Birds, Trails, the Fort, and Stars...

We've not had access to wifi for a while.  So, again, this entry is a compilation of places, events, thoughts and experiences over the last week.

BIRDS—Everywhere!

Matthew and I have been fortunate to attend many lectures and tours provided by the state and national park’s volunteers and rangers.

One that I would highly recommend is the Bird Tour at Padre Island National Seashore.  Our guides were well informed and enthused about the subject.  Matt and I were able to add to our list of sighted-raptors--the Crested Caracara AKA Mexican Eagle.  Beautiful!  We watched “the dance” of the Reddish Egret what a treat!  (The Egret flapped its wings and “herded” the small fish to the shallows—easier to eat!)  Additionally, without our guides’ support, we identified and enjoyed many Laughing Gulls on the seashore, and a large majestic Great Blue Heron at our campground…it may have been more than one…noting slight differences between individuals, not my forte! 

Although we have not seen a Montezuma Quail while hiking the extensive trail system at the park, we did learn quite a bit about the beautiful game bird at the Interpretive Center lecture.  Oh, wait, I forgot to say—Matthew and I are now at Davis Mountains State Park in Texas. 

We decided to see new places/campgrounds/parks instead of going to Big Bend National Park, again.  We leave tomorrow for Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

siblings sharing food with the gulls

Great Blue Heron--COLD that day! (Hence, no neck!)

Reddish Egret herding the small fish

TRAILS—Davis Mountains State Park

The trails here are challenging.  Matthew is learning how to use his walking sticks on rocky, steeply elevated trails…He needs more practice.  (Yes, and he would tell you the same!)  Thank heavens for Kombido class!  Matthew falls with amazing grace; no injuries incurred on any of the four trails we successfully completed.  Remembering (most of the time) to stop, look, and then take a picture, I attempted to capture “pieces of the beauty” here in western Texas.

The campground is in the valley

At one of the state park lectures, we learned about agates, quartz, thunder balls, etc.
There are only a few parks in which guests are allowed to collect and remove rocks.
Davis Mountains State Park is not one of them!  However, Matt and I want to stay at  Rockhound State Park in New Mexico--if we do, expect a box of rocks in the mail, Kristen!!! 

FORT--Fort Davis National Historic Site

We went into many of the rebuilt and furnished buildings.  Others were in the process of being restored.  I am hoping the professionals keep some of the building sites as they are; I think there is important knowledge/understanding gleaned from a decaying original.

As long as I am sharing opinions, why do parents allow their children to blatantly disregard rules?  Although specifically asked NOT TO by the ranger, children still ran on the aged foundations.  Parents remained mute—no redirection, no reminding, no reprimand…I don’t understand. 

Commanding officer's home--reconstructed and furnished.  Interesting! 

Single officers' homes under reconstruction

Some of the oldest buildings prior to reconstruction 

Enlisted men's barracks

STARS—The McDonald Observatory

We purchased tickets to the “Star Party” for Friday night.  The clouds rolled in on Friday morning and remained until Saturday morning—Dang!  Well, the bright full moon also contributed to the “bust” of the evening’s entertainment!  However, that being said, the moon was gorgeous, and we were able to see Jupiter and four of its moons.  Neither Matthew nor I have looked through such a HUGE telescope—WOW!!!  If we come back this way, we will try it again.  

McDonald Observatory is the white dot on the highest peak in the background

The beautiful cloud covered moon....