Pictures of Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

The shakedown cruise went well. We learned a few things about our new trailer and had a wonderful time exploring the marshes and bayous of East Texas. First, I would like to recommend the Spoonbill RV Park in Smith Point to anyone interested in visiting Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding area. It has pull-thru sites with fairly level concrete pads and full hookups. Plus, for those without an RV, they rent lodges. It is a waterfront property located on a peninsula between Trinity Bay and East Bay with some great fishing and facilities for cleaning your catch.

Squawking gulls, a salty sea breeze, and anglers along the bayou created the relaxing atmosphere somewhere between cajun and beach bum. I grabbed a camera as soon as we were hooked up and snapped a few photos. These laughing gulls Jane thinks would make a good valentine. She may get it next year. :-)

A man that we met while wandering added some local color. He lived in the area but spent much of his time in the RV Park. I got the impression that he owned the place. We talked about everything from the weather to the best place for seafood. The place he recommended for seafood was some distance away so I only half listened. I did remember the name, however; Stingaree.

It rained Sunday night -- hard. The RV passed the first test; it didn't leak. I did not get up early Monday morning. My excuse was that it was overcast. The truth is -- I'm lazy.

There was still a light drizzle when we arrived at the refuge. We saw what looked like geese in a flooded field near the entrance. That's when we discovered our lack of preparedness; total disorganization. We forgot the binoculars, sandwiches, water, my photography vest that contains all my spare stuff AND extra camera batteries. I considered returning to camp and reorganizing. But, we pushed on.

We drove back to "The Willows" and on to "Shoveler Pond." In my opinion, Shoveler Pond is the best observation area in the refuge. Wildlife is accustomed to vehicle traffic and much more tolerant of our presense. Shooting from your vehicle works well if you have bright light or a device to steady a long lens with slow shutter speeds. I used a mount that screws to the window with a rotating head for maneuverability.

This redwing blackbird could be the icon for a marsh or swamp. It is abundant and has a very distinct call that grabs your attention; easy to find, not so easy to capture. The problem is getting the red of the wing. Typically, all that is visible when perched is the small yellow stripe below the red shoulder. I got lucky on this one. He even has his beak open in full distinct call.

There is a walkway for venturing into the marsh and a photo blind for taking pictures. It's interesting but not extremely useful. Wildlife hears or sees you coming and takes flight. Mosquitos have discovered the blind. It is the perfect place to avoid wind and rain while awaiting a blood-feast on foolish humans who forget insect repellant; those who leave their lodging or abode totally disorganized.

This great egret sat long enough for me to capture this image at about 400mm without a tripod. Fortunately, I was able to use a fast shutter speed. The lens shake isn't too obvious? I would recomment to anyone visiting the refuge that you plan for lower light with long lenses. Don't forget the tripod. It is a MUST.

This bird teased me for a few minutes. I eased forward gradually, hoping to get just a little closer. He timed it perfectly to really tick me off. But, I got a nice, fairly sharp image of its flight to safety. And, another egret added a bit of depth to the image. I like this one.

Since we had no sandwiches nor water, we soon lost interest in further exploration. Or, I should say exploring the refuge. We decided to explore closer to civilization in search of food. I was dead set on seafood. We drove across more marshy area along FM 1985 toward State Highway 124 and north to Winnie. Winnie is on the interstate. By the time we got there, I was hungry enough to settle for a hotdog. But, we found a really good cajun and seafood restaurant on the north side if IH 10. The restaurant was called Al-T's and was really good. I had a mixed plate of fried shrimp and fried oysters. It was excellent and the accompanying cajun-seasoned french fries were fantastic. And, the coffee was as good as I can remember ever having. Jane had crab au gratin and complained that it was nothing like what she expected. She was thinking of Maryland cuisine. :-( If in the area, we will return to Al-T's. Jane agrees.

Our evening in the RV revealed that we did not have the antenna/cable connections for the TV. Good thing Jane had a book. I downloaded pictures to my laptop and discovered that we were NOT in a hotspot. :-(

Tuesday's excuse for sleeping late was FOG -- fog was thicker'n pea soup. But, I didn't know that until I took Oscar out. We fiddled around with breakfast and trying to be more organized before departing. Jane did a much better job. :-)

I decided to explore other areas. The old man had mentioned High Island and Gilchrist. I remembered a bit about the area from our ferry trip across the bay. There was a lighthouse in the area. I don't understand the attraction to lighthouses but it is strong. Have you noticed? This lighthouse is at Point Bolivar. It may be the ugliest lighthouse I ever saw. It is on private property. With Jane complaining bitterly, I drove right up in their driveway. It was still ugly.

The lighthouse is what I had in mind when heading south on highway 87 from High Island. We drove thru what seemed to be some very exclusive areas. But, when Jane picked up a real estate brochure at a convenienc store (she is very prone to shop for real estate), we learned that it is quite affordable. Memories of recent hurricanes -- Rita -- were discouragement enough for me.

While driving thru Gilchrest, we saw a street named Stingaree and signs pointing to Stingaree Marina and Restaurant. How 'bout that? We stumbled across the recommended seafood place. Since we were too well prepared, sandwiches, we made not to return another time.

We backtracked to the Skillern Tract and East Bay Bayou area of the NWR. It was highly recommended in the brochures and web postings. I was disappointed. We did, however, get to watch alligators grazing on a dead cow floating in the bayou. I also got a neat picture of a killdeer. I've been trying forever. They are around the lake at home but very difficult to approach. We were having our sandwiches when one came to us. It seemed completely oblivious to the noise I made getting close with my camera. It actually approached me. I'm not totally pleased. There's nothing about the image that's ... I need a word? ... arresting. catching. stunning. It needs something ... better light; lower angle; separation.

We moved on to Shoveler Pond in rain and drizzle. Nothing spectacular was happening until just before we left. Storm Light! I love storm light. These ducks took flight from our approaching vehicle. I just happened to be waiting for them to do just that. The focus isn't great but the action is. And that beautiful light. I continued to drive slowly around the pond, looking for the next Kodak Moment. :-)

Jane spotted this large alligator basking in the glow of that beautiful light. Backing away from full zoom, I took this at about 135mm, including the marsh environment. It pretty much tells the story of our most recent visit to this wonderful place called Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

For those wondering about the shakedown, Sid; Bob & Rose; we averaged about eight miles per gallon going and nearly ten on the return trip ... with a gas-friendly tail wind pushing us.

As for which camera, these are with my Panasonic. The Nikon is on a FedeX truck. I ran the tracking number and it is scheduled for delivery TODAY!

If you are interested in outdoor photography, Anahuac is a must visit. To view larger images of what's posted, click on the image. Hope I've inspired you to get outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer.

L8r