE1DFQocHxg2o_0AmZKPddcWwNTWZIErnqwf88Ul9k3VV2ycAiOgbAba3GdN4qLQwAwwbUaf5wp4-hXsxP8BMOb-BqLk_aIKu-ID5LOcOOMGmUjSdnwLv5Ji5EyLjiUk5VOGif-8aUjdH0URRvgRyB3kqC07WOX_uVd7C4Ay6QuwdC7ughzSd/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_144600037_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The second observation platform was recently repaired and gave us another look at the marsh.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFzXL-fMUhUvirbWauJPBNMtmVBD8lZWSxIZ59TEwg_6SKOPmk6Yz3Wuq8wcdnX0Xv3OYoh3ONZKpa7sTLmvhf3HZOGHymZHAB_nyTOtu8ZcONhrEQ2btD7iE0eerf1mtQPs0NIKSkR-2idtWebKNz1cvNuyNWlfle9s-DMWeeA1yBTHrCIvKoPu5bFvu/s3264/PXL_20240215_145042548_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFzXL-fMUhUvirbWauJPBNMtmVBD8lZWSxIZ59TEwg_6SKOPmk6Yz3Wuq8wcdnX0Xv3OYoh3ONZKpa7sTLmvhf3HZOGHymZHAB_nyTOtu8ZcONhrEQ2btD7iE0eerf1mtQPs0NIKSkR-2idtWebKNz1cvNuyNWlfle9s-DMWeeA1yBTHrCIvKoPu5bFvu/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_145042548_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This boardwalk still needs some work.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG6F9BOyVn81V6b2spVnRciRfaNg8X5nY8dNP-QR4kOCHU96Ltt-t0TPUGRlvqkFzhU84FCkM7bBrzpuZ_jSz7PHtJTKP007hOJ9ENvWEwocLXBAVm7dGxqGLptIxG5CNj5ZWYzP6BybisCPswxgYMKPn9_2EMaQ-_wWm4ksmR5nvmOU_ALXgp13gjYZq/s3264/PXL_20240215_145323439_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG6F9BOyVn81V6b2spVnRciRfaNg8X5nY8dNP-QR4kOCHU96Ltt-t0TPUGRlvqkFzhU84FCkM7bBrzpuZ_jSz7PHtJTKP007hOJ9ENvWEwocLXBAVm7dGxqGLptIxG5CNj5ZWYzP6BybisCPswxgYMKPn9_2EMaQ-_wWm4ksmR5nvmOU_ALXgp13gjYZq/w301-h400/PXL_20240215_145323439_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We finished the loop and started walking toward the Visitor Center. Just around the corner from the Nature's Way Loop Trail was a side road called the CCC Spur Trail. The old roadbed is slowly being taken over by the forest. However, you can still see the concrete curbs on both sides of the road.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0LwnvMp1XjI8-BqnlveiwU2KrDFKmJwr0aIkMV_g1uIiQc6j_XJn-JQFl7806wDAA-uPhaNYxchuZRMzBQ-pAJCdZwftJ6B8AfxUFUrkRgQd8e0R3C7GDYu5twYif8nTCmo_wqH96QpMaTjpbKWvXi6oWNV9EVYDHyFj1MIjbPx67lDDnsL6AL_c5mKQ/s3264/PXL_20240215_150420787_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0LwnvMp1XjI8-BqnlveiwU2KrDFKmJwr0aIkMV_g1uIiQc6j_XJn-JQFl7806wDAA-uPhaNYxchuZRMzBQ-pAJCdZwftJ6B8AfxUFUrkRgQd8e0R3C7GDYu5twYif8nTCmo_wqH96QpMaTjpbKWvXi6oWNV9EVYDHyFj1MIjbPx67lDDnsL6AL_c5mKQ/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_150420787_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Ocean Spring CCC Camp Dining Room was at the end of the road looking out into the Gulf of Mexico. The camp housed 200 men. The facilities they built became Magnolia State Park. The park was incorporated into the Gulf Islands National Seashore.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB_PNhFwWb-Xr08wFS4bO5qXKwLjr_7mP2E1lbGObUHqWj38lBZwDbeibFH2uBBYgZr9oxFB4t6-GeTgfDYg2-TyKNj0mcT1C8BT3jXnKK5rm8k8_9T8EfFoxhqcZ9duYViSAwjfOu2RHOeLfMino2quFEAsz96NQJorW5-Qb_rYIFsSGu4_bVRUvCxHo/s3264/PXL_20240215_150602141_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB_PNhFwWb-Xr08wFS4bO5qXKwLjr_7mP2E1lbGObUHqWj38lBZwDbeibFH2uBBYgZr9oxFB4t6-GeTgfDYg2-TyKNj0mcT1C8BT3jXnKK5rm8k8_9T8EfFoxhqcZ9duYViSAwjfOu2RHOeLfMino2quFEAsz96NQJorW5-Qb_rYIFsSGu4_bVRUvCxHo/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_150602141_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we continued our journey, we reflected on how much the CCC has influenced our RV experiences. If it wasn't for the Civilian Conservation Corp, many of the campgrounds we stayed at or trails we hiked would not exist. Pretty amazing when you think about it. We owe are RV adventures in good part to the CCC.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped to see if we could see any birds or gators making their way through the marsh. The building on the left is the park boathouse.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BX2xAoIK1MNWfUwDYzRInqGfEwfxQRscXfEvqivCsxpQEPR1Kd18GH0RLmd4QhL0aU6zomhHlbRCu-6ytF6PdihyphenhyphenlD-s6fqMnFBiaBWav4z3EKnsbvmaejXQ1mThMRTtjL8wsDaUe-PhPSB00j3nAdQzHKONqjX5aaxGO9vMT6tqx6KeqrMnPyfN_7TK/s3672/PXL_20240215_151727661_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BX2xAoIK1MNWfUwDYzRInqGfEwfxQRscXfEvqivCsxpQEPR1Kd18GH0RLmd4QhL0aU6zomhHlbRCu-6ytF6PdihyphenhyphenlD-s6fqMnFBiaBWav4z3EKnsbvmaejXQ1mThMRTtjL8wsDaUe-PhPSB00j3nAdQzHKONqjX5aaxGO9vMT6tqx6KeqrMnPyfN_7TK/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_151727661_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we arrived at the Visitor Center, the first order of business was to watch the park film on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In addition to the Davis Bayou, the Seashore includes five barrier islands of the coast of Mississippi - Cat Island, Ship Island, Horn Island, West Petit Bois Island and Petit Bois Island. Unfortunately, you need a boat to visit them. The ferry service doesn't start until March 15th.</div><div><br /></div><div>After watching the park film, we walked around the exhibits. We never heard of hurricane balls (shown below). The force of the strong winds and surf tear up the sea grass and weeds and swirl them around until they form a tight ball. Pictured below are hurricane balls from two different hurricanes - Hurricane Katrina (left) and Hurricane Camille (right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkwG_erL8vhcxlIUYdGbCcI5pPFylygOtjBanGoS38qDz0Vn6HF2v96neoikcxf2ZzuE0jRgbPpnsoT6K96rwQvfXRGJm8ISi_OT9HbXGNu8sEY-WtRF76h5uoeDUnpuRz1eNX0jEWISYACENojQyAuE9kS4T12b5A1eJtAjzSKETS4JmzDRMMxpj_ig7/s3672/PXL_20240215_155733482_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkwG_erL8vhcxlIUYdGbCcI5pPFylygOtjBanGoS38qDz0Vn6HF2v96neoikcxf2ZzuE0jRgbPpnsoT6K96rwQvfXRGJm8ISi_OT9HbXGNu8sEY-WtRF76h5uoeDUnpuRz1eNX0jEWISYACENojQyAuE9kS4T12b5A1eJtAjzSKETS4JmzDRMMxpj_ig7/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_155733482_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also learned that Cat Island was the site of a secret World War II project to teach dogs to recognize the scent and appearance of the Japanese enemy. Men of Company B of the 100th Infantry Battalion Separate (Japanese Americans known as Nisei) submitted themselves to sweaty tracking regimens and vicious dog attacks. Four hundred dogs and their trainers lived on Cat Island during the war. After the experiment failed and was closed down in five months, an intelligence investigation followed. The 400 island dogs continued to be trained as sentries, scouts, suicide dogs and to locate wounded soldiers. Americans had donated 18,000 pets to be trained in the country’s four war canine centers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fk6AP6NY8BYqwKnozcjXcm19WqvqKULd_TUxaiJ5hliwRgCF7F7B3F3WF94lZz5hSssE-aHWm9q8KIVEwuZxxfTsosu-n4qgR_unBSc_nKCyZFTGAU5dticM9zfsNF273QN5ZIzRHvcrPJjF2cVEYhlr7pi0YDatCZBbHUfttxkHbc4UGEjcCf6u0WNl/s4080/PXL_20240215_160227844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fk6AP6NY8BYqwKnozcjXcm19WqvqKULd_TUxaiJ5hliwRgCF7F7B3F3WF94lZz5hSssE-aHWm9q8KIVEwuZxxfTsosu-n4qgR_unBSc_nKCyZFTGAU5dticM9zfsNF273QN5ZIzRHvcrPJjF2cVEYhlr7pi0YDatCZBbHUfttxkHbc4UGEjcCf6u0WNl/w301-h400/PXL_20240215_160227844.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After touring the exhibits at the Visitor Center, we walked over to the fishing pier. There were a couple fisherman out on the pier. After all the recent windy weather, it was surprising to see the Bayou so calm.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31Nni_FjXnvdhg2cX3XcV9kO8TCAYp7lmj01P5EAjSwvxiaV6oQ5JWzVjV9TQu1E6AO3lmcJuvrUq3NilIgGHvZ_7Aty_ZAHNVBFo1Nk4EVplu6FGOh6xXDTLEbFf7o-vTnZJdyc6c2xLdXD4N0MmmXqV5po0AfiWiLPOJDsod3fpRsKwuEMtrqDgJF_q/s4080/PXL_20240215_161303757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31Nni_FjXnvdhg2cX3XcV9kO8TCAYp7lmj01P5EAjSwvxiaV6oQ5JWzVjV9TQu1E6AO3lmcJuvrUq3NilIgGHvZ_7Aty_ZAHNVBFo1Nk4EVplu6FGOh6xXDTLEbFf7o-vTnZJdyc6c2xLdXD4N0MmmXqV5po0AfiWiLPOJDsod3fpRsKwuEMtrqDgJF_q/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_161303757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way back to camp, we did manage to catch this egret fishing for lunch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw0drmU4Evyoy0METeMtdpjS77Jpgkb0LOzTrij4LVJHPkdMfxbzDFA562-OLVUatlczYMvyJGwb4878AJikzfm65-xnx1N1qBunli8hj5Sx9ibu3B4Penckz-7pcmd3jVfWih5vXxlHXCK4vfYK-oJh7ZzZJSTKR4kbOzwDNm8n08TGUD5Gw3RN7Hsz8/s4080/PXL_20240215_162425725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw0drmU4Evyoy0METeMtdpjS77Jpgkb0LOzTrij4LVJHPkdMfxbzDFA562-OLVUatlczYMvyJGwb4878AJikzfm65-xnx1N1qBunli8hj5Sx9ibu3B4Penckz-7pcmd3jVfWih5vXxlHXCK4vfYK-oJh7ZzZJSTKR4kbOzwDNm8n08TGUD5Gw3RN7Hsz8/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_162425725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The boat ramp was quiet this morning. Only one person was in the parking lot, and they were fishing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGXVdaX5zHbCo9n29wsV-w344a2cqONs6ZaFFxdYIoh57uyOQkpuTdxsGJWY60CocVRx0JdwvrRFT6GGXxdBKlwoGZRtRWOWqzonTf5R4GFKWh-UQ7cJxFfxfcXU8jSIoe5gugpmvqcrdLqts5q_oIiHzZxa4tw9GhAGOtrSebljM_BC-GFGEhxO3jEiJ/s3672/PXL_20240215_164332632_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGXVdaX5zHbCo9n29wsV-w344a2cqONs6ZaFFxdYIoh57uyOQkpuTdxsGJWY60CocVRx0JdwvrRFT6GGXxdBKlwoGZRtRWOWqzonTf5R4GFKWh-UQ7cJxFfxfcXU8jSIoe5gugpmvqcrdLqts5q_oIiHzZxa4tw9GhAGOtrSebljM_BC-GFGEhxO3jEiJ/w400-h301/PXL_20240215_164332632_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, more rain and colder weather is coming our way. Not sure when we will be out and about again, so stay tuned.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-13374307392875116552024-02-13T19:42:00.004-05:002024-02-13T19:42:59.942-05:00Not Ready for A.I.<p><i>Okay, so I tried instructing an A.I. writer to compose a blog entry for a hike in Arizona based on the style in this blog. Here is what it produced:</i></p><p>Welcome to the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, where every step is a journey into nature's beauty. If you're seeking an adventure that will leave you in awe, look no further than the invigorating hike trails that this magnificent state has to offer.<br /><br />Picture yourself surrounded by towering red rock formations as you embark on a thrilling hike through Sedona's famous trails. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you traverse the iconic Cathedral Rock or witness the mesmerizing views from Devil's Bridge. The rugged terrain and vibrant colors will ignite your senses and leave an indelible mark on your memory.<br /><br />Venture further into Arizona's diverse landscapes and discover the awe-inspiring wonders of the Grand Canyon. As you stand at its rim, gazing into its vastness, words fail to capture its grandeur. The sheer magnitude of this natural wonder will humble even the most seasoned hiker.<br /><br />For those seeking a more challenging trek, head towards Flagstaff and conquer Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. As you ascend through alpine forests and rocky slopes, a sense of accomplishment washes over you with each step closer to reaching the summit. At 12,633 feet above sea level, breathtaking panoramic views await those who persevere.<br /><br />Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out on your outdoor adventures, Arizona offers something for everyone. From leisurely strolls amidst desert flora to adrenaline-pumping ascents up towering peaks – there is no shortage of trails waiting to be explored.<br /><br />So lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Arizona's pristine wilderness. Let nature guide your footsteps as you uncover hidden gems and create memories that will last a lifetime.<br /><br />To read more about our exciting hikes in Arizona and gain valuable insights from fellow adventurers, visit davenkathy.blogspot.com for first-hand accounts and expert tips that will enhance your journey through this captivating state.<br /><br />Embark on a hike in Arizona and let the wonders of nature unfold before your eyes. It's time to discover the magic that awaits you in this outdoor paradise.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKP0bQAGlBpYNV0cfLlEDkY9BXRkx-FC-0pDOjXVm4qI0KWnpEhXjTufMo_9DDQeBk3iBWvku_X_g6Ii3S5uj20EAnXAMe-AOk0AjYspDHcmnp0RT8hFEfRe83vYAly2WdUIp8XrFfOu6wYotGIh7PdaNxsNEvPqO808cr8OKuEdsGSId-1IC-BZad0Y-/s1992/wtf%20blog%20photo%20EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKP0bQAGlBpYNV0cfLlEDkY9BXRkx-FC-0pDOjXVm4qI0KWnpEhXjTufMo_9DDQeBk3iBWvku_X_g6Ii3S5uj20EAnXAMe-AOk0AjYspDHcmnp0RT8hFEfRe83vYAly2WdUIp8XrFfOu6wYotGIh7PdaNxsNEvPqO808cr8OKuEdsGSId-1IC-BZad0Y-/w301-h400/wtf%20blog%20photo%20EDITED.jpg" width="301" /></a></div> <p></p><p><i>I don't think we're ready for prime time yet.</i><br /></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-31518881898738392972024-02-13T17:39:00.000-05:002024-02-13T17:39:55.537-05:00Back to the Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore<p>After some unseasonable rainy days and cold weather down here on the Gulf Coast, we finally got a sunny day (although still pretty cool). We decided to take advantage of the sunshine and explore the beach along the shore of Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island south of Navarre.</p><p>The way we were dressed, you'd wonder if that was a pile of snow behind us. Nope. The sand here is nearly pure white.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V_WUYFIznv9AOCrhVpYRurbmBF4X-CQIiFpmprDrnspCL6SW0eETB4_Qjnsw2-iKiHS7vBYGvn_yJUG0UiqurpcSubVgdRAYrYC-FiN3vjCPWwFtZteM5tTs2V9Y53ZHtkjrrLEVerCOVu-JpttkAIVfWSigZXgLITwsQGr9wkxImxVyXnju9q1QduUm/s3840/PXL_20240213_162010184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3840" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V_WUYFIznv9AOCrhVpYRurbmBF4X-CQIiFpmprDrnspCL6SW0eETB4_Qjnsw2-iKiHS7vBYGvn_yJUG0UiqurpcSubVgdRAYrYC-FiN3vjCPWwFtZteM5tTs2V9Y53ZHtkjrrLEVerCOVu-JpttkAIVfWSigZXgLITwsQGr9wkxImxVyXnju9q1QduUm/w400-h300/PXL_20240213_162010184.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The white sand and clouds, the bluebird sky, and the tan-and-gold dune grasses made for a dramatic scene as we started our walk from a public beach parking lot, along Gulf Boulevard:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23rI_rVkLEFell2fQFjuY6i-E0giZR_ukrLuS5d6vXme0XSUM8M0s23ruYBiWnc3465yCPwhYjM-0yX3Gn73_cNrh1hT0zJgU8HZNaCm1Da9KEzj9hVImF4Jd2gmUULDy8Ry6-RFaYp_ar2jSzwjhrj84i3fZvbE6jevnf9SGGGaPCEs7_sjCYfIqkojb/s4080/PXL_20240213_162238994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2184" data-original-width="4080" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23rI_rVkLEFell2fQFjuY6i-E0giZR_ukrLuS5d6vXme0XSUM8M0s23ruYBiWnc3465yCPwhYjM-0yX3Gn73_cNrh1hT0zJgU8HZNaCm1Da9KEzj9hVImF4Jd2gmUULDy8Ry6-RFaYp_ar2jSzwjhrj84i3fZvbE6jevnf9SGGGaPCEs7_sjCYfIqkojb/w400-h214/PXL_20240213_162238994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This promised to be a pretty predictable walk, with nothing but the road, the sand, the sea, sky and dunes. However, we should know that nothing is predictable. We got a clue that this would be a hike of discovery when we chanced upon this robot-looking thing that we guessed was a water line connection, much like a fire hydrant. Nothing confirmed our guess one way or the other.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbBxGzlaPpNA4F7tvZGHwK9PUYFYoft6cqlYbV7mjYM5nWd0rPtl5DcPHgUKQC3xuZqP5uYg4b2fly9pVocmvivvejSX-q5yYxsZk5iAIlj0zEHZhlO8l54wNkAo1dKBseSMNEV_nTtXdARCQ-_ftUVd8YrqitKHVNck6PQ39qC8s_NiqfZn4UOFS4OBo/s3672/PXL_20240213_162549810_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbBxGzlaPpNA4F7tvZGHwK9PUYFYoft6cqlYbV7mjYM5nWd0rPtl5DcPHgUKQC3xuZqP5uYg4b2fly9pVocmvivvejSX-q5yYxsZk5iAIlj0zEHZhlO8l54wNkAo1dKBseSMNEV_nTtXdARCQ-_ftUVd8YrqitKHVNck6PQ39qC8s_NiqfZn4UOFS4OBo/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_162549810_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>We hadn't walked more than a hundred yards or so along the road when we encountered a plow pushing sand off the road into the dunes on either side. We decided to walk around the plow by finding our way through the dunes out to the beach. It was a short but striking detour:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqbe7WbAESgcGxdo-bMcR9yF6hCuRBxABa4rxO5mQDjnKq03G4hrXF0Ddp6z8SEn_NL-2If7A3ZYPqYOHCGoQqFWoyWKtukoxLhc5z6wXoCgnJANEJtfpw4fAaDF-jq074m7J1HnhwsKm5VRoJddc3UuZIjuwureKH4iBzSxyxUk389ObNuSaSGv8Dl0F/s3672/PXL_20240213_163108908_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqbe7WbAESgcGxdo-bMcR9yF6hCuRBxABa4rxO5mQDjnKq03G4hrXF0Ddp6z8SEn_NL-2If7A3ZYPqYOHCGoQqFWoyWKtukoxLhc5z6wXoCgnJANEJtfpw4fAaDF-jq074m7J1HnhwsKm5VRoJddc3UuZIjuwureKH4iBzSxyxUk389ObNuSaSGv8Dl0F/w400-h301/PXL_20240213_163108908_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As it happens, our detour was fortuitous for at least two reasons. The first was that we encountered the great blue heron we had seen several days ago nearby in our hike on the Dunes Trail. He was just as put out with our presence as he had been the other day:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60II7UysDRo66YmGEBqql8kvJIVi7NEj0MaEzu9VUt_uZfRq2D2TNQdHuXJbpyc2J-bQHw0ftcvbdbQCUDz7CaVYZ-6prX1sr0u1PM1UwrdwQppXgFSn6bzXZWVlFfKxgwvDAi_cc2IkJkf3quDV_TXeRTFT7Ca07141W5COopKHMRhhhZ2-w1vi8zkgh/s2232/PXL_20240213_163321423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="1352" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60II7UysDRo66YmGEBqql8kvJIVi7NEj0MaEzu9VUt_uZfRq2D2TNQdHuXJbpyc2J-bQHw0ftcvbdbQCUDz7CaVYZ-6prX1sr0u1PM1UwrdwQppXgFSn6bzXZWVlFfKxgwvDAi_cc2IkJkf3quDV_TXeRTFT7Ca07141W5COopKHMRhhhZ2-w1vi8zkgh/w242-h400/PXL_20240213_163321423.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><p>The second reason our detour was fortuitous was this little mini-soccer ball, abandoned casually in the dunes as if someone had kicked it from the beach and lost track of where it landed. It was very clean, leading us to conclude that it had been lost only recently.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGyBZerNRGtNmxMl3SDn_qReDr5wG_zGLdhyUYwvpCdowyX97gLP392c233bBMPiC7Kog1Uhdi_t9OpPeK7swSVk-UvAk8aPUXWBeQqbcaUz0RRoS80pgXuxskGOAeeBf8wuJzuh8bd44auXjEPUFeb_UhYICnTdk0yAYJJFLa5KSTeB__HbA1UwzAGqf/s3672/PXL_20240213_163445959_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGyBZerNRGtNmxMl3SDn_qReDr5wG_zGLdhyUYwvpCdowyX97gLP392c233bBMPiC7Kog1Uhdi_t9OpPeK7swSVk-UvAk8aPUXWBeQqbcaUz0RRoS80pgXuxskGOAeeBf8wuJzuh8bd44auXjEPUFeb_UhYICnTdk0yAYJJFLa5KSTeB__HbA1UwzAGqf/w400-h301/PXL_20240213_163445959_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Kathy scooped it up and put it in her pack. She announced, "I'll name it 'Franklin!'" See if you can guess why she picked that name:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbpKbvj1p2wrQYf0A5TwEYCYahfCXE7HWLJYg2KRoqs1jYRqD7MSbj_G4vh_D_AqMLaQYF6zgMdxFkejXvSBXrTpF37GBGMn2jHMifS2EC5-9XZVl-a7BU_PDWu5A5YsRvGB4uOB0DsUvVkSW1-6WIgkWfJ06mq4rMn4MSipcArLz5QQTzEu9kv8cRrtG/s3672/PXL_20240213_163500412_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbpKbvj1p2wrQYf0A5TwEYCYahfCXE7HWLJYg2KRoqs1jYRqD7MSbj_G4vh_D_AqMLaQYF6zgMdxFkejXvSBXrTpF37GBGMn2jHMifS2EC5-9XZVl-a7BU_PDWu5A5YsRvGB4uOB0DsUvVkSW1-6WIgkWfJ06mq4rMn4MSipcArLz5QQTzEu9kv8cRrtG/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_163500412_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>No sooner had we gotten back to the road off our detour when we encountered what looked like a Frisbee lying next to an orange flag. We examined it and determined that the entire assemblage was a survey marker -- marking what, we do not know. Perhaps the location of that presumed water line one of whose outlets we saw earlier on our walk.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjLgkx6vEeQlfdw4G5GFfza8UqFNtHw1cOvqYXrEM34hZxXrc9npbu7N_w8HbfYSf4Eq-psRXxlH72txm-JVXHhtMTVgbKISEjAseeXzgrasaDI-85K92yYs6ljio2ofOoxmMhrN6kpQPmsqqF3N01R8I06IoLAxnaxP9vwaJ8o7xTx6NqPyBVhe5V949/s3264/PXL_20240213_164131644_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjLgkx6vEeQlfdw4G5GFfza8UqFNtHw1cOvqYXrEM34hZxXrc9npbu7N_w8HbfYSf4Eq-psRXxlH72txm-JVXHhtMTVgbKISEjAseeXzgrasaDI-85K92yYs6ljio2ofOoxmMhrN6kpQPmsqqF3N01R8I06IoLAxnaxP9vwaJ8o7xTx6NqPyBVhe5V949/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_164131644_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>On we hiked. Again, almost as soon as we turned our attention to our walk, we stumbled on this expired moth or butterfly. It looked like it might have dried out, so it was very hard to tell what its original colors were. What we do know is that Monarch butterflies are common to Gulf Islands National Seashore, so it might have been a Monarch buttefly. We will never be sure...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNslsnfcIREG2n79HXlShd_1bdHBM_oKdehGj-ZQubS2vdRkl-5RVYgtzaEbwcg5IqgQHp5bxpQfhqKtUzJTujfDDSN5ShxU59HCoNHiA_Z8K-kE1oBk3ZWfY2Hu-K_2pjUDPfxu4vR-aGtF70suM5bBgltrutFj5wdsXu6FbQ3_Oz75wFviWsDYRBMI-/s2894/PXL_20240213_164255809_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2894" data-original-width="2764" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNslsnfcIREG2n79HXlShd_1bdHBM_oKdehGj-ZQubS2vdRkl-5RVYgtzaEbwcg5IqgQHp5bxpQfhqKtUzJTujfDDSN5ShxU59HCoNHiA_Z8K-kE1oBk3ZWfY2Hu-K_2pjUDPfxu4vR-aGtF70suM5bBgltrutFj5wdsXu6FbQ3_Oz75wFviWsDYRBMI-/w383-h400/PXL_20240213_164255809_copy.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><p>The surprises just kept on coming. Not more than a hundred paces later, we spotted these little mushrooms, firmly rooted in the sand. How often would one expect to see mushrooms in the sand? Not often, we wager. Yet, here they were:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmP0CakxP10aek5sLIMQCvLWkEaNfpJmI-Iqu1e1_Pk6ic8aBOmFwc_nd4_uVkgryh5TzSaVjq4_WkPBHDfREIzGkprPhH7L6DiJfaEON0AZ-RzFmzRmKIVVEkDRvJ7ipPtEtoI73hRqb8zuVBJNQbtacgHU1jNE7LTelVo_S9Lf8oDZdhLe-kJH1wmzG/s3672/PXL_20240213_164942162_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmP0CakxP10aek5sLIMQCvLWkEaNfpJmI-Iqu1e1_Pk6ic8aBOmFwc_nd4_uVkgryh5TzSaVjq4_WkPBHDfREIzGkprPhH7L6DiJfaEON0AZ-RzFmzRmKIVVEkDRvJ7ipPtEtoI73hRqb8zuVBJNQbtacgHU1jNE7LTelVo_S9Lf8oDZdhLe-kJH1wmzG/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_164942162_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>After some walking, we found our way to a picnic area, where we stopped for a snack and a rest and a view of the Gulf:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhXlZ-PF5zcUvAD922xJoFrSiKxHWQN3MhPEE6ZAwVKldCE9tQAwSplr_CBrAWTOlh7Vev6mOnh9UIJ7zhJUEzI5iubTuNxKbuQHzXpPlNV5gfEvTbijjOXcZWtynNfWJxKgghe2zf7mrnHB77CoUH4mPUfpcFeVSn10ay2v0K9pd0H9ApwL6cUt3BwWq/s3672/PXL_20240213_170716532_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhXlZ-PF5zcUvAD922xJoFrSiKxHWQN3MhPEE6ZAwVKldCE9tQAwSplr_CBrAWTOlh7Vev6mOnh9UIJ7zhJUEzI5iubTuNxKbuQHzXpPlNV5gfEvTbijjOXcZWtynNfWJxKgghe2zf7mrnHB77CoUH4mPUfpcFeVSn10ay2v0K9pd0H9ApwL6cUt3BwWq/w400-h301/PXL_20240213_170716532_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Looking at the striking sand and water and sky, we decided it would be fun to hike back to our Jeep along the beach. And so we did. It must have been the right decision, because, very soon, we encountered a member of the beach patrol who gave us a nod and went about her duties:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw8gH6pQ-m6Lq5X9vGplsi3AUCgTc8jXBFP0mBma0lKp7b15wEKM-i0zjM1SXwS7CPoS_zjCfxcqD6PFyn0mTnwExk0KuUw9cfhlHoGnLuiez57s5HCkmcfpYDUOGSWFBUip5CeVHzthejM5bPm967hfeb1aUEh1jSrZrLIt1SM38DkJHJDjbi2akjzcQ/s4080/PXL_20240213_172359675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw8gH6pQ-m6Lq5X9vGplsi3AUCgTc8jXBFP0mBma0lKp7b15wEKM-i0zjM1SXwS7CPoS_zjCfxcqD6PFyn0mTnwExk0KuUw9cfhlHoGnLuiez57s5HCkmcfpYDUOGSWFBUip5CeVHzthejM5bPm967hfeb1aUEh1jSrZrLIt1SM38DkJHJDjbi2akjzcQ/w400-h301/PXL_20240213_172359675.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>One small section of the beach must have unique currents, because it was the only spot where we saw freshly-beached jellyfish -- <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1zoug53AEygKKGZ6wjU8o-Bh-jqKN67VNVplUNYtpuMZvsWD8s1c7nCYYH-d3LX7l7rJQQf57SE4Rt_0UxWJRRLbG-eQJf9mXeaoo7tarfLU64DDDyE_qwMFJ5E19U1yL52OxudJ-vTaN7w3_4RKiEwWs7SF3M0670maL93F5SCaMwic4KgoljrWa8lH/s4080/PXL_20240213_174148644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1zoug53AEygKKGZ6wjU8o-Bh-jqKN67VNVplUNYtpuMZvsWD8s1c7nCYYH-d3LX7l7rJQQf57SE4Rt_0UxWJRRLbG-eQJf9mXeaoo7tarfLU64DDDyE_qwMFJ5E19U1yL52OxudJ-vTaN7w3_4RKiEwWs7SF3M0670maL93F5SCaMwic4KgoljrWa8lH/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_174148644.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p> -- and not just one, but two:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePDwBjsXJSu6eVdfn-6UeYLk8EtEgQpokmBtrSpwBdPsNV_QLEQI4Z9pUnlNqeB6rJp4wNji8T3ndb1uhBACgLbgKpTM8ljFRMOsG2ZscT1k5FQP70lK1gs63sSQTXCY5mTzF5yyDmRuNFOR9WfDnJEpkWBkcX732kIWETsC5i7YepfVmqNit7gX8ZGip/s4080/PXL_20240213_174212360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePDwBjsXJSu6eVdfn-6UeYLk8EtEgQpokmBtrSpwBdPsNV_QLEQI4Z9pUnlNqeB6rJp4wNji8T3ndb1uhBACgLbgKpTM8ljFRMOsG2ZscT1k5FQP70lK1gs63sSQTXCY5mTzF5yyDmRuNFOR9WfDnJEpkWBkcX732kIWETsC5i7YepfVmqNit7gX8ZGip/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_174212360.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>Many seashells were washed up on the clean, white sand, but most were broken. Nevertheless, Kathy found a couple of specimens worth noting -- this HUGE partial sand dollar --<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGuoX9RBHa13CrWVihMloPqVMKHZ3ZzfvhVaYtOMrOmoDSjtpMoBQ98fXLL73rEfNLaUdQqdSlKUB6BxfApdNRWMo4qTMbZMN5Q6j1NxgVR7Ub1XVR5BaEoVDDEccpIZn4PqxJWu7vrT_DPX7lkiWuWw5MMAELV-JcUOXA1fPOC59oZVFTJqbuea_M5JN/s4080/PXL_20240213_174337203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGuoX9RBHa13CrWVihMloPqVMKHZ3ZzfvhVaYtOMrOmoDSjtpMoBQ98fXLL73rEfNLaUdQqdSlKUB6BxfApdNRWMo4qTMbZMN5Q6j1NxgVR7Ub1XVR5BaEoVDDEccpIZn4PqxJWu7vrT_DPX7lkiWuWw5MMAELV-JcUOXA1fPOC59oZVFTJqbuea_M5JN/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_174337203.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>-- and this beautiful partial conch shell:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh4CxiiiCTIvrdEYUQgWEzKsn_okYUEuh-P0vJHtqiwQ9DSdYlzlPVKUsIvYKeMmQTdu68DTT8V1Ulc9HCt8TxuuGWAnC-jY7duvNQd7UxKZlSl_xzT8wAsbwFMSI-9-zkuejj-cDY3pvaA7-Wulo8bbabxn57pIJ_K2RcFwIt40GBfq0kuPyCLH82CN8/s4080/PXL_20240213_174337203a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh4CxiiiCTIvrdEYUQgWEzKsn_okYUEuh-P0vJHtqiwQ9DSdYlzlPVKUsIvYKeMmQTdu68DTT8V1Ulc9HCt8TxuuGWAnC-jY7duvNQd7UxKZlSl_xzT8wAsbwFMSI-9-zkuejj-cDY3pvaA7-Wulo8bbabxn57pIJ_K2RcFwIt40GBfq0kuPyCLH82CN8/w400-h301/PXL_20240213_174337203a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We were clearly not the first ones on the beach today. We ran across an old gent wading in shallow Gulf water scooping up prize shell specimens from just below the tide line. We also found these fetching sand sketches:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zNAy0210AxGcSQORFPyQdkWsExPUitmUwER8haHgYO0tQYhnM86ZrUBiEBPYoZJHF_fYCU2EXU-xLrrR-fO7CFZSw_Rgk1muIyB-4KC-9kT-QEWwxjb3MKcaW4gOrFrloxAWNF6fWrT7lVW4cuIXfRZjVTEjXQM1zcDBSMjkar72P2M-EKievZjvoHZ9/s3096/PXL_20240213_174545058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="3096" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zNAy0210AxGcSQORFPyQdkWsExPUitmUwER8haHgYO0tQYhnM86ZrUBiEBPYoZJHF_fYCU2EXU-xLrrR-fO7CFZSw_Rgk1muIyB-4KC-9kT-QEWwxjb3MKcaW4gOrFrloxAWNF6fWrT7lVW4cuIXfRZjVTEjXQM1zcDBSMjkar72P2M-EKievZjvoHZ9/w400-h378/PXL_20240213_174545058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMuseI4g26mUg6Gj7w_dRleLzZBa6JXQiXyIc1pMy1eGp9IXNsHJAy6siLS6yiXhBkIaITZvMaxov6Aa02eQ0u0Q86zpBHDlb4s5ikLSk-hnDb46NGQpcJPPSd2JjeJsXQY4vzu7vAI-MSbhUOAAE2egLy65KTAdhvNG46xWZEs7LIeSjfU2EiiaFiymw/s3735/PXL_20240213_174948843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2394" data-original-width="3735" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMuseI4g26mUg6Gj7w_dRleLzZBa6JXQiXyIc1pMy1eGp9IXNsHJAy6siLS6yiXhBkIaITZvMaxov6Aa02eQ0u0Q86zpBHDlb4s5ikLSk-hnDb46NGQpcJPPSd2JjeJsXQY4vzu7vAI-MSbhUOAAE2egLy65KTAdhvNG46xWZEs7LIeSjfU2EiiaFiymw/w400-h256/PXL_20240213_174948843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And the ever-present sapphire sky:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoruRMpmfEOjMraVTNaonpKMpyIRHmZyt6Xx_CNJp7LlbgCvSHQSgGhdwQ-O82mpm8lAJGjJnvOg_kOeek3hM-DrbRobFpf_ubXSiuNCXhwmYS6ADbcXjxnMAYKH2k9zSlaFaFcd851u9uQwUNgjvjnG5KfGpjCLpW4kr1p2iQ5x60NPDB5pA2WnqI47pe/s3672/PXL_20240213_180526468_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoruRMpmfEOjMraVTNaonpKMpyIRHmZyt6Xx_CNJp7LlbgCvSHQSgGhdwQ-O82mpm8lAJGjJnvOg_kOeek3hM-DrbRobFpf_ubXSiuNCXhwmYS6ADbcXjxnMAYKH2k9zSlaFaFcd851u9uQwUNgjvjnG5KfGpjCLpW4kr1p2iQ5x60NPDB5pA2WnqI47pe/w400-h301/PXL_20240213_180526468_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Our last little surprise was this convocation of pipers resolving some important matter among themselves. They were so busy conferring that they paid us no attention, even though we approached very close to their meeting-place:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BaIka2FmKQn1Xc0ksdMq2OPh5LV6E6o5iCsKW1uuBc4HqTNOcGky_vKH7IAiLROnOJt3j9M7LpQJkddKBLxlQbai4dENpeBWiBZ_J2Hkna_1KRKWZCyOHdEVr9DeSe72N-HU7oUTvF2kB-rMaFtsY44p8eHtVBi9h3PyBHvhiYJN4FgN7iIoAIK0INNc/s3108/PXL_20240213_180854305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2163" data-original-width="3108" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BaIka2FmKQn1Xc0ksdMq2OPh5LV6E6o5iCsKW1uuBc4HqTNOcGky_vKH7IAiLROnOJt3j9M7LpQJkddKBLxlQbai4dENpeBWiBZ_J2Hkna_1KRKWZCyOHdEVr9DeSe72N-HU7oUTvF2kB-rMaFtsY44p8eHtVBi9h3PyBHvhiYJN4FgN7iIoAIK0INNc/w400-h279/PXL_20240213_180854305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And, before we knew it, we were back to our Jeep, nearly 4 miles under our boots. It was lunch time and we both had a powerful hunger, so we repaired to a local restaurant, Andy D's, for some tasty beach food.