While many headed off to a warm beach for sun and fun, I headed off to the gulf coast swamps to look for birds during their spring migration. I know, it's not as sexy as days on the beach and nights in the clubs, but it was exciting none the less. Come with me now... I'll share a few of my highlights!
Met up with gal-pal Deb in Houston, TX. Our friendship goes back to the 80's and she is willing to put up with most of my hair brained ideas. What a great friend. My plan was to meander the swampy coastline from Houston to New Orleans. Our family had relatives that settled in New Orleans and I had never been, so... French Quarter, here I come.
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| Young Alligator |
Day 1 ~
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Chambers County, TX. Established in 1963, the 34,000-acre refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Loved this refuge! I am especially fond of driving trails, since I'm not hip on marching through swamp, weeds and bugs... and alligators! And man did we see some alligators. But the absolute highlight of this trip was as we were leaving around sunset. We spotted 2 animals in the road ahead and at first, I thought they were fat deer, and then maybe a calf. As we got closer, I realized they were wild pigs! OMG! They were obviously very young and actually, pretty cute. I felt quite safe in the SUV and they scampered off quickly squabbling among themselves over the intrusion.
My favorite alligator encounter was this little guy on the road in front of us. First he scurries away, then pauses and returns to cross in front of us, and takes his good sweet time. Guess he figured that he made his point and finishes in a quick sprint back to the safety of the water.
