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.
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| siblings sharing food with the gulls |
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| Great Blue Heron--COLD that day! (Hence, no neck!) |
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| 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.
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| The campground is in the valley |
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| 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.
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| Commanding officer's home--reconstructed and furnished. Interesting! |
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| Single officers' homes under reconstruction |
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| Some of the oldest buildings prior to reconstruction |
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| 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 |
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| The beautiful cloud covered moon.... |