</p><p>Tomorrow we move to Davis Bayou Campground, which is also a unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore, so, in a few days, we'll have another perspective on this beautiful protected area along the Gulf shore.<br /> </p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-23490574893968840862024-02-09T17:45:00.001-05:002024-02-09T17:45:52.601-05:00Dune Trail on Santa Rosa Island<p style="text-align: right;">Friday, February 9, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>On Wednesday, we left Sopchoppy and made our way west along the Florida Panhandle to the Navarre Beach Camping Resort. After spending a week in a state park, we needed most of Thursday to take care of those pesky RV chores like dump and fill, laundry and grocery shopping. Today, with the tanks empty and fridge full, we turned our attention to exploring the area.</p><p>We had last visited Navarre back in 2013. We checked our blog to see what we did back then so we could find something we missed. While we had driven through the Gulf Islands National Seashore on the way to Fort Pickens, the poor weather prevented us from stopping and exploring it. Although it was not raining, the weather was not exactly beach weather, so we decided to hike the Dunes Trail.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pCuZ6HsNWE9CrQ6HkjqdQCJVKoVTDy_yHypp4aq5DsXnnP3yiWU4hMvMQopw8sYOd6xWRu0SfZWyplz1PYmp1DcQKOJ6q0TjzLKgoYjvbdFomHFyAyYScwXiRA_nV9CG0JI_n2b4N-6E7UJR7XEafWRhDEU4JKCLtzpRBQ4aR081r_wabeNGWXTZBGj2/s3840/PXL_20240209_161008253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3840" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pCuZ6HsNWE9CrQ6HkjqdQCJVKoVTDy_yHypp4aq5DsXnnP3yiWU4hMvMQopw8sYOd6xWRu0SfZWyplz1PYmp1DcQKOJ6q0TjzLKgoYjvbdFomHFyAyYScwXiRA_nV9CG0JI_n2b4N-6E7UJR7XEafWRhDEU4JKCLtzpRBQ4aR081r_wabeNGWXTZBGj2/w400-h300/PXL_20240209_161008253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Dunes Preserve is managed by the University of West Florida and the Santa Rosa Island Authority. The Dunes Trail is also part of the Florida Trail. Normally, conservationists advise against walking on sand dunes, as it will damage them. This trail follows conservation guidelines and meanders between and around the dunes that make up this preserve. </div><div> </div><div>With the condominiums of Pensacola Beach behind us, we began our trek out into the dunes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzOf6_sYT4oeeHdyQz6U9a5M3TlS2q46PmOccXKLcXv-r3mcxcIcI2Vh2spslD8d3VSpEpZgDrJMu7XpmtPsabLvQGbQiyYCPvcV_L7xGApdRli6-k65gglnYOLAk6G02Y8TPufiP-gbGoCQLHDmp8twVH0PG22nJnjTksEMtWvfJFoKy6220CqJ1Y3zv/s3672/PXL_20240209_161157900_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzOf6_sYT4oeeHdyQz6U9a5M3TlS2q46PmOccXKLcXv-r3mcxcIcI2Vh2spslD8d3VSpEpZgDrJMu7XpmtPsabLvQGbQiyYCPvcV_L7xGApdRli6-k65gglnYOLAk6G02Y8TPufiP-gbGoCQLHDmp8twVH0PG22nJnjTksEMtWvfJFoKy6220CqJ1Y3zv/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_161157900_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We left Dusty all alone at the trailhead.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7kroInKd242aFB7XFz-6_tcJdqad7K64psyCsftXjNd83aIIMJZ8H1XQelbeBR0tN72-q1ITbO6Tg05oGMjoh_vy2Reoyth18pJiuHgHpH8wfyd4eU4uFIRXQOJJHIAhi4ZCRC-kJFvOZUvELLHuzWpsmrDadEwLF6B49NdvrlAHKYr24f5ibqlpWZuS/s3672/PXL_20240209_161208444_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7kroInKd242aFB7XFz-6_tcJdqad7K64psyCsftXjNd83aIIMJZ8H1XQelbeBR0tN72-q1ITbO6Tg05oGMjoh_vy2Reoyth18pJiuHgHpH8wfyd4eU4uFIRXQOJJHIAhi4ZCRC-kJFvOZUvELLHuzWpsmrDadEwLF6B49NdvrlAHKYr24f5ibqlpWZuS/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_161208444_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>In September 2004, this part of Santa Rosa Island was the site of landfall for Hurricane Ivan, a strong category 3 storm, which dramatically altered the landscape. The majority of the dunes and some of highway 399 were washed into Santa Rosa Sound. The trail was designed to give researchers from the University access to the ever changing environment so they could monitor the recovery of the dune system. </div><div> </div><div>PVC pipes with bright orange trail blazes lead the way through the dunes:</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQgAtZHB9-odcyaALWNzdGggbWI_jWcnN9EYSUiwWVEjK5W9b-Azw5X_QCWKBBQ24BC0BT8Q_GiefxZS58ol5F0HXBlqJpYOe70ZQ95h-O32ry-x6KXZKUV1AFxmScyOgGPX2x7XG6tqoidzJvKiiA9CgXfKt4aIODDi02X6hhcAnUskWG1wWZGfJ6nkE/s3672/PXL_20240209_161449487_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQgAtZHB9-odcyaALWNzdGggbWI_jWcnN9EYSUiwWVEjK5W9b-Azw5X_QCWKBBQ24BC0BT8Q_GiefxZS58ol5F0HXBlqJpYOe70ZQ95h-O32ry-x6KXZKUV1AFxmScyOgGPX2x7XG6tqoidzJvKiiA9CgXfKt4aIODDi02X6hhcAnUskWG1wWZGfJ6nkE/w301-h400/PXL_20240209_161449487_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did our best to stay on the beaten path. However, there were several spots where we lost sight of the posts and the beaten path and had to work our own way around the dunes until we spotted the posts again. However, we were never more than a few hundred yards from both the Santa Rosa Sound, to the north, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. At times, we could see cars driving down the highway. Other times, we felt like we were hiking on a deserted island.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wind can be harsh out here on the barrier island. Below, Kathy stops to admire a windblown bonsai:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NPjZY99qBJacPZ2k1URxM2ZjM_BJXOpLpcObZTnCGWRylyweHMAAbYsKhHNi2RYJ2ivajLnXwZjzE_n64OtNtGdSO2s-NKLptev57xw68eJyJNlLAWA92f7pnJCESI75ZeXxfgzO9uVXDmRrCJvPuAnta4QiGHF68iGTEXEG1p0ow2RfNNdwxfVhHcHo/s3672/PXL_20240209_161650006_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NPjZY99qBJacPZ2k1URxM2ZjM_BJXOpLpcObZTnCGWRylyweHMAAbYsKhHNi2RYJ2ivajLnXwZjzE_n64OtNtGdSO2s-NKLptev57xw68eJyJNlLAWA92f7pnJCESI75ZeXxfgzO9uVXDmRrCJvPuAnta4QiGHF68iGTEXEG1p0ow2RfNNdwxfVhHcHo/w301-h400/PXL_20240209_161650006_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, there were a number of pine trees growing between the dunes. Each area between the dunes was its own ecosystem. Some were wetter than others, so the plants changed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aG2IulThSpYP8yehxeEExMdgxvUQFva9Ry0hT7HVsewsIkYOt8Uwz_YL7G46iJvSMvynd_2Vkj3UL-6vsCdZEobMqMHuSNJWS8sxExa19NeRDrvFu6IF0yHMlWRv3R166cEIsRnBGruwCimhcfrOVw_1OB-WhER3pSikkNNSagi4lSuw7bLKhy3etgeR/s3672/PXL_20240209_162310935_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aG2IulThSpYP8yehxeEExMdgxvUQFva9Ry0hT7HVsewsIkYOt8Uwz_YL7G46iJvSMvynd_2Vkj3UL-6vsCdZEobMqMHuSNJWS8sxExa19NeRDrvFu6IF0yHMlWRv3R166cEIsRnBGruwCimhcfrOVw_1OB-WhER3pSikkNNSagi4lSuw7bLKhy3etgeR/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_162310935_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We startled this great blue heron as we came around one of the dunes. He watched us for a while before walking around to the other side of the dune.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_-fsKj6ww0l_XSWTUextYYLhxvLI3phz190FQQxiHWe8e_kaIZVN_P6x_1E9ZEuBdUm1lz3wuKtMPQW5e67lyQyhgJje8qYHNU8tMhWW_5lVnqx5TSdDbmsZl9JUjeG6eniyHoxgLNv_5Dbeh0CrDn4Dsdc1hBTzOkV8PfZDG2s3wTMzScVOxRDVlbcO/s4080/PXL_20240209_162610078.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_-fsKj6ww0l_XSWTUextYYLhxvLI3phz190FQQxiHWe8e_kaIZVN_P6x_1E9ZEuBdUm1lz3wuKtMPQW5e67lyQyhgJje8qYHNU8tMhWW_5lVnqx5TSdDbmsZl9JUjeG6eniyHoxgLNv_5Dbeh0CrDn4Dsdc1hBTzOkV8PfZDG2s3wTMzScVOxRDVlbcO/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_162610078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He did his best to hide in the brush.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkiotsM7Q_mABB0SBxk67uINdozbD9V4HnnBREd0wZIaVvpu3YNf52-L7o7F6Li0EXlyRlCOm2bTZqhyphenhyphenMec9AeR_fO7mHKtadu979OnV9QDa86_eyJPRIHmeDkZDjq6e0zmpv-rkl0aQ1NYiZSnqmwcSIhShOy3DJEmJyXYRLgLfgtqTvHCqsq0AabXkM/s4080/PXL_20240209_162815216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkiotsM7Q_mABB0SBxk67uINdozbD9V4HnnBREd0wZIaVvpu3YNf52-L7o7F6Li0EXlyRlCOm2bTZqhyphenhyphenMec9AeR_fO7mHKtadu979OnV9QDa86_eyJPRIHmeDkZDjq6e0zmpv-rkl0aQ1NYiZSnqmwcSIhShOy3DJEmJyXYRLgLfgtqTvHCqsq0AabXkM/w301-h400/PXL_20240209_162815216.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He finally had enough of our predatory behavior and took off toward the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfIoW4Z7QuAWYZkwVTDyVtVEPoOLItSnbjL6ZktbRxBiMUDvWzR_J6LVNTw_sYhzg-XTTmfb37tSRcbevYylhcIj4wPpZE2i4-G6oviLGStmqR5lp8iZ2YcQXGNTiXOP0sgTtOJnVstaBDxu1FyJHqbuCNpTG0eGcZU8vae58eZ8BdJiyachyphenhyphenFtF319tu/s2620/PXL_20240209_162915058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2620" data-original-width="2280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfIoW4Z7QuAWYZkwVTDyVtVEPoOLItSnbjL6ZktbRxBiMUDvWzR_J6LVNTw_sYhzg-XTTmfb37tSRcbevYylhcIj4wPpZE2i4-G6oviLGStmqR5lp8iZ2YcQXGNTiXOP0sgTtOJnVstaBDxu1FyJHqbuCNpTG0eGcZU8vae58eZ8BdJiyachyphenhyphenFtF319tu/w348-h400/PXL_20240209_162915058.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were a number of low-lying areas at the base of the dunes where water gathers and grasses grow tall. A small boardwalk helped us get through a particularly wet spot. Pictured below, Dave is doing his best blue heron impression.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxe1dHCSmQaTTbTGruPy38fofNvm2cpyjKUb8t7MHxcV-Edisbyn103l9C1tQ5cB5gMm0V0xDcvt5C4K9_T8jnLet4DKXq3e-YxoJ5DOqVKCHLWIFlptutOqbBkL1wHtOOTykv5Um9yc_g_Nc-zs-WBfngQjE5T4pF-0aaMTTIM7S30SPXe6eOGQ8wCbM/s3672/PXL_20240209_164041603_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxe1dHCSmQaTTbTGruPy38fofNvm2cpyjKUb8t7MHxcV-Edisbyn103l9C1tQ5cB5gMm0V0xDcvt5C4K9_T8jnLet4DKXq3e-YxoJ5DOqVKCHLWIFlptutOqbBkL1wHtOOTykv5Um9yc_g_Nc-zs-WBfngQjE5T4pF-0aaMTTIM7S30SPXe6eOGQ8wCbM/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_164041603_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail swung close enough to the sound that we could catch a photo of Pensacola across the way.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZyne6IycxuMqAFlHFXbC0wELgZoP9RY9tAAOLK8TQIyqlhJvUm7sAcWqWP4a3mp9a7dE2MTlwzGpaFn2v6ue4pp9BrkUbjFLvOLfxH0YTcOK-IMjZ4Y49Jt1ULJWHAMhNVnI2ls28xJWNzFLB3gHpe23DK9eypLm1XEUzZtAiySuH3DjV9EBpCJ9qc9y/s4080/PXL_20240209_164528081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZyne6IycxuMqAFlHFXbC0wELgZoP9RY9tAAOLK8TQIyqlhJvUm7sAcWqWP4a3mp9a7dE2MTlwzGpaFn2v6ue4pp9BrkUbjFLvOLfxH0YTcOK-IMjZ4Y49Jt1ULJWHAMhNVnI2ls28xJWNzFLB3gHpe23DK9eypLm1XEUzZtAiySuH3DjV9EBpCJ9qc9y/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_164528081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had the trail to ourselves for most of the morning. We did run into one fisherman making his way through the dunes to the Sound. We watched as he walked all the way out to where the water was deepest.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind-P_yEtJ8n6iVfSvegpy4sZscat4PbAesaXSC6Tsvj_1ipBY-upTRJErVeND8EOLeGSPrF3qazL5cEjGvFBYcH-Er4pmgoeAIRDSCHhwLfAvnza_jnVh66eFxsFus3UJ1lkgUOerYA5zCw92VMjin6t_8zuweJcomBc4JNLgBGikAx9z_o5GTOlCWzZE/s4080/PXL_20240209_164759253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind-P_yEtJ8n6iVfSvegpy4sZscat4PbAesaXSC6Tsvj_1ipBY-upTRJErVeND8EOLeGSPrF3qazL5cEjGvFBYcH-Er4pmgoeAIRDSCHhwLfAvnza_jnVh66eFxsFus3UJ1lkgUOerYA5zCw92VMjin6t_8zuweJcomBc4JNLgBGikAx9z_o5GTOlCWzZE/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_164759253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We detoured along the beach for bit. It was just so pretty we didn't want to leave. And, Kathy kept looking for sea glass!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOETkPhzxhTLPXgfhQz0hOuedaMboxjODwEMWUSK3GSuobucfOGBHAirWiC6_CtrcDT5hT2_xssAwotNFA1twN3HsIVvf-hGIUOFWSYPVjJii3jTWBkuUJB9b0eurgsByllce3QP1YK0kC-mepo1FJK19NH2hc5XuIHJxV7xbvBUWTwbUXxFZoy_FjOqDM/s3672/PXL_20240209_165016944_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOETkPhzxhTLPXgfhQz0hOuedaMboxjODwEMWUSK3GSuobucfOGBHAirWiC6_CtrcDT5hT2_xssAwotNFA1twN3HsIVvf-hGIUOFWSYPVjJii3jTWBkuUJB9b0eurgsByllce3QP1YK0kC-mepo1FJK19NH2hc5XuIHJxV7xbvBUWTwbUXxFZoy_FjOqDM/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_165016944_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We spotted this little starfish-like plant. This time of year, it can be had to identify what it is, but it was cool.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ28yIi90CiB8XfP0PBaXxO4xzZ53Yx4yjNAO-YdnE5IoMKJlqdZOHIOTAxXt6tBLmvby8xax__040GdO8t0phiAH8j97mbRTTku0bC40ZXnJuW6-rgbkbQywznNVop0MLYVYPB53tq0cuPBITXaItJclab3QvoOpc8t7CzOlFaKaDFYOiApSw0Au7dUMJ/s3672/PXL_20240209_165926050_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ28yIi90CiB8XfP0PBaXxO4xzZ53Yx4yjNAO-YdnE5IoMKJlqdZOHIOTAxXt6tBLmvby8xax__040GdO8t0phiAH8j97mbRTTku0bC40ZXnJuW6-rgbkbQywznNVop0MLYVYPB53tq0cuPBITXaItJclab3QvoOpc8t7CzOlFaKaDFYOiApSw0Au7dUMJ/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_165926050_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We are still a few weeks away from spring, so we were surprised to see so many berries on these bushes. It turns out these are Youpan Holly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90-oNmplsmf60CB5SD5LWqJtS_aoMzIxCfD3a1Eh7XUNH8Hm85YHUyD2EP-1UQbvVrOxxFkwBGjdKivbtdGZC5p4dTffGaUu_BY0sw5Et1owJdwlTm8GnOxmxCE8vdrlfGADzq8W_bCViSqZLaGCzZ_aFuA04xCeaUDsLpyVzUssTw6YQ-kyaUangLD_A/s3264/PXL_20240209_172107558_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90-oNmplsmf60CB5SD5LWqJtS_aoMzIxCfD3a1Eh7XUNH8Hm85YHUyD2EP-1UQbvVrOxxFkwBGjdKivbtdGZC5p4dTffGaUu_BY0sw5Et1owJdwlTm8GnOxmxCE8vdrlfGADzq8W_bCViSqZLaGCzZ_aFuA04xCeaUDsLpyVzUssTw6YQ-kyaUangLD_A/w301-h400/PXL_20240209_172107558_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The recent storms have not been kind to the trail. This little boardwalk needs a little love. Hopefully, the Florida Trail Association has it on their list.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3gY48-2ZCs1v0WO0Ep4hlBnYKsriQgbkgoCaXnU1o7YoQacfkbBz3ih9bIwS3nDyk0Csg8yROqzfYRVsD5OaIfEbLddYhMeOOOfTB3_zbu-uORNe_VivaZOBNUgL643Sxku59R3LM0rskKFCSdETfrYPuF31MOb4RxJZ8FR_HPuRIkqv6bHovydjwoOF/s3264/PXL_20240209_173143456_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3gY48-2ZCs1v0WO0Ep4hlBnYKsriQgbkgoCaXnU1o7YoQacfkbBz3ih9bIwS3nDyk0Csg8yROqzfYRVsD5OaIfEbLddYhMeOOOfTB3_zbu-uORNe_VivaZOBNUgL643Sxku59R3LM0rskKFCSdETfrYPuF31MOb4RxJZ8FR_HPuRIkqv6bHovydjwoOF/w301-h400/PXL_20240209_173143456_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Coastalplain Goldenaster typically flowers from late summer to fall, but can flower all year round. It was lucky for us that this little guy wanted to flower mid-winter!<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJqhRsTzX6mOS-nX1Vbxhlvcairch698ZHnea4tlPA2aDhuGfLLiAynxJ9ylFIA1zcL7MyXcZM0f72Se_IkYR4ZJoOvAIX_z7oZpMt3jQEP-0TBTdtKtIbxuUAnVZKF4f7Hk7pTxIRJWxRIcZe5CE14WoFsSm7pNn2jlHD6ft4QwDT8Ifg8tasdNgtsMO/s4080/PXL_20240209_174420674.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJqhRsTzX6mOS-nX1Vbxhlvcairch698ZHnea4tlPA2aDhuGfLLiAynxJ9ylFIA1zcL7MyXcZM0f72Se_IkYR4ZJoOvAIX_z7oZpMt3jQEP-0TBTdtKtIbxuUAnVZKF4f7Hk7pTxIRJWxRIcZe5CE14WoFsSm7pNn2jlHD6ft4QwDT8Ifg8tasdNgtsMO/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_174420674.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before starting on the trail, we read several blogs that warned the trail can get pretty wet after about two miles. Just as we reached the two mile mark, the trail disappeared into a bog. We decided not risk getting our feet wet and made that our turnaround point. </div><div><br /></div><div>The way back was a little easier. For one thing, we could follow our own footprints. Also, we were getting better at figuring out where the trail posts were. As we neared the trailhead, we ran into a family group taking photos of a frog. We stopped and took a few of our own photos.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-ap8YcUqo5aefghRQo_cy0asildBCnWnzwAfnMLNtj8akWr9fDhtl3_ZsddKaMsqZG6F3LKMdNA0K6C2Jqxbtse906MyF8aAMQ1gkBqPFT89J3j56Jf3Zq4mByU2ENiqEbIlImKPEoWj3CInPmRld55lHV-GgmW6O7pd3Gwx-GNCZhp_oXipnYjxJuQW/s4080/PXL_20240209_175437828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-ap8YcUqo5aefghRQo_cy0asildBCnWnzwAfnMLNtj8akWr9fDhtl3_ZsddKaMsqZG6F3LKMdNA0K6C2Jqxbtse906MyF8aAMQ1gkBqPFT89J3j56Jf3Zq4mByU2ENiqEbIlImKPEoWj3CInPmRld55lHV-GgmW6O7pd3Gwx-GNCZhp_oXipnYjxJuQW/w301-h400/PXL_20240209_175437828.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as we got back to the Jeep it began to rain. As we drove over to Pensacola Beach, the rain became a steady shower. We had dozens of restaurants to pick from for lunch. Since Tuesday is Mardi Gras, we choose NOLA Cafe. After four miles of sandy hiking those Abita Andygators tasted great. Nothing like a little boudin and seafood gumbo to satisfy a hungry hiker.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq87Fhh6uYgW6FOMusmyrSc2i2w6ufKiQJ-Hwss765Ue2dI2H7I_bqJt577CXzm6lnRD96THazSbFIYd1wuh6dg7M7HudS72tsfhLhGaYWF8Bk5KOhss2yEuDtYY4VCMnLEJRekfyu5loPdjw0g1QV5uo_Q4F9syN7y_zfbOdGFPcrsslA-_O7QxgZOrRD/s3672/PXL_20240209_183057492_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq87Fhh6uYgW6FOMusmyrSc2i2w6ufKiQJ-Hwss765Ue2dI2H7I_bqJt577CXzm6lnRD96THazSbFIYd1wuh6dg7M7HudS72tsfhLhGaYWF8Bk5KOhss2yEuDtYY4VCMnLEJRekfyu5loPdjw0g1QV5uo_Q4F9syN7y_zfbOdGFPcrsslA-_O7QxgZOrRD/w400-h301/PXL_20240209_183057492_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">With more rain in the forecast, we're not sure when we'll get out again. Until then, stay thirsty my friends.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-9617943480977921802024-02-06T19:38:00.001-05:002024-02-06T19:38:50.634-05:00Bicycling St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge<p>St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, in Wakulla County, Florida, is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States. Established in 1931 as a wintering ground for migratory birds, it encompasses more than 83,000 acres south of Tallahassee, Florida and includes about 43 miles of north Florida’s Gulf coast. Congress has designated 17,350 acres of the Refuge a National Wilderness Area. The Refuge includes several Gulf of Mexico coastal habitats, such as saltwater marshes, islands, tidal creeks, and the estuaries of seven north Florida rivers. It is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life and also has a long history of human use, including structures such as the St. Marks Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Florida. </p><p>This was our last day in the Sopchoppy area, so we decided to bicycle the Refuge, which has a paved road stretching 7 miles from its beautiful Visitor Center to St. Marks Lighthouse, and many more miles of unpaved roads and paths available for the more adventurous.</p><p>We parked at the Visitor Center and mounted up for the adventure:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpDtbIKMVzwSLkLCnb-RMSndx5HcIVOuK7FIkGdQu_sGfJCzNrjBv92pH-0Tp4bAoSOqu684BJwzKRr6S7R8cXiYEqZJj-W6ow92arDXaWQ9t_dD8GupRioZJ3Dk3AZWycqjUCeOKEt78mjarTcP9kCG90VdJ0wNIRXKpeNhYqELG-ykuqgdTJ2-lbl0G/s3283/PXL_20240206_160656695_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="3283" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpDtbIKMVzwSLkLCnb-RMSndx5HcIVOuK7FIkGdQu_sGfJCzNrjBv92pH-0Tp4bAoSOqu684BJwzKRr6S7R8cXiYEqZJj-W6ow92arDXaWQ9t_dD8GupRioZJ3Dk3AZWycqjUCeOKEt78mjarTcP9kCG90VdJ0wNIRXKpeNhYqELG-ykuqgdTJ2-lbl0G/w400-h283/PXL_20240206_160656695_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Refuge has a park-wide speed limit of 35mph, which we think is too fast. All the same, we nearly broke the limit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAydKdBS10Iv6Io_IvYr7NFLpYDU_e-zICC8oyUjer4ISlaBNHyB0hMHoAEybkKa37c_W8ZXfMa7AoIf0zm8H8FWhJobJtKSndvSkehZ0rFUHfKSnEgtdUhQbuOAkKa2o2wjHxIFFOMj8ke8OePMiFZrIMxdCNSn-WkEvMBJIKFqofjc7ExjFq05ImRXdL/s3264/PXL_20240206_161940956_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAydKdBS10Iv6Io_IvYr7NFLpYDU_e-zICC8oyUjer4ISlaBNHyB0hMHoAEybkKa37c_W8ZXfMa7AoIf0zm8H8FWhJobJtKSndvSkehZ0rFUHfKSnEgtdUhQbuOAkKa2o2wjHxIFFOMj8ke8OePMiFZrIMxdCNSn-WkEvMBJIKFqofjc7ExjFq05ImRXdL/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_161940956_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>There was abundant wildlife, including several alligators we spotted just from the road. When this fellow spotted us approaching, he made his way deliberately down to the safety of water:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7GNboqAFey4RJP-M856RXCBQSxek2Aa-siieOB4mk9VM14b_eel0f1O30ZUOkqU-qNy2cb60bIzbr14jJecDQ-dc-prjqjeQlfnaQQkVx-09EHCSUjMeKIcdPdEivm_OOXwmdswrnqTawfvt76nCUtz4nErrK-a0l8UTEpHaPHRzTeMnGCOy5X2OJrts/s2712/PXL_20240206_162452291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="2712" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7GNboqAFey4RJP-M856RXCBQSxek2Aa-siieOB4mk9VM14b_eel0f1O30ZUOkqU-qNy2cb60bIzbr14jJecDQ-dc-prjqjeQlfnaQQkVx-09EHCSUjMeKIcdPdEivm_OOXwmdswrnqTawfvt76nCUtz4nErrK-a0l8UTEpHaPHRzTeMnGCOy5X2OJrts/w400-h243/PXL_20240206_162452291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Refuge is rich mixture of hammock, pools, estuaries, streams, bogs, marshes and swamps. One interesting key to understanding its ecology is to pay attention to whether a body of water is salt, fresh or brackish (tidal). The combination makes for abundantly pretty scenery:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4NPT2hk3_kEC_hOw1Zp_prXp5ApDsQbmQGAHjnZ6Hj07jj4Xpi1GDqnkTkT2yCxWo9wN4hrL4P55afWRQfu9HpzFehtUFXnDJg2d1oj1o3KiAePKq8EJxrsD-sA3bOKln07T2bbisNPDIqeVjDR0VrGRc6AeGSpAgyJWdLnDhhvwTvR2yUXtHXnsmsSW/s3672/PXL_20240206_163200137_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4NPT2hk3_kEC_hOw1Zp_prXp5ApDsQbmQGAHjnZ6Hj07jj4Xpi1GDqnkTkT2yCxWo9wN4hrL4P55afWRQfu9HpzFehtUFXnDJg2d1oj1o3KiAePKq8EJxrsD-sA3bOKln07T2bbisNPDIqeVjDR0VrGRc6AeGSpAgyJWdLnDhhvwTvR2yUXtHXnsmsSW/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_163200137_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Not too far into our ride, we ran across a gate with a sign indicating that it sits on the Florida Trail, which our friend Dick Mallery has been hiking. You can find videos of his experiences on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzE9GcrTq66Kzx3N23UThvQ/videos">his YouTube channel.</a> We paid attention to the path of the trail through the Refuge. At this junction, it moves West and North beyond Kathy in the photo below. It heads North up the Lighthouse Road which we had been bicycling, before turning East and South out of the Refuge.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rxuTOrYmDxMS8SMKR0EkEpjQpGh5c_YbfS2v2bINB4y7hBf2-ZUbhqjmympllU4wECsJMjwsRiNW-KBSQiceGe2TRmn5EfuOdoS5hyphenhyphen5XtjssuVj99VM5n62wVjRehTcqPtxigeRdW-LPOY3gLVLKZLV4vULofFxWfESGbwdFiC1_t5kvTykoOKJTN9VF/s3264/PXL_20240206_163644052_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rxuTOrYmDxMS8SMKR0EkEpjQpGh5c_YbfS2v2bINB4y7hBf2-ZUbhqjmympllU4wECsJMjwsRiNW-KBSQiceGe2TRmn5EfuOdoS5hyphenhyphen5XtjssuVj99VM5n62wVjRehTcqPtxigeRdW-LPOY3gLVLKZLV4vULofFxWfESGbwdFiC1_t5kvTykoOKJTN9VF/w400-h301/PXL_20240206_163644052_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Soon after leaving the Florida Trail, we spotted this anhinga perched on a dead stump in a waterway, alternating between searching for food and drying its wings:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9MfWEEb-G-JY5GeYVt5TWaLXXxEOkFaqP9PBtrMSsQU_oSy6KQkB-XNFFDFIOI7vg8AVNxG5cD5ce7Nx8hPzbMkVKlOJFnnUiMDNkyQUAXpmFCjKcr-4Vu2Ao6XCm6tfybkgiapnnw0WlmMPwmfZixOyhSslQ4CTuMi2sWYAicUI_4rsOlh6gUchaOkV/s3672/PXL_20240206_165632331_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9MfWEEb-G-JY5GeYVt5TWaLXXxEOkFaqP9PBtrMSsQU_oSy6KQkB-XNFFDFIOI7vg8AVNxG5cD5ce7Nx8hPzbMkVKlOJFnnUiMDNkyQUAXpmFCjKcr-4Vu2Ao6XCm6tfybkgiapnnw0WlmMPwmfZixOyhSslQ4CTuMi2sWYAicUI_4rsOlh6gUchaOkV/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_165632331_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Refuge hosts many types of shorebirds, including this Great Blue Heron:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo1QlPLu_1C50a_T0Jxh4Ho78V58QPWfgVUP28Wu0fz4RaZ93or4oi-vUMH_YpapWnbekU1vCGkYBK4rLam3iuir_Km4H1oppNxp1tX614mM1ztfvu54RDux1lFT3yEa2W2ogAdNBLxA8fhyphenhyphency7koFlv1VtLVg-JEIxW5b-broV87W0nh6J7qKTTE92jr/s4080/PXL_20240206_165912980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo1QlPLu_1C50a_T0Jxh4Ho78V58QPWfgVUP28Wu0fz4RaZ93or4oi-vUMH_YpapWnbekU1vCGkYBK4rLam3iuir_Km4H1oppNxp1tX614mM1ztfvu54RDux1lFT3yEa2W2ogAdNBLxA8fhyphenhyphency7koFlv1VtLVg-JEIxW5b-broV87W0nh6J7qKTTE92jr/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_165912980.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Other waterfowl are also abundant, including this covert of coots, who seemed to be getting great pleasure out of sharing the latest gossip. They didn't look particularly covert to us, however:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq80Dhhcso6mCIa0OBkdclAtVRNUq3d4M4IlZkATBD5qC43WlOwZU-OE_KVhZx_mO5lB86BX96ceJfrR7IEGOEEosORNMmWzTSLlbIi0Udm_Uy6NpCcyHeUPJ4WQsocEjrm4Jni-n_0xFlJwzhLCCvbpAmkGxRMzrvdERj5XhkAVIF-4HSZyVDMNye_Kv/s2859/PXL_20240206_165946815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2859" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq80Dhhcso6mCIa0OBkdclAtVRNUq3d4M4IlZkATBD5qC43WlOwZU-OE_KVhZx_mO5lB86BX96ceJfrR7IEGOEEosORNMmWzTSLlbIi0Udm_Uy6NpCcyHeUPJ4WQsocEjrm4Jni-n_0xFlJwzhLCCvbpAmkGxRMzrvdERj5XhkAVIF-4HSZyVDMNye_Kv/w400-h196/PXL_20240206_165946815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Pied-billed ducks share the waters with the coots. We often saw a female among a group of coots, with no male obviously present. We didn't know whether female pied-billed ducks feel safe among coots, who do not bother them, or whether they can pair up with a male coot. After a while, we actually found what appeared to be a mated pair of pied-billed ducks:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLPyH4cNJWQWSfSjFNqKcXQ7AfXCr8lyeFKCnLuviblLLcI40q8OVhktCruwKwdCD2EOl_YvLABILQskapFoQ7ptFotVxerjbt9x1vIfhnR6rEPJiitmo5FGgEBKgKafMBF9PIQtpXhFKhbTXzEuXj5-roa9yAK4ewdKr8Nb53E51hRStdH6BMrQBUfZq/s3672/PXL_20240206_170010589_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLPyH4cNJWQWSfSjFNqKcXQ7AfXCr8lyeFKCnLuviblLLcI40q8OVhktCruwKwdCD2EOl_YvLABILQskapFoQ7ptFotVxerjbt9x1vIfhnR6rEPJiitmo5FGgEBKgKafMBF9PIQtpXhFKhbTXzEuXj5-roa9yAK4ewdKr8Nb53E51hRStdH6BMrQBUfZq/w400-h301/PXL_20240206_170010589_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were, of course, many Great White Egrets and other types of herons:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfouBKt8QIEjTFLt6lwqsgPijm3Z0_xUTaTHYmviLPSkKgEVh3jtfuoeueE-YOwa6HUmLcJW76u2AxL-puAanfdgQJ_HXqFMdD7C-RE9aW0Nr380tmmY0rydaaYmVMf7zA1udTdyURytHcwX2GsL2LhAqpj8E4wPILDM6jgye7VtsDgvmPfkaSc0EdRNV9/s3072/PXL_20240206_170258654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="3072" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfouBKt8QIEjTFLt6lwqsgPijm3Z0_xUTaTHYmviLPSkKgEVh3jtfuoeueE-YOwa6HUmLcJW76u2AxL-puAanfdgQJ_HXqFMdD7C-RE9aW0Nr380tmmY0rydaaYmVMf7zA1udTdyURytHcwX2GsL2LhAqpj8E4wPILDM6jgye7VtsDgvmPfkaSc0EdRNV9/w400-h399/PXL_20240206_170258654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here's the second alligator we saw -- even larger than the first:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9opEHH55uPoLngeNoMqUIdGFCwmkVGHeIQ1LKYKN-i2AbeRK7FHIAJXG1a7CCYmIBWttHbhctBGPq2Ar7gGsxv3hQVK8LUWaTZUQPyslZQQ_lHX3mkB3641-CXRpQtqKsM__qgT9GVsE4_1faZxDvxGCnSQJyEQwx8uZ8Kh5BzFP85o_BtS1BHog12O0/s3672/PXL_20240206_174100270_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9opEHH55uPoLngeNoMqUIdGFCwmkVGHeIQ1LKYKN-i2AbeRK7FHIAJXG1a7CCYmIBWttHbhctBGPq2Ar7gGsxv3hQVK8LUWaTZUQPyslZQQ_lHX3mkB3641-CXRpQtqKsM__qgT9GVsE4_1faZxDvxGCnSQJyEQwx8uZ8Kh5BzFP85o_BtS1BHog12O0/w400-h301/PXL_20240206_174100270_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>After 7 miles of pedaling and wildlife peeping, we made it to St. Marks Lighthouse.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZIF0LbXPn18wngernAkaIsIjDkprZujIR-wYESpeLPvFqwTcJfd6W-Vv9SYMfjPdk7cTRgkH57LpsIyMsjSWyorgbFdWq4DbmLwP-u2o5-Kzm8AbRn62z1-ZAPxER9ZQfm6dAWstlAJvmWdXO7oe4zh1yDcW8hYkLicdClcX1BmBgapSauhW91oT8zgZ/s3672/PXL_20240206_175624938_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZIF0LbXPn18wngernAkaIsIjDkprZujIR-wYESpeLPvFqwTcJfd6W-Vv9SYMfjPdk7cTRgkH57LpsIyMsjSWyorgbFdWq4DbmLwP-u2o5-Kzm8AbRn62z1-ZAPxER9ZQfm6dAWstlAJvmWdXO7oe4zh1yDcW8hYkLicdClcX1BmBgapSauhW91oT8zgZ/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_175624938_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>In the 1820s, the town of St. Marks, Florida (originally known as San Marcos de Apalache) was considered an important port of entry for the prosperous planting region of middle Florida and some counties of South Georgia. Once the agricultural products reached the new port town, they were loaded aboard boats for shipment to New Orleans and St. Augustine. There were, however, problems in navigating both the Apalachee Bay and the St. Marks River. In many places both bay and river were shallow, and it was not too uncommon for boats to run aground and/or get mired in the muddy shallows.