Back to Nature

We like to camp at Walnut Ridge because it's a short drive from home (about an hour and a half) and also a great place to fish and spot some wonderful birds, such as herons, warblers, woodpeckers, swallow-tailed kites, owls and bald eagles. We usually see deer and a few times have heard coyote. The state park is located at Steinhagen Lake and just down stream from where the Angelina River and the Neches River merge. Near the area where the rivers merge there are creeks going in every direction and it's just a fun place to explore in a small boat, kayak, or canoe. It's just a very scenic, peaceful place to travel through and most of the time the water is as smooth as glass.

There are plenty of these things around  - this is not a swimming kind of lake!!

We walked the wildlife trail and found a cool place to rest.

It can be kind of tricky navigating your way through the sloughs.  You have to beware of stumps that are right below the surface.  We usually manage to find a few of them.

This is a very narrow creek - reminded me of the movie "African Queen" -  the part where they had to get out of the boat and ended up with leeches all over them.  We made it safely without having to get out - thank goodness!

I love how water does this on the lily pads.

Bridge going to the wildlife trail.

I took this picture from the bridge one evening when I was waiting for the guys to come in from fishing.

Fun place to fish.

Alligator - Too Close to Home!

I was on Canal Street today when I noticed this thing swimming down the canal. This is probably about 1/4 mile from our house. I've heard of alligators in this canal but I've never seen one here before. I guess I'll be more careful when walking the dog! My little Sadie would be real treat for this gator!