<br /></p><p>The first lighthouse for this area was constructed of brick, but proved to have hollow walls, whereas the party commissioning it had insisted on solid walls. So it was reconstructed and accepted in 1831. It's position quickly proved inadequate and a new tower was constructed, which survived the destructive hurricanes of the 1840s and 1850s, including the disastrous hurricane of September 1843, which destroyed most of the town of Port Leon and caused major damage to the town of St. Marks. The tower was damaged in the Civil War, but was reconstructed and given a new lens. In 1916 a cistern, kitchen, outhouse, picket fence, boathouse and dock, and a maintenance building were added. In 1931, St. Marks Migratory Bird Refuge was created, as was the road leading to the lighthouse. The Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It has been decommissioned as is not an active light.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwpVvXJgVXacDbQS20E8Zhyphenhyphen3O1WZwdPJlxg_SNnuwHC7JAChy0jFz5GC5KdwZOwTp1thxmkkrA_hDdIUavmboPiLyewBBE0yySVtx2CO6FCciuS1RcQpCuz_k5Gzyjlyj_KHwiEaazbcLDc6wZ5y9PvoqjdkbW2z7YTP8YvA8F4B0RyVOeU5YGNWOLJAT/s3672/PXL_20240206_180205967_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwpVvXJgVXacDbQS20E8Zhyphenhyphen3O1WZwdPJlxg_SNnuwHC7JAChy0jFz5GC5KdwZOwTp1thxmkkrA_hDdIUavmboPiLyewBBE0yySVtx2CO6FCciuS1RcQpCuz_k5Gzyjlyj_KHwiEaazbcLDc6wZ5y9PvoqjdkbW2z7YTP8YvA8F4B0RyVOeU5YGNWOLJAT/w400-h301/PXL_20240206_180205967_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Leaving the Lighthouse, we set out by bike on the Lighthouse Levee Trail, which leads around a small bayou over to the Lighthouse Boat Ramp. This route took us by the remnants of the dock that had been constructed for the Light:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6vmqfP-92bbGSLQpeJv8uu7rIghrU4YEESPCAMdV_eweYyZm_qB0JTrmt62PU5zWhPeAVA8GBwiW9W8Ah984atNuwTvkXs6tIZ8X0NSnH4ND4H_Ml6EPiI2t73V_QiPL86cTgHduUpkh08nWlXmAyyEvO1SUSThJTWK_o6S2mKHtKoK8nbRVzZqtFmy_/s3672/PXL_20240206_180655725_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6vmqfP-92bbGSLQpeJv8uu7rIghrU4YEESPCAMdV_eweYyZm_qB0JTrmt62PU5zWhPeAVA8GBwiW9W8Ah984atNuwTvkXs6tIZ8X0NSnH4ND4H_Ml6EPiI2t73V_QiPL86cTgHduUpkh08nWlXmAyyEvO1SUSThJTWK_o6S2mKHtKoK8nbRVzZqtFmy_/w400-h301/PXL_20240206_180655725_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we approached a point of land near the Light that juts out into the Gulf, we spotted a Great Blue Heron waltzing down the same road. Unlike most other Great Blue Herons we have encountered, this one was not as wary or put out by us, and actually let us get close enough for a photo, even though s/he was aware of us:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD-Bpuk-CFjOYp-dhFI_zLX-2KcXluZFQryuUEoNBh8iDNpiWfr2uHkWWYt637n_ftspkhhQR7fWDwjDxYFes7evf75j4O807tJ2I1ZTJDL9bDX6kaMLJQ57iM4jbgscTqswp3mWP6kFoLEx7Q53DOgvjaFmB4pjfOyQXsz-yl-quuWG3g02QzOJ6132H/s3672/PXL_20240206_180953819_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD-Bpuk-CFjOYp-dhFI_zLX-2KcXluZFQryuUEoNBh8iDNpiWfr2uHkWWYt637n_ftspkhhQR7fWDwjDxYFes7evf75j4O807tJ2I1ZTJDL9bDX6kaMLJQ57iM4jbgscTqswp3mWP6kFoLEx7Q53DOgvjaFmB4pjfOyQXsz-yl-quuWG3g02QzOJ6132H/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_180953819_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Pedaling our way back up Lighthouse Road, we turned off onto a packed sandy trail and spotted the Refuge Observational Tower, an old fire tower that exists near Headquarters Pond, where the original Refuge headquarters had been. The fire tower was one of two originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of their work on the Refuge between 1934 and 1942.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYvqtsDDTvPDuYuDJxTw3d7JxeCwC9Hi1iavD0gFY3Qw81L49XAOqRJt7Hdi42WTg_u2oHpX090rJW_bEnZXG63Fp23L2eEnyAyOsegmojYXrkAH4S_mn50-1isyK2g73wPyYdfoyS2V_ZT6q1Y6JsfTeIh-wH3lEOFfTVeQWoH7dC1q3fpkzommO6t8g/s3320/PXL_20240206_183053408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3320" data-original-width="2536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYvqtsDDTvPDuYuDJxTw3d7JxeCwC9Hi1iavD0gFY3Qw81L49XAOqRJt7Hdi42WTg_u2oHpX090rJW_bEnZXG63Fp23L2eEnyAyOsegmojYXrkAH4S_mn50-1isyK2g73wPyYdfoyS2V_ZT6q1Y6JsfTeIh-wH3lEOFfTVeQWoH7dC1q3fpkzommO6t8g/w305-h400/PXL_20240206_183053408.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>Headquarters Pond is one of the main attractions in the Refuge. It boasts an observation deck from which the entire pond can be viewed. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb1RIslvIq8a5ZuL7wc1xguwU41oC999uHEEKz9kqspXXeKH42NuVEw0InZxwEecBR9k54ShrjNmRzgAPXHn-UbQFTH_yex35kIeucRFoGOfXG091C8aYZ2hkvgp-QjH9hbqLrMxtKcSxY51keosnCVXquWN1YAz_ZdO0ZCy_S0Gu0JhHJlDwjiYkJnqB/s3264/PXL_20240206_183939753_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb1RIslvIq8a5ZuL7wc1xguwU41oC999uHEEKz9kqspXXeKH42NuVEw0InZxwEecBR9k54ShrjNmRzgAPXHn-UbQFTH_yex35kIeucRFoGOfXG091C8aYZ2hkvgp-QjH9hbqLrMxtKcSxY51keosnCVXquWN1YAz_ZdO0ZCy_S0Gu0JhHJlDwjiYkJnqB/w400-h301/PXL_20240206_183939753_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>When we were there, Kathy spotted a flock of herons and spoonbill. David tried to get a photo of a spoonbill and trained all his magnifying power on the flock of nesting birds, but could not clearly show the spoonbill. We even (as it turns out) may have unwittingly violated a nesting closure and tried to pedal around to the back of the pond to get a closer look at the spoonbills; but the path did not come close enough to the pond where the birds were gathered. So all we can do is report to you that there is a roseated spoonbill somewhere in that crowd on the far side of the pond:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vdfToJcoxxuwq-jjof1TZaqvzclB6f5kVJgyXigAAYt8t5GXcfRQFh0XsVUFyQsviX7QdCrNsqvtKZQvjf1dTcVOZ1IhgDcJO5KhwfS_E8fEwl6Of8-tbSf2uqF1QdXhfX1fEl226bxcIKNoir2yRFUvnNUPaQu51zU4XqlHUgQnlrDmb10TR4PF4ODq/s3510/PXL_20240206_183954071_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2525" data-original-width="3510" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vdfToJcoxxuwq-jjof1TZaqvzclB6f5kVJgyXigAAYt8t5GXcfRQFh0XsVUFyQsviX7QdCrNsqvtKZQvjf1dTcVOZ1IhgDcJO5KhwfS_E8fEwl6Of8-tbSf2uqF1QdXhfX1fEl226bxcIKNoir2yRFUvnNUPaQu51zU4XqlHUgQnlrDmb10TR4PF4ODq/w400-h288/PXL_20240206_183954071_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On our trip back to the Visitor Center, we spent a little more time watching the coots playing around in the water. We spotted what we thought were two pied-billed ducks among them, but, as it turned out, they appeared to be a mated pair of green-winged teals. They looked very happy with each other:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD0cTRwQoiYhEdJrjJmrlZNy-UMes_A94rdWa95voJifUQcIADiDyD9v6IkxoVjQ0eQs6kYwgtDE0PmaIIDdBUT1qiFxIRC0nbcoe1FvkiYmi8XA4JK24abxtP08_KU8PV1k_L8UHlac9-h8CbI_YF3vGcFXLJt0Dfwu1RsfkQHQZoH_ctw35KtXQL_dF/s1812/PXL_20240206_190856505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1812" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD0cTRwQoiYhEdJrjJmrlZNy-UMes_A94rdWa95voJifUQcIADiDyD9v6IkxoVjQ0eQs6kYwgtDE0PmaIIDdBUT1qiFxIRC0nbcoe1FvkiYmi8XA4JK24abxtP08_KU8PV1k_L8UHlac9-h8CbI_YF3vGcFXLJt0Dfwu1RsfkQHQZoH_ctw35KtXQL_dF/w400-h230/PXL_20240206_190856505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We also spotted our old friend the anhinga drying out her wings in the same spot we saw her before. We thought that, since she gave us two such impressive performances, we should give her extra billing in this blog entry:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyAqgn4-FG-hVuH2h-6GM6Q9ENI85C7fBQHNocRWRJgCzCKS-_Gt4wBMgQh1xGljT2SwIGNINO5DdaLskviPaILjcENWzwFaA_3OXyLG140xMKKcitFBQSMTUSNCgaXqkL0ZanfhMCU2M58TQv96J2QtuCrC-y6z7yQR0KOgiC-g8oJSUXSm18n8zF_si/s4080/PXL_20240206_193145382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyAqgn4-FG-hVuH2h-6GM6Q9ENI85C7fBQHNocRWRJgCzCKS-_Gt4wBMgQh1xGljT2SwIGNINO5DdaLskviPaILjcENWzwFaA_3OXyLG140xMKKcitFBQSMTUSNCgaXqkL0ZanfhMCU2M58TQv96J2QtuCrC-y6z7yQR0KOgiC-g8oJSUXSm18n8zF_si/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_193145382.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>What would probably be an hour-and-half bike ride expanded into a 4 hour visit, what with wildlife viewing, exploring side trails, watching coots, gazing at a firetower, eating a picnic lunch, and similar inspired activity. It proved to be a wonderfully pleasant day -- even with the strong winds that blew in our face the whole 7 miles back up Lighthouse Road! (But who's whining?)<br /> </p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-17439443871210624132024-02-05T16:29:00.000-05:002024-02-05T16:29:08.635-05:00San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park<p style="text-align: right;">Monday, February 5, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>On Sunday, a strong storm front moved through the Florida Panhandle with lots of rain and wind. We kept an eye out for the tornado warnings, but they were all for towns north of where we are camped. While most of the rain has passed, it was very cloudy and cool, not the best weather for hikes, bikes or paddles. So, we decided to drive over to St. Marks and explore the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park.</p><p>Before we could begin our journey through time, we needed to fuel up. We stopped at the Riverfront Cafe right on the banks of the St. Mark's River. This has to be the largest tiki bar we have ever visited. Under it's thatched roof is a large stage, two different seating areas, a wrap-a-round bar, boat docks and a separate floating back bar. Just the kind of place that would feel right at home in Key West. As for lunch, Dave had a blackened fish sandwich with fries while Kathy slurped down a Florida style gumbo with potato salad on the side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKVhjKLtUUKxg4SOidqoOOXco31WHXX6nmsvll1_-dMgoZUgGWx8rPK0PllExnIH6BQKvP1hBDwqtnaFEcQ_rd0f52nbCpVq7SvoH6Fc_d4EDsdJ2cSYA_g6G2BRYKCv4HkbbES-JiJ-ME-rHiWbmkcNDv3WdCxPDVzGJIKFxCxgDqSVsuO8JHm04u-ao/s1024/AA_RiversideCafe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="1024" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKVhjKLtUUKxg4SOidqoOOXco31WHXX6nmsvll1_-dMgoZUgGWx8rPK0PllExnIH6BQKvP1hBDwqtnaFEcQ_rd0f52nbCpVq7SvoH6Fc_d4EDsdJ2cSYA_g6G2BRYKCv4HkbbES-JiJ-ME-rHiWbmkcNDv3WdCxPDVzGJIKFxCxgDqSVsuO8JHm04u-ao/w400-h189/AA_RiversideCafe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">After lunch, it was just a short drive over to the State Park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTEvu4y6AMZRxodnyXpYD-6hb86nu5F9FL2yHWEIUKkfw-JDsRXCi8Qu-plKTjHEX4VUhSmI_IqkxHImYdWR-EJIDns1Vj2i3OMcdc-k7V55dfpZSYZJ4TA0HLYrr49U6gQvpElKnP2qksQcVzHE88rh4v1EhdCv4C43rbdGGKlPYTFUx3ctgG6ZrG08P/s3672/A_PXL_20240205_170620673_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTEvu4y6AMZRxodnyXpYD-6hb86nu5F9FL2yHWEIUKkfw-JDsRXCi8Qu-plKTjHEX4VUhSmI_IqkxHImYdWR-EJIDns1Vj2i3OMcdc-k7V55dfpZSYZJ4TA0HLYrr49U6gQvpElKnP2qksQcVzHE88rh4v1EhdCv4C43rbdGGKlPYTFUx3ctgG6ZrG08P/w400-h301/A_PXL_20240205_170620673_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After paying the $2.00 entry fee, we watched a well made movie on the history of the park. Afterwards, we strolled around and checked out some of the artifacts they dug up during the construction of the museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjw2rl9On5CWK0MmBkMdvUszqshvGMVotV5I7guVvE4XtshtFGscApvw2yzOMx2T7ZQMguaoOr2uq5ZJe4tEcQKpz7PicKK_2EZp47Tr0YGkBdkl8NV_DfYMzc-cCwXOwJhYYWyQpMJaUSrnpko_S0GPjvmX3fD6m1Xd5HkDwoqu8VhgwjHxhwaCZrIzr/s3672/B_PXL_20240205_173058302_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjw2rl9On5CWK0MmBkMdvUszqshvGMVotV5I7guVvE4XtshtFGscApvw2yzOMx2T7ZQMguaoOr2uq5ZJe4tEcQKpz7PicKK_2EZp47Tr0YGkBdkl8NV_DfYMzc-cCwXOwJhYYWyQpMJaUSrnpko_S0GPjvmX3fD6m1Xd5HkDwoqu8VhgwjHxhwaCZrIzr/w400-h301/B_PXL_20240205_173058302_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At the junction of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers, Fort San Marcos de Apalache in western Florida was the site of three Spanish forts. In three different time periods, Spain occupied this river junction at present-day St. Marks to protect its trade routes and its claim to Florida. The Spanish named the fort after what they called the San Marco river, which flowed by the fort, and the Apalachee people, who occupied the area before the Spanish built the fort.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The park museum sits on top of the site of an old U.S. Marine hospital. The original stone foundation is still visible. When you first approach the museum, it looks like a giant stone fortress. In addition to being a Florida State Park, Fort San Marcos de Apalache is also a National Historic Landmark.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI3MAFKIfHxlosTpSyjBDtMdKJ6sDH6_qJvrdNxS3LWF3VDEV3OUCt-B5O6q4aMMb5g3AbeVkUbRjHzTaxJzKY-BF8YYDgTlkogH-MVqqEUwJlwPI2yEx8mlY6SDNShgRchrpN-3y6UaKIpSYdpvFZaicO39nvk4c5nSfglYeeD-hvheRDthaKOgfDQ7n/s3672/PXL_20240205_170533864_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI3MAFKIfHxlosTpSyjBDtMdKJ6sDH6_qJvrdNxS3LWF3VDEV3OUCt-B5O6q4aMMb5g3AbeVkUbRjHzTaxJzKY-BF8YYDgTlkogH-MVqqEUwJlwPI2yEx8mlY6SDNShgRchrpN-3y6UaKIpSYdpvFZaicO39nvk4c5nSfglYeeD-hvheRDthaKOgfDQ7n/w301-h400/PXL_20240205_170533864_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This tiny point of land changed hands at least 8 times in just under 500 years. When the Spanish first arrived in 1528, Apalachee people lived, farmed, fish and hunted on this point. It wasn't until 1679 that the Spanish built the first of three forts here. Along the Wakulla River, the Spanish built a bastion with limestone rubble. In order to protect the structure, the park service placed a wooden wall around the old structure.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDSwWLZNjC1LimA6TiYMVAwLgeCFgxvpFum44aC6KyNOJgm4zIExVLTQIBC5wjSOxk9jEZIm9y_6EEK3Hh-_dHQF3kud8dxhj93IMxGiNyxEA6H8oreA2seku12uMxreXZR8vRWo_bzhsPr3dR9bzUyQHfU0st4j3vBN20xB31gtmgqoXLrUg51ZGnhse/s3264/PXL_20240205_173659166_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDSwWLZNjC1LimA6TiYMVAwLgeCFgxvpFum44aC6KyNOJgm4zIExVLTQIBC5wjSOxk9jEZIm9y_6EEK3Hh-_dHQF3kud8dxhj93IMxGiNyxEA6H8oreA2seku12uMxreXZR8vRWo_bzhsPr3dR9bzUyQHfU0st4j3vBN20xB31gtmgqoXLrUg51ZGnhse/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_173659166_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The site of the bastion provides a commanding view of the Wakulla River.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgFueI6ARnIMzdP71atD2Jr0_dc0tma35f7dwBszbmz1TqXDCmOgqZBTqjHJQeUelRIeSTstEFzgY-gIvkLN3A3FPXAYpJnrCS-aj1vjSou4cJe2yaY_thMEUKGC0zqA__BHRTqrjG9Tyf35JTiLG5KSgm1gKogyzRCF2D9JobzXSTE_mt_HQA10Y5MN3/s3672/PXL_20240205_173814626_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgFueI6ARnIMzdP71atD2Jr0_dc0tma35f7dwBszbmz1TqXDCmOgqZBTqjHJQeUelRIeSTstEFzgY-gIvkLN3A3FPXAYpJnrCS-aj1vjSou4cJe2yaY_thMEUKGC0zqA__BHRTqrjG9Tyf35JTiLG5KSgm1gKogyzRCF2D9JobzXSTE_mt_HQA10Y5MN3/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_173814626_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seven different flags have flown over this tiny point: Spanish (1565), British (1763), Spanish (1784), U.S. (1845), Florida Territory (1860), Confederate (1861) and U.S. (1865). The site was even attacked by pirates in 1682. However, there is no record that the pirates ever flew the <i>Jolly Roger</i> over the point. Arrgh.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first two forts the Spanish built were wooden forts. The first was burned by pirates and the second was destroyed by a hurricane. In 1739, the Spanish started building a stone fort. This part of the exterior wall had four small room.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9EHqPeqy45_S-MDncCGeAVVXsOUgf4KsaPKTDeyHDrxoC6-SEdrrtjsSBczxwaPUh6r4ZJERhnPExxWopj4wM_LFnnFjXe_ssDpxyuRd6ZPr0qr_JBwOcZ21JL47SvT1ajVZVzL3Z_R9_omAzYJpdx4BOIFGSDKbHpH_ox6VZpB1KHKTpjPtuBftiias/s3264/PXL_20240205_174017433_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9EHqPeqy45_S-MDncCGeAVVXsOUgf4KsaPKTDeyHDrxoC6-SEdrrtjsSBczxwaPUh6r4ZJERhnPExxWopj4wM_LFnnFjXe_ssDpxyuRd6ZPr0qr_JBwOcZ21JL47SvT1ajVZVzL3Z_R9_omAzYJpdx4BOIFGSDKbHpH_ox6VZpB1KHKTpjPtuBftiias/w301-h400/PXL_20240205_174017433_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The "bombproof" is the largest section of the fort that is still visible. The four large rooms were over 17 feet high. It was built to protect men and supplies during an attack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAByIf3eDKxZEXLoyrCQ8qKQJGHixYn8NN4n4pZG0MM-XxZiaqrRrpsb22HoVNTjJ0HdCj4yDoN8r4VZRdzGtd2pWdbRj3yxInz7PJ2rWBv4wNVXs5xwsYpvehsw-eykSebxXqm3FMrDMaukWOmepummKMHI-jy8r7BHKF7Ez1KG0pLdTBvk2YSbouKX3t/s3264/PXL_20240205_174145084_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAByIf3eDKxZEXLoyrCQ8qKQJGHixYn8NN4n4pZG0MM-XxZiaqrRrpsb22HoVNTjJ0HdCj4yDoN8r4VZRdzGtd2pWdbRj3yxInz7PJ2rWBv4wNVXs5xwsYpvehsw-eykSebxXqm3FMrDMaukWOmepummKMHI-jy8r7BHKF7Ez1KG0pLdTBvk2YSbouKX3t/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_174145084_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1857, troops were sent to occupy the fort. In 1860, the troops were withdrawn and the Territory of Florida took over. However, in 1869, with the end of the Civil War, the U.S. took back the fort and used stones from the Spanish bombproof to construct the foundation of a sailor's hospital.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the site of the bombproof, we walked a short ways out to the very point of the point.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIkVPnkGh7BILKsxuSqCerbhPQaJKtF5Ow5avO5gOCY_pl9PchHNIIVG-c6EplTymvp9sZA4xO8Wrzt2nWsGGjCR9WNT0Wb52GDJ8lDdXSKK4e6jeTokVpL_QDqjpEQxHpSPxg6-N-Oz4yNQa7tMguG0WZyMrfGt8pARfI72n1nFHBoPi2gX7xxVqjjmF/s3264/PXL_20240205_174234183_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIkVPnkGh7BILKsxuSqCerbhPQaJKtF5Ow5avO5gOCY_pl9PchHNIIVG-c6EplTymvp9sZA4xO8Wrzt2nWsGGjCR9WNT0Wb52GDJ8lDdXSKK4e6jeTokVpL_QDqjpEQxHpSPxg6-N-Oz4yNQa7tMguG0WZyMrfGt8pARfI72n1nFHBoPi2gX7xxVqjjmF/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_174234183_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was the site of the very first Spanish fort. From this point, we could see small boats on both the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBybYMnz7R62IWPw-fXPfrRotqt1XUshBeta7PszXxuaFCNsGPMYiU8zSw8ni1QHizaFyRstLt_4BZAngcIN0zb0jY9RQnnr3Kd_rqWNtxTvCJ-Kem4LDVNBfpm5XXQKzjhTRrV9mpAqEmX7hvnmYoHfhl_L5ZAEhQjDkZXzX8-WPvpxmm2TFJAI-TpSk/s3264/PXL_20240205_174408397_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBybYMnz7R62IWPw-fXPfrRotqt1XUshBeta7PszXxuaFCNsGPMYiU8zSw8ni1QHizaFyRstLt_4BZAngcIN0zb0jY9RQnnr3Kd_rqWNtxTvCJ-Kem4LDVNBfpm5XXQKzjhTRrV9mpAqEmX7hvnmYoHfhl_L5ZAEhQjDkZXzX8-WPvpxmm2TFJAI-TpSk/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_174408397_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We could even look back up the St. Marks River and see the thatched roof of the Riverside Cafe!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY50i2845ww6lXrdElq7Xl6Lf7UQucVISYZiSUcM3vreWaCicxXw4vMl1X0JMEavOBpzddqDWQRGGWnF1MmiX41ATpqNiAphCyqPmicGfL0usbl00o0TK9z5N71wdQ0MSQn2zR4mSSarZLrC9EAOJG_tPQfk0eZ3igj0HwAPq-GntUusDGY6_FZqurPnvH/s4080/PXL_20240205_174520356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY50i2845ww6lXrdElq7Xl6Lf7UQucVISYZiSUcM3vreWaCicxXw4vMl1X0JMEavOBpzddqDWQRGGWnF1MmiX41ATpqNiAphCyqPmicGfL0usbl00o0TK9z5N71wdQ0MSQn2zR4mSSarZLrC9EAOJG_tPQfk0eZ3igj0HwAPq-GntUusDGY6_FZqurPnvH/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_174520356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here Kathy makes her way out to the point of the point.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeix-tbmAka0WWjWYeKVH5OWZBILirm-Vrwx-mqGgtoo7D04ptDQuXuKpZ6BDn_ewKxmgMdnq7-dDXoDYD_EZjKEkzbAohPQIZySMt6oEAI6DX79zfrdJpxwstnT3oQQq1hmfv2SA5GNogJHOgFh_8bMLBzcLvAM3b2ghNJfbeKXvbrazqLQ9AlgtrwQW/s3672/PXL_20240205_174642145_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeix-tbmAka0WWjWYeKVH5OWZBILirm-Vrwx-mqGgtoo7D04ptDQuXuKpZ6BDn_ewKxmgMdnq7-dDXoDYD_EZjKEkzbAohPQIZySMt6oEAI6DX79zfrdJpxwstnT3oQQq1hmfv2SA5GNogJHOgFh_8bMLBzcLvAM3b2ghNJfbeKXvbrazqLQ9AlgtrwQW/w400-h301/PXL_20240205_174642145_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When Florida seceded from the Union in 1861, the Confederates built Fort Ward on the site. Fort Ward kept St. Marks and the upriver town of Newport secured until the Union took control again in 1865. You can still see various Confederate earthworks all around the park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Confederate cannons were placed on top of the old Spanish bombproof. Behind the bombproof was a large mound of soil heaped around a storage space that housed the gunpowder for the cannons.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMMr7vZqeNTspw0hh0jd4E586LL6ztSb0zHBVaSlMzpsAnwoAGiIzvcSM-nf29DZ1qnXKAp5-gRolVKCm7RrMRMToXZgw6c7qZw5vguHMK4oBvEXOr6NcDMgfCevWwPMEibUdsv6sjAZ3deecJOMsna9vhmwapPIyRCEAwc4DhQ8HBn_8aIZ18ND64yLW/s3264/Z_PXL_20240205_170459471_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMMr7vZqeNTspw0hh0jd4E586LL6ztSb0zHBVaSlMzpsAnwoAGiIzvcSM-nf29DZ1qnXKAp5-gRolVKCm7RrMRMToXZgw6c7qZw5vguHMK4oBvEXOr6NcDMgfCevWwPMEibUdsv6sjAZ3deecJOMsna9vhmwapPIyRCEAwc4DhQ8HBn_8aIZ18ND64yLW/w400-h301/Z_PXL_20240205_170459471_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">For 100 years after the end of the Civil War, the San Marcos de Apalache fort site was in private ownership, accessible only by boat, and overgrown by vegetation. In the 1960s, the historic site became a National Historic Landmark, and Florida bought the land to turn it into the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. The State filled in part of the marsh that separated it from the mainland and built a road, Canal Street, as well as a parking lot, museum, and public amenities for park visitors. An incredible amount of work to save a tiny point in history.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was astounding to us that this little piece of land changed hands among so many nations, and that its history reflects the history of occupation of southern North America.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Who would have thought?<br /></p></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-90511886884650019792024-02-03T17:10:00.000-05:002024-02-03T17:10:42.162-05:00Florida's Bald Head State Park<p>Bald Point State Park is located on Alligator Point where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay. Comprising 12,000 acres, it has some of the most picturesque areas along North Florida's Gulf Coast. We decided to visit it for an afternoon's walk today after having lunch in nearby Panacea, Florida.</p><p>Kathy found <a href="https://www.trident850.com/">Trident restaurant</a>, which specializes in neo-Southern cuisine. Overlooking the bay in Panacea, Trident is perched on the pristine edge of Florida's forgotten coast. Low tide reveals oyster beds and the tops of submerged crab traps as they dot the landscape. Pelicans, cormorants, and the occasional bald eagle soar overhead. A dock (damaged by 2023's Hurricane Idalia) and a small marina and restaurant, adjoin the property. Below Trident's deck, a whimsical sculpture of a great white shark and a sea captain greet those who will venture out on the new dock under construction:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUuVFPyHLwux6Yhno9BP92FI2UQR3UZe5x63YlhkvpssSEO_IjvJm2XT36gKEewarSrIOOxhkiU8GSYgpH8m5Ps-_mOQQAVS5m1Pc0SA_XFdMh8IHz5UE7fCxrf_vHeF7NL2x7QYPOIL-sXWqsaEWSrkaZCCdFqyDtiNu04u7_3j9aFJkqU6oUBGtLY6N/s3672/PXL_20240203_175411064_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUuVFPyHLwux6Yhno9BP92FI2UQR3UZe5x63YlhkvpssSEO_IjvJm2XT36gKEewarSrIOOxhkiU8GSYgpH8m5Ps-_mOQQAVS5m1Pc0SA_XFdMh8IHz5UE7fCxrf_vHeF7NL2x7QYPOIL-sXWqsaEWSrkaZCCdFqyDtiNu04u7_3j9aFJkqU6oUBGtLY6N/w400-h301/PXL_20240203_175411064_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The view out to the bay from the restaurant is spectacular:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r_TwAZXJotPNpdd9URPfU7ULNuEy2XJLJP534ooLzfx9lStlmphpXr-EpsZnFV2iLmD5GcsK3vzIQuu61-idSaS18u4V4DIFF6FU_uinf0aY0xz2B-_Kr-UOkcdE47oFwKByhAS81TXyhqoBygqSKSnK_rVcHhyWZtJ9EhkpGWULpEcOheJ2cstkZNz-/s3672/PXL_20240203_175422340_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r_TwAZXJotPNpdd9URPfU7ULNuEy2XJLJP534ooLzfx9lStlmphpXr-EpsZnFV2iLmD5GcsK3vzIQuu61-idSaS18u4V4DIFF6FU_uinf0aY0xz2B-_Kr-UOkcdE47oFwKByhAS81TXyhqoBygqSKSnK_rVcHhyWZtJ9EhkpGWULpEcOheJ2cstkZNz-/w400-h301/PXL_20240203_175422340_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>With our bellies full, we headed a short way out to Bald Point State Park. It embraces two stretches of primitive, pristine beach, sandwiched between stretches of vacation homes that, for some reason, have been allowed to build right up to the high tide line. Below that line, we could walk the beach, so our walk stretched from one of the primitive areas into a residential section.</p><p>As we stepped out onto the beach, these two dead trees, standing right at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, with their roots covered by high tide, caught our eye:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6EDYyFilSyLimRCFb6M9vtrmvFE7KyJ56n0nwJWufjfHZtstwQPrDs_Q2Tarla8DXjHMgJveH_r1iOo-xTwGuYtTSQ8n_vsOPXMxfHiTA4PkvkEtoIGlDzvIf1pzBoFgxV4QhKy50fsxC0CJY8KSZDT7DW4qRV1_IC39T0VpUjChfh2c66a-BgwFRdSk/s3672/PXL_20240203_183002761_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2617" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6EDYyFilSyLimRCFb6M9vtrmvFE7KyJ56n0nwJWufjfHZtstwQPrDs_Q2Tarla8DXjHMgJveH_r1iOo-xTwGuYtTSQ8n_vsOPXMxfHiTA4PkvkEtoIGlDzvIf1pzBoFgxV4QhKy50fsxC0CJY8KSZDT7DW4qRV1_IC39T0VpUjChfh2c66a-BgwFRdSk/w285-h400/PXL_20240203_183002761_copy.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><p><br />Here is a closer look at the further of the two trees as we approached it:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_gWrJlCRU_GZ03eJnfTIZHWY2Mbl876e4RDre8TX06JjIA_zjY2H_EnhOPBPDsZVq8yayb-6wRg621S3OEUeE0CsiZo7QeE-c3CD_-ZSL1AYLt_avdTR2ngwJfNAC6fX2uy3GONzG0XTMowJS1-3_TwKbxr21E8gCmfNFrVSDFrwjPx416zjPjc_HzqX/s3672/PXL_20240203_183231554_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_gWrJlCRU_GZ03eJnfTIZHWY2Mbl876e4RDre8TX06JjIA_zjY2H_EnhOPBPDsZVq8yayb-6wRg621S3OEUeE0CsiZo7QeE-c3CD_-ZSL1AYLt_avdTR2ngwJfNAC6fX2uy3GONzG0XTMowJS1-3_TwKbxr21E8gCmfNFrVSDFrwjPx416zjPjc_HzqX/w301-h400/PXL_20240203_183231554_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />The trees were immense and stretched their arms into the great, blue sky. We wondered why they were still standing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0iwt5C6saZvZZNYyauaab7qnYi5MSEcwuyxPUVmD2onSzlsbPg8Qykm_IX7uxqfY2iFti6fmocPkrEnh4xWw4yUKBiJfRYCC3NyKwa6IwtPyr22QzX3h01NPN5d43TvvpG8lxFSpFYQByH0si0VMyS3fH0dSDveO2Q6h1B7_0Pds5rraKd3rYSZsiVRH/s4080/PXL_20240203_183325125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0iwt5C6saZvZZNYyauaab7qnYi5MSEcwuyxPUVmD2onSzlsbPg8Qykm_IX7uxqfY2iFti6fmocPkrEnh4xWw4yUKBiJfRYCC3NyKwa6IwtPyr22QzX3h01NPN5d43TvvpG8lxFSpFYQByH0si0VMyS3fH0dSDveO2Q6h1B7_0Pds5rraKd3rYSZsiVRH/w301-h400/PXL_20240203_183325125.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Further down the beach, groves of live trees graced the forward faces of the grassy dunes:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsQc9CBRPaTm4ieuAyhjPrfRD1sMhLi5Dbr4AdTCFBiPDaYp2X9WxgV6LJ8plZ6HMCl49hCcKRqi1-q5sod6IuTaimHzrumBDRXbju8RKDjjp0VVcyFATU9iKSC0QamsAjkMUSE86L6ND0S7WMZlnsT834zT5q_PCSkenSVXjA5utR41_5radXka0iWl7/s3672/PXL_20240203_183419856_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsQc9CBRPaTm4ieuAyhjPrfRD1sMhLi5Dbr4AdTCFBiPDaYp2X9WxgV6LJ8plZ6HMCl49hCcKRqi1-q5sod6IuTaimHzrumBDRXbju8RKDjjp0VVcyFATU9iKSC0QamsAjkMUSE86L6ND0S7WMZlnsT834zT5q_PCSkenSVXjA5utR41_5radXka0iWl7/w400-h301/PXL_20240203_183419856_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Once we left the immediate area of the beach parking, we reached stretches where it appeared few people had walked. Debris from numerous storms lay in regular lines along the beach, which, like tree rings, might have told us the story of a series of storms surging onto this coast. The debris included many shells and pieces of shell, coral, sponge and miscellaneous driftwood. Remarkably, there was very little trash.</p><p>One of the more curious and beautiful items we found was this blue-and-rose crab claw:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81hpp7d7qfjjbwcg0rzyiXUERp8cR2ctUw6WTAkh818lOzxOHb9f-vuhibXPdpR94USVSjwSJD8U6vS-JqTYOhzoiBySdtSgi6u_6iWZ1iboTjBVHCsESWa13xRKKhZFaaFFyuPcbqmmTiojnePmhv7L2312ZYn7xdleJ_ZN5TnRPxVGpZglod9wcDmNs/s4080/PXL_20240203_183923137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81hpp7d7qfjjbwcg0rzyiXUERp8cR2ctUw6WTAkh818lOzxOHb9f-vuhibXPdpR94USVSjwSJD8U6vS-JqTYOhzoiBySdtSgi6u_6iWZ1iboTjBVHCsESWa13xRKKhZFaaFFyuPcbqmmTiojnePmhv7L2312ZYn7xdleJ_ZN5TnRPxVGpZglod9wcDmNs/w400-h301/PXL_20240203_183923137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Horseshoe crab shells also graced the sand, and these two looked like they had been washed ashore together:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf24HttCEW8vqV6AOIAsbDtruDuLUa29ybpKqpCtcjW5OLCBVT5eRXO3B_zCD-Nr9vdE4z-GfNMGnenDsgJJnyyD5gy2_VzBUadzJfxMEaAfl4RzjguqcbVLY0Fku8vrnGEFy6_8diIKt9KWKlKTfNQ8MVJ7gDKM4m4RVHC-73ZslId5SsdUGYMsQLFAm/s3672/PXL_20240203_184612986_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf24HttCEW8vqV6AOIAsbDtruDuLUa29ybpKqpCtcjW5OLCBVT5eRXO3B_zCD-Nr9vdE4z-GfNMGnenDsgJJnyyD5gy2_VzBUadzJfxMEaAfl4RzjguqcbVLY0Fku8vrnGEFy6_8diIKt9KWKlKTfNQ8MVJ7gDKM4m4RVHC-73ZslId5SsdUGYMsQLFAm/w400-h301/PXL_20240203_184612986_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Kathy found the nearly-complete remains of a crab trap float that had come loose from its trap and washed into land. We could see other, similar floats not too far offshore:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfkf_Tz6ABwG3lt69JPSqT3fyywF-cxfmHbkqK0GRDgl0RDD7_qTNd9-oUJC0QW19QuT0nN1Bx3f9nEfCABhpWKreRZ1UP0aljaeFmlXGTDBsF03_Ac1_0BmGzDBV9yBp0inWKcuqrFaqn4H_qhW6zJ2xdC5-LZUD-S7WD6No6Z8uohKbmuMhL9OI3TWO/s4080/PXL_20240203_184747811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfkf_Tz6ABwG3lt69JPSqT3fyywF-cxfmHbkqK0GRDgl0RDD7_qTNd9-oUJC0QW19QuT0nN1Bx3f9nEfCABhpWKreRZ1UP0aljaeFmlXGTDBsF03_Ac1_0BmGzDBV9yBp0inWKcuqrFaqn4H_qhW6zJ2xdC5-LZUD-S7WD6No6Z8uohKbmuMhL9OI3TWO/w301-h400/PXL_20240203_184747811.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>The shells here are unusual, and different from the shells we have found on the Atlantic coast. This one was particularly beautiful in color, shade and texture:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqiDxlSlzBrqNSiPOEv91pTZSuDx6kBluubSKM8sp0NkuqniwRaU4iFZigfPuh7vvVFic7bkK9UC6Q7YV7RkUMvefaBsq5DsnQvJIH96HxV-t5TC7_41mnXM_FQ61IG7FpJ47Ed6J7LCxWM_kXqagFPS8sLR_gjafFsQnlTyI-nyJ-UjVf4wsVi-o_NRn/s3672/PXL_20240203_184840828_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqiDxlSlzBrqNSiPOEv91pTZSuDx6kBluubSKM8sp0NkuqniwRaU4iFZigfPuh7vvVFic7bkK9UC6Q7YV7RkUMvefaBsq5DsnQvJIH96HxV-t5TC7_41mnXM_FQ61IG7FpJ47Ed6J7LCxWM_kXqagFPS8sLR_gjafFsQnlTyI-nyJ-UjVf4wsVi-o_NRn/w301-h400/PXL_20240203_184840828_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>Pieces of sponge, having dried and somewhat solidified and turned brown for reasons we do not know, sat on the beach. Some almost stood upright as if stumps of long-dead trees. In this way, they initially fooled us, because, near the two large dead trees, we found the stumps of other trees sticking up from the sand to trip unwary beach hikers.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9IDGJ7ssNK3XVZK6sB7HMB9a1H5o4_dC2iPsWTOPPv79VcL1ckvbZZjUV_AUIYy7Gfkjxvpz-McMinChD_cB9Pc7yjZXOTlxgM1mWMNBoJwmOxRAqnerbaS8c4Lm1p0q2wE47751LTMF3i_B4rQWk3wxHcmSiv-OZ7Cx-1moa3lsaRDY5SEfuSKK1fka/s3672/PXL_20240203_185313702_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9IDGJ7ssNK3XVZK6sB7HMB9a1H5o4_dC2iPsWTOPPv79VcL1ckvbZZjUV_AUIYy7Gfkjxvpz-McMinChD_cB9Pc7yjZXOTlxgM1mWMNBoJwmOxRAqnerbaS8c4Lm1p0q2wE47751LTMF3i_B4rQWk3wxHcmSiv-OZ7Cx-1moa3lsaRDY5SEfuSKK1fka/w301-h400/PXL_20240203_185313702_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>We eventually reached a spot in a residential area where one owner built a house and deck so far into the tidal lands as to block our way, even though it was only mid-tide. Full of questions about the validity of such building, we nevertheless decided this made a good place to turn around and return along the beach they way we had come.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBC8RhARzMa53FJBgdZAk5OMk5azqBsm1_I4Dq5GFJfXeYWwwM_s3_8OYig9Gpc7OTR-wV0XG68DcxEwnbON_kFSk6IrRfPzBLhGhpB9xxCgyC8FmqP19PklvV9ctH0Por55erV9wHmKnZ0iafJBK-vMlX6YeuBOeqOG5ZwYq9dDvnKEf8LBEJYJTpbtd/s3876/PXL_20240203_190150897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2790" data-original-width="3876" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBC8RhARzMa53FJBgdZAk5OMk5azqBsm1_I4Dq5GFJfXeYWwwM_s3_8OYig9Gpc7OTR-wV0XG68DcxEwnbON_kFSk6IrRfPzBLhGhpB9xxCgyC8FmqP19PklvV9ctH0Por55erV9wHmKnZ0iafJBK-vMlX6YeuBOeqOG5ZwYq9dDvnKEf8LBEJYJTpbtd/w400-h288/PXL_20240203_190150897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Retracing our steps, we spotted this concrete pole anchor that we had somehow missed on our first pass. Looking closely near it, we spotted what looked like concrete steps coming down the beach toward it. We imagined that it had marked the end of a series of steps that are now covered by sand:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO42g72wqeKODCTTBz5yGpFEE833NcJhjT-8v92L0NnblM6JKhA8Icat2uElhhogH6ZO_GpwtS3meE7TtOUjs8SCcXhJGboPhhhoLwWZqsVrUkT1x_XceAzp1qyA4_0bdE__ZcwCLkeO59pBetF38RP2u5a-X61GTjgqacEsb3sCUqr1o3QYMzd3n5GgD/s3672/PXL_20240203_190649446_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO42g72wqeKODCTTBz5yGpFEE833NcJhjT-8v92L0NnblM6JKhA8Icat2uElhhogH6ZO_GpwtS3meE7TtOUjs8SCcXhJGboPhhhoLwWZqsVrUkT1x_XceAzp1qyA4_0bdE__ZcwCLkeO59pBetF38RP2u5a-X61GTjgqacEsb3sCUqr1o3QYMzd3n5GgD/w301-h400/PXL_20240203_190649446_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>As we walked, a small group of sandpipers eating at the water's edge moved quickly ahead of us, feeding as they went. They seemed to be making sure that we did not get too close, but were too busy eating to be driven away from their feeding ground:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQtKCVWMuZhIENpDFPDPam8hZPsV6Ftdy9aads6F_mS_Hi5xJebOXhJjTec8ebDBX1Mt2b0ST95lC14_6KMYL3XgeAFF8PBLk4MpLYw81DuSeO3RGQKWCgccziQhfI0Q3kv_W_kLsgY1uYl_lahcAH-6DMjqJHqsWPTZzZeB6OiNMCqUlyzcQZ0YnGwdo/s3072/PXL_20240203_191901472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2192" data-original-width="3072" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQtKCVWMuZhIENpDFPDPam8hZPsV6Ftdy9aads6F_mS_Hi5xJebOXhJjTec8ebDBX1Mt2b0ST95lC14_6KMYL3XgeAFF8PBLk4MpLYw81DuSeO3RGQKWCgccziQhfI0Q3kv_W_kLsgY1uYl_lahcAH-6DMjqJHqsWPTZzZeB6OiNMCqUlyzcQZ0YnGwdo/w400-h285/PXL_20240203_191901472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Maybe this crab trap, that we saw as we neared our beginning, belonged to that errant float Kathy found:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteRzTfmYCB7nGzy5SauNewXvPQIMPDLfCA2z-GiFa9w_PEnjaXAhl7V2tAoYlxxsKq5SUFtsiGh4WLv7DX5K4a1JtSh1qx-qt5-nMjGOA7yoow1yrlgwoWqa37-6PhyphenhyphenIVf5kFsIn2LAuBcEnMfRgTNsYWD1c_P0QAmWeqYT-DKRyP2HjVriUCPo3ewPax/s3672/PXL_20240203_192419832_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteRzTfmYCB7nGzy5SauNewXvPQIMPDLfCA2z-GiFa9w_PEnjaXAhl7V2tAoYlxxsKq5SUFtsiGh4WLv7DX5K4a1JtSh1qx-qt5-nMjGOA7yoow1yrlgwoWqa37-6PhyphenhyphenIVf5kFsIn2LAuBcEnMfRgTNsYWD1c_P0QAmWeqYT-DKRyP2HjVriUCPo3ewPax/w400-h301/PXL_20240203_192419832_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The day was as nice as we could want: sunny and about 64F, with only a light breeze. We felt the nature gods had rewarded us for being patient and planning this walk for today.</p><p>Tomorrow, Sunday, will not be so pleasant. We expect lots of rain and have plans to focus on indoor activities. We'll probably see you again on Monday.<br /></p><p></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-41518749868835214142024-02-02T18:38:00.002-05:002024-02-02T18:38:46.539-05:00Paddling the Ochlockonee River<p style="text-align: right;">Friday, February 2, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>Hooray! It's going to be an early Spring according to Punxsutawney Phil. Good thing, because we are really tired of all the cold fronts making their way down to Florida. Today started cold, but was expected to warm up after lunch. We drove over to St. Mark's Wildlife Refuge to gather maps and information on a possible hike or bike. More on that in a future blog.</p><p>When we returned to camp, the temperature had warmed up considerably. After a quick lunch and Ruby Walk, we took the kayaks over to the boat launch and began our paddle on a side channel of the Ochlockonee ("o-KLOK-nee") River.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXl_yNuwfqng0iwyq4xkc3UIB_rjaN7FJy_xMpfKA9uCwHtBjxhyZwXkoU7WyiItgBxSqrNfrzBweBgVM6zr6rGBudvf_lFhjc8WrpmWQlb2Mq1XikTP4WewY-SXJaBG159oo5JJFuxJA8hPu1Vh8oggkiZy8zX_LBCRGY94S_wKOJoNjDOEbEMMGENAn/s3600/P2020002_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXl_yNuwfqng0iwyq4xkc3UIB_rjaN7FJy_xMpfKA9uCwHtBjxhyZwXkoU7WyiItgBxSqrNfrzBweBgVM6zr6rGBudvf_lFhjc8WrpmWQlb2Mq1XikTP4WewY-SXJaBG159oo5JJFuxJA8hPu1Vh8oggkiZy8zX_LBCRGY94S_wKOJoNjDOEbEMMGENAn/w400-h300/P2020002_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Ochlockonee River is a fast running river originating in Georgia and flowing for 206 miles before terminating in Ochlockonee Bay. We are camped only a few miles from the bay as the crow flies, so this section of the river is tidal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpwlstE1Wn6C-Vn7iPf8V0jHuDX2oKOPiDIJG2rNxPoVOOqq05-iW0Utbm3b7qFY3ZlyeS3B_ZU4K4boibgMDWdUdWaId0KBxfjGo3n_SuKeW8mV41Cd4KsliUk6CZP2f3KlSDpboLoX8AoKHjyAae_ZsS6xYqtkjWLTMBzNmcozLgxkjCrLodQJgi50H/s3600/P2020003_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpwlstE1Wn6C-Vn7iPf8V0jHuDX2oKOPiDIJG2rNxPoVOOqq05-iW0Utbm3b7qFY3ZlyeS3B_ZU4K4boibgMDWdUdWaId0KBxfjGo3n_SuKeW8mV41Cd4KsliUk6CZP2f3KlSDpboLoX8AoKHjyAae_ZsS6xYqtkjWLTMBzNmcozLgxkjCrLodQJgi50H/w400-h300/P2020003_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We started our paddle on a side channel that parallels the main part of the river. We started just after low tide. With a rising tide, we were pretty confident we wouldn't get stuck in the muck. However, this meant we would have to paddle into the rising tide. Better to work a little harder than to be stuck and have to wait hours for the tide to turn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKGintbKGYRT10EnKB46P4jYvgqbg5LtdiM2PonNK_jS03arOp5QMRg2DnBDZ-9X5VQycMmGM4SazY9NkoZJu4ooCXgNJTjmUat3Yr4fN7kxxHTNALZwg4Sjtk3VQkF2qgZypt6dnrOlvhwOseVo1nwBENlyG7FXbZhCRmYMVwrqkDKvThxFqENAdsyG6/s3600/P2020006_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKGintbKGYRT10EnKB46P4jYvgqbg5LtdiM2PonNK_jS03arOp5QMRg2DnBDZ-9X5VQycMmGM4SazY9NkoZJu4ooCXgNJTjmUat3Yr4fN7kxxHTNALZwg4Sjtk3VQkF2qgZypt6dnrOlvhwOseVo1nwBENlyG7FXbZhCRmYMVwrqkDKvThxFqENAdsyG6/w400-h300/P2020006_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We passed just a few old residences that have now become ranger housing. There were a few old docks dotting the shoreline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCkGwkQxEqYF_pC2evNU53YLXhIdlSkCTIgiiAwNs185_cfulhhdoWAN5I10OsxpgdEIFS1Ogn6bEpF_XOLQwYab5G1kp7xbKpdirqX8GUVwAmdJgUsy0MMlUJajitG2o0GN3CUNPig3aVb7LItbexeljsD9ZERBiXM_MlJalMbf94slYmCWkzhWg9vuk/s3600/P2020007_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCkGwkQxEqYF_pC2evNU53YLXhIdlSkCTIgiiAwNs185_cfulhhdoWAN5I10OsxpgdEIFS1Ogn6bEpF_XOLQwYab5G1kp7xbKpdirqX8GUVwAmdJgUsy0MMlUJajitG2o0GN3CUNPig3aVb7LItbexeljsD9ZERBiXM_MlJalMbf94slYmCWkzhWg9vuk/w300-h400/P2020007_copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The side channel was narrow enough that we could explore both sides.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFuhuKnd-h13Aq-a9ma9SCOM2FjnTH34ICSsL9tG3t3nvumv5gTCTMZ_TIxZ3zOqptC0r6MyukYnzBL5SAHuVzIdcSMpzIFzUXjLljkpgzzByfyEw4iqT8-UzHKCCZKSjjwRVcKDVTRCZm-6VYsVEIW826HMVopZqm6GhHQuZavdn31mxgVMIbLm51UlU/s3356/P2020008_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3356" data-original-width="2335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFuhuKnd-h13Aq-a9ma9SCOM2FjnTH34ICSsL9tG3t3nvumv5gTCTMZ_TIxZ3zOqptC0r6MyukYnzBL5SAHuVzIdcSMpzIFzUXjLljkpgzzByfyEw4iqT8-UzHKCCZKSjjwRVcKDVTRCZm-6VYsVEIW826HMVopZqm6GhHQuZavdn31mxgVMIbLm51UlU/w279-h400/P2020008_copy.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we turned a corner, the wind died down. The calm water reflected the blue sky above. We almost didn't want to paddle and spoil the silky surface of the water.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJp9-0fOyEjE_HK8X_QwcrWf2LoRryXIKgKRQZUegr6CJd1-dLSdltqNFWzs1Jq0hEd8qdTlmaIb3tmiaD9G4jC0XtsyBSgqbzB3_Wtw9dT2J1EPtqHhCAwiSb0USiOIeBifUYyGyhq0NaOOI95raD306diqEurzgDsgeiyY01b_ztAWHgaRDecU7Rx1w/s4000/P2020010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJp9-0fOyEjE_HK8X_QwcrWf2LoRryXIKgKRQZUegr6CJd1-dLSdltqNFWzs1Jq0hEd8qdTlmaIb3tmiaD9G4jC0XtsyBSgqbzB3_Wtw9dT2J1EPtqHhCAwiSb0USiOIeBifUYyGyhq0NaOOI95raD306diqEurzgDsgeiyY01b_ztAWHgaRDecU7Rx1w/w400-h300/P2020010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Around the next bend, we startled this Great White Heron.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcb26eCXRVCp5c6XJVKoivSPMw4n_UyWo5XNH3JBdkRo5_sB-pdbMMsMnaLw4swziTbC9ofa55tmsj3vz856QZ55x1xsChZVWVJIhf5FY9TMOz-jCyWnHqDeBqjHUTS5FbGO9UqDi3ZKPOUT_rs0SdC26W7tU0_XvdHIXRNh5Njkvfb5clsEhzX0NXhG6/s2841/P2020013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2841" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcb26eCXRVCp5c6XJVKoivSPMw4n_UyWo5XNH3JBdkRo5_sB-pdbMMsMnaLw4swziTbC9ofa55tmsj3vz856QZ55x1xsChZVWVJIhf5FY9TMOz-jCyWnHqDeBqjHUTS5FbGO9UqDi3ZKPOUT_rs0SdC26W7tU0_XvdHIXRNh5Njkvfb5clsEhzX0NXhG6/w400-h196/P2020013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While not thrilled with us being there, it did stop along the bank to pose for a reluctant photo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUPOP0FyhSNH6oIZRL8kzFMKslcCQuEEwmTWMx1SFxwNiqADfw6yjxf7zQJXBulS9nWzWqCY-a0fCAr9NdQHp9SLd7TcEna31mCzgNRyNMBbkFDSw9sUeYPyy-pKUDKM5Cn8OGXV6VvH-ekl161sjVwQWiVs7iGeES9NN6hiPkSslOaTVwO9wHglwSIFV/s1722/P2020014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1722" data-original-width="1461" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUPOP0FyhSNH6oIZRL8kzFMKslcCQuEEwmTWMx1SFxwNiqADfw6yjxf7zQJXBulS9nWzWqCY-a0fCAr9NdQHp9SLd7TcEna31mCzgNRyNMBbkFDSw9sUeYPyy-pKUDKM5Cn8OGXV6VvH-ekl161sjVwQWiVs7iGeES9NN6hiPkSslOaTVwO9wHglwSIFV/w339-h400/P2020014.JPG" width="339" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We saw several mullet jumping out of the water. Mullet have an organ at the back of their throat which allows them to take in oxygen directly from the air. This is a particularly helpful strategy if you live in water with low oxygen content like the back channels of the Ochlockonee River.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ht7ZNpiCCaguXe0-bSfJFqXEczhLuylmqk7LqjqQQwFXtUczDKs0mdiPGp20GEe8PpxazsgTfNI_aLkcH2Mi353IDczRJZcXP7I4ApF_HTsUXprwA72G06UsH-a6bJL6h4EKQ4I3LzRJqGgN6HYevDtZNGKCx8pZjvyhfIfIzSkq7MMHLSMZU5HBJ06A/s3600/P2020015_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ht7ZNpiCCaguXe0-bSfJFqXEczhLuylmqk7LqjqQQwFXtUczDKs0mdiPGp20GEe8PpxazsgTfNI_aLkcH2Mi353IDczRJZcXP7I4ApF_HTsUXprwA72G06UsH-a6bJL6h4EKQ4I3LzRJqGgN6HYevDtZNGKCx8pZjvyhfIfIzSkq7MMHLSMZU5HBJ06A/w400-h300/P2020015_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This bald cypress seems to be walking right out into the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo56Q4Ec1LDOW9K0Z0RFiAqJJmqfyqmuRIWQTB7-Maxv4MbGDyM-RkWsdIa_r63gckCCJHY8XkcKlZyKPuBWFFMwuWnCfZ6CLKT7hV6tCrZG0eO5hqLk33lsEaBtYCiDRSaghIitDc-3D-3n51iUQhMV7ut9VyWa7vkXkWOxP1NBvUwQYQl3Da7wQE8bz/s3600/P2020017_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo56Q4Ec1LDOW9K0Z0RFiAqJJmqfyqmuRIWQTB7-Maxv4MbGDyM-RkWsdIa_r63gckCCJHY8XkcKlZyKPuBWFFMwuWnCfZ6CLKT7hV6tCrZG0eO5hqLk33lsEaBtYCiDRSaghIitDc-3D-3n51iUQhMV7ut9VyWa7vkXkWOxP1NBvUwQYQl3Da7wQE8bz/w300-h400/P2020017_copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We spotted a kingfisher working the river, but it flew off before we could get a good photos. Instead, we got this really cool reflection.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wUrMaERpRT0WBsQIosVYQEEiI87MInaYYe8HFTXJSUhq7RuKOdtc1JyZK74Zq61eZM00xYrO9BG1LoDSZrI-dCzdkGwle_gW7WQTLhWsph-INj651jmBihCnUn4VVVjNHLTdWbMM1bncrq1XxvAmCqmV87tZBuC1UECF2G5vIHwO5lYtUMh2Hq_BLs8/s3600/P2020019_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wUrMaERpRT0WBsQIosVYQEEiI87MInaYYe8HFTXJSUhq7RuKOdtc1JyZK74Zq61eZM00xYrO9BG1LoDSZrI-dCzdkGwle_gW7WQTLhWsph-INj651jmBihCnUn4VVVjNHLTdWbMM1bncrq1XxvAmCqmV87tZBuC1UECF2G5vIHwO5lYtUMh2Hq_BLs8/w400-h300/P2020019_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We marveled at how lucky we were to be able to just glide through this landscape.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxQdmmumJ2c1qiY_6Wy6PW48GK-twurvfjQEz3bQx4elhrD3Ojc3WZ-Rm8cyM9jrKYNvpiNBODq6lfNXppR8R2xymuJvhJxNxG2fpe82FxR3uP1gWuWgyE54aY4GQ6Ai0LgBIYuMLimXTaG6x0iiXltneIo7YT6s8ylkxWa72K80QwQ8VlmIi1_W-meMP/s4000/P2020020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxQdmmumJ2c1qiY_6Wy6PW48GK-twurvfjQEz3bQx4elhrD3Ojc3WZ-Rm8cyM9jrKYNvpiNBODq6lfNXppR8R2xymuJvhJxNxG2fpe82FxR3uP1gWuWgyE54aY4GQ6Ai0LgBIYuMLimXTaG6x0iiXltneIo7YT6s8ylkxWa72K80QwQ8VlmIi1_W-meMP/w400-h300/P2020020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We turned up a second channel and were rewarded for our effort by finding not one, but two different osprey nests. Unfortunately, they are not occupied at this time of year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY1UO75h7NIoCNHGEup4p_FtsEgPXVU7VPx9AEM_6SkYvF41784DyL8oXCOK1BrOzOEX0Gvmati2fp-laIFGz4N4H_IwcoFw4b0s3GnNcHn00JO9kRpLlTSbHGh0Db8UGpSgY-EBLOjUrr_m-DgH9-PT7geOKwNbJwaSQQIVIgYHypy2j57QrX1lT-bCG/s4000/P2020023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY1UO75h7NIoCNHGEup4p_FtsEgPXVU7VPx9AEM_6SkYvF41784DyL8oXCOK1BrOzOEX0Gvmati2fp-laIFGz4N4H_IwcoFw4b0s3GnNcHn00JO9kRpLlTSbHGh0Db8UGpSgY-EBLOjUrr_m-DgH9-PT7geOKwNbJwaSQQIVIgYHypy2j57QrX1lT-bCG/w300-h400/P2020023.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now this might not look like much, but this bush is actually growing on a mat of floating plants that got hung up on a fallen tree. If you look closely, you can see little yellow flowers starting to bloom.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw53SRSVyXhKgnkmgjPqkuO2lGpetMvD8MNQ2MZJemUCvUme4oUAIXqffSlir5kkiYscvbNLQVrV82bunIrd1jtNdJhTL2XtOBn44PXh3OF2u5IekDNy42o3w09jT-RGM9Rsx4y7x8Rx7pQdt8CVD6XbSpmnm-pJibC4UBKZmcQfyZEWdfyTcmjx0nAid/s3600/P2020026_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw53SRSVyXhKgnkmgjPqkuO2lGpetMvD8MNQ2MZJemUCvUme4oUAIXqffSlir5kkiYscvbNLQVrV82bunIrd1jtNdJhTL2XtOBn44PXh3OF2u5IekDNy42o3w09jT-RGM9Rsx4y7x8Rx7pQdt8CVD6XbSpmnm-pJibC4UBKZmcQfyZEWdfyTcmjx0nAid/w300-h400/P2020026_copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In many sections, the banks were lined with wiregrass. Here, the stems arch over the water creating a reflection. Can you "C" it?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyekw7LYkBQmGzyGjP8bXcdyd3Ujv1Wfx79_cM3nRD1BYrkVS67qLfSrCkOz8gelD9leSVSbGJhg5_1DdgciOxy-XxFomdwIJ-L_4djBIL-GZkjhozzszTz_4QM096uY-ZFkrHYtQKmEhtc45gO2brLhEDYWRjT-agT9kCe1TewfESgJ78cufajwxJJKh/s3600/P2020032_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyekw7LYkBQmGzyGjP8bXcdyd3Ujv1Wfx79_cM3nRD1BYrkVS67qLfSrCkOz8gelD9leSVSbGJhg5_1DdgciOxy-XxFomdwIJ-L_4djBIL-GZkjhozzszTz_4QM096uY-ZFkrHYtQKmEhtc45gO2brLhEDYWRjT-agT9kCe1TewfESgJ78cufajwxJJKh/w300-h400/P2020032_copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Because we had to wait for the temperatures to warm up, we launched in the afternoon and couldn't paddle more than a couple miles before turning and heading back to the boat launch. The change in direction totally changed the light.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30XjMJ9XaqURq8yefQLXR26bsYmPBB3jqpNvX8VMz9TiSZerB-JPD-f-mlipf-HGqg93srAV8oUC_pDgvr5FTcgPnRSNcu4LnpkeTsth73HOczW8WuUEyyVArw2iAZqtZR7FFfymFozJlrVgQ-JWF61DkUPri2yTDxOQndMFP3_gUooMomPtRYJczVUhy/s3600/P2020035_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30XjMJ9XaqURq8yefQLXR26bsYmPBB3jqpNvX8VMz9TiSZerB-JPD-f-mlipf-HGqg93srAV8oUC_pDgvr5FTcgPnRSNcu4LnpkeTsth73HOczW8WuUEyyVArw2iAZqtZR7FFfymFozJlrVgQ-JWF61DkUPri2yTDxOQndMFP3_gUooMomPtRYJczVUhy/w400-h300/P2020035_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It only takes a few inches of elevation to totally change the vegetation from wiregrass on one side to pine, live oak, palm and cypress on the other.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFZL0g_jmfF3xBUniTbJj9uXjxVbNNd8wmb-YlMpksW1QV9LhCbLAKNdVnnXq4cVm97RwDZLMy5b8gmggfANBWBQBTI51fMw1-POSWveqswa1vP-TO040J_wk0uV5HT3L9SavclSz-R3HCpIa3ovlSyctlS2TtlPPXs14ofq6YVf9SzEH95xqozzCGZIE/s3600/P2020036_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFZL0g_jmfF3xBUniTbJj9uXjxVbNNd8wmb-YlMpksW1QV9LhCbLAKNdVnnXq4cVm97RwDZLMy5b8gmggfANBWBQBTI51fMw1-POSWveqswa1vP-TO040J_wk0uV5HT3L9SavclSz-R3HCpIa3ovlSyctlS2TtlPPXs14ofq6YVf9SzEH95xqozzCGZIE/w400-h300/P2020036_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have one more day before the next cold front comes in, bringing more rain. We hope to hit the beach tomorrow, so stay tuned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-20014055801593384602024-02-01T14:23:00.002-05:002024-02-02T07:54:16.139-05:00Hiking in Ochlockonee River State Park<p>Ochlockonee ("o-KLOK-nee") River State Park is a Florida State Park located south of the town of Sopchoppy in the Florida Panhandle. Located on the western end of Florida's Big Bend on the Gulf of Mexico coast, it is surrounded by the Apalachicola National Forest and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and provides important habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Acquired by the State of Florida on May 14, 1970, the park totals 528 acres. <br></p><p>We are camped here for a week, in a beautiful wooded campground filled with live oak and saw palm. </p><p>Our campground is also home to the rare white squirrel. In 1499, immigrants seeking asylum from King Charles of Spain brought white squirrels, some of which escaped to breed with native squirrels. These populations of squirrels are found primarily in Florida, North Carolina and Illinois. White squirrels look almost albino, but do not have pink eyes. The white squirrels here at Ochlockonee River State Park are another color variant of this variable species and are not albino. Instead, they have a completely white coat and dark eyes, a condition known as leucistic, apparently a mutation of the gene that regulates the expression of melanin. The squirrels at Ochlockonee River State Park have a coat that is mostly white, but with a distinctive darker head patch and dorsal stripe. According to local folklore, white squirrels were first brought as pets to the Breakaway Lodge, a hunting and fishing camp on the Ochlockonee River, in the 1950's by the Lodge's original owners. Eventually, the squirrels bred and the owners gradually released them back into the wild, where they now happily occupy the state park's campground, pirating food from unwary campers.</p><p>So, what more fitting way to begin this blog entry about our hike in the park today than to show you a photo of a white squirrel:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A0wkCW-Jy7lomTFwjW4of01LYiwk70opRz3_6v-w9HqEqUcsl0lJHg2roNpILDlf7bJ4fEFMmzq9G5X3dKXQ-Zj2Ow62MXVJfPEIbYRIAmZnjnTF2fJ1On2iZiZdP0EdATfYfcYNN5yfeQ-ak8JzFDTiJ8xjTfjg3pyCOSS0kd_4XrfK1oMJqjjKYTlb/s1632/White%20Squirrel_0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A0wkCW-Jy7lomTFwjW4of01LYiwk70opRz3_6v-w9HqEqUcsl0lJHg2roNpILDlf7bJ4fEFMmzq9G5X3dKXQ-Zj2Ow62MXVJfPEIbYRIAmZnjnTF2fJ1On2iZiZdP0EdATfYfcYNN5yfeQ-ak8JzFDTiJ8xjTfjg3pyCOSS0kd_4XrfK1oMJqjjKYTlb/w300-h400/White%20Squirrel_0.jpg" width="300"></a></div><p></p><p>After admiring these little creatures, we not-quite-so-rare humans began our 4.5 mile hike around the park:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZGl7jF4HmeF62wHV1-tAtf-pyyex2xLyTwc5Z-PIyQvoz1_pFv03_UPlCcD0UKRSG65z33ZucdlmVWMC3hNWmc63k2eFhRxiz3f3BYQ8zr5Tpyf478PAuhps1fXnvf-8Cmaetukj_eWQjCVibOdsNZeS8CZqWYpBSy2KE5nqBrEUI0Xqq0S-l5WUhbGl/s3456/01%20PXL_20240201_142619593_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZGl7jF4HmeF62wHV1-tAtf-pyyex2xLyTwc5Z-PIyQvoz1_pFv03_UPlCcD0UKRSG65z33ZucdlmVWMC3hNWmc63k2eFhRxiz3f3BYQ8zr5Tpyf478PAuhps1fXnvf-8Cmaetukj_eWQjCVibOdsNZeS8CZqWYpBSy2KE5nqBrEUI0Xqq0S-l5WUhbGl/w400-h300/01%20PXL_20240201_142619593_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>We expected the hike to mainly showcase local plant life -- which it did -- but we were unprepared for how much animal life we also saw. In fact, the moment we set foot out of our campground, we saw this deer on the park road:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrttXqNBjIQkelPlsdGOqo8uC68jZt7sDs4gV-dY-9goBVU6HoXeGO9p0KU6dQ_iJxXQUiYTjxxb-I4sJQ_a5_2Qq2C9YYtkEm_ZuKXLQPLW4s_VjSXm-eB7h9BF_qSVlbdK05qW8iEBSsTQXpYvNaibAABD3BlI6E5zReJs1OpskMhPVfAVfGzoszI40/s2796/PXL_20240201_142138724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2796" data-original-width="2127" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrttXqNBjIQkelPlsdGOqo8uC68jZt7sDs4gV-dY-9goBVU6HoXeGO9p0KU6dQ_iJxXQUiYTjxxb-I4sJQ_a5_2Qq2C9YYtkEm_ZuKXLQPLW4s_VjSXm-eB7h9BF_qSVlbdK05qW8iEBSsTQXpYvNaibAABD3BlI6E5zReJs1OpskMhPVfAVfGzoszI40/w304-h400/PXL_20240201_142138724.jpg" width="304"></a></div><p></p><p>We headed over to our trailhead by the Ochlockonee River, getting a glimpse of Chesley Island across our branch of the river. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ps-ZC3U9RzXBq8Fi4FXBKAGiUM15GEeySKU4RGlNp73z15ffk8KobMyG3NfSSfW39ACCCzr8JhyEQVgx5Q6ruhgP381DarN_iWa5iMP6Lor06VnJ2cRmXnfegULQktTwPL8Rfv3qQBfaKlMheUmheGPDuLPzD-_MxKH1z5tgwKmwFCFFB9MHJZSnLcox/s3264/PXL_20240201_142751073_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ps-ZC3U9RzXBq8Fi4FXBKAGiUM15GEeySKU4RGlNp73z15ffk8KobMyG3NfSSfW39ACCCzr8JhyEQVgx5Q6ruhgP381DarN_iWa5iMP6Lor06VnJ2cRmXnfegULQktTwPL8Rfv3qQBfaKlMheUmheGPDuLPzD-_MxKH1z5tgwKmwFCFFB9MHJZSnLcox/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_142751073_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>Ochlockonee, a native Hitchiti word meaning "yellow waters," is a mix of brackish, tidal surge, and fresh water. Pristine and deep, the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdR94Fb2KwJHJCNzz46vyeUt5_m9QSvfDdRgH9FmPXFxkmdjK04aACpPbvytRc9wwrNMb-r92vvipdGt4RESx1OOHPZpO37QCdv4aYEKYAP_lvFwgVOYyBD4Wv2Q0O8ZHkWwhovX7n326Yy_W55V2PkQj2tD9iYTQuMM96RZSWDt1t-IPnFSAh_PbNbFj/s3672/PXL_20240201_143427973_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdR94Fb2KwJHJCNzz46vyeUt5_m9QSvfDdRgH9FmPXFxkmdjK04aACpPbvytRc9wwrNMb-r92vvipdGt4RESx1OOHPZpO37QCdv4aYEKYAP_lvFwgVOYyBD4Wv2Q0O8ZHkWwhovX7n326Yy_W55V2PkQj2tD9iYTQuMM96RZSWDt1t-IPnFSAh_PbNbFj/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_143427973_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>The park includes shorelines on both the Ochlockonee River and the Dead River. We hiked around the point at their confluence, then on to a quiet dock on the Dead River -- perhaps so named because its water is so still. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0g8e03JKgzzIlqy6lTMspShVrBRddat3r8BkCIG5uJRQpv7tJpkbI0T0rOkLn5duxmOJvpG5liOvPeCjbhR_zkxowFOfrpeirBwTJUDgw5ppMG59o3WGAhyphenhyphenoDZWsdJ926moWM3FsZ4fG-foD3gsCDorUyHYn4bg_uQ-uRZK2O9BCwbsGFg_heoNphOB7D/s3672/PXL_20240201_144555153_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0g8e03JKgzzIlqy6lTMspShVrBRddat3r8BkCIG5uJRQpv7tJpkbI0T0rOkLn5duxmOJvpG5liOvPeCjbhR_zkxowFOfrpeirBwTJUDgw5ppMG59o3WGAhyphenhyphenoDZWsdJ926moWM3FsZ4fG-foD3gsCDorUyHYn4bg_uQ-uRZK2O9BCwbsGFg_heoNphOB7D/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_144555153_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>It flows through a grassy estuary that seems to go on forever:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPWyk9H4Dtwgqn2fkTCxovcCam-cdxdKry85Q24IFJbJ4kx8dWNUjgP6GrW_GJsadxJnD-ZqlkWRM9Pr8kyNgjoX4A3xVDF_UJXt1Wfun_5ofuTAkdcvgghttjyjFIhQ_zhtkxBikrYEQ-AYh6wEhtJ0NtZvoZ2THRaJyVUw60kLriYdZwt8GuifM9NZH/s4080/PXL_20240201_144721668.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPWyk9H4Dtwgqn2fkTCxovcCam-cdxdKry85Q24IFJbJ4kx8dWNUjgP6GrW_GJsadxJnD-ZqlkWRM9Pr8kyNgjoX4A3xVDF_UJXt1Wfun_5ofuTAkdcvgghttjyjFIhQ_zhtkxBikrYEQ-AYh6wEhtJ0NtZvoZ2THRaJyVUw60kLriYdZwt8GuifM9NZH/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_144721668.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>We always like to start our hikes with a trailhead selfy at the trail sign. Unfortunately, this trail has no sign, other than one identifying it generically as a "Scenic Drive." Oddly, there was no road access to the Scenic Drive; the few tire tracks onto the trail crossed an open stretch of grass, and it appeared that the only vehicles using the trail are park ranger trucks. So I guess we'll call this trail, "Scenic Drive." You can see that Kathy is thrilled with the idea:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jj0B7VE_M1fu3miuIncRXxH5FjmxE1B_ZGJ5JgUVWNz12XRyDp3yYRNonNVUevWWJirTU-LdgCjHMH_Li68e3PSXGTicRuyrNnN0PcN_w2odbt6Wj_GBKnATGQ1U1mKYeqmDNPTGrWj5rVvY-HtVA-nb4bwKhO2IBf41q_KmG8rAPf7zMAnBMFkMdwdD/s3456/PXL_20240201_145245707_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jj0B7VE_M1fu3miuIncRXxH5FjmxE1B_ZGJ5JgUVWNz12XRyDp3yYRNonNVUevWWJirTU-LdgCjHMH_Li68e3PSXGTicRuyrNnN0PcN_w2odbt6Wj_GBKnATGQ1U1mKYeqmDNPTGrWj5rVvY-HtVA-nb4bwKhO2IBf41q_KmG8rAPf7zMAnBMFkMdwdD/w400-h300/PXL_20240201_145245707_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>Perhaps a mile down the Scenic Drive, we came to a side trail leading to a youth camping area featuring a fire pit overlooking the Dead River:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNaf0oK7vz6UC8axojS5KKvvH8M7aQxxbt3Sgd-oeO_4jkFNrQjD5yHueSqFXRFkn_2ESD2bUtSPwKCStAvjX59xMHbyVxf14UhZvUqvWsdre5LAk6Be4SFm0B2GxuV6u4vxnJ3_Qw_dTf-cEeKmJF_5pk9UUUVJiPe4R2aePfpp78wCHzZskspKmUzfE/s3264/PXL_20240201_150038448_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNaf0oK7vz6UC8axojS5KKvvH8M7aQxxbt3Sgd-oeO_4jkFNrQjD5yHueSqFXRFkn_2ESD2bUtSPwKCStAvjX59xMHbyVxf14UhZvUqvWsdre5LAk6Be4SFm0B2GxuV6u4vxnJ3_Qw_dTf-cEeKmJF_5pk9UUUVJiPe4R2aePfpp78wCHzZskspKmUzfE/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_150038448_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>We didn't expect to find many ponds in this grassland, but, as it turns out, much of the park is wet prairie. Because the park was the site of a large turpentine-harvesting operation, roads through the pine flatwood had to be built up to be dry, and it appeared that many of the ponds are actually borrow pits that filled with water over time.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisANYog5gGhVWjm7ZMQJKczJRp_kdfaLFOYDyh61uuDQlezXZoLV6d3VEantiSp4N5zDtDSTlwmb8eDy0Xy7stq3nj6Nkeu6XxiRj8MIdVCLk444AFBSbXPNODvwmWDJJaGmA283gq0FPhsbz-47n_GXhpUoab5m0cekS40QSpSyxW2HVIYiEKzy_yKSa5/s3264/PXL_20240201_152447531_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisANYog5gGhVWjm7ZMQJKczJRp_kdfaLFOYDyh61uuDQlezXZoLV6d3VEantiSp4N5zDtDSTlwmb8eDy0Xy7stq3nj6Nkeu6XxiRj8MIdVCLk444AFBSbXPNODvwmWDJJaGmA283gq0FPhsbz-47n_GXhpUoab5m0cekS40QSpSyxW2HVIYiEKzy_yKSa5/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_152447531_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>On the edge of one of the more open sections of this wet prairie, Kathy spotted a red shouldered hawk who, occasionally casting a wary glance at us, was much more concerned with his/her next meal:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e_reEE8BYQa4ZtcxLURqjHc78Vbxq-2bjxHXRZiBJbtfGra2mDc4xWzLbo-7OStgfYXug8DvQMliGb8mywAS-1Lmb12zw__DyPp-2rITqRimGEaDXvFc05H_xYOGNrhk_eaoyLI5d0Qptxrat1xdkpCn-X9DzgKOEJxInyARGE-QQjXyhoGg6w8y21N1/s2072/PXL_20240201_153440353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2072" data-original-width="1608" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e_reEE8BYQa4ZtcxLURqjHc78Vbxq-2bjxHXRZiBJbtfGra2mDc4xWzLbo-7OStgfYXug8DvQMliGb8mywAS-1Lmb12zw__DyPp-2rITqRimGEaDXvFc05H_xYOGNrhk_eaoyLI5d0Qptxrat1xdkpCn-X9DzgKOEJxInyARGE-QQjXyhoGg6w8y21N1/w310-h400/PXL_20240201_153440353.jpg" width="310"></a></div><p></p><p>We turned one corner of the trail and saw two white tails bounce off through the bushes. One of the deer (probably the mother) turned and evaluated us warily before moving her young one off to cover:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6iNT_h-gFZnG1QNrze049u6xkDQD0837_deIBfCx0ZN02fbjgQBtrTgpY0AfL2fEZigtKmJ4K1icsLm4kwUSq51meKILmXJkdXWE7aHvUL7k01IK1TmSj_xdh5-JF41b7-5kaLYNpDjMMVx97mH4vwVa483Vf8bQ95XaGOFdDXKEIQ7NkucpFynZTPU6/s3672/PXL_20240201_153706708_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6iNT_h-gFZnG1QNrze049u6xkDQD0837_deIBfCx0ZN02fbjgQBtrTgpY0AfL2fEZigtKmJ4K1icsLm4kwUSq51meKILmXJkdXWE7aHvUL7k01IK1TmSj_xdh5-JF41b7-5kaLYNpDjMMVx97mH4vwVa483Vf8bQ95XaGOFdDXKEIQ7NkucpFynZTPU6/w301-h400/PXL_20240201_153706708_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p></p><p>We saw a few pairs of what appeared to be female deer. We guess that they were mother-and-fawn pairs. With food so scarce in this ecosystem, we think that the deer cannot browse in herds, but must spread further apart, and it would be natural for family members to stay together:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvOo-Bsm92MqMgHupfJW76T2u6phhdki1noFQhq_YLXk0HKhki0viITN-khnNjk_IFy9czfp6DvX2hK_mxH-YYnlLUiZcMqiV6y865soxfV05fNgzKfdGirIRmIq96P9eFBaspmlEpaCjuliBO1IukYD8XUHgklr2R-llvn2pITurzOdukQ5mix_h84s0/s3672/PXL_20240201_154733970_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvOo-Bsm92MqMgHupfJW76T2u6phhdki1noFQhq_YLXk0HKhki0viITN-khnNjk_IFy9czfp6DvX2hK_mxH-YYnlLUiZcMqiV6y865soxfV05fNgzKfdGirIRmIq96P9eFBaspmlEpaCjuliBO1IukYD8XUHgklr2R-llvn2pITurzOdukQ5mix_h84s0/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_154733970_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>We came across a kind of trap that we have not seen before. It clearly has been disused for some years. Our best guess is that its purpose was to catch feral hogs or javelina with bait. We are not sure about this because we saw absolutely no evidence of grubbing by those creatures that are otherwise ubiquitous near the Big Bend in Northern Florida.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8QKOuadEbDuPlUZWxA9YYxh-95dDKDeTcFkWs2zQ-NUIDanJh3QxiPl0sB9g8eIJrveK0YJY3eiOXgltKaPPqhhFRNdBj8_h4eYFgvXitF1Fy_8IDEdWIvTnZRCQ0RFmjoWgziUUs2t9Zm7uLXLp71qAnjUP-wBKGV5KWLgpFcX_-HsTmqUF1Gzm_1Vg/s3264/PXL_20240201_160508175_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8QKOuadEbDuPlUZWxA9YYxh-95dDKDeTcFkWs2zQ-NUIDanJh3QxiPl0sB9g8eIJrveK0YJY3eiOXgltKaPPqhhFRNdBj8_h4eYFgvXitF1Fy_8IDEdWIvTnZRCQ0RFmjoWgziUUs2t9Zm7uLXLp71qAnjUP-wBKGV5KWLgpFcX_-HsTmqUF1Gzm_1Vg/w301-h400/PXL_20240201_160508175_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p></p><p>Some signs on the trail warned of alligators, so we were alert whenever we approached a pond. It was lucky we were, because, as we approached one small pond, a great blue heron flew off in a tiff. It landed on the opposite side of the pond and paused long enough for us to get a photo:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HBIXynoHqi57c-KaXJP9fzPhcWDXVVrwu3rW1tab_-3EU2Ykj7fhHrIY8j3r_qtVSjHltmOwoiD9cngPDwlB_W0sh02Vd3Si_M9N22HereCSmyghbxmJGNWxtVvMQhyphenhyphen9ad5-_QctvEq0zKHlB5RQ7RwAIbyhncoovYCNYmoHwXlfvU9b0B2LEeTcFQzE/s1680/PXL_20240201_160857874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HBIXynoHqi57c-KaXJP9fzPhcWDXVVrwu3rW1tab_-3EU2Ykj7fhHrIY8j3r_qtVSjHltmOwoiD9cngPDwlB_W0sh02Vd3Si_M9N22HereCSmyghbxmJGNWxtVvMQhyphenhyphen9ad5-_QctvEq0zKHlB5RQ7RwAIbyhncoovYCNYmoHwXlfvU9b0B2LEeTcFQzE/w306-h400/PXL_20240201_160857874.jpg" width="306"></a></div><p></p><p>Now for one last sample of fauna in the park, and this one seems to be a mystery. Lying in the middle of the trail was this skull, which we had trouble identifying. We thought, from the two canines and long sets of molars, that it might be a coyote, but the snout looked longish for a coyote. As it happened, park rangers were working nearby and we showed them this photo. They opined that it was probably an alligator. We accepted that, until we got back to the RV and looked at photos of alligator skulls, only to discover that alligators appear to have exclusively sharp, short canine-type teeth along their jaws -- and this mystery beast clearly had molars. So now we're back where we started. If you know what this is, please give us your thoughts!<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHGSDnKOj-h4SIdJOgUMWxIHsjPywieTNMojDsfzodJhlc3GYLzX_gsdgoCKVa2oQLcn8Ck5pwttSHryctG-CWp2P_MjIEjGO0Yr09EPAc49LFNvt-3yw_VReiycF1eQnRVClQt5OEFBYIfNX6Zy7hgFQMQX5YBNOWyGPsG_dzuHyXXptYN3LXIeBNHeu/s4080/PXL_20240201_161034226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHGSDnKOj-h4SIdJOgUMWxIHsjPywieTNMojDsfzodJhlc3GYLzX_gsdgoCKVa2oQLcn8Ck5pwttSHryctG-CWp2P_MjIEjGO0Yr09EPAc49LFNvt-3yw_VReiycF1eQnRVClQt5OEFBYIfNX6Zy7hgFQMQX5YBNOWyGPsG_dzuHyXXptYN3LXIeBNHeu/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_161034226.jpg" width="400"></a></div><p></p><p>We were almost done with our hike when we finally found what we originally expected to find as the main attraction: some wildflowers. It must be early Spring here, for these two bushes -- curiously growing side by side -- seem to be opening up with their first color of the season:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfBR5-SJ2bL39BKL5pOLgQ0YSSPNLjH7_IYlQTF9Ny34xQKuKZIqBmBTrE7wDCgnWLnhnW6WI5LtNUukB4oGxHsei4v4ABPG_hAh5esyMUhgvMX8VwZDv0rEMn8BcJ6i_2plEyAD5C2Go0HqGFwtytjiocBcpV5Al2hqtRdNFe0KAYlybLoZAKb4rliL6/s2621/PXL_20240201_161552765_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2621" data-original-width="2052" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfBR5-SJ2bL39BKL5pOLgQ0YSSPNLjH7_IYlQTF9Ny34xQKuKZIqBmBTrE7wDCgnWLnhnW6WI5LtNUukB4oGxHsei4v4ABPG_hAh5esyMUhgvMX8VwZDv0rEMn8BcJ6i_2plEyAD5C2Go0HqGFwtytjiocBcpV5Al2hqtRdNFe0KAYlybLoZAKb4rliL6/w314-h400/PXL_20240201_161552765_copy.jpg" width="314"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u7fKgmAs0s7t7CVeKClA0BimNnEfFnnltKwTdGsEk4TMEjxAZWP7de8ym6yq6aFiN2Tpl4LGCjMovXfwoEHwo5apARIMJDzF0Lzf_0EErcs5n3d0EhEP91Wkn93DV4W4fD24yEOLvOdAUjl8PR6XIrUzNy1uIIcs6v8283sPxHYXUJt_EwXQZPIgCtC6/s3264/PXL_20240201_161609972_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u7fKgmAs0s7t7CVeKClA0BimNnEfFnnltKwTdGsEk4TMEjxAZWP7de8ym6yq6aFiN2Tpl4LGCjMovXfwoEHwo5apARIMJDzF0Lzf_0EErcs5n3d0EhEP91Wkn93DV4W4fD24yEOLvOdAUjl8PR6XIrUzNy1uIIcs6v8283sPxHYXUJt_EwXQZPIgCtC6/w301-h400/PXL_20240201_161609972_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><p></p><p>We stopped for lunch at a picnic table by the park boat ramp, watching a few locals in their activities by the river -- some fishing, some strolling, some rangers dropping by to check the others for valid fishing licenses. It remained a peaceful scene, and we finished our lunch quietly before stretching out our legs again and heading back to camp.</p><p>If today was any indication, we may get a number of wildlife surprises before this week's stay is finished. Stay tuned.</p><p><br></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-15371463313640417082024-01-29T16:13:00.005-05:002024-01-29T16:13:31.139-05:00Hiking to the Big Cypress and Buck Island Pond<p style="text-align: right;">Monday, January 29, 2024</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hi Blog!</p><p style="text-align: left;">We're still in Cedar Key. We have a couple more days before we move north. Another cold front moved through on Sunday bringing wind and rain. We had a day of baking bread, making gumbo and watching footballs games. The bread and gumbo turned out great, but the football teams we rooted for both lost!</p><p style="text-align: left;">With the threat of rain past, we decided to get out and explore a couple more trails in the Goethe State Forest. First on the list was Big Cypress Boardwalk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK36C68KV76nLRG7OS21EbNE6syouG2XUqDIBjiLFVrQj5rADUo1OsTVOauGNPOmJmfrgVKuunZBsJJQYhKrBum5lGdKsrEI_OSSCl20HrZTl0TS1AZCEB7AdIN0_MzjfUxW4Jp4SbkFa-Pf_aSDKRozArlvje-xMOEp3e35Ys6Sr8213G3oLxEeF5B3-T/s3456/PXL_20240129_151005569_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK36C68KV76nLRG7OS21EbNE6syouG2XUqDIBjiLFVrQj5rADUo1OsTVOauGNPOmJmfrgVKuunZBsJJQYhKrBum5lGdKsrEI_OSSCl20HrZTl0TS1AZCEB7AdIN0_MzjfUxW4Jp4SbkFa-Pf_aSDKRozArlvje-xMOEp3e35Ys6Sr8213G3oLxEeF5B3-T/w400-h300/PXL_20240129_151005569_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first part of the trail passed through a pine flatwood. Several trees were highlighted with wooden explanatory signs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh3ZSebK1UfMxjHfDfSU1xyVmECBfgLdRUK7x8zv6RB2kktPBnecmxIZgcEYPsGsLZMFINYDKiBdW5Sk_32R_w3KBTIJegmW8FHqTQyioX9bo1GkjVC1X4N3QCo2A8ofPy2m7HlsbWVfdSsEUsaDZEIVCzckmtEs8pCcJKPmnfBPG9BkSJ1czoW95sv5u/s3672/PXL_20240129_151225111_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh3ZSebK1UfMxjHfDfSU1xyVmECBfgLdRUK7x8zv6RB2kktPBnecmxIZgcEYPsGsLZMFINYDKiBdW5Sk_32R_w3KBTIJegmW8FHqTQyioX9bo1GkjVC1X4N3QCo2A8ofPy2m7HlsbWVfdSsEUsaDZEIVCzckmtEs8pCcJKPmnfBPG9BkSJ1czoW95sv5u/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_151225111_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Southern Magnolia is one of the most beautiful evergreen trees, having a straight trunk, conical crown, and very fragrant, very large, white flowers. Unfortunately, it is a little early in the season to see those amazing flowers.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRPKjo4kJCJ1YIMLMPAjykqKQvhwlEmClRtKubguohQ2XuDozF90Z1NB04izhudLMIpzZwC8J5XJvMRTEGdihs5tqv2DuqT-w6ggPW6W1trz_b8MnDmAQcsIDkHnAlauqCqzvhkNQmamEaev2ELaHyXJxBHa22dhS6OWBVIr40r3wDTUvHEgpq5AnlPnk/s3264/PXL_20240129_151235703_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRPKjo4kJCJ1YIMLMPAjykqKQvhwlEmClRtKubguohQ2XuDozF90Z1NB04izhudLMIpzZwC8J5XJvMRTEGdihs5tqv2DuqT-w6ggPW6W1trz_b8MnDmAQcsIDkHnAlauqCqzvhkNQmamEaev2ELaHyXJxBHa22dhS6OWBVIr40r3wDTUvHEgpq5AnlPnk/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_151235703_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The pine trees here are so tall its hard to tell if any one of them is a slash pine, loblolly or long leaf pine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiBFWkgqIBH_2CkJsRERtSatbzZNhouhZvsbv87BmDVhzaVVzr6aBu1ebj1Ad7aJgINlYgE6CXWuJBufxNHb0-AHl9dXFJu8kPt4sGsa51if7OGELBL0KDN_9_bkmb6OZWirYwfXNzzoRBgIDD_BKXu_WtJOKBoFabHKkkRELSqQ4unhRr8uyYd1v9_6j/s3264/PXL_20240129_151336356_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiBFWkgqIBH_2CkJsRERtSatbzZNhouhZvsbv87BmDVhzaVVzr6aBu1ebj1Ad7aJgINlYgE6CXWuJBufxNHb0-AHl9dXFJu8kPt4sGsa51if7OGELBL0KDN_9_bkmb6OZWirYwfXNzzoRBgIDD_BKXu_WtJOKBoFabHKkkRELSqQ4unhRr8uyYd1v9_6j/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_151336356_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The boardwalk starts at the end of the nature trail as we transitioned from the pine flatwoods to the floodplain swamp.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvgOe4gTf8U8egjEY6yEshF_xZ8Ptw52VS6QzuyfVdfVWHjDzE5-Jv3Drb0nvv7z81peTUfJReuEeef_ELluag3OnMFtQERXTaKqrflQ45K8YSVr4gAYZ_wF2mOQ3pmBTwPzVd3c529cs5Qc0WhELCOuuYGJPKtxSc4tiTAeimR_JMwwBAS-dTnttfwuP/s3264/PXL_20240129_151916695_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvgOe4gTf8U8egjEY6yEshF_xZ8Ptw52VS6QzuyfVdfVWHjDzE5-Jv3Drb0nvv7z81peTUfJReuEeef_ELluag3OnMFtQERXTaKqrflQ45K8YSVr4gAYZ_wF2mOQ3pmBTwPzVd3c529cs5Qc0WhELCOuuYGJPKtxSc4tiTAeimR_JMwwBAS-dTnttfwuP/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_151916695_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the boardwalk stands a 900 year old cypress tree known as the Goethe Giant Bald Cypress. This tree is over 105 feet tall and 29 feet around. Kathy had to lean way back to see the top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0fozIVO2vkrGB4UAFr-4y_ukv6nECEJKC9va_Ae-7fsxYlBmVA7d27KwqaY3MAJm-izZeWr-S9yjZQL3k8O1e4gzmySOzLJepQD11xFsx6mU-ui6aZ7Upx-prujzqQ0YXWWG2pOt1EjFFlGSRcOCxmpctvEQLugDFMy0CqCEx5Qe5unZhmxs-kebck06/s3264/PXL_20240129_152111968_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0fozIVO2vkrGB4UAFr-4y_ukv6nECEJKC9va_Ae-7fsxYlBmVA7d27KwqaY3MAJm-izZeWr-S9yjZQL3k8O1e4gzmySOzLJepQD11xFsx6mU-ui6aZ7Upx-prujzqQ0YXWWG2pOt1EjFFlGSRcOCxmpctvEQLugDFMy0CqCEx5Qe5unZhmxs-kebck06/w482-h640/PXL_20240129_152111968_copy.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>During the 1800’s and early 1900’s, many of these giant cypress trees were cut down during the logging booms because this type of wood is so valuable for its durability. The Florida wilderness was once covered with these old trees, many dating back thousands of years. The trees in this area only survived the woodman's ax because they were hollow inside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKqys_b2HbhY2_SWYHyNNBDRR2fqgZyUedEG5hyY2A8G26Am-GUq0kVhe2yhKppfBW8JoqU7Evmt6L-zz6QF5L8o3GIjzK1XVc4spH3-dnPUf-JuvxUHVc1LLyMLMkUsIm9wQYAXw_yaMhMlyC3gLJZx4oLrmnGa0oU8G2OrfJjlLckZlv9spAdHj_M_g/s3264/PXL_20240129_152158502_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKqys_b2HbhY2_SWYHyNNBDRR2fqgZyUedEG5hyY2A8G26Am-GUq0kVhe2yhKppfBW8JoqU7Evmt6L-zz6QF5L8o3GIjzK1XVc4spH3-dnPUf-JuvxUHVc1LLyMLMkUsIm9wQYAXw_yaMhMlyC3gLJZx4oLrmnGa0oU8G2OrfJjlLckZlv9spAdHj_M_g/w482-h640/PXL_20240129_152158502_copy.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we looked out into the floodplain swamp, we could see at least two other giant bald cypress. We also saw several old stumps from once mighty trees. If this forest is managed correctly, in another 900 years there will be hundreds of giant bald cypress. We'll be back then to check.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlbPNasa7KvL0JB323rj1a1bL86u1tVpXDGTaH6YGuc4oaloR5NA2WsKuPBSNdrR0Itw0sg3QtjFpNiHracwxFPgPaIZiMyZkgKsfAm2SlChEzCdNaYZo7t_Lo2ZrvB9VvBgQZcU4bVVXsVTMli_hXxzcv4l6r2FMq7lueZZMXM0DJCW9ftcjhN3CXYtH/s3264/PXL_20240129_152218743_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlbPNasa7KvL0JB323rj1a1bL86u1tVpXDGTaH6YGuc4oaloR5NA2WsKuPBSNdrR0Itw0sg3QtjFpNiHracwxFPgPaIZiMyZkgKsfAm2SlChEzCdNaYZo7t_Lo2ZrvB9VvBgQZcU4bVVXsVTMli_hXxzcv4l6r2FMq7lueZZMXM0DJCW9ftcjhN3CXYtH/w400-h301/PXL_20240129_152218743_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before long, we were back in the Jeep and heading over to our next trailhead. The Buck Island Pond Hiking Trail is a two mile trail just down the road from the Goethe State Forest Headquarters. The trail loops around a cypress-lined pond in the middle of a pine flatwood. We started our hike by following the boardwalk out to an observation deck on the pond.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglZX3Z_ZQxvCXuzxlTPWGXRGXcJzcA_BDcTHjupmAM9fa0ZXusFexpp9uYdscqR-brhDkmCfCubTZD3YHPkwDZu5XTMl1mApxRWoSZwV7qMF4Sgu6v8HkCkm1cGyjUCkDbqGDskSW02sUudYa1POY3SiUuCtj7sR8VcSwMAkgznQ-N2pWqF9-D-Xh2h-S/s3456/PXL_20240129_160110429_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglZX3Z_ZQxvCXuzxlTPWGXRGXcJzcA_BDcTHjupmAM9fa0ZXusFexpp9uYdscqR-brhDkmCfCubTZD3YHPkwDZu5XTMl1mApxRWoSZwV7qMF4Sgu6v8HkCkm1cGyjUCkDbqGDskSW02sUudYa1POY3SiUuCtj7sR8VcSwMAkgznQ-N2pWqF9-D-Xh2h-S/w400-h300/PXL_20240129_160110429_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The boardwalk was added to the hike to make it easy for birders to simply sit along the pond’s edge and scan avian activity. At this time of year, we did not spot very many birds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70y375II-jtkGMF08b6jlgKiKMgM770QkR1ZMQFL_DiNo3bF4_5V3KhfbaxvW6vl0synSMBXFS2eMuWFYDnLzU4jcrCZueoLAMkZSFhltlTXETPySuRHZ3-iiJA4QQ0tGLRciwau4AspJL_yQpa0iU2P-StDiCgkWSuaAxEI0UgVvQ5frl2ywM7idWJAS/s3672/PXL_20240129_160234840_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70y375II-jtkGMF08b6jlgKiKMgM770QkR1ZMQFL_DiNo3bF4_5V3KhfbaxvW6vl0synSMBXFS2eMuWFYDnLzU4jcrCZueoLAMkZSFhltlTXETPySuRHZ3-iiJA4QQ0tGLRciwau4AspJL_yQpa0iU2P-StDiCgkWSuaAxEI0UgVvQ5frl2ywM7idWJAS/w400-h301/PXL_20240129_160234840_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we left the boardwalk and began to make our way around the loop trail, we heard an owl hooting in the trees close to the lake. We tried to spot him, but as we got closer, the owl stopped hooting. He was no fool. </div><div> </div><div>We did spot this really cute flower on a lily pad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNYPSbJwn8wJFpHsuOR3rsdSUH0JPV72u_1vPhX07RV2n13c703A3LhmOcQG5myx2iRMs5oIyupPNoGfiJHqHZ9Su_W5a4T_Au3MW3xIfc69ud6KycacFfyhG2d6X1dRJZQh05AEzL_XC56uFesLL8tiwTD7Sj4tMCWiXaYx4R_y3PnzVVKrc2liHqQ4b/s4080/PXL_20240129_160311168.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNYPSbJwn8wJFpHsuOR3rsdSUH0JPV72u_1vPhX07RV2n13c703A3LhmOcQG5myx2iRMs5oIyupPNoGfiJHqHZ9Su_W5a4T_Au3MW3xIfc69ud6KycacFfyhG2d6X1dRJZQh05AEzL_XC56uFesLL8tiwTD7Sj4tMCWiXaYx4R_y3PnzVVKrc2liHqQ4b/w400-h301/PXL_20240129_160311168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail was wide enough for us to walk side by side. The sandy soil was covered with pine needles, which usually makes for a pleasant hiking surface. However, we kept tripping and turning our ankles on cypress knees. After several hundred yards of tip-toeing through the cypress knees, we came upon this warning sign. They seriously need to move this sign closer to the trailhead!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIQqhSO8P9ci_2eAA9GVHl4Rc-Om5qGjKFragRYaFC7EUThf3aV3JHxXjlc72UMCM6od6kg-_sLXR4Z78fVPoSPdxlyYX71KWZZR4pnUxqt0GSVBX3xSkY8U9JrC9Lkvamfm1qRLhVLDpnIHrDoDQkb3frYI99HotDC2B6oewBExbBKipY6boyvvsNRma/s3264/PXL_20240129_161958774_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIQqhSO8P9ci_2eAA9GVHl4Rc-Om5qGjKFragRYaFC7EUThf3aV3JHxXjlc72UMCM6od6kg-_sLXR4Z78fVPoSPdxlyYX71KWZZR4pnUxqt0GSVBX3xSkY8U9JrC9Lkvamfm1qRLhVLDpnIHrDoDQkb3frYI99HotDC2B6oewBExbBKipY6boyvvsNRma/w400-h301/PXL_20240129_161958774_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We picked up a trail guide at the trailhead. There were supposed to be lettered stops around the pond. We found a few of the posts, like the one for the slash pine plantation, but we never saw the wood duck box or Gopher Tortoises.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3LsBWOlcDXbL_QESrEEXkN02o6c4gu8DphntQXMaJxeN-uKkB11eHW07ewESeIbt545CvLc4b3fSMubux7iDG_ks6pLxZ70gcYFiI3Vm1Et8kNy1mPCmo0CQXJ2TG7GjkBgY7hVxu5tBNkTwL53TJqYjlP8xJy42ir2OPFnnurDYLuxzYiWzMpFs3eBf/s3264/PXL_20240129_162938735_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3LsBWOlcDXbL_QESrEEXkN02o6c4gu8DphntQXMaJxeN-uKkB11eHW07ewESeIbt545CvLc4b3fSMubux7iDG_ks6pLxZ70gcYFiI3Vm1Et8kNy1mPCmo0CQXJ2TG7GjkBgY7hVxu5tBNkTwL53TJqYjlP8xJy42ir2OPFnnurDYLuxzYiWzMpFs3eBf/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_162938735_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With spring still weeks away, its always fun to spot those early flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_aa5U_E3BOES8c5CJBQr0rhYUrNtEAv_ogva5lwGoEIwNdpbpiBr7YAsKt-3nkUY8bXj07sIuax5Wb-IwFvPbLDYSjwqxpMIDM8anyZp11xZqbJ3Pwc7_wMEBMpqKG6MA-eC189t-xbwYwZcd2zGSYoAOWSDbe8QJyfZ7pxjjNxz-Sy63bBPpFPD9lDN/s4080/PXL_20240129_163705937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_aa5U_E3BOES8c5CJBQr0rhYUrNtEAv_ogva5lwGoEIwNdpbpiBr7YAsKt-3nkUY8bXj07sIuax5Wb-IwFvPbLDYSjwqxpMIDM8anyZp11xZqbJ3Pwc7_wMEBMpqKG6MA-eC189t-xbwYwZcd2zGSYoAOWSDbe8QJyfZ7pxjjNxz-Sy63bBPpFPD9lDN/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_163705937.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Saw Palmetto and Longleaf Pine dominated the second half of the hike.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVseOLy6ERmmmqMPt8qjPvjdYDgjGjhAu7byqbIZQzCQv9WHzxjYjl_A3NpOIIpLqGxonfX-hRfEVHnzaEqD7hd5aTRBLEBdUaddbJl-TNTi6_7v_iSK5IBDqTe3clSW5P09W5tNuE7fV72xXIAX-dNmYFRivXcU-M5Dav-IBa93C5aWBXVPafU5NJeaV/s3264/PXL_20240129_164457799_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVseOLy6ERmmmqMPt8qjPvjdYDgjGjhAu7byqbIZQzCQv9WHzxjYjl_A3NpOIIpLqGxonfX-hRfEVHnzaEqD7hd5aTRBLEBdUaddbJl-TNTi6_7v_iSK5IBDqTe3clSW5P09W5tNuE7fV72xXIAX-dNmYFRivXcU-M5Dav-IBa93C5aWBXVPafU5NJeaV/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_164457799_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We spotted a couple of hanging gardens:</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk7bS81FXMXGT71Qxu8mRn4qori8mA_RWgAfC-S03SKUNs-xjA_ngcAKP1V4RwXQddLNvVMLb2hc_j1bvuBfqAzbSqiyv-lVzUlx132jcS1jGiCBTELfTIa41HMo8ScO-MB1LmZJrODtrzR1iEp7yycJSW-H5ALd3UEyd24g9d8MCsFlh2Ef3cZQVnSDN/s3672/PXL_20240129_164535839_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk7bS81FXMXGT71Qxu8mRn4qori8mA_RWgAfC-S03SKUNs-xjA_ngcAKP1V4RwXQddLNvVMLb2hc_j1bvuBfqAzbSqiyv-lVzUlx132jcS1jGiCBTELfTIa41HMo8ScO-MB1LmZJrODtrzR1iEp7yycJSW-H5ALd3UEyd24g9d8MCsFlh2Ef3cZQVnSDN/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_164535839_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Stop H promised pitcher plants and a transition zone. We found an old boardwalk through a very dry pine flatwood. At one point, this might have been wet enough for pitcher plants, but no longer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJP8iXZh_TtV4xiFQkRe3LxWgJgen56e6JA9Uze8zgAsMY6au5DWtG5qYlj1bL67fJjh3dkfWsx2NDKA1VnRXO9KRT-GVz6nvmvA9EF4gnQbaLbuIP_AyTTxaq-svDi37AwEKnFq55yqeSN4vzwsuJ5jPsf78eTs9sDwFxoN2A1uEy8k0fCP43GLMhpUl/s3264/PXL_20240129_170014287_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJP8iXZh_TtV4xiFQkRe3LxWgJgen56e6JA9Uze8zgAsMY6au5DWtG5qYlj1bL67fJjh3dkfWsx2NDKA1VnRXO9KRT-GVz6nvmvA9EF4gnQbaLbuIP_AyTTxaq-svDi37AwEKnFq55yqeSN4vzwsuJ5jPsf78eTs9sDwFxoN2A1uEy8k0fCP43GLMhpUl/w400-h301/PXL_20240129_170014287_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's not often you see tree fungus growing right in the middle of the trail. It's all that is left of the tree that fell nearby.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZTqiWQcI9qpULpP-Pu3VhAsZ67TCOG0txzmSHBmjj8GxyqSnByp8pzslST09zKz4PQXgtoFlGA2G4MtxDICfkDuvu5wl6x6GkEA2VxP9hzkMJ52NoOkTsvV-LqHZV7E5zL8XA-zXqODcxeJ5RykOB3-n4KGsp5_a2EPn85wKWmRH5UAeUycLAkTABBvr/s3264/PXL_20240129_170605836_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZTqiWQcI9qpULpP-Pu3VhAsZ67TCOG0txzmSHBmjj8GxyqSnByp8pzslST09zKz4PQXgtoFlGA2G4MtxDICfkDuvu5wl6x6GkEA2VxP9hzkMJ52NoOkTsvV-LqHZV7E5zL8XA-zXqODcxeJ5RykOB3-n4KGsp5_a2EPn85wKWmRH5UAeUycLAkTABBvr/w400-h301/PXL_20240129_170605836_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail guide indicated that we would be able to see Red Cockaded Woodpeckers. In this case, the guide was correct:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoo6kwrjh1dhykQ9MDlP8unOmHb1JgVJ9svuwT6o1wYUDRkti7mdiCpGJlUX4wzWMAmpAgy2kDNR7Ji0sLpLX3HYVnHA1OaMqFV3Pjrl6Cxy2rnOZJvtW4Z-LooTWbJQnsaOGi3LmmjhFZdkUjdTNRq-cZDRR4OJhAyjyDoQLHgEc9FXSKcBby2ni1z7AR/s3672/PXL_20240129_171211478_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoo6kwrjh1dhykQ9MDlP8unOmHb1JgVJ9svuwT6o1wYUDRkti7mdiCpGJlUX4wzWMAmpAgy2kDNR7Ji0sLpLX3HYVnHA1OaMqFV3Pjrl6Cxy2rnOZJvtW4Z-LooTWbJQnsaOGi3LmmjhFZdkUjdTNRq-cZDRR4OJhAyjyDoQLHgEc9FXSKcBby2ni1z7AR/w301-h400/PXL_20240129_171211478_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here's a closer look.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW30NiOfIL_KftyJz9xEoW7Fb0xpcj92P6dEyiYETAuL5E5VjnMPoq_lXhc5AojC6T9IRonk2F13lG1KkbNVNGeEKo5dOc1ScjzunbiHwIuGtnL6zF-fYAKJilBDHX3xGenTlHpKNjhT-rquSXzTMZ7fV40NF8Wb50IqGC60IuOU8TZmacdX_llAzxWz-T/s2116/cropped%20woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2116" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW30NiOfIL_KftyJz9xEoW7Fb0xpcj92P6dEyiYETAuL5E5VjnMPoq_lXhc5AojC6T9IRonk2F13lG1KkbNVNGeEKo5dOc1ScjzunbiHwIuGtnL6zF-fYAKJilBDHX3xGenTlHpKNjhT-rquSXzTMZ7fV40NF8Wb50IqGC60IuOU8TZmacdX_llAzxWz-T/w400-h363/cropped%20woodpecker.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">We finished our hike with lunch in the picnic area at the trailhead. We thought about stopping at another trailhead and sampling another trail in the Goethe State Forest, but decided to head back to camp and bust out the smoker. Kathy had picked up some local fish and decided to brine and smoke some mullet. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned and we'll let you know how it turns out!</p></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-65978510919289015452024-01-27T15:27:00.001-05:002024-01-27T15:27:15.200-05:001st Annual Cedar Key Oyster Roast!<p>John Sculley said, "Timing in life is everything." Years before that, Fred Tobias and Clint Ballard Jr. wrote, and Jimmy Jones sang:</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Oh, you need timin'<br />A tick, a tick, a tick, good timin'<br />A tock, a tock, a tock, a tock<br />A timin' is the thing<br />It's true, good timin' brought me to you.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">And we had good timing, it's true, because timing brought us to Cedar Key when they held their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=1st%20annual%20cedar%20key%20oyster%20roast">1st Annual Cedar Key Oyster Roast</a> today!</p><p style="text-align: left;">An oyster roast is, most importantly, all about the shucking: <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5T75tho8QQUdBhqxsql9u9S12YnWrZLihzzhSH_HiYKVV8MDYBjkHmW1dYmo2bDVjFjfYXnNBIGXkFAySUivGlwxsxkX7CZW2iRAAPfsSkQa4pUIrkv5qEskx0OlK-lJlpyZvEQ1cDw8NJMGQAX3F31Af7Mggl57uDY2IFJhnbZdaXKMQLB7hKEmVIvQ/s3672/01%20PXL_20240127_170309530_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5T75tho8QQUdBhqxsql9u9S12YnWrZLihzzhSH_HiYKVV8MDYBjkHmW1dYmo2bDVjFjfYXnNBIGXkFAySUivGlwxsxkX7CZW2iRAAPfsSkQa4pUIrkv5qEskx0OlK-lJlpyZvEQ1cDw8NJMGQAX3F31Af7Mggl57uDY2IFJhnbZdaXKMQLB7hKEmVIvQ/w301-h400/01%20PXL_20240127_170309530_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>But we get ahead of ourselves.</p><p>Before the Oyster Roast, we headed over to the northern end of Cedar Key to visit the Cemetery Point Boardwalk and Park:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgmGuYbsCLsIBlv8Mx0JUHEgc17B1dumChx-NrPbtFkXw0Wz_gDRDidxjeqmJsywwheFeuSVRuVZTh3JtC9yhXlyo9Y6xWkPodF37emp2lz1frRLG64IbXykj4jHNUjg09-d0fi4HIFIS6l7EQz_2kvJ2X1ElZk8JjmQzpEcMU6ZuztVRtWF_A_J5xQyG/s3456/02%20PXL_20240127_162550553_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgmGuYbsCLsIBlv8Mx0JUHEgc17B1dumChx-NrPbtFkXw0Wz_gDRDidxjeqmJsywwheFeuSVRuVZTh3JtC9yhXlyo9Y6xWkPodF37emp2lz1frRLG64IbXykj4jHNUjg09-d0fi4HIFIS6l7EQz_2kvJ2X1ElZk8JjmQzpEcMU6ZuztVRtWF_A_J5xQyG/w400-h300/02%20PXL_20240127_162550553_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The cemetery is truly the local, historic cemetery, but the land around it has been developed into an attractive municipal park, with paths for walking, a disc golf course, and places to sit and picnic or enjoy nature. In fact, Kathy found a bird feeder along the boardwalk:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKiAC4zgPL17tZ4xb4_nlP8HpAzvpWgRhYavdpl-OKN-N3JjL4D6F7Bm80mY3cLJy_-mtwz5HaNboT19phrIWqA3pNv8_WeJmtQhll4NiyzyeQgPf6HrtWx13q6b_ixYNCec8SQCZar9Ain1Oq6D_VWJBfud_I9Qr5Di4ag6EMfqebupStw6Jq3UZiZhS/s3264/03%20PXL_20240127_163319900_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKiAC4zgPL17tZ4xb4_nlP8HpAzvpWgRhYavdpl-OKN-N3JjL4D6F7Bm80mY3cLJy_-mtwz5HaNboT19phrIWqA3pNv8_WeJmtQhll4NiyzyeQgPf6HrtWx13q6b_ixYNCec8SQCZar9Ain1Oq6D_VWJBfud_I9Qr5Di4ag6EMfqebupStw6Jq3UZiZhS/w301-h400/03%20PXL_20240127_163319900_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>The boardwalk offers beautiful views of estuarine ponds and waterways:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbP2jRr-KUVfcQDcgljm4ZNv0WeVG7_TT_2EtfQ5VRSkBgc3XcIzdOt9zWNG37hUteLiVeGJ2JIeB2mkOX3CgOV-Y_2m9PxlFrqLASI54vrD8OQmf1ZLKlcKLaK40FDDT9VmIq8Ohx_Cso_Ewm-UgkSnru7Ee3lujO-hoDOiRpub238E9ZMFGmCqDf3Zq/s3672/04%20PXL_20240127_163500285_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbP2jRr-KUVfcQDcgljm4ZNv0WeVG7_TT_2EtfQ5VRSkBgc3XcIzdOt9zWNG37hUteLiVeGJ2JIeB2mkOX3CgOV-Y_2m9PxlFrqLASI54vrD8OQmf1ZLKlcKLaK40FDDT9VmIq8Ohx_Cso_Ewm-UgkSnru7Ee3lujO-hoDOiRpub238E9ZMFGmCqDf3Zq/w400-h301/04%20PXL_20240127_163500285_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here we looked out toward the Gulf shoreline, and we could understand how, despite the fact that Hurricane Idalia hit Cedar Key with the full force of a storm surge, the boardwalk and other natural features survived -- they were protected by mangrove islands and shallow water:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MZqHNUM35X9KWgWDUlnhhMQA97p2kBUWGQcoehBt_RiTb7dfVFyhWrOBfylB5THXjKv80ii_Cb5BJPCJkdN_jMQaNyGo7ZtF79O-g-r5RcNpjY6poHfKeGBXfSP6w9cM3H4BQRsdyAi8eQ11BgLqiK_kabRN3wDlyF6Ei_GQqoag80c0LzzCzaLEiL40/s3672/05%20PXL_20240127_163513547_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MZqHNUM35X9KWgWDUlnhhMQA97p2kBUWGQcoehBt_RiTb7dfVFyhWrOBfylB5THXjKv80ii_Cb5BJPCJkdN_jMQaNyGo7ZtF79O-g-r5RcNpjY6poHfKeGBXfSP6w9cM3H4BQRsdyAi8eQ11BgLqiK_kabRN3wDlyF6Ei_GQqoag80c0LzzCzaLEiL40/w400-h301/05%20PXL_20240127_163513547_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Walking along the boardwalk, we felt we had found the true Florida we have sometimes uncovered -- usually in small parks along one coast or the other, or down in the Keys:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecLSNumSMHJlUrPQqm2TUI1yJu1P1Y87VnjAkqw94Zhfqcgch0xzxMBkNf47gO8JNrJytpOyhaBJsIskD_5P7pOh37W96PwyRnUJq7P4raiuIVpO1fcTYt0YKDmAoansWQNsvUPdMJ8tlzZs6Vo_2pNzqQPPH_3hVAuwxxy2MH1apmZ_5QUUwysTHWZoQ/s3264/06PXL_20240127_163657949_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecLSNumSMHJlUrPQqm2TUI1yJu1P1Y87VnjAkqw94Zhfqcgch0xzxMBkNf47gO8JNrJytpOyhaBJsIskD_5P7pOh37W96PwyRnUJq7P4raiuIVpO1fcTYt0YKDmAoansWQNsvUPdMJ8tlzZs6Vo_2pNzqQPPH_3hVAuwxxy2MH1apmZ_5QUUwysTHWZoQ/w301-h400/06PXL_20240127_163657949_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Returning to our trailhead along the boardwalk, we noticed this old, disused boat, left to decorate the mangrove swamp:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnLitfmqNmVzj4nkthhzcyUDh0Fw_Efg-e7-NbGAKp0rF7dcYv8uh1LFYM0n5iyKx7dzbYqyWsIR6FfBfTt1sKZ0HC8wpY6RL8_vmnIF96Ixbgf78z1lI0b0GFFrNxDfQb-pPbyNmq_162JG-IVs94aYRfccrUhJFD6UgnY6lbyFGf1mMR1Z_oRkZLBoJ/s3264/07%20PXL_20240127_163730513_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnLitfmqNmVzj4nkthhzcyUDh0Fw_Efg-e7-NbGAKp0rF7dcYv8uh1LFYM0n5iyKx7dzbYqyWsIR6FfBfTt1sKZ0HC8wpY6RL8_vmnIF96Ixbgf78z1lI0b0GFFrNxDfQb-pPbyNmq_162JG-IVs94aYRfccrUhJFD6UgnY6lbyFGf1mMR1Z_oRkZLBoJ/w400-h301/07%20PXL_20240127_163730513_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We finished our boardwalk stroll and drove down to the waterfront to park. We happened to find a spot directly across from Atsena Otie Key, where we had paddled the other day. There it sat, beckoning to us, but acknowledging that we had already paddled over and explored its mysteries:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzLgvD4iz7WLC_EzsocN6RkJ0PFGhW6t5rpsz6hh_ZVsmBAxctTMTg5YbiNfFJwqKyNSxonhxPwPzfPix2D5ePC_kFyG5Cy7tnGa0fk64kVJnTPUKodw_0uf6I1NrxY4p16Ni80ZMqWzpu1qcjRjmIJyftVp4ZkrvuAp1urwR9XtHIywfnUUNq1EjNkHV/s3672/08%20PXL_20240127_165104183_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzLgvD4iz7WLC_EzsocN6RkJ0PFGhW6t5rpsz6hh_ZVsmBAxctTMTg5YbiNfFJwqKyNSxonhxPwPzfPix2D5ePC_kFyG5Cy7tnGa0fk64kVJnTPUKodw_0uf6I1NrxY4p16Ni80ZMqWzpu1qcjRjmIJyftVp4ZkrvuAp1urwR9XtHIywfnUUNq1EjNkHV/w400-h301/08%20PXL_20240127_165104183_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>From the same spot, we could see the main developed waterfront of Cedar Key, past which our Oyster Extravaganza lay:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI-PnqSNzhP_6RBngBfl-aCH7oCk-SmgxginjRuWAGFq2p-W13TAE3yhbRsXHvjeqQiE2UV3GNNaDtxAPQo4253e7lYoZy-swbep75RaS3ACHlnnrd-g77-jvy4K35aYavhQo29S8Acp8VX4G3KTTyLUlYARjLzM5R5b8zbpRDnH9E3JyNNjsb2WgZsMg/s3672/09%20PXL_20240127_165152089_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI-PnqSNzhP_6RBngBfl-aCH7oCk-SmgxginjRuWAGFq2p-W13TAE3yhbRsXHvjeqQiE2UV3GNNaDtxAPQo4253e7lYoZy-swbep75RaS3ACHlnnrd-g77-jvy4K35aYavhQo29S8Acp8VX4G3KTTyLUlYARjLzM5R5b8zbpRDnH9E3JyNNjsb2WgZsMg/w400-h301/09%20PXL_20240127_165152089_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Kathy had researched the Oyster Roast enough to know that we would be able to order a plate of raw oysters. When we arrived at the beachside park after the event started, we found people milling all about. There was a line to buy tickets for food, and lines for each food option. Fueling it all were these large bags of freshly harvested oysters, dumped into bins and hauled by hand over to a shucking table where generous members of the Cedar Key Oystermen's Association opened and shucked each fresh oyster before it was served to members of the public.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4mbQxqqdkJ8xqlbt4P_dU2vmVm5hbvPhLpssameOrHvutQUuDv-mJrxBNgZbL8ddDore1KYqxd1W7lNoyti7R9BmrmRS6zmER0ufQ-hFWhV6ay_jqkdyfjOJmDcey4DrFqUrAjtAuav4IK2dDndkREZ35LiC_J4JZU7Kl4Od1HFaOyFnxPRQBaEgp8Br/s3672/10%20PXL_20240127_170145099_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4mbQxqqdkJ8xqlbt4P_dU2vmVm5hbvPhLpssameOrHvutQUuDv-mJrxBNgZbL8ddDore1KYqxd1W7lNoyti7R9BmrmRS6zmER0ufQ-hFWhV6ay_jqkdyfjOJmDcey4DrFqUrAjtAuav4IK2dDndkREZ35LiC_J4JZU7Kl4Od1HFaOyFnxPRQBaEgp8Br/w301-h400/10%20PXL_20240127_170145099_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our choices were raw oysters or smoked oysters. We chose the smoked oysters. As it turned out, the smoked oysters were simply raw oysters that spent perhaps 15 minutes over an open smoking fire -- warmed and enhanced with the smoky flavor of birchwood:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9-RCxaVdKTWoTBfxxFYdq57Iz_BA1YyEQuxqbj0Jy8Ng_7GOWxaW-aarY8wjzK-AOFG2z3GssAhh2R3j8NHMe25W7Cl7GTRhME38takhwpf_H6gtKuv7K8tfsfsBYc-OY0Ituj6S6l6fDaAwVmdB6d8-31DF4twtdUexMeFSUO9VtIb_jGsbscD5Pjkb/s4080/11%20PXL_20240127_170214460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9-RCxaVdKTWoTBfxxFYdq57Iz_BA1YyEQuxqbj0Jy8Ng_7GOWxaW-aarY8wjzK-AOFG2z3GssAhh2R3j8NHMe25W7Cl7GTRhME38takhwpf_H6gtKuv7K8tfsfsBYc-OY0Ituj6S6l6fDaAwVmdB6d8-31DF4twtdUexMeFSUO9VtIb_jGsbscD5Pjkb/w301-h400/11%20PXL_20240127_170214460.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>We bought our tickets for smoked oysters and got in another line to wait perhaps 30 minutes for our oysters to smoke. In the meantime, Kathy noticed that someone was cooking and serving something else on the side. She went over to investigate and discovered that some ladies were battering and frying fillets of mullet. She ordered a serving for us to taste as we waited in line for our smoked oysters.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26seF7L9-IS5RTG7LumR0ATAK9wbeC6nvJJf9MZm0didC8CSJEFzL6XMYFhcs9u2XT7WsCoSQQyG92gI953AKM4xwXD6tsWhXski5Qze5N7TMzXB7pRmgN1axJlJGNILEj2zWeKF_Fx1mM1qtlImSi354VEGIVY7xDy6vqhVvrcg4zS86zKaFt17csCNr/s3672/12%20PXL_20240127_171720507_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26seF7L9-IS5RTG7LumR0ATAK9wbeC6nvJJf9MZm0didC8CSJEFzL6XMYFhcs9u2XT7WsCoSQQyG92gI953AKM4xwXD6tsWhXski5Qze5N7TMzXB7pRmgN1axJlJGNILEj2zWeKF_Fx1mM1qtlImSi354VEGIVY7xDy6vqhVvrcg4zS86zKaFt17csCNr/w301-h400/12%20PXL_20240127_171720507_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Eventually, we reached the big smoker where our own personal oysters awaited our pleasure. We ordered 2 dozen, but there were only a dozen plus 9 oysters left on the grill. We accepted 9 oysters for the second serving and repaired to some steps at the bandstand where we could hear some local musicians playing universal favorites such as "Wagon Wheel," "Ring of Fire," and "Margaritaville." You can see the bandstand in the background behind the oyster smokers in the photo below:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36xEG96N0z1ns-SIHLWX4izcFo-dUjgdNvVngXAFPld1WmabP2vUB4sB6S9LQmHaxH51zLwYdfBdPOvweHB_dUW02xBVDOAiaghZYHQTcipWRH1q5cbR4RM7TtAG9K9qrOh6c1zRnELXw1S7JNKjMaF9wf98HKFeaFclN6NpKfiwKQn6CH75GoVAHJ_M8/s3264/13%20PXL_20240127_175033686_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36xEG96N0z1ns-SIHLWX4izcFo-dUjgdNvVngXAFPld1WmabP2vUB4sB6S9LQmHaxH51zLwYdfBdPOvweHB_dUW02xBVDOAiaghZYHQTcipWRH1q5cbR4RM7TtAG9K9qrOh6c1zRnELXw1S7JNKjMaF9wf98HKFeaFclN6NpKfiwKQn6CH75GoVAHJ_M8/w301-h400/13%20PXL_20240127_175033686_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here, Kathy shows off her smoked oysters before they were demolished:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx0_pPMyE0xfibbDOn5GimxBGosV4Ff_mnPbOS6a6i_bP6jqHOcyLsxfrQJG-ouPWZjQhvudNMyWbgDKkYDQiGQVcGvgje9rWVOOTolAu0j_c2zyWxyTf75AsAgNaGoBjU8R88YIbr2whOwmYXAIb0aKm_oIAbpCjEaU_dWdDAT2U1RJZcnF93Ak1PkoG/s3672/14%20PXL_20240127_175126084_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx0_pPMyE0xfibbDOn5GimxBGosV4Ff_mnPbOS6a6i_bP6jqHOcyLsxfrQJG-ouPWZjQhvudNMyWbgDKkYDQiGQVcGvgje9rWVOOTolAu0j_c2zyWxyTf75AsAgNaGoBjU8R88YIbr2whOwmYXAIb0aKm_oIAbpCjEaU_dWdDAT2U1RJZcnF93Ak1PkoG/w301-h400/14%20PXL_20240127_175126084_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">We feasted and listened to music until we were done feasting, dumped our oyster shells in a basket for recycling, and walked out to explore the town of Cedar Key and do some gift shopping.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Up 2nd Street we found the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Cedar-Keyhole-Artists-Co-op-Gallery/100063673178890/">Cedar Key Artists Cooperative</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKCDz352YH4-CP5_EfHFZ13VyaoFbVghoSIFqSs4syTD11_Ek_N3l5UebcV-pe_QUj7AWID8Z2OTOvplRkyqGwZFjCclLPhtoDK6er8K5DZUL_vFkd9fizup-uao7bAOrWsv2ln1pMWa5YrmvTvIEYPL_AINBJIJqfao5KvcOTmhla_dPjBI_UVBXJkz2/s1663/15%20cedar%20key%20artists%20co-op.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1663" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKCDz352YH4-CP5_EfHFZ13VyaoFbVghoSIFqSs4syTD11_Ek_N3l5UebcV-pe_QUj7AWID8Z2OTOvplRkyqGwZFjCclLPhtoDK6er8K5DZUL_vFkd9fizup-uao7bAOrWsv2ln1pMWa5YrmvTvIEYPL_AINBJIJqfao5KvcOTmhla_dPjBI_UVBXJkz2/w400-h351/15%20cedar%20key%20artists%20co-op.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Kathy walked in to examined the arts and crafts available from local artisans, while David looked around for more public art. It wasn't long before he found this lucky fisherman:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuQuWAjvwHcL1rVzSAU5CfKXfjSLcjzkwzpvNkBDT-URMCbjN6RKlvuRlpsL1TJ4QDJL5EMbVa2CZYL5ZZW7B_pMP8rXSoQugvLU4INmyanhhGgmG750-djsndBy5l96S0_q19hO2o7FEQkx75_vZzMQmLDdYZ8TIZHdmvNKB-0ygMqgzNIPC0nFGyGHd/s3672/16%20PXL_20240127_180119087_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuQuWAjvwHcL1rVzSAU5CfKXfjSLcjzkwzpvNkBDT-URMCbjN6RKlvuRlpsL1TJ4QDJL5EMbVa2CZYL5ZZW7B_pMP8rXSoQugvLU4INmyanhhGgmG750-djsndBy5l96S0_q19hO2o7FEQkx75_vZzMQmLDdYZ8TIZHdmvNKB-0ygMqgzNIPC0nFGyGHd/w301-h400/16%20PXL_20240127_180119087_copy.jpg" width="301" /> <br /></a></div><p></p><p>We shopped for some gifts and for some local products, and then walked back across 1st Street toward our Jeep. Structures on both sides of the street had been impacted by the storm surge of Hurricane Idalia, but most had seen only minor damage, and much of it has been repaired. We even spotted some whimsical reminders that this is, after all, an island of escape and pleasure:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsRjIOqpC3qp08cnKwt1qZCXm8TtlqbfeRo4rHxWx4_HUVyCpNtvnFNq1mU2Ylit1Vh2QqDuk2woktmHlK8Qgy4XGIyieDB03sKl0p4hWP5u7KHDwtZmEaUkHGqwulNe2mpSFCnbXGu2a56mrg4wC8qQ9lKhEOWHqwiNW1AjuJ3jYz7YSxd42aLRwo6fn/s3672/17%20PXL_20240127_183411620_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsRjIOqpC3qp08cnKwt1qZCXm8TtlqbfeRo4rHxWx4_HUVyCpNtvnFNq1mU2Ylit1Vh2QqDuk2woktmHlK8Qgy4XGIyieDB03sKl0p4hWP5u7KHDwtZmEaUkHGqwulNe2mpSFCnbXGu2a56mrg4wC8qQ9lKhEOWHqwiNW1AjuJ3jYz7YSxd42aLRwo6fn/w400-h301/17%20PXL_20240127_183411620_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had some smoked mullet dip in our bag, so we had to head home promptly so that it would not spoil. We passed some local fisher people, who seemed to be content to wait patiently for that "big catch."</p><p>Never saw them get that big catch.</p><p>Jumped in the Jeep and headed back to our campground.</p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-49354193639838123742024-01-26T19:57:00.003-05:002024-01-27T08:09:07.283-05:00Lower Suwannee NWR - Nature Drive<p style="text-align: right;">Friday, January 26, 2024</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hi Blog!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Not far from where we are staying in Cedar Key is the Headquarters for the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. We learned that the nine mile main road through the Refuge is considered a "Nature Drive." The road itself is hardpacked limerock with very little vehicle traffic. Rather than drive the nine miles, we decided to take our bikes for a spin.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, unlike other Refuges, was not established for the protection of one or a few species, but to protect the high water quality of the Suwannee Estuary. The Refuge has boat launches, fishing, hunting, hiking, birding, photography and bicycling. The white sign pictured below outlines the hunting seasons. Lucky for us feral hog hunting doesn't start until tomorrow! Sometime it is better to be lucky than smart.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMzSJmiKBRlEil8Cn0d2RsXvimQC-324KxmKEtzwLYp48-tL_Sy9bHr_IK-9uxNVLCdAoThu8z68B0l6-j7UY0hALM9qTBFonm3nu5GQiDc84ACQTDNsnStSDRixk-OCriWnH45TlE5blfTEFgUvcOh6rDoiLN4zxVxCuYBsposaBgjVomdakaGCB2Oyp/s3456/PXL_20240126_152252516_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMzSJmiKBRlEil8Cn0d2RsXvimQC-324KxmKEtzwLYp48-tL_Sy9bHr_IK-9uxNVLCdAoThu8z68B0l6-j7UY0hALM9qTBFonm3nu5GQiDc84ACQTDNsnStSDRixk-OCriWnH45TlE5blfTEFgUvcOh6rDoiLN4zxVxCuYBsposaBgjVomdakaGCB2Oyp/w400-h300/PXL_20240126_152252516_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We started our ride through an upland pine forest. The trees in this area were thinned out to allow understory plants to anchor the soil and provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Gopher Tortoises are a keystone species in this area. Their burrows are used by over 360 other small species </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sv6Y2XrN1YfFiCCL4ntdQojYFPREKzucJ6FpSqtCn88pKj_QGBiwDSBgIYPjElSEDTkN-Wow-G27Sq-UrrlsYrZA1yaiVTB6TTxUQtZL_vmw2hszPmq4ZBOZgr1iYad2iYYSkDwdGILY_ejQMvu6YZpSpKvwNaonWLoKTtav3O8qIYmq6qndFDg48SnB/s3264/PXL_20240126_152620698_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sv6Y2XrN1YfFiCCL4ntdQojYFPREKzucJ6FpSqtCn88pKj_QGBiwDSBgIYPjElSEDTkN-Wow-G27Sq-UrrlsYrZA1yaiVTB6TTxUQtZL_vmw2hszPmq4ZBOZgr1iYad2iYYSkDwdGILY_ejQMvu6YZpSpKvwNaonWLoKTtav3O8qIYmq6qndFDg48SnB/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_152620698_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>The Refuge holds periodic controlled fires to promote open pine forests. Pines are highly resistant to low-intensity prescribed fires.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc44-QkycsMwTSrq_10Am5OWzdBR7EHtW1gb5KZ52_v_paNFwjAK-3lNdSPxpnDbLsQMB4z4MMB3ZND9vuE_CFmRwLxbFE02bXQ8zRkuuVrKsAUsTvE1asqoC6jJUebNYraSfRIRp6rh_oCjHYp-KLXt_vUIRQ5gp79RC-H9VYLqQSDDQx_WHBqSb0k8hj/s3264/PXL_20240126_152732633_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc44-QkycsMwTSrq_10Am5OWzdBR7EHtW1gb5KZ52_v_paNFwjAK-3lNdSPxpnDbLsQMB4z4MMB3ZND9vuE_CFmRwLxbFE02bXQ8zRkuuVrKsAUsTvE1asqoC6jJUebNYraSfRIRp6rh_oCjHYp-KLXt_vUIRQ5gp79RC-H9VYLqQSDDQx_WHBqSb0k8hj/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_152732633_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div>There are dozens of side roads leading to various parts of the Refuge. Each road has its own numbered gate. We decided to go through Gate 14 which leads to Fletcher's Landing and Suwannee River access.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CU7ckwfG8vyP_HTWPhBHxWh4Mqf1PkW_K1xQcQo51raZlKwvZtDoOxE1mmBPZ6NmH-IEW-A3PteZJh8XKxUF39lzwW1_yQEVQjo6j_U50oRNB5Um6D-uII-nMw3yUH0dVAKPN9ALXJ4JWQp4lF4E70LTyHJizJM-yZGfZi8G4wikdtvwktu01fQfxT9l/s3264/PXL_20240126_154012189_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CU7ckwfG8vyP_HTWPhBHxWh4Mqf1PkW_K1xQcQo51raZlKwvZtDoOxE1mmBPZ6NmH-IEW-A3PteZJh8XKxUF39lzwW1_yQEVQjo6j_U50oRNB5Um6D-uII-nMw3yUH0dVAKPN9ALXJ4JWQp4lF4E70LTyHJizJM-yZGfZi8G4wikdtvwktu01fQfxT9l/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_154012189_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We came upon an unusual concrete structure. At first, we thought it might be a remnant of an old building. Turns out it was a bat cave. The Refuge uses various concrete and metal culverts to provide roosting habitat for big-eared bats. There are not enough large hollow trees left in the forest for the bats to roost. These structures provide a home for the bats while the forest regrows.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRLFhyZiw0xvPQ9CuiSDLsyNcFr40E8n0jG7vK5zm9rxs0T_GNhUtmzKA2B3E4Ny3YhKZNS80e4de5tI36plp0tblDYhv6btZsJFxuDLBMFp-xrbOZTDhZjqd4S7gN6erconZCLcKUTApEtiw5k0PS9B0DI9b76W7opkb5xRfiVhvEpztNje5OUtpigKe/s3672/PXL_20240126_154215393_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRLFhyZiw0xvPQ9CuiSDLsyNcFr40E8n0jG7vK5zm9rxs0T_GNhUtmzKA2B3E4Ny3YhKZNS80e4de5tI36plp0tblDYhv6btZsJFxuDLBMFp-xrbOZTDhZjqd4S7gN6erconZCLcKUTApEtiw5k0PS9B0DI9b76W7opkb5xRfiVhvEpztNje5OUtpigKe/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_154215393_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Fletcher's Landing on the Suwanne River is a popular destination for kayakers.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohv9rXm9k4hG8ACh-DmadXShHrrDyDrqZ3_IB2hw0VHOMZ1j23aZAUfb9mdXF9MMWWwiS0tHI9NAExmk8DPIB5pT2FD70LUY2Zz9a5C5zb5Ge6ACWh991WcL3ZIvjcmX_CDx9TQP-hCTvfVhVXdashN4B8P3ZCI1W2qeBxdDcFn6PHcytyPEdN5Ckv4ke/s3264/PXL_20240126_154849459_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohv9rXm9k4hG8ACh-DmadXShHrrDyDrqZ3_IB2hw0VHOMZ1j23aZAUfb9mdXF9MMWWwiS0tHI9NAExmk8DPIB5pT2FD70LUY2Zz9a5C5zb5Ge6ACWh991WcL3ZIvjcmX_CDx9TQP-hCTvfVhVXdashN4B8P3ZCI1W2qeBxdDcFn6PHcytyPEdN5Ckv4ke/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_154849459_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div>There are over 11 different species of bats that live in the Refuge. This type of roost is mainly used by free-tailed bats. Did you know that bats are not rodents? They are more closely related to primates than to mice.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEOHQt-LJ4EXeEmx-zzZ6Kk4HoENmM2rsX9i0fH9fVyUB84wHpRn-x978BghEhI_eO7e7mPSPZg2r9q_k870PoEa1IrnVdkOSg-Y0xkidynBz_uYlQAZXySPEPmzyyyKW73Q4jGpULXiZ-nenmF64CznELoQ2F9oXG1gDpze-cn-WlD3BwQn68s_s7wp2/s3264/PXL_20240126_155056221_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEOHQt-LJ4EXeEmx-zzZ6Kk4HoENmM2rsX9i0fH9fVyUB84wHpRn-x978BghEhI_eO7e7mPSPZg2r9q_k870PoEa1IrnVdkOSg-Y0xkidynBz_uYlQAZXySPEPmzyyyKW73Q4jGpULXiZ-nenmF64CznELoQ2F9oXG1gDpze-cn-WlD3BwQn68s_s7wp2/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_155056221_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>On our way to Fletcher's Landing, we spotted a flock of wild turkeys. We tried to catch a photo, but they were too quick for us. Pictured below, Kathy is making her way back to the main road.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg788Ur_PMM6nGOByxHBsTxc_K1J-c_KCikxi1rmsBeLLY6Dt6aeoaSd5eR6yDhE5YDQs_dobc5ISw1MwsZb-k3WBYdKI9CDmqTlz-cmTg8PbRhFXN1DbHgJFZS65JRiQqKAmEiha3Mo0f_BFx-SKaxKXRfxVZtZlwG2_JifGBEIM2RG5diC6JY0YI9PXVC/s3264/PXL_20240126_155552000_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg788Ur_PMM6nGOByxHBsTxc_K1J-c_KCikxi1rmsBeLLY6Dt6aeoaSd5eR6yDhE5YDQs_dobc5ISw1MwsZb-k3WBYdKI9CDmqTlz-cmTg8PbRhFXN1DbHgJFZS65JRiQqKAmEiha3Mo0f_BFx-SKaxKXRfxVZtZlwG2_JifGBEIM2RG5diC6JY0YI9PXVC/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_155552000_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We stopped at Pond 6 to see if we could see any wading birds.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGY-oi35ykkLFMuJpI2P1xNdFE-8LZPXZa-I96RzANnnZgdgR9WXGFmvJAVvTjtN306d24jv0xPS1FlDfE_wzslaRYqn5PQ7ddyeUQfwuYLfMGQOmF_Z0Y3udfKMYBOWz6RNFxAnNgNxIBvSJ4Ta1Hk3bJ-V16Od_cjwmeeaoQaM6Y89p6pQaMKtHI2SQ/s3264/PXL_20240126_161231200_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGY-oi35ykkLFMuJpI2P1xNdFE-8LZPXZa-I96RzANnnZgdgR9WXGFmvJAVvTjtN306d24jv0xPS1FlDfE_wzslaRYqn5PQ7ddyeUQfwuYLfMGQOmF_Z0Y3udfKMYBOWz6RNFxAnNgNxIBvSJ4Ta1Hk3bJ-V16Od_cjwmeeaoQaM6Y89p6pQaMKtHI2SQ/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_161231200_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We weren't able to find any birds, but we did catch this gator napping on the far shore. Needless to say, we didn't stay long.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5b2C5xDisUl4bFo3__ektXH4VYU9GEVJ2MdcbbCprbzmm7MWg7nJKCKasQO6_E4lmdpZ5XdcmbOgxY0cET9Erg7r7eqcoFz-BfMcGIfgmP7SpFlncowh2drFcKmo_mH5wz0A36MNvzV5mLwhLVFXicUkOQx3ipbb6UR9ajpwFR7JoqV8BZ2y70bRG5F0w/s3672/PXL_20240126_161453416_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5b2C5xDisUl4bFo3__ektXH4VYU9GEVJ2MdcbbCprbzmm7MWg7nJKCKasQO6_E4lmdpZ5XdcmbOgxY0cET9Erg7r7eqcoFz-BfMcGIfgmP7SpFlncowh2drFcKmo_mH5wz0A36MNvzV5mLwhLVFXicUkOQx3ipbb6UR9ajpwFR7JoqV8BZ2y70bRG5F0w/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_161453416_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Most animals in the Refuge are not used to seeing bikes. We scared a river otter and several turtles. We were able to catch a photo of this turtle, but never saw the river otter again.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDZp_27UIyGcDdnueXQeznIssy2feGItoFx4D6FqghBZcPs5z98LvyhHtGXsEMP-VAmsObvvDutb6EBkUGbuxomt0p7WrYEUvX5vPtFDRInrbWEEiHW7yTkJVcrKuLbdlN6S98V2uytSNw_xpUfMBfU2bXZ0Lc69SBDevfQvFozP52gwbXGz970iyNfP_/s2703/PXL_20240126_163020431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDZp_27UIyGcDdnueXQeznIssy2feGItoFx4D6FqghBZcPs5z98LvyhHtGXsEMP-VAmsObvvDutb6EBkUGbuxomt0p7WrYEUvX5vPtFDRInrbWEEiHW7yTkJVcrKuLbdlN6S98V2uytSNw_xpUfMBfU2bXZ0Lc69SBDevfQvFozP52gwbXGz970iyNfP_/w400-h400/PXL_20240126_163020431.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>The Nature Drive passes right over Barnett Creek.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ21wq2EzdKJVIUDfuqMPDSl6wGtJ2NU9gnJZA5w0ccgql_es4ETfUC52I3ul8vrsanikdKizjqV6GmYpe6uxhfxO4gzptYiJbElX1C8uHF5Gx6Lfga3Tbp3vn7u2zbU9E3VHjCpK4XsemaJi_2DwKWSLK8v8qTHRgmE0zdxOQ7WLtjVaA7feTQ5qDBXK/s3264/PXL_20240126_173112916_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ21wq2EzdKJVIUDfuqMPDSl6wGtJ2NU9gnJZA5w0ccgql_es4ETfUC52I3ul8vrsanikdKizjqV6GmYpe6uxhfxO4gzptYiJbElX1C8uHF5Gx6Lfga3Tbp3vn7u2zbU9E3VHjCpK4XsemaJi_2DwKWSLK8v8qTHRgmE0zdxOQ7WLtjVaA7feTQ5qDBXK/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_173112916_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We took a short side road to the boat ramp for Barnett Creek. The creek is about three and half miles long and joins McCormick Creek before entering the Suwannee River. At the boat launch we saw a transition from upland forest to brackish marsh. The marsh is dominated by black needlerush with an occasional fringe of smooth cordgrass. It seemed to stretch on forever.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q46iI84zSaWhyphenhyphena2g9X11RajiBKjI0e26XW30mjcJk8Ns3pcshlvmmW_J57KX-_xyM9-b-Wu_zCSpUpESlkATPP35XQL7yQx2qr4m_3DNsBXIT8GNGnsPM3cbIjS4vidfsU3nszOcd2-otzv3FXEGZxvIxEZmCLCNAhmTD1cCGcEHvK3kNfET0sYwuFVu/s3672/PXL_20240126_173453268_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q46iI84zSaWhyphenhyphena2g9X11RajiBKjI0e26XW30mjcJk8Ns3pcshlvmmW_J57KX-_xyM9-b-Wu_zCSpUpESlkATPP35XQL7yQx2qr4m_3DNsBXIT8GNGnsPM3cbIjS4vidfsU3nszOcd2-otzv3FXEGZxvIxEZmCLCNAhmTD1cCGcEHvK3kNfET0sYwuFVu/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_173453268_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Just past the turn-off to the boat ramp is a boardwalk leading to the headwaters pond.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho74cx3F8G9KFR1wi537me9kk0MrQ825Ez5ABEJsR6_xaxAs4GpZEkyOvmmKOV5e72V6q8JoF-bJp0T7uvAhX8EOz25LC2hmt1ripDEpGImzXqduGmrS7sltkeExyEWiq6XOE0uKkalJwCvCuUA_vjWiQs-VwzvpvXAGVnpTpgrbMLU3o5FQtW20FA5V2u/s3264/PXL_20240126_174303896_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho74cx3F8G9KFR1wi537me9kk0MrQ825Ez5ABEJsR6_xaxAs4GpZEkyOvmmKOV5e72V6q8JoF-bJp0T7uvAhX8EOz25LC2hmt1ripDEpGImzXqduGmrS7sltkeExyEWiq6XOE0uKkalJwCvCuUA_vjWiQs-VwzvpvXAGVnpTpgrbMLU3o5FQtW20FA5V2u/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_174303896_copy.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>This headwaters pond attracts several species of waterfowl in the winter. From the observation deck, we scanned the area.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0Pry3B9CvYlcln0r9XHnMvIxxAOd8rP7xlwBp1xHYO3iBY2z3RD49BthFqtlDNGVTPIhZBcM2efyt2tFDalm5Ac1esuQNwCiJ5YYuemy237DwdXO3CGBpe4xkpioxawR3pPmR4LGneFLnPONRH-508YdYGuY-ohhcCig13bPjEl4nuThyphenhyphenXHNuF64CP1P/s3672/PXL_20240126_174459653_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0Pry3B9CvYlcln0r9XHnMvIxxAOd8rP7xlwBp1xHYO3iBY2z3RD49BthFqtlDNGVTPIhZBcM2efyt2tFDalm5Ac1esuQNwCiJ5YYuemy237DwdXO3CGBpe4xkpioxawR3pPmR4LGneFLnPONRH-508YdYGuY-ohhcCig13bPjEl4nuThyphenhyphenXHNuF64CP1P/w400-h301/PXL_20240126_174459653_copy.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We spotted this tricolored heron on the far shore.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgR5qhNrzzgNU56RsjnOyG-319bKYBqZBYLlRsMvHN6POT-mGwQhqKjKuBvLWnzg0lj2-sZypmgfq5RF_rDIDvy0TxUKoFZb6dqrYC2QDXgRdDIidXHCJ6NwB-ka8ngF4ZxOKv7FlXP_bIonpsxp01jB33Or8vc3Ys3duLoCT-jXDzA5iA2eeV2iRSyel/s4080/PXL_20240126_174536807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgR5qhNrzzgNU56RsjnOyG-319bKYBqZBYLlRsMvHN6POT-mGwQhqKjKuBvLWnzg0lj2-sZypmgfq5RF_rDIDvy0TxUKoFZb6dqrYC2QDXgRdDIidXHCJ6NwB-ka8ngF4ZxOKv7FlXP_bIonpsxp01jB33Or8vc3Ys3duLoCT-jXDzA5iA2eeV2iRSyel/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_174536807.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>He didn't like the sound of our camera clicking and immediately took flight.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnrnKO9WGGJDOdcleoJH7_ouMhTYf_L-l5XZ16Omeo6WAtu-FNELc4Uhrd4h79pc4aXXW4N4JyglmHSx6lVrjAFLnXfsM9FlyIGwWSYvevLK9_wvzWWbnJ7uJg61FBQlBH3XUl16oX_CuMlPmihvbbRt-HxiW1QdXzl_5RvPMxmE9-xduSvtZMClx9rmo/s1620/PXL_20240126_174553210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1515" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnrnKO9WGGJDOdcleoJH7_ouMhTYf_L-l5XZ16Omeo6WAtu-FNELc4Uhrd4h79pc4aXXW4N4JyglmHSx6lVrjAFLnXfsM9FlyIGwWSYvevLK9_wvzWWbnJ7uJg61FBQlBH3XUl16oX_CuMlPmihvbbRt-HxiW1QdXzl_5RvPMxmE9-xduSvtZMClx9rmo/w374-h400/PXL_20240126_174553210.jpg" width="374"></a></div><div><br></div><div>While the heron was in flight mode, this little fiddler crab decided to stand his ground and put up a fight.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uB65EPh5dKPH-2gM9NMyxxKrm4RbRKSaWGyCkxWfjsLQSE4Ry9mQbTbXWlEZX8t6HCv3CuseVv-dSWdhpwlhCQUgMK3GiXbgVx74Hq6_TLYp1EVX6WU9GTl5T7cVt2VND0FuAR-vB1PtLv2i8zZfTHkUsf0cDdMR4E8A2N9bh4lyJwmdDMCRGioQyt7O/s4080/PXL_20240126_175100146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uB65EPh5dKPH-2gM9NMyxxKrm4RbRKSaWGyCkxWfjsLQSE4Ry9mQbTbXWlEZX8t6HCv3CuseVv-dSWdhpwlhCQUgMK3GiXbgVx74Hq6_TLYp1EVX6WU9GTl5T7cVt2VND0FuAR-vB1PtLv2i8zZfTHkUsf0cDdMR4E8A2N9bh4lyJwmdDMCRGioQyt7O/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_175100146.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div><br></div><div>As the day warmed, we soon noticed several armadillos by the side of the road. While used to seeing cars drive by, they didn't know what to make of our bicycles. One armadillo tried to run right into Kathy's front wheel. Their "run into danger" strategy reminded us of armored squirrels.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQvufXrhAY2mhx2KQPBgpya9pzlmI0LVwgdrIiwgJ3WeEN8l990qf8VJlPmrteO2Fh5gt5sAuTo6XS1CIihBSP55VGOcGPEZcxz2NsgW9ta95zO3SGaEhi0_QvZTLELjXHFLcQIixOUXPM83SeB1QURuPdbsoLxNKM3-NB8fdHLitsjQuMpa07CAZzXKh/s3672/PXL_20240126_180521155_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQvufXrhAY2mhx2KQPBgpya9pzlmI0LVwgdrIiwgJ3WeEN8l990qf8VJlPmrteO2Fh5gt5sAuTo6XS1CIihBSP55VGOcGPEZcxz2NsgW9ta95zO3SGaEhi0_QvZTLELjXHFLcQIixOUXPM83SeB1QURuPdbsoLxNKM3-NB8fdHLitsjQuMpa07CAZzXKh/w640-h482/PXL_20240126_180521155_copy.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the time we finished our ride, we had clocked more than 19 miles. There is still more to explore in the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge, but now that hunting season has opened, it will have to wait until next time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-91048929688607746022024-01-24T17:40:00.001-05:002024-01-24T17:40:43.501-05:00Paddling to Atsena Otie Key<p>Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is located 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, Florida, along the southern edge of the Big Bend Region of Florida’s West coast. The refuge encompasses approximately 800 acres and is composed of 13 off-shore islands in the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from 1 to 165 acres. It was established in 1929 when President Herbert Hoover set aside three of the islands as a refuge and breeding ground for colonial birds. Today, the refuge is comprised of 13 islands. Native Americans are documented to have occupied the “Cedar Keys" for at least 1,000 years, from 200-600 A.D., but a skeleton found on Atsena Otie Key in 1999 was determined to be more than 2,000 years old. The islands were named “Cedar Keys” by two American explorers who, in 1835, were searching for cedar timber near the Suwannee River. <br /><br />Atsena Otie Key is the most recent addition to the Refuge. From 1839 to 1842, Atsena Otie Key was the site of a military depot. In January 1858, the town of Atsena Otie was officially chartered by the Florida State legislature. By the time of the 1860 Census, there were 215 people living in 30 households on the island. It later became the location for the town of Cedar Key, with a population of 200-300 people. <br /><br />The Eberhard Faber Pencil Company built a lumber mill in 1868 on Atsena Otie Key to supply wood for its pencil factory in New Jersey. By the 1870s the oyster, green turtle, and fishing industries had also grown on the island. By the 1890s lumber production was making a profit of almost $900,000, and the Faber Mill alone produced wood for casing more than a third of a million pencils. The town grew as well, and by 1895 there were more than 50 households living on the island. <br /><br />In 1896 a hurricane destroyed the Eberhard Faber mill and all but a few houses. The cedar forests that fed the mills on Atsena Otie Key had mostly been cut over, and the mill companies did not consider it worthwhile to rebuild. One industrial building and several houses that escaped destruction were floated across to the present-day Cedar Key. While most residents moved from Atsena Otie Key to Cedar Key after the hurricane, some stayed into the 20th century. In 1950, the last remaining house on the island was destroyed by a hurricane. <br /><br />Until Hurricane Idalia hit Cedar Key with a powerful storm surge in August 2023, the island of Atsena Otie included a boat landing and pier with bathrooms, a walking trail and boardwalk, a swimming area, and ruins of the Eberhard Faber mill. There was also a cemetery. However, today, all of this is in ruins and it is not even possible to find the walking trail or a path into the ghost town or cemetery.</p><p>When we visited Cedar Key earlier in the week, our host at the visitor center told us that a paddle to Atsena Otie is a "not to be missed" experience. She emphasized that we must assay the trip on either side of high tide, on a calm day with little wind. We took note of her injunctions and waited until today, when the temperatures grew to 80F, the winds remained below 5 miles per hour, and the waters of the Gulf were almost as calm as glass.</p><p>Oh, and we had a bluebird sky all morning, with few clouds: <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRwPSvcCYfE-HSoES0J7_ynlMtvGpykoGykS_-YIGCPED3FnKw9bORqLdcsEIri1i3n95Rwo5nOw1bgfPykkXoGpZk84bR4K0Dj8Xbd0r-XXsjYPDkkPB3N0lgMBpnmQZ0uyCggD11hr-soFeR25UkXM4wyPZefT0Fd9UQRb51RcbJ1esNyvP3JOkj76t/s4000/P1240003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRwPSvcCYfE-HSoES0J7_ynlMtvGpykoGykS_-YIGCPED3FnKw9bORqLdcsEIri1i3n95Rwo5nOw1bgfPykkXoGpZk84bR4K0Dj8Xbd0r-XXsjYPDkkPB3N0lgMBpnmQZ0uyCggD11hr-soFeR25UkXM4wyPZefT0Fd9UQRb51RcbJ1esNyvP3JOkj76t/w400-h300/P1240003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The town of Cedar Key was hammered by Hurricane Idalia. While wind damage was not enormous, the storm surge flooded the lower floors of every building, making many of them uninhabitable. Driving around town, we noted how quaint and picturesque the architecture is -- a mix of New Orleans and Key West. Luckily, these unique buildings still stand, but the owners and shopkeepers still have enormous work to do to make them fully habitable. Even today, six months after the storm, there is no supermarket in Cedar Key.</p><p>Along the waterfront, picturesque buildings still stand but are mostly empty -- except for some brave pelicans that dare to roost in convenient spots:<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlgTPtFd6rjGVbV3SFMqMHJNT3XdpVi30wN-j7LpmZee5SctpgELGzya1IJfCivsglzfAz3GpT0B0Hq0gRKsILObXP7puFo59ynX3T9YN7fBDbJYaSS8FZzDyiCUQFMwY3Pth1LWL_9lUS-r0bHpgSi_ixUNebQRcK1goamClAEnKNzbmOTKBvd7izx2J/s4000/P1240009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlgTPtFd6rjGVbV3SFMqMHJNT3XdpVi30wN-j7LpmZee5SctpgELGzya1IJfCivsglzfAz3GpT0B0Hq0gRKsILObXP7puFo59ynX3T9YN7fBDbJYaSS8FZzDyiCUQFMwY3Pth1LWL_9lUS-r0bHpgSi_ixUNebQRcK1goamClAEnKNzbmOTKBvd7izx2J/w400-h300/P1240009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We paddled our way out into the channel, and were given the "all clear" by these anhingas who stand sentry at the boat ramp entrance:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQiUPCObD2BZln-L9UWClFsPiDy5HYZaczN2_z30OgMx9_zny99D4Y2phJf4z0IMsrj2HlpfDE8nLAq3hkDIYfZAGG40VaRp1H3BTSKVtYdqAh-2rUeXIOSBVhYftc8F_gl9fcxIl1ljka62SiJA1Z6SqqIu6W_uzPk_d_xGMuM5L666GCFdo7AEL3Uto/s4000/P1240010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQiUPCObD2BZln-L9UWClFsPiDy5HYZaczN2_z30OgMx9_zny99D4Y2phJf4z0IMsrj2HlpfDE8nLAq3hkDIYfZAGG40VaRp1H3BTSKVtYdqAh-2rUeXIOSBVhYftc8F_gl9fcxIl1ljka62SiJA1Z6SqqIu6W_uzPk_d_xGMuM5L666GCFdo7AEL3Uto/w300-h400/P1240010.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Even though the waterfront buildings are not back to their original glory, they still provide a colorful visage for the town:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTECi487SmqDaTs0hhjtoqvMw8CJXMiVmG4TbnWzN-1-UmRuHLy6XTSlFbF3yWRCOzAhXDtWi795TlsJ2aEVzSMVyfa3GXOzIItEJxn_pbbQRaF2auy_Wy79uhdu9gJe-rLYJpPGfLaPtYDZKJ_BXrhDDNqyjyot0r1AbyVAFfJbdcX0UOM4V_3UAjbA6/s4000/P1240011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTECi487SmqDaTs0hhjtoqvMw8CJXMiVmG4TbnWzN-1-UmRuHLy6XTSlFbF3yWRCOzAhXDtWi795TlsJ2aEVzSMVyfa3GXOzIItEJxn_pbbQRaF2auy_Wy79uhdu9gJe-rLYJpPGfLaPtYDZKJ_BXrhDDNqyjyot0r1AbyVAFfJbdcX0UOM4V_3UAjbA6/w400-h300/P1240011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was about a half hour's paddle out to Atsena Otie. We made for a wide beach visible from town. As we approached our landing point on the beach, we spotted these three nearly-totally submerged palm trees. We decided to dub our landing point, "Three Palm Harbor."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw68Gxa5qVJIK_6T8FugbrUJ8X04n5U5zbYfTB1jbsUYyjLHL97BP5779boChIxjs0wZY1vECR1meD8AOTf0vafE2o5F3mGt8mL0oZsDTOR9D8xl93u5Q72O8-13mKogU1Obq1IoS_G-nL03LY8SDa3uhLRhl194cZ72P9A9VrcrGOkyZSuJIXbmh5hpvP/s4000/P1240017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw68Gxa5qVJIK_6T8FugbrUJ8X04n5U5zbYfTB1jbsUYyjLHL97BP5779boChIxjs0wZY1vECR1meD8AOTf0vafE2o5F3mGt8mL0oZsDTOR9D8xl93u5Q72O8-13mKogU1Obq1IoS_G-nL03LY8SDa3uhLRhl194cZ72P9A9VrcrGOkyZSuJIXbmh5hpvP/w400-h300/P1240017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />From our beach, the town of Cedar Key seemed both near and far:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKQt6HOXS9zIOoWKx5hzoDwHdHOIgVEf3DlHtYUrcFsRp0__nF28XMNozZC_gF67CyDr2eo6RUmSBrqB2Sok8_NvMliBhykVXmRHVszwaCBRNj3iM0WUJM0IsyVJxbe5KL5lKrECfmY7WAhSX5JhgINNbTftR2kvBEPD0Rg1f7U3cDHqRVQe4JSACYHl6/s4000/P1240019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKQt6HOXS9zIOoWKx5hzoDwHdHOIgVEf3DlHtYUrcFsRp0__nF28XMNozZC_gF67CyDr2eo6RUmSBrqB2Sok8_NvMliBhykVXmRHVszwaCBRNj3iM0WUJM0IsyVJxbe5KL5lKrECfmY7WAhSX5JhgINNbTftR2kvBEPD0Rg1f7U3cDHqRVQe4JSACYHl6/w400-h300/P1240019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Signs on the beach urge visitors to exercise caution, because horseshoe crabs nest on this beach. We noted this shell, which we assumed was unoccupied -- but we might have been mistaken. We did not investigate fully.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ3hHfyJY7szxD_VjuZ-JbM8wNXyjuEE4NuGVIXQO8D23pRfHNtDU2w-iCGqlTDSOijWdjbXebsi22b5i3IQHlLW9PES3c7eRRPQ_GJCx_NnX4YWeGhP8Omu7NoxGN_wopPHVOTZ7cmFqD9a-0HXory_PfYb8aeLOhYMG2DGBkSQpita8Da9_lC1vIi6q/s4000/P1240023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ3hHfyJY7szxD_VjuZ-JbM8wNXyjuEE4NuGVIXQO8D23pRfHNtDU2w-iCGqlTDSOijWdjbXebsi22b5i3IQHlLW9PES3c7eRRPQ_GJCx_NnX4YWeGhP8Omu7NoxGN_wopPHVOTZ7cmFqD9a-0HXory_PfYb8aeLOhYMG2DGBkSQpita8Da9_lC1vIi6q/w400-h300/P1240023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Just above the sand line, the beach boasts beautiful sea grass, which has crept out to areas that appear to once have been piers or docks:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV1Nb63q539nNY_UR7Fj-itkjpyi0ftBIKSqXvYchfV-p2wtbOTnMoKRy0KE2QEZrolAHM5bzMflBWJCQhGYE1mmjxf2uTpu668kCLqKT46TNEuuvQh9NGqmDX0Yd5pmMxyPqjcPR_ulWNp_n-0Lv4-VCb26iaTK30GGq37VX2breKqGtyVP38925ih79/s4000/P1240024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV1Nb63q539nNY_UR7Fj-itkjpyi0ftBIKSqXvYchfV-p2wtbOTnMoKRy0KE2QEZrolAHM5bzMflBWJCQhGYE1mmjxf2uTpu668kCLqKT46TNEuuvQh9NGqmDX0Yd5pmMxyPqjcPR_ulWNp_n-0Lv4-VCb26iaTK30GGq37VX2breKqGtyVP38925ih79/w400-h300/P1240024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We found what appeared to be the wreck of an old boat, but it was hard to identify the type or size from what juts above the sand:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghul4sxIi0e_m_5CqYyx5IMkJODE4OxpmZ2KaEuuCaxENnehJh2aweBkKC8-Z3ctRd-8snIN0_1c9BQ6-juG3IKRthKEhY7IgOqdYXoRS4z56ZmhT0QHb7PqxWwtxIw2Yc2FhusywcPg-jwNQHsrTRczzVIzptWkNw-4La_Qtopz7dVyKJKQA378EqdoWN/s4000/P1240026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghul4sxIi0e_m_5CqYyx5IMkJODE4OxpmZ2KaEuuCaxENnehJh2aweBkKC8-Z3ctRd-8snIN0_1c9BQ6-juG3IKRthKEhY7IgOqdYXoRS4z56ZmhT0QHb7PqxWwtxIw2Yc2FhusywcPg-jwNQHsrTRczzVIzptWkNw-4La_Qtopz7dVyKJKQA378EqdoWN/w400-h300/P1240026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We have never seen such a huge collection of conch shells as we found on this beach. It appears that, perhaps, the 2023 hurricane's storm surge brought them all up onto the beach at once. Many were broken, but some were not. We decided to let the conch shells rest in peace:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JB7x_nYanBhxxWQx0DJ4csPgWLmQbS1YuIua9dGC_9lN_VBkzXBoHhnmBhRHSiZXCYUV5NQQ2SU55IHXQ3LkZ5wP5bSzEDcrASUMrYY-_OL87SCD67HbfHLWOCcWhq_TC-BYapCwn6TvMTBeENBYXNxTF4j18ZCLAWXrJwLDaW1d8QaVKxdwFwGp6EpQ/s4000/P1240031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JB7x_nYanBhxxWQx0DJ4csPgWLmQbS1YuIua9dGC_9lN_VBkzXBoHhnmBhRHSiZXCYUV5NQQ2SU55IHXQ3LkZ5wP5bSzEDcrASUMrYY-_OL87SCD67HbfHLWOCcWhq_TC-BYapCwn6TvMTBeENBYXNxTF4j18ZCLAWXrJwLDaW1d8QaVKxdwFwGp6EpQ/w400-h300/P1240031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We walked over to the pier, which had once been the point of debarkation for visiting boats. Pieces of brick wall were strewn about the beach as if built by some demented Lego builder, and thousands of individual bricks were splayed out across the sand. The pier's pilings barely all stood, with not decking left. Clearly, the bathrooms and pier did not survive the hurricane well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfPt7YXk-fnNF16G2wBaFZIFL7jZo4SylyTxF29HAF7c_MXxje5Bocn1Vne75Z3fHxm83rMzui6hUmLPllAwXM3In_yHR7mcF3XWTIITC2zHUlx2i__llwRAwJNymadrCfvxo9-WdC2xY76WVP3oy5UX6_-cJKSiUTxL5V8CV9rIT84d_BDcg-DPeZLF2/s4000/P1240034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfPt7YXk-fnNF16G2wBaFZIFL7jZo4SylyTxF29HAF7c_MXxje5Bocn1Vne75Z3fHxm83rMzui6hUmLPllAwXM3In_yHR7mcF3XWTIITC2zHUlx2i__llwRAwJNymadrCfvxo9-WdC2xY76WVP3oy5UX6_-cJKSiUTxL5V8CV9rIT84d_BDcg-DPeZLF2/w400-h300/P1240034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We returned to our kayaks and set out to continue our paddle around the island. Some clouds were moving in, creating dramatic patterns in the deep blue sky:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AyrlI1zFEyjJHGNaCYqYD6YGpKFu2wphUNyXKyBU2mxe-axhDvyRPsJ24gOPwfp7KXPEQxNzZe-RsYyggqfFaURqOqMwdiXFKboKS_GnJG_t16z-QPfuaJLl-QRgBgLQxpGxBvB45EK4-LF70ZeqEK2Ge8szNvFMsHgqpa6GAGjCk2oR5xnlsII3oAzK/s4000/P1240040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AyrlI1zFEyjJHGNaCYqYD6YGpKFu2wphUNyXKyBU2mxe-axhDvyRPsJ24gOPwfp7KXPEQxNzZe-RsYyggqfFaURqOqMwdiXFKboKS_GnJG_t16z-QPfuaJLl-QRgBgLQxpGxBvB45EK4-LF70ZeqEK2Ge8szNvFMsHgqpa6GAGjCk2oR5xnlsII3oAzK/w400-h300/P1240040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />At high tide, we were told that it is possible to paddle a mangrove route that divides the island in half. We found the southern end of it, and verified that it was the inlet, because a strong current pulled us in toward the middle of the island. A flock of pelicans apparently paid a princely sum for orchestra seats to watch the silly humans fumble their way into the mangroves. We demurred and told the birds they would have to wait for more bird-brained humans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQU5T4PBxeXGVk_-n6iSq7-DD7rnBQUF8jEOtTxuYEiZbuOoOZnvAMKbvNTBmQr8wx1tPnE1KlI2qLIrCvMMVIQad6Tzu2RwytoOwdRnfGbcd3vWRxJopv4oioPJHjTtGmLY7dDqKLgW6hPf-1OnF_bEKb7C4KcDncKQya7SZmM0-ZEVG76LOZjx5CVIZ/s2868/P1240045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2868" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQU5T4PBxeXGVk_-n6iSq7-DD7rnBQUF8jEOtTxuYEiZbuOoOZnvAMKbvNTBmQr8wx1tPnE1KlI2qLIrCvMMVIQad6Tzu2RwytoOwdRnfGbcd3vWRxJopv4oioPJHjTtGmLY7dDqKLgW6hPf-1OnF_bEKb7C4KcDncKQya7SZmM0-ZEVG76LOZjx5CVIZ/w400-h204/P1240045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Wildlife -- mainly birds -- was visible all around the island. These two birds did not want to give up their prime fishing spot, and waited until the last possible second to fly away as David approached to take their photo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOAu0XeKV-MvfMcq0igLnaoCyn-kLqVvyPZ_HYmq0c9umSnDFXnmfLtS-ZNwopApz5BB6Z61ndKMTyZsH9llISMhkBp2PWpYqUnWvQNbv7pEOluAqP0ZZVWWzG3sx4de2dPI_LBt1vIqqTbf5z-czTw253YGdW5ry-DoUEPfGssV-QLONYs81uZfgV5wk/s4000/P1240060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOAu0XeKV-MvfMcq0igLnaoCyn-kLqVvyPZ_HYmq0c9umSnDFXnmfLtS-ZNwopApz5BB6Z61ndKMTyZsH9llISMhkBp2PWpYqUnWvQNbv7pEOluAqP0ZZVWWzG3sx4de2dPI_LBt1vIqqTbf5z-czTw253YGdW5ry-DoUEPfGssV-QLONYs81uZfgV5wk/w400-h300/P1240060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The flora was impressive too, in an Everglades sort of way:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YoT_CuO4GVK8cysqP_qYYpHexjM34zhxEVEcbpayRw5ley4QbCb_wIAyblv4J_AAKFheJRsl4dpDr6oNxVc-aoVDmAxj0gXLW4goUTlaA9DnI3WhyphenhypheniZKX3HZCwpiOo_fgaGS48bR0EWIGOS9-dID5icX0YJgVSRHa4Ps6M-rnNlITCWki_0NvH4hcO27/s4000/P1240065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YoT_CuO4GVK8cysqP_qYYpHexjM34zhxEVEcbpayRw5ley4QbCb_wIAyblv4J_AAKFheJRsl4dpDr6oNxVc-aoVDmAxj0gXLW4goUTlaA9DnI3WhyphenhypheniZKX3HZCwpiOo_fgaGS48bR0EWIGOS9-dID5icX0YJgVSRHa4Ps6M-rnNlITCWki_0NvH4hcO27/w400-h300/P1240065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Kathy spotted this osprey on a tall snag, surveying her territory for her next meal. She paid us no mind as we approached to take her portrait:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27rdxyIoi72KpMRpdFpfRfJdgf4x2Wj1TJrLKmTw-NKaqkqPwmuR6ngWA8TQNjIj5inMKssRv5PIT5jr4zfYuOHOOv6HG6efEmT8iqc-T8e6Q2r5Bz1WhN34YtLwzjY50yyUSUFNJWX0ZVEhJ_qoXGCochN4v1Azs2uQWe8EmYGFgU1Fy2bXWJe5VIIbu/s2688/P1240081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="2688" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27rdxyIoi72KpMRpdFpfRfJdgf4x2Wj1TJrLKmTw-NKaqkqPwmuR6ngWA8TQNjIj5inMKssRv5PIT5jr4zfYuOHOOv6HG6efEmT8iqc-T8e6Q2r5Bz1WhN34YtLwzjY50yyUSUFNJWX0ZVEhJ_qoXGCochN4v1Azs2uQWe8EmYGFgU1Fy2bXWJe5VIIbu/w400-h318/P1240081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Less sanguine about our approach were the anhingas and cormorants who had convened on the pilings of the decrepit, storm-damaged pier. They were deep in consideration of some weighty issue as we approached --<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rIT4MAdduAncAE8DMdvLWoWzx7IMX6Tzzvo6ELtU7NVQIR_pPzTiDOwkxr9eij2fNN2YNb9vSx_2FxhUWGesND8H4xeuDaj5JRy64a4GLM8NUPaBru8cU55cZgKqj-EkD22n4LBcrvG_rQKuWWLXr9U5OqgFk9xDr85ZrgAEmcFGjnR0kUVxuBIPxP2H/s4000/P1240085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rIT4MAdduAncAE8DMdvLWoWzx7IMX6Tzzvo6ELtU7NVQIR_pPzTiDOwkxr9eij2fNN2YNb9vSx_2FxhUWGesND8H4xeuDaj5JRy64a4GLM8NUPaBru8cU55cZgKqj-EkD22n4LBcrvG_rQKuWWLXr9U5OqgFk9xDr85ZrgAEmcFGjnR0kUVxuBIPxP2H/w400-h300/P1240085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />== but scattered chaotically when they realized we were floating under their perches:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0nyDQDNKAHYkUssnHRYMLO6nyJZkj0d1F5NEoL7B-sAcBhcFWyAryswJUaZgedyVEfNeNeK7OD2UN5f4RMbDaTusJeDyv3rqjtKJ1otDLrldeNrNe6YM38reQQSxY-T_EjmTZhw9pNjtXGC6FC8ib1sNkEdqZoMWeV39pRLmC-8V20aBXUVh6TO4f4Dp/s4000/P1240097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0nyDQDNKAHYkUssnHRYMLO6nyJZkj0d1F5NEoL7B-sAcBhcFWyAryswJUaZgedyVEfNeNeK7OD2UN5f4RMbDaTusJeDyv3rqjtKJ1otDLrldeNrNe6YM38reQQSxY-T_EjmTZhw9pNjtXGC6FC8ib1sNkEdqZoMWeV39pRLmC-8V20aBXUVh6TO4f4Dp/w400-h300/P1240097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />On first glance, the waters of the Gulf off Cedar Key appear muddy, but, in fact, the water is clear with reddish-brown mud, muck or sand on the bottom. Occasionally, the light was just right for our camera to catch this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxcqZ6npS-uDD3wjtVfEe-kzIULMOhsCapT7t8lqa5UERU2v0UHyIiRngNGTBNv7wmvboTLYrO_JSUwrhRzZ_f0enRcgjsplju3A6Mmoj0jpCa4uorxvMzPEhQDpbgsoqOT1QgAzcQCzmzDafHV9KDk-tnYmz7Xg_pVNXj5xn2IAlydBcdUcgpY1E441x/s4000/P1240101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxcqZ6npS-uDD3wjtVfEe-kzIULMOhsCapT7t8lqa5UERU2v0UHyIiRngNGTBNv7wmvboTLYrO_JSUwrhRzZ_f0enRcgjsplju3A6Mmoj0jpCa4uorxvMzPEhQDpbgsoqOT1QgAzcQCzmzDafHV9KDk-tnYmz7Xg_pVNXj5xn2IAlydBcdUcgpY1E441x/w400-h300/P1240101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Having paddled around Atsena Otie, we worked our way back across the still-calm waters of the channel. When we arrived at the boat ramp, some fisherman had just arrived and were cleaning their fish. They had many offers of help from the locals:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4HDi3s8NeHcRnB6l-3sBNAoEdJkCbxJIfrdpEkB90uBZwHv6kISzv9_LZvOud2cNJ1xwnhrR7mn_Z8wWgZ8KPxZpDHA1V6LDzSbPlpK4jSicRXmEMcp5PoPbHuuo2crC5oXXjqi6soQbfhR_6qIAutDn3s1MILfKr5M2cOJeclZtmfWxskZPwA-wOrYM/s3037/P1240105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3037" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4HDi3s8NeHcRnB6l-3sBNAoEdJkCbxJIfrdpEkB90uBZwHv6kISzv9_LZvOud2cNJ1xwnhrR7mn_Z8wWgZ8KPxZpDHA1V6LDzSbPlpK4jSicRXmEMcp5PoPbHuuo2crC5oXXjqi6soQbfhR_6qIAutDn3s1MILfKr5M2cOJeclZtmfWxskZPwA-wOrYM/w400-h395/P1240105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br />As we put our kayaks ashore, we noted that the beach was much more crowded this afternoon than it had been in mid-morning when we launched. A number of couples were picnicking on the beach and observed us carefully as we hauled our kayaks up to the Jeep to set them atop and head back to the campground. Having completed our outdoor play, it was now time to do some campground chores.</p><p></p><p>Cheers!<br /></p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-51852841976230706762024-01-23T16:49:00.003-05:002024-01-23T16:49:50.959-05:00Biking Black Prong Trails in Goethe State Forest<p style="text-align: right;">Tuesday, January 23, 2024</p><p>Hi Blog!</p><p>After hiking for a couple day, we decided to take the bikes out for a spin. We discovered a series of multi-use trails in the Goethe State Forest in Dunnellon, Florida. The 42,000 acre forest is cris-crossed with old logging roads. We could choose between three established trails (green, orange or blue) or mix and match and create our own ride.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbUh4f9SUiiF4TC72Jgx5OFXmzWsvtiJXzmwlN3HJcsrLsFutifwDTK8lMUspKjrU6aJYNU01sC_g89Stl-huijPSPSsucNgUzCmsUIhUTj7owXmzCU47Sfnzt4zypJyJ0UmRX4VTx67DGfycV8cN_PaYrioz9vsXw6Oj04G99u-P2F9reeSr7hIKcpNp/s3600/P1230001_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbUh4f9SUiiF4TC72Jgx5OFXmzWsvtiJXzmwlN3HJcsrLsFutifwDTK8lMUspKjrU6aJYNU01sC_g89Stl-huijPSPSsucNgUzCmsUIhUTj7owXmzCU47Sfnzt4zypJyJ0UmRX4VTx67DGfycV8cN_PaYrioz9vsXw6Oj04G99u-P2F9reeSr7hIKcpNp/w400-h300/P1230001_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Goethe Forest has several creeks or “drains” including Black Prong, Cow Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and Horse Hole Creek. The name “Black Prong” is said to originate as a descriptor for the branching prong of the forest drain system that has dark stained water due to the tannins released by decomposing pine leaves. The Black Prong drain has been used as a marker to identify this northeast side of the Goethe Forest since before the land was acquired by the Florida State Forest Service. It is now the namesake of the Black Prong Trailhead and a nearby equestrian resort!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HRq0MTQjfqVthlf1XTIYTq489iBnJCXioS2DkZTyjoK1l3NbNQoAItSP6QUzTK35YdaZiapV1nmCZBUA0-vms-3u2-ZFYR7yt2bFBGTJm5_UZN0wDMdDBwzaPUnXHLWXp7ZawKXZgp2IuLHW4YDuXHRknqOVA5OrTpchK0KH6YHKrifIjeKSk6yf0J68/s3672/PXL_20240123_172703332_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HRq0MTQjfqVthlf1XTIYTq489iBnJCXioS2DkZTyjoK1l3NbNQoAItSP6QUzTK35YdaZiapV1nmCZBUA0-vms-3u2-ZFYR7yt2bFBGTJm5_UZN0wDMdDBwzaPUnXHLWXp7ZawKXZgp2IuLHW4YDuXHRknqOVA5OrTpchK0KH6YHKrifIjeKSk6yf0J68/w301-h400/PXL_20240123_172703332_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The forest has 19 different natural communities including mesic flatwoods, dome swamp, sandhill, and basin swamp. Goethe State Forest contains an exceptionally large tract of a contiguous hydric hammock and still has some scattered old-growth cypress.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDd-PGJs_2dZAmd9eyCBQn1ENorrEZeguRARJlzDvTpmNGlQlNraEN-EbQpaOXWKbq4aGqRhyphenhyphenyO7baO7lYXoNZe6h8iG8EXBGFV_TsqC14R1rA8rjEag-V8LxRbl07k4tRyjWWPS0mDGTh7EtFsI049Dk3fYic7J6ckixd6P_M3YdyeKvKYhdVQqnMkEJ/s3600/P1230002_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDd-PGJs_2dZAmd9eyCBQn1ENorrEZeguRARJlzDvTpmNGlQlNraEN-EbQpaOXWKbq4aGqRhyphenhyphenyO7baO7lYXoNZe6h8iG8EXBGFV_TsqC14R1rA8rjEag-V8LxRbl07k4tRyjWWPS0mDGTh7EtFsI049Dk3fYic7J6ckixd6P_M3YdyeKvKYhdVQqnMkEJ/w400-h300/P1230002_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We parked at the Black Prong Trailhead and used a QR Code to pay the day use fee. The trailhead has four primitive camp sites, day use picnic tables and a restroom with running water. We started our ride on the orange trail which followed Camp Road. The surface was comprised of hard packed sand and limestone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIPzlE0elCgYhYsSglGp-QFMfISgmieSyJef2riJT2uMKWwRFjr77g3R1MCrGAA9UBDue9X_LtaKFdiPi4QNT5U4CNguT1k4OZZVh9p8HygbNtxfUoG_glN1Ly4asdPfP5siyF9J9DcsrVCJ5IRmOxBFDJURrIfZo-t5dn1R8bbiJ5EdjwagBcjI9itB3/s3600/P1230003_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIPzlE0elCgYhYsSglGp-QFMfISgmieSyJef2riJT2uMKWwRFjr77g3R1MCrGAA9UBDue9X_LtaKFdiPi4QNT5U4CNguT1k4OZZVh9p8HygbNtxfUoG_glN1Ly4asdPfP5siyF9J9DcsrVCJ5IRmOxBFDJURrIfZo-t5dn1R8bbiJ5EdjwagBcjI9itB3/w400-h300/P1230003_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did find a few water crossings. It's not often we get to leave a wake when biking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapY6YHrhohrw9phkkIVDP8RsLr_hv5PAuI19h3WiMS4w_eCfRfgN7iR39a7QZiX5HZ956tb7u8hHH6PQGN2PAh7ccPXZxrhsZUoMxcNJuyVZQUOfd_W9gHRuWw-sFP6f9qjBXnBTK0fRYIQXL0f8JH3O15HroLHf_W4xAJOPijDbv1ggbJeTBYCj_FPoE/s3600/P1230004_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapY6YHrhohrw9phkkIVDP8RsLr_hv5PAuI19h3WiMS4w_eCfRfgN7iR39a7QZiX5HZ956tb7u8hHH6PQGN2PAh7ccPXZxrhsZUoMxcNJuyVZQUOfd_W9gHRuWw-sFP6f9qjBXnBTK0fRYIQXL0f8JH3O15HroLHf_W4xAJOPijDbv1ggbJeTBYCj_FPoE/w400-h300/P1230004_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the trails looked a little soggy, so we decided to stick to the forest roads. We saw an armadillo, but he/she was very shy and ran into the brush before we could get a photo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrSNJPC1bC6-8useYlfheGE8JvBSocq0u4b3W4IRzrXTmCoYirsCEvmhyphenhyphenoZP_6yn-c6k7Pnnv7JUts-R3TLE1fCQ5btVes9Zl20uamOWA7kl5wRFrdpm49RcMx39Mr_Brqz_xNCKHIg8ruPijo02ya-yKFp2HXKwZdOGMA3CWNFVFGwBX8lV-JjKO6L4F/s3600/P1230005_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrSNJPC1bC6-8useYlfheGE8JvBSocq0u4b3W4IRzrXTmCoYirsCEvmhyphenhyphenoZP_6yn-c6k7Pnnv7JUts-R3TLE1fCQ5btVes9Zl20uamOWA7kl5wRFrdpm49RcMx39Mr_Brqz_xNCKHIg8ruPijo02ya-yKFp2HXKwZdOGMA3CWNFVFGwBX8lV-JjKO6L4F/w400-h300/P1230005_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After biking a little over 5 miles, we reached the west end of the forest. We decided to bike on County Road 343 to another forest road which would take us back across the forest to the trailhead.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9neeYRAD71eM2X2dshWgZpzE1SZB6CAsGFjCOAB7qR_WRHQAzTQcrs7cORavQLMjOILbGGJBKmRAkEHdAN8Cj5kOD9zn8P_C6QnKIQuPrgVmvw7A_f6C9JwTb1V6JR-KCkB3rnmp3n0OUklifwU6_khk4zFejDQI0pmFqL3XnaIavdeip3OFGtzOlIxf/s3600/P1230006_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9neeYRAD71eM2X2dshWgZpzE1SZB6CAsGFjCOAB7qR_WRHQAzTQcrs7cORavQLMjOILbGGJBKmRAkEHdAN8Cj5kOD9zn8P_C6QnKIQuPrgVmvw7A_f6C9JwTb1V6JR-KCkB3rnmp3n0OUklifwU6_khk4zFejDQI0pmFqL3XnaIavdeip3OFGtzOlIxf/w400-h300/P1230006_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As most of you know, Florida is experiencing below average temperatures. The flowers are very confused. We did find this little guy struggling to find some sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0eMrIlvlhSgayT8kvaHewKW_j3-4muUx7GYre8T-3pbbx5f04-hbcohyphenhyphencYzpNL07JqnwYDkSmTaBOZFT5V4pL2qg4_JI3kov_nWBACmLCb-TGcnL4A3dEQeKkCsCW8BkzRIeCoOVfKyf0U4_oIu5SnkIaDodiMULHM1Uw79BmHU38wylY8DdD3mC8CXA/s3600/P1230007_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0eMrIlvlhSgayT8kvaHewKW_j3-4muUx7GYre8T-3pbbx5f04-hbcohyphenhyphencYzpNL07JqnwYDkSmTaBOZFT5V4pL2qg4_JI3kov_nWBACmLCb-TGcnL4A3dEQeKkCsCW8BkzRIeCoOVfKyf0U4_oIu5SnkIaDodiMULHM1Uw79BmHU38wylY8DdD3mC8CXA/w400-h300/P1230007_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For the most part, we had the road to ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUARbOFruLI7uc_1H74gvfQE9avdoJ51zNkCqJSnQxuV3HKWuxL_atZQN29oeNnHHbT3YSLGYdRifv5JIDXv6YlnsEeKQQ8xpcv_gaTnoFyeS4sNQl2S70FUZdYzo5oJ62IElIZu7wzpuXEQRaJwHtnX0kF0GbCXno1ZRqPRRxNi3WFrqfY4kIvFJZBAE/s3600/P1230008_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUARbOFruLI7uc_1H74gvfQE9avdoJ51zNkCqJSnQxuV3HKWuxL_atZQN29oeNnHHbT3YSLGYdRifv5JIDXv6YlnsEeKQQ8xpcv_gaTnoFyeS4sNQl2S70FUZdYzo5oJ62IElIZu7wzpuXEQRaJwHtnX0kF0GbCXno1ZRqPRRxNi3WFrqfY4kIvFJZBAE/w400-h300/P1230008_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just across the street from our entrance back into our trail system on Black Prong Road stands the old Wekiva Fire Tower. We stopped to see if we could climb the tower, but it was gated and locked. Too bad. We've climbed enough fire towers to know that the views would have been awesome.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbPsqWGlHxlcV25sMlkh79lo3Mzk31CXWNpNBIXn0dRq4-1OLzDqUYH3_ExwSg6zqh6cVYwu5dDUfr4uIyAM5LaMsQNz_dqlrgNGNYMYh_Lv3KELQAyFmlei6kPrA3JQZbyi6lSGOzcqENzioqJSBm3UGJIcAuR9-A3nwadxn65ocg6OQzp-bvJOaV15t/s3600/P1230010_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbPsqWGlHxlcV25sMlkh79lo3Mzk31CXWNpNBIXn0dRq4-1OLzDqUYH3_ExwSg6zqh6cVYwu5dDUfr4uIyAM5LaMsQNz_dqlrgNGNYMYh_Lv3KELQAyFmlei6kPrA3JQZbyi6lSGOzcqENzioqJSBm3UGJIcAuR9-A3nwadxn65ocg6OQzp-bvJOaV15t/w480-h640/P1230010_copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, much of the original old growth pine and cypress was logged off. Railroads were built to haul out the timber. As the lumbering progressed the rails were moved, but raised beds remained.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEEhWXDlO8UwwdEJmxvE4407mH2slaf4Ll8aaxA6HNNQdq1oYGHcGMLaWip1PpW631HknD7pcUCg_B5LdeUmqgxdBKyhERsLakYoHFi3w4V3GF_dCfQ-udMQhHATeWCgBctgkaZdBdSQ9NrzQrWYRUgJzNblv532FpXrLltNhKKRwlI0a37eNCuAs9QB1/s3600/P1230012_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEEhWXDlO8UwwdEJmxvE4407mH2slaf4Ll8aaxA6HNNQdq1oYGHcGMLaWip1PpW631HknD7pcUCg_B5LdeUmqgxdBKyhERsLakYoHFi3w4V3GF_dCfQ-udMQhHATeWCgBctgkaZdBdSQ9NrzQrWYRUgJzNblv532FpXrLltNhKKRwlI0a37eNCuAs9QB1/w400-h300/P1230012_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The various woods roads seem to converge in the center of the forest. From here, we could head off in five different directions. Most of the roads are signed. We also have our hand held GPS. Even if we didn't know where we were going, we'd be able to find our way back.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvQEoK2wrc6-xurZsCee6ZOha9jtqO1ahXRnIS9KKDXrz70tuToiiLafnRBWXSXr9VWqD8xWDnW-rGM9Sw5sdhz6n9Vl0MNbT0A1Oie-F0Ffq6F2hI2jPwsuHZn71zKI8ahwCudvxmdH0EUFHIUdM9xzXwxwTVm4HzRebOxVTEitNt3tmzoV_BCta5Tgd/s3600/P1230013_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvQEoK2wrc6-xurZsCee6ZOha9jtqO1ahXRnIS9KKDXrz70tuToiiLafnRBWXSXr9VWqD8xWDnW-rGM9Sw5sdhz6n9Vl0MNbT0A1Oie-F0Ffq6F2hI2jPwsuHZn71zKI8ahwCudvxmdH0EUFHIUdM9xzXwxwTVm4HzRebOxVTEitNt3tmzoV_BCta5Tgd/w400-h300/P1230013_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The forest supports a wide variety of wildlife including fox squirrels, black bear, white tailed deer, tortoise, frog, bald eagle and wild turkey. We stopped at this cypress swamp to see if we could spot some critters. However, the cold weather has kept them all hunkered down.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91jYbT267tsCP-xQ109JhPSkUp8AHqRRe0j56bx3ViRFX35ZnNo4foQDfUPmlVq2YWvgqYYiT9Bux7NEIcp_OXxzN2CXNnsZKuyISTpmLYY27kTrB8fDWlyVcbXozY9CZuVWIVJxIij9jDmXSqMVXpg2h8vWVuYo292ftrHo4h8v3cZMS0IP4vX9ygnKo/s3600/P1230014_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91jYbT267tsCP-xQ109JhPSkUp8AHqRRe0j56bx3ViRFX35ZnNo4foQDfUPmlVq2YWvgqYYiT9Bux7NEIcp_OXxzN2CXNnsZKuyISTpmLYY27kTrB8fDWlyVcbXozY9CZuVWIVJxIij9jDmXSqMVXpg2h8vWVuYo292ftrHo4h8v3cZMS0IP4vX9ygnKo/w300-h400/P1230014_copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did share the road with this equestrian, who probably rode over from the Black Prong Resort, a 90 acre facility that caters to horse travelers. There is a hotel, pool, restaurant, cabins, RV sites and horse paddocks located right next to the forest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw069lydgMpO-4mujPyr52oTO6mj2rskpM0ENuNBsQr9e2aoiPXy1cXDM525cKuS2VWjFVGTA4tQ60HXDY2qkuxNVemwCkhRevQYkiwWyiRsIPOy61NVH-bFNs_pIIVP90bPxdxUPDJcrK9hD0utpOQ21OZbCE3c9YdI3otb91_5070sxoLj6CozRYRfc4/s3600/P1230015_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw069lydgMpO-4mujPyr52oTO6mj2rskpM0ENuNBsQr9e2aoiPXy1cXDM525cKuS2VWjFVGTA4tQ60HXDY2qkuxNVemwCkhRevQYkiwWyiRsIPOy61NVH-bFNs_pIIVP90bPxdxUPDJcrK9hD0utpOQ21OZbCE3c9YdI3otb91_5070sxoLj6CozRYRfc4/w400-h300/P1230015_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After 10 miles, we decided to stop for a snack. We thought about doing another couple miles, but decided to head into Tony's Chowder House in Cedar Key for some of Tony's World Famous Clam Chowder.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Tony’s was named after the owner;s brother, who’s nickname is Tony. The actual owner of Tony’s and its founder and recipe creator is Chef Eric. The restaurant began operations on June 2, 2005. Diners at Tony’s between 2005-2009 encouraged Chef Eric to enter the chowder into the Great Chowder Cook-Off held each year in Newport Rhode Island. In June 2009 Chef Eric took on the best chowders around the world. The result was three straight annual clam chowder world championships. In June of 2011 Tony’s Cedar Key Clam Chowder was inducted into the event's Hall of Fame and the recipe was retired from the competition. In 2012 Tony’s Chowder was made available in a can for consumers around the world to enjoy. Tony's is a self-service chowder café featuring our fresh kitchen-made chowder in cups or bowls. Tony’s front dining area features some dynamic hand painted murals that honor the history of Cedar Key and the famous chowder.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLqTSz24JPikZtOZTaoz1wXHj5qIoODGU3FQ_hbTKFtCOLSA1GTxUqLCws9EJmnpfiaabnPwvdnmbDtcHTSOaJGehP3g66f7-dQqu4Sz59aQcy9qsqdRrfaj9qcLXi8lYw01nU4lH3bKb4z5-boTkMv77IB58iN5WjlpPtwVOJGJZacvMEcCpRp74524E/s3672/PXL_20240123_182410153_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLqTSz24JPikZtOZTaoz1wXHj5qIoODGU3FQ_hbTKFtCOLSA1GTxUqLCws9EJmnpfiaabnPwvdnmbDtcHTSOaJGehP3g66f7-dQqu4Sz59aQcy9qsqdRrfaj9qcLXi8lYw01nU4lH3bKb4z5-boTkMv77IB58iN5WjlpPtwVOJGJZacvMEcCpRp74524E/w301-h400/PXL_20240123_182410153_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">It truly was one of the best clam chowders we have ever had. Needless to say, we brought some cans home with us. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We can't wait for some cold evenings to warm ourselves with some scrumptious clam chowder! <br /></p></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-78718779219963062552024-01-21T18:54:00.000-05:002024-01-21T18:54:42.482-05:00Revisiting Manatee Springs State Park<p>On February 20, 2023 -- about 11 months ago -- we visited Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida, and <a href="https://davenkathy.blogspot.com/2023/02/manatee-springs-state-park.html">posted about it in this blog entry.</a> We were camped at Suwanee River Bend RV Park in nearby Old Town. This year, our RV is posted in Cedar Key, south of Old Town and closer to the Gulf Coast. But we were looking for a hike of suitable length in one of the parks or preserves nearby, and decided we wanted to revisit Manatee Springs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKyv-tKcw_Kef5BlsYmDsFJrnkl3qxHf9XLVxtjqbGlGfSX-y67R8cf2wc1KFbqYc3dpI99FzmD8FCVQ3_f6nRLGSOaSzlTw2uEQtomd44Vb72CpPQQKAtlyQLIhze4jsyTct0tYvUUAMz7sT7moJIDiZu4clXfaWdgp5KVF5K2mVRW4WgDF6PyHx108k/s3199/PXL_20240121_162222926_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="3199" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKyv-tKcw_Kef5BlsYmDsFJrnkl3qxHf9XLVxtjqbGlGfSX-y67R8cf2wc1KFbqYc3dpI99FzmD8FCVQ3_f6nRLGSOaSzlTw2uEQtomd44Vb72CpPQQKAtlyQLIhze4jsyTct0tYvUUAMz7sT7moJIDiZu4clXfaWdgp5KVF5K2mVRW4WgDF6PyHx108k/w400-h228/PXL_20240121_162222926_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Manatee Springs appears to have been inhabited regularly for at least 9,000 years. The first known residents were the Timucuan Indians, and it is believed that parts of the state park had been a Timucuan Indian village site, with access to the Suwanee River for transportation as well as fresh water. Excavations at Manatee Spring Park have revealed that the Indian village was heavily populated throughout history. Fragments of pottery, bone awls, and arrowheads have been found on the site. Sea turtle shells found at the village site suggest that the inhabitants traveled by water down the Suwannee River to the Gulf of Mexico.</p><p>It's rare that we have a chance to visit the same park twice. We decided to start this time with the spring where, in warmer weather, manatees might be found. We spotted manatees here last year. Not this time.</p><p>But we did see this great white heron on the opposite shoreline: <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFjmQ7WhZ2oYT0v1y74Uq7oeLpOkZRO6dptkSFCR8xeoHepMZn-YAU8TeKNtMQrfUWE2hA3Y0dakQkAs1y_GVfL0QMPnIOqMuH172sHt73-HXwUqCSTPrQdEWHHQaqBfGxSuwdtaPHq7Imeu5q97wgILxh4bwmdZUzX9m89DcA2-S4g1jXuAmLDH2fCyJ/s3672/PXL_20240121_163844274_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFjmQ7WhZ2oYT0v1y74Uq7oeLpOkZRO6dptkSFCR8xeoHepMZn-YAU8TeKNtMQrfUWE2hA3Y0dakQkAs1y_GVfL0QMPnIOqMuH172sHt73-HXwUqCSTPrQdEWHHQaqBfGxSuwdtaPHq7Imeu5q97wgILxh4bwmdZUzX9m89DcA2-S4g1jXuAmLDH2fCyJ/w301-h400/PXL_20240121_163844274_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the winter, without leaves on the trees, the springs looked pretty desolate --<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YwvzxHwOj1IGCMorgdFz8JmXmbrovGnqeUdRbq52VDhqZpHPWqDJKaarHFSK2vy8XL8aXMwE-1YS9KGQWNikI6eQQ2raZTR62aWNhb54VUN-M-ktkeXG9_m09yrqrnJNWaJ9SXlc6-0v-idf4nx1gUs1n7NOr9tnkVlxFc4pCvEgvp-sR8yorUDIABnP/s3264/PXL_20240121_163913354_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YwvzxHwOj1IGCMorgdFz8JmXmbrovGnqeUdRbq52VDhqZpHPWqDJKaarHFSK2vy8XL8aXMwE-1YS9KGQWNikI6eQQ2raZTR62aWNhb54VUN-M-ktkeXG9_m09yrqrnJNWaJ9SXlc6-0v-idf4nx1gUs1n7NOr9tnkVlxFc4pCvEgvp-sR8yorUDIABnP/w400-h301/PXL_20240121_163913354_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- but the water was still clear. We could see a raft of vegetation floating just under the surface, looking like some prehistoric or alien aquatic life, floating over the limestone floor of the spring:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOulgJ0WeiUIQNxrGNEpof2r8WKugj5NykRM3MDLpxys8RAbXrjZb5hlvYI4vPljOTQZbCCXR_p04sTQAvCNk3EG9HB3oxRYO98mCPSqDlzE0JDHLo8GUK7VSgWD6w7CPHJsF_wrAFyRkgkXe9di2NoWrlSZkPoAUsAhuEV9cPQVMp8IWBYqISttx_tgim/s3672/PXL_20240121_164104116_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOulgJ0WeiUIQNxrGNEpof2r8WKugj5NykRM3MDLpxys8RAbXrjZb5hlvYI4vPljOTQZbCCXR_p04sTQAvCNk3EG9HB3oxRYO98mCPSqDlzE0JDHLo8GUK7VSgWD6w7CPHJsF_wrAFyRkgkXe9di2NoWrlSZkPoAUsAhuEV9cPQVMp8IWBYqISttx_tgim/w400-h301/PXL_20240121_164104116_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We ran across this little manatee, and Dave, recalling our prior visit, gave the little fellow a pet:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppRjHHfn2kqVvy8q0PNdS2_ESNreeVKVF8QPuj5dWYsUJ9UBjFV3MB-tDcSyEsgGSg0-4833rmspAHdN_1MJQ18xSmzJrI9N9QMrR_S0HtUs-glJBtE61FgDBbX7GuK5UDrumOm5Z-8HcoXPCYR6gJSESMtgSUkr-TaFNzPbQ1ALmmGHZ97EET3d7kk-S/s3264/PXL_20240121_164226374_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppRjHHfn2kqVvy8q0PNdS2_ESNreeVKVF8QPuj5dWYsUJ9UBjFV3MB-tDcSyEsgGSg0-4833rmspAHdN_1MJQ18xSmzJrI9N9QMrR_S0HtUs-glJBtE61FgDBbX7GuK5UDrumOm5Z-8HcoXPCYR6gJSESMtgSUkr-TaFNzPbQ1ALmmGHZ97EET3d7kk-S/w400-h301/PXL_20240121_164226374_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The woods themselves are very quiet this time of year. But we could hear the incessant tap-tap-tap of the pileated woodpeckers as they hunted for bugs in the upper story of the forest. We spotted this one as we crossed the top of the spring --<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9NadKKl2RNkmu2TuIKbck3LvRG5HpqVjG8mjr_0AoE5B2UvlnLBT9iHgZKAm2XlKYghTRQjuq7eqMGjTpo1btQaG91KegIR_Z6o3nQ0fr8D_wAvoAxo41LiPP3eVT33ffajZ0U01vBtPiZ555z_frRw0BP6UGtEzyLMvfHQoqwucs5T84MCk82TNXwh0/s1724/PXL_20240121_164400796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="1464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9NadKKl2RNkmu2TuIKbck3LvRG5HpqVjG8mjr_0AoE5B2UvlnLBT9iHgZKAm2XlKYghTRQjuq7eqMGjTpo1btQaG91KegIR_Z6o3nQ0fr8D_wAvoAxo41LiPP3eVT33ffajZ0U01vBtPiZ555z_frRw0BP6UGtEzyLMvfHQoqwucs5T84MCk82TNXwh0/w340-h400/PXL_20240121_164400796.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><p></p><p>-- and then this woodpecker as we started up the North Trail:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Y5qiqiCb_azN1vrBZAfewPqomEKzNqq7H3zcEpVj7bd0MGZbPfuzbdwnpIgkFd0rbH2X-RrX7Jn7wNLTP6bnRuryJqMRaZaoCZs-jRfrkRbmQvMKAkSjfxvKFICPzOXlan2ItD6-9_oLPM-5XRe5zA8YLIafZDdiNjJ5YDp2IM_Dvon5S3tleeEODaP/s2044/PXL_20240121_164652037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2044" data-original-width="1896" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Y5qiqiCb_azN1vrBZAfewPqomEKzNqq7H3zcEpVj7bd0MGZbPfuzbdwnpIgkFd0rbH2X-RrX7Jn7wNLTP6bnRuryJqMRaZaoCZs-jRfrkRbmQvMKAkSjfxvKFICPzOXlan2ItD6-9_oLPM-5XRe5zA8YLIafZDdiNjJ5YDp2IM_Dvon5S3tleeEODaP/w371-h400/PXL_20240121_164652037.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><p></p><p>We finally reached the official trailhead for the North Trail -- "Mile 0" -- and Kathy knelt in homage while David recorded the start of our hike:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrYb-rD7F6gN77_WYSrrZAgy-9_15OTdiD5JGPLfwg6CrE_EOQ28gEaIgMqnaBiZGWQRVninyjfqkUnSJNstn4_xaSEusltYnUyqnhowAHMJKQEN_l81zoRqeUnI4nPqYrracutGBfRPwS3BJ9LBK63j5NXMiPNa7amISPOgNRLl5bdcA83ENKBI7fkox/s3456/PXL_20240121_170206130_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3456" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrYb-rD7F6gN77_WYSrrZAgy-9_15OTdiD5JGPLfwg6CrE_EOQ28gEaIgMqnaBiZGWQRVninyjfqkUnSJNstn4_xaSEusltYnUyqnhowAHMJKQEN_l81zoRqeUnI4nPqYrracutGBfRPwS3BJ9LBK63j5NXMiPNa7amISPOgNRLl5bdcA83ENKBI7fkox/w400-h300/PXL_20240121_170206130_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had a late start to our hike, so it was about a half hour into it when it was time for us to stop for lunch. Kathy prepared some hot soup that we carried in our Zojirushi portable mugs (courtesy of our daughter Katie). We munched on a Southern biscuit and slurped the soup and enjoyed the sunny, cold day:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMJ7DnpdAjjM4B5PimnYfb980ArbgjtzWoBDj3O3cL6129FR2hHIYYb21sukEBVhUEKkJW_zONVLXBCBpp-PjGYiY3RdPuQFa0R021vuDC8EZl65rvlUZyOhrdWPszMJJtFMuRerVR810_wU9GXMZp9HAb8cUUCNHin5abC3kk9rAPuirFXgSi_WttX1-/s3672/PXL_20240121_171354713_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMJ7DnpdAjjM4B5PimnYfb980ArbgjtzWoBDj3O3cL6129FR2hHIYYb21sukEBVhUEKkJW_zONVLXBCBpp-PjGYiY3RdPuQFa0R021vuDC8EZl65rvlUZyOhrdWPszMJJtFMuRerVR810_wU9GXMZp9HAb8cUUCNHin5abC3kk9rAPuirFXgSi_WttX1-/w301-h400/PXL_20240121_171354713_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Not long after we started back on the trail after lunch, we spotted a hollow space at the base of a tree, speculated that some critter must live there, and Kathy spotted a glint that told her she had found a geocache! She opened it, but there was no writing instrument to record our find. We inspected the cache and replaced it in its hiding place for the next geocacher to find.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbQn1-Hsx81v2w33rMetbGPu26zXefQkD_Oit4_FpR3Eg07b801Hd3cUGmWh5_s8sm636mvNn-A7phG1DpddUYZImOousKTgeLbucXXt4Os3kiWPaVJCL2uj8sWYd8eJfaQtrYPloi-Llf2pbgUqDGlWn3-XrDNkv7w4ssaXY-mrzjrnUe8Di9e4xCWOz/s3672/PXL_20240121_174001498_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbQn1-Hsx81v2w33rMetbGPu26zXefQkD_Oit4_FpR3Eg07b801Hd3cUGmWh5_s8sm636mvNn-A7phG1DpddUYZImOousKTgeLbucXXt4Os3kiWPaVJCL2uj8sWYd8eJfaQtrYPloi-Llf2pbgUqDGlWn3-XrDNkv7w4ssaXY-mrzjrnUe8Di9e4xCWOz/w301-h400/PXL_20240121_174001498_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some further way along, we came across a small pond formed in a hollow that resulted from a sinkhole. These occur when the acidic plant materials leach acids into the ground, dissolving limestone over small cavities. The roofs of the cavities collapse, creating a hollow for water to collect.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lpsyfd1w1zMYtvnrKn4O14VBSM3Pb5_SWa3A9GraTja5eq6OGMOJH8L8OsIxpkMXHYE6AIIQEicfPZvjOCv1kHZdLlhXsfxmzC73mQk4HSG3dNfc6bzkMU6hPoQY6RfJEuP95EF16iJ3lvsfebUdLJkMTxRSLx3eWvwmSOUipmSBP_dCbMXZyV4E35ZA/s3264/PXL_20240121_175730646_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lpsyfd1w1zMYtvnrKn4O14VBSM3Pb5_SWa3A9GraTja5eq6OGMOJH8L8OsIxpkMXHYE6AIIQEicfPZvjOCv1kHZdLlhXsfxmzC73mQk4HSG3dNfc6bzkMU6hPoQY6RfJEuP95EF16iJ3lvsfebUdLJkMTxRSLx3eWvwmSOUipmSBP_dCbMXZyV4E35ZA/w400-h301/PXL_20240121_175730646_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a pretty typical view on our trail today:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxSRtc-e3jqMQQMzF9VUsVrCuYN7A4Ts5PkvIyK2r45gbtLjw0bt5XFITnL5SfcHdYXjqRMlG9GUXwhzNelrcmf-cjAOe0NDHLvbgkI3xE2F9IgFqJu9w9sfVZGhcu6QdLHc-Q-Dmf59PZhHlRcM8uoHh4YNaLFOVMXuattAdphrODMEzsGfyPkJwx01h/s3264/PXL_20240121_175959184_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxSRtc-e3jqMQQMzF9VUsVrCuYN7A4Ts5PkvIyK2r45gbtLjw0bt5XFITnL5SfcHdYXjqRMlG9GUXwhzNelrcmf-cjAOe0NDHLvbgkI3xE2F9IgFqJu9w9sfVZGhcu6QdLHc-Q-Dmf59PZhHlRcM8uoHh4YNaLFOVMXuattAdphrODMEzsGfyPkJwx01h/w301-h400/PXL_20240121_175959184_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>Toward the end of our hike, we spotted a sizeable number of burrows and we speculated what must have formed them. This hole was slightly bigger than a softball, and we guessed that it might be a gopher tortoise. However, that would be a pretty small tortoise, so we were not sure. The other holes were much smaller, so we were left to wonder what might have created the holes.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oX5AT4nVFhsY_0KQXsP3s7pPFf68HcISBGjVmcrHlnwVdbYSzBVMTMyWlFgKgjXRCjwWE4bYdAu-9bYoJZn-u4K-9x_6obzKqc39UJszHOGjazkS0OUpg0qDnKHioqAjZADO9B4l4CgMXAxtyqPFt6AQSfyQ5hCWhvd8zbqdyeY7wV04ZbPZx4H-GF3i/s3264/PXL_20240121_182641232_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oX5AT4nVFhsY_0KQXsP3s7pPFf68HcISBGjVmcrHlnwVdbYSzBVMTMyWlFgKgjXRCjwWE4bYdAu-9bYoJZn-u4K-9x_6obzKqc39UJszHOGjazkS0OUpg0qDnKHioqAjZADO9B4l4CgMXAxtyqPFt6AQSfyQ5hCWhvd8zbqdyeY7wV04ZbPZx4H-GF3i/w301-h400/PXL_20240121_182641232_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p>This was a wonderful hike for a cold, sunny day. We wished we had found as interesting a hike that we had not already covered, but, by the same token, this hike was much greener than the last time we visited. We appreciated the chance to get out and enjoy this beautiful area during a crisp, dry, sunny day.</p>Dave'n'Kathy Vagabond Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614521914524912131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370606341590356537.post-89705101466418205972024-01-21T18:53:00.000-05:002024-01-21T18:53:49.711-05:00Cedar Key - Shell Mound Hike<p style="text-align: right;"> Saturday, January 20, 2024</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hi Blog!</p><p style="text-align: left;">After several weeks of visiting with family and friends, we find ourselves camped near Cedar Key on the West Coast of Florida. This area is surrounded by a number of state parks and preserves including the Waccassa Bay Preserve, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. With so many options, we were not sure what to do first. After visiting the Cedar Key Welcome Center this morning, we decided to venture into the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and explore the Shell Mounds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpM0DlqjXlFrgU0VWX3MsAfmY9qeTEFA-0VLjnLzAZuW3dqw9CvLJArSRZe5nXtP_5f_gTdBXpn7m0S6ZBUH4bVA3noMgVC6G_Lt8rgoA7onq5yTCBtX6QspgRHIVCM4AV2dcK6jbrEiu9Ghn4b661lO5lHXo45gmGyHu7Ebu044JH5zqjHoI_Uqq7z1/s3840/PXL_20240120_174209363.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3840" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpM0DlqjXlFrgU0VWX3MsAfmY9qeTEFA-0VLjnLzAZuW3dqw9CvLJArSRZe5nXtP_5f_gTdBXpn7m0S6ZBUH4bVA3noMgVC6G_Lt8rgoA7onq5yTCBtX6QspgRHIVCM4AV2dcK6jbrEiu9Ghn4b661lO5lHXo45gmGyHu7Ebu044JH5zqjHoI_Uqq7z1/w400-h300/PXL_20240120_174209363.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before exploring the Shell Mound Trail, we decided to hike out to the boat launch and fishing pier. The road was closed, but we could still walk out under the shade of live oak trees, with the Spanish moss gently swaying in the breeze.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-D_PBIFcprgbPT0xDlDwHg1mwiljozi8kccvJJ6xpQqbtKwMxXlt5CYw4OAddb_L9FIVxi7ThXRFD0p4CmKXkVYH_401XYxY1xbinGm8ZEAlCdCw8JkI7mEyYEj5XK1jgT3z52ndbvZwVU9x6Q4AUMBuLpipxWkQvRldIMZ4bue81JOBnQQNmCNANobg/s3264/PXL_20240120_174504522_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-D_PBIFcprgbPT0xDlDwHg1mwiljozi8kccvJJ6xpQqbtKwMxXlt5CYw4OAddb_L9FIVxi7ThXRFD0p4CmKXkVYH_401XYxY1xbinGm8ZEAlCdCw8JkI7mEyYEj5XK1jgT3z52ndbvZwVU9x6Q4AUMBuLpipxWkQvRldIMZ4bue81JOBnQQNmCNANobg/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_174504522_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We got our first look at the many islands that surround Cedar Key. More than 13 islands make up the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAYN0HGLOqCL9fT5u2D6StXEF9j-gdDUkUf7RnAQZgMYjn4PKFhRUp5yS4NKSjN0Q17uL4YqVL8w268gtbuQ4eNkTehr-PZuoQBLzRmUEGHW1k6ZWTj4yRpfJS0RZ4H8b0pRBbCqmhnuSC_K9NKm0uD9adQCLYNKdymGOm4ZvxV0hucljcD54DClWPNMl/s3672/PXL_20240120_174744028_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAYN0HGLOqCL9fT5u2D6StXEF9j-gdDUkUf7RnAQZgMYjn4PKFhRUp5yS4NKSjN0Q17uL4YqVL8w268gtbuQ4eNkTehr-PZuoQBLzRmUEGHW1k6ZWTj4yRpfJS0RZ4H8b0pRBbCqmhnuSC_K9NKm0uD9adQCLYNKdymGOm4ZvxV0hucljcD54DClWPNMl/w301-h400/PXL_20240120_174744028_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia hit this area hard. Storm surge flooded the community and washed away the fishing pier. The first priority was getting the streets clean and mucking out the houses and businesses. Most of the town's businesses are now open, but there are still several shops, including the only grocery store, which still have not re-opened. The construction crews are now beginning to work on rebuilding the boat launch and fishing pier.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaJpNbdDM5QGsJ3yC5w8DWJPAd4kvE7zxcqJgFb7Ms8eI58tFPnd2wMBV2a-QCR0V2Jd0VmRmvkyhM3jgTMIAz19kay9sZ4N28fbzyF7ZVjZpMr20BCxZUzcyCp98LvZsdSMVfIu2tqnHFX22druKGa-GtQY73DDveng2AcxrEXnPYKeYhN61DcMYtTGv/s3264/PXL_20240120_175300154_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaJpNbdDM5QGsJ3yC5w8DWJPAd4kvE7zxcqJgFb7Ms8eI58tFPnd2wMBV2a-QCR0V2Jd0VmRmvkyhM3jgTMIAz19kay9sZ4N28fbzyF7ZVjZpMr20BCxZUzcyCp98LvZsdSMVfIu2tqnHFX22druKGa-GtQY73DDveng2AcxrEXnPYKeYhN61DcMYtTGv/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_175300154_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since the boat launch is closed during construction, the local shore birds are enjoying the peace and quiet. It is hard to tell if this is a greater yellow legs or lesser yellow legs, but either way it was fun to watch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wCV3Eq-EruFeIyJ9TE6DImlJnlOepjAcF7Cqcar2HTcRyKRFVNCO85rCC0in_20owy7jiaiW5tlmLvrDowbN5w0I29majWY0XX1CgfmARuzRAFB4uk8ykAr2qeHbm2Bu5DeoFh__zMOghquPT2FBKpya1TePHkFdcoVRYs2bM8Gj4mWscw1DC56McQqc/s4080/PXL_20240120_175348194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wCV3Eq-EruFeIyJ9TE6DImlJnlOepjAcF7Cqcar2HTcRyKRFVNCO85rCC0in_20owy7jiaiW5tlmLvrDowbN5w0I29majWY0XX1CgfmARuzRAFB4uk8ykAr2qeHbm2Bu5DeoFh__zMOghquPT2FBKpya1TePHkFdcoVRYs2bM8Gj4mWscw1DC56McQqc/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_175348194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There are over 37 difference ducks that frequent the Florida coast. Your guess is as good as ours.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirlK-n0-aNbhr2oLOSz_BEZho5ceZL8CAC3jSl67x5QDB8uqC3R70tsA1C57SY0i8yuhmO7aVKJ5DexcniK36vP1uBI7rbEjka51KvYck-WdzMNaM9u_Rxv9qauizf3R-G4iXQo7hts7euvhBUNenTfBm8LGefT7InzzoLp2TD8qBs4JDEliUXZcIhxqI/s4080/PXL_20240120_175356820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirlK-n0-aNbhr2oLOSz_BEZho5ceZL8CAC3jSl67x5QDB8uqC3R70tsA1C57SY0i8yuhmO7aVKJ5DexcniK36vP1uBI7rbEjka51KvYck-WdzMNaM9u_Rxv9qauizf3R-G4iXQo7hts7euvhBUNenTfBm8LGefT7InzzoLp2TD8qBs4JDEliUXZcIhxqI/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_175356820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With just over 1,000 residents, Cedar Key is a small coastal town with a big reputation. This charming spot is known as one of the best places in the U.S. for clams and oysters. More than 90 million clams are produced annually in Cedar Key. This accounts for more than 90% of Florida’s total clam cultivation and makes Cedar Key the largest producer of farm-raised clams in the state. Since 2012, Cedar Key has also begun producing oysters. Pictured below is an old oyster bed, which is what brought indigenous settlers to this area hundreds of years ago.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hGGdtbKJ4AHrkdMZW2pnc8bJfyOmGDtj5a_rEReAiE5Rna2lnnOhnDP87WSHTzuTTTh5cHQY4dUBKYoA56uMhAI1no5eszOFRv8xOXdjWfB-Csee_U6UqArS_pk2zjCmkPGL_hVe51w2zpoagVuYsFnVXdJbQ6EitkMoO-U2bTHK-hgMU4lQTsEbzUeG/s3672/PXL_20240120_175450096_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hGGdtbKJ4AHrkdMZW2pnc8bJfyOmGDtj5a_rEReAiE5Rna2lnnOhnDP87WSHTzuTTTh5cHQY4dUBKYoA56uMhAI1no5eszOFRv8xOXdjWfB-Csee_U6UqArS_pk2zjCmkPGL_hVe51w2zpoagVuYsFnVXdJbQ6EitkMoO-U2bTHK-hgMU4lQTsEbzUeG/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_175450096_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After leaving the boat ramp, we hiked over to the Shell Mound Trail. The Shell Mound is a large shell-bearing archaeological site that was once the location of special gatherings for Native American groups. The site rose to prominence as a ritual center at about A.D. 400 and continued through A.D. 650.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VNei1Y9V2l8W3SyuhVMJ6Pwq9Mz7N-DBUjRl62SIadfzJcQV1WPCRNSrmfdZam5p-GSG8RKKxkiYU0yM7lFbl8nn0sdJEa3uFt1Icf86_BdNzk31Hohv881UbPM7IO9rE2eQef_J700g-bT9ISrTSh2N4AmgpusFWXeFOCl4-MMYC3T5AdyK1lrqbS9B/s3264/PXL_20240120_180752902_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VNei1Y9V2l8W3SyuhVMJ6Pwq9Mz7N-DBUjRl62SIadfzJcQV1WPCRNSrmfdZam5p-GSG8RKKxkiYU0yM7lFbl8nn0sdJEa3uFt1Icf86_BdNzk31Hohv881UbPM7IO9rE2eQef_J700g-bT9ISrTSh2N4AmgpusFWXeFOCl4-MMYC3T5AdyK1lrqbS9B/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_180752902_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div>The site features mounds of marine shells, mostly oyster. It measures about 23 feet high and surrounds a large central plaza. It is estimated that over 1.2 billion oyster shells are piled up in a horseshoe shape around the central plaza. With all the recent storms, the central plaza was under water. Research has shown that large feasts took place here during the summer solstice.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO2upvOx2BXhnSZGOkeXTd3Q45qObgVWoOteJb1AvvxpWwReW1Dl4oQC4TE3NdGEnqb95W_Rp_39E_oNnlCBb0Vw8Xc3G66lUaH6J7LKxHufILFqw6eEC2r_Gjsb1Y_Q9vsWdcAXudZDBep3_Ct1_86cSDC2XTNHF6IV_NBTlLBdXIZ8_iqNKlduaSUEY/s3264/PXL_20240120_180837076_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO2upvOx2BXhnSZGOkeXTd3Q45qObgVWoOteJb1AvvxpWwReW1Dl4oQC4TE3NdGEnqb95W_Rp_39E_oNnlCBb0Vw8Xc3G66lUaH6J7LKxHufILFqw6eEC2r_Gjsb1Y_Q9vsWdcAXudZDBep3_Ct1_86cSDC2XTNHF6IV_NBTlLBdXIZ8_iqNKlduaSUEY/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_180837076_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>No one knows for sure why this area was abandoned. Some speculate a decrease in oyster production or climate change. A hurricane could have destroyed the area making it uninhabitable. </div><div><br /></div><div>After finishing the Shell Mound Trail, we walked over to the Dennis Creek Trail. This lollypop trail has two boardwalks which cross Dennis Creek. The boardwalk leads the trail to an island topped with slash pine and cedar.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6eKeJdo_ZBxV-oRwaFiFVIMUdvVgqAVrNoUcVvmCcvrP4hGG16iivGowXtP239Jg9nWqcWG73_LYqPdw9Dt2Jl4tGDiS-tS1q1TVNUx7H84eWAB-RpWpDl7_b_ZPs49khO6fKKFvwWeYt4ekL2pQudRqpbzqqMZs83LeWWylneiPqWuLYnwcfdeW14C-/s3264/PXL_20240120_183144865_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6eKeJdo_ZBxV-oRwaFiFVIMUdvVgqAVrNoUcVvmCcvrP4hGG16iivGowXtP239Jg9nWqcWG73_LYqPdw9Dt2Jl4tGDiS-tS1q1TVNUx7H84eWAB-RpWpDl7_b_ZPs49khO6fKKFvwWeYt4ekL2pQudRqpbzqqMZs83LeWWylneiPqWuLYnwcfdeW14C-/w301-h400/PXL_20240120_183144865_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As we finished the loop trail, we came across several roosting birds. Starting left to right, blue heron, egret, ibis and stork.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp9KXXgqzWJ7dy5KELZZXQ95oQG4S2A7O93w-VuALL0j4ahuY02HrD1mKeI7JrxZI3G56i7iJ-xRCH7-G6fqRgsBlp7LcxNELwQaFgD9c6S7eqhdE2fKZ6dAlW27Q5RqEZDM5wkPcFIQ5HDukGyrGdbah8hGBOzfCKIJ7SPk7LdurciFeikdDY72RARzs/s3672/PXL_20240120_184628139_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp9KXXgqzWJ7dy5KELZZXQ95oQG4S2A7O93w-VuALL0j4ahuY02HrD1mKeI7JrxZI3G56i7iJ-xRCH7-G6fqRgsBlp7LcxNELwQaFgD9c6S7eqhdE2fKZ6dAlW27Q5RqEZDM5wkPcFIQ5HDukGyrGdbah8hGBOzfCKIJ7SPk7LdurciFeikdDY72RARzs/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_184628139_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We were able to get a closer look, but the blue heron was now hidden behind the tall grass.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9130thjynJXgf7iHKlriNGtY2MuzF0APRSsQyN1ywFa8_A8S7Aljx6EP4_reHaM2tVetP7sXXv5Ex9rFzdQ-zgPUEMVEcDosxHJWhi2I-tplKbXLvYAYSSAmRbXMA7Bo0yg_AixRRfr8hC5LV6rqFCa-ciCwAaR_kFo_lK6esWyL7kjfnxkn7R5GfbmB/s3672/PXL_20240120_184922104_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3672" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9130thjynJXgf7iHKlriNGtY2MuzF0APRSsQyN1ywFa8_A8S7Aljx6EP4_reHaM2tVetP7sXXv5Ex9rFzdQ-zgPUEMVEcDosxHJWhi2I-tplKbXLvYAYSSAmRbXMA7Bo0yg_AixRRfr8hC5LV6rqFCa-ciCwAaR_kFo_lK6esWyL7kjfnxkn7R5GfbmB/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_184922104_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Off to the side, we spotted this great white heron huddled against the cold wind coming off the Gulf.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLofqNPqH94jm9tWvi5cnKDQ2mT2Y6Iy62Gu2YjIpmGD782cMQtAMFrqh2mF_lwW3CQ0FHfOGRzIshQHhOf7FlmA9p0hhlfZtE8SELJkrgwoUmtP1eLQTxv1xSLiLZX-EAXv2IZrX3Bs3iifu80YFtCfNQNTWPCwNIzEgB1ah0QMKb4nL_yEMYDaYSTzas/s3672/PXL_20240120_185422890_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLofqNPqH94jm9tWvi5cnKDQ2mT2Y6Iy62Gu2YjIpmGD782cMQtAMFrqh2mF_lwW3CQ0FHfOGRzIshQHhOf7FlmA9p0hhlfZtE8SELJkrgwoUmtP1eLQTxv1xSLiLZX-EAXv2IZrX3Bs3iifu80YFtCfNQNTWPCwNIzEgB1ah0QMKb4nL_yEMYDaYSTzas/w301-h400/PXL_20240120_185422890_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The black needlerush stretches straight to the Gulf. This salt-loving “leafless” rush can cover large areas in coastal salt and brackish tidal marshes, and is easily recognizable by its characteristic grayish-green to blackish hues. Its “stem tips” are very sharp pointed and stout. “Stems” in this species are actually leaves that are rounded so tightly that they appear to be very sharp-pointed stems.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOTTTdXvUaPcuvBH0Oxmk1YkBDlkSn98BAulHWWcJrWmWIaseaiOrRRZE_1e_7uotwyBb2OBUC15xrYk_5Ow39BWdf-VzVJbKLBzkKUJ-gUDnSvizLoS16AtfTA814VFRNzBT87-R5OOUiJ8bn9FVwvlClk8v01F0z3qtx3gwAiHXfibd-7XZw2HpE08S/s3264/PXL_20240120_185503997_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3264" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOTTTdXvUaPcuvBH0Oxmk1YkBDlkSn98BAulHWWcJrWmWIaseaiOrRRZE_1e_7uotwyBb2OBUC15xrYk_5Ow39BWdf-VzVJbKLBzkKUJ-gUDnSvizLoS16AtfTA814VFRNzBT87-R5OOUiJ8bn9FVwvlClk8v01F0z3qtx3gwAiHXfibd-7XZw2HpE08S/w400-h301/PXL_20240120_185503997_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A boardwalk stretches across the needlerush marsh to the next island in the chain, which is topped by pine flatwoods.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspZB-RQgqAVBtA-eZu5hX_oQEKSn8iNC_NHT6U2mZbmmn7Yy3CWTwbSVAYE-pEZXJBIXj_6HRV81xCR0qxJu-xZWRhyUy6i0IC2jfuazQ79mik6MSXSNq2_OwnBoKfmrFC7vWuCFmticfWPsypx_ee-m7fOA_3gMR4TE8PABhCPasBTCReGq-p1DZtROV/s3264/PXL_20240120_185507215_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspZB-RQgqAVBtA-eZu5hX_oQEKSn8iNC_NHT6U2mZbmmn7Yy3CWTwbSVAYE-pEZXJBIXj_6HRV81xCR0qxJu-xZWRhyUy6i0IC2jfuazQ79mik6MSXSNq2_OwnBoKfmrFC7vWuCFmticfWPsypx_ee-m7fOA_3gMR4TE8PABhCPasBTCReGq-p1DZtROV/w301-h400/PXL_20240120_185507215_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Other than the birds we came across, we didn't spot any other critters. It wasn't until our drive back to camp that we saw several armadillo grubbing on the side of the road. We tried to get a photo, but you would be surprised how fast an armadillo can hop across a road!</div><div><br /></div><div>The End!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FT35gvFBJiKx1WB3-TddcIa5RakNr0LEbDVSxFdOmxF3NnlvAOPN_-4SsxEsbKZDchWLwuvz4hX3XFKpCz3SCeDYzjoRONsyD-nBm0LJvUQD_wTeBFfXQhCmRVO07dHul5tRrNUwLHy9Hu49yM6IQzX_F1Z66Dx6L05cyObjtRUxSJ8jhfwy-1P6It6y/s3264/PXL_20240120_190316427_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FT35gvFBJiKx1WB3-TddcIa5RakNr0LEbDVSxFdOmxF3NnlvAOPN_-4SsxEsbKZDchWLwuvz4hX3XFKpCz3SCeDYzjoRONsyD-nBm0LJvUQD_wTeBFfXQhCmRVO07dHul5tRrNUwLHy9Hu49yM6IQzX_F1Z66Dx6L05cyObjtRUxSJ8jhfwy-1P6It6y/w301-h400/PXL_20240120_190316427_copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Kathy Scrantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01107678053479519450noreply@blogger.com0