Into the Woods We Go

We were camped near Martin Dies State Park so we decided to hike a few of their trails one day. So glad we did. 

 Red Buckeye

 

 A real beauty that is a native plant of Texas and one that I think I need to plant at home. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies so definitely on my list.

 

  When we signed in for the hike they told us how to find the eagle’s nest. You cross the bridge, turn left, go to the fourth bench, sit down and look straight across the lake. You find the dead tree in between clumps of pine trees and that’s where it’ll be. And that is exactly what we did and fortunately we were able to see not only the nest but an eagle sitting up above it. It was so far across the lake so not a great shot but at least we saw it. Not sure why they have a nest in a dead tree. Maybe it was not dead when they built it. Or maybe they like it because they have a better view of their surroundings. Would love to know!

Then on to the swampy part of the trail.  I love the sights and sounds of a marsh or swamp, although I'm always on the watch for a creepy crawling snake or alligator.  We were lucky and didn't see one this trip but we saw on Face Book that someone did see a huge rattle snake on the very day that we were there!

Looks like this tree will not be standing much longer!

Now back to camp.  I would not want to be on this little island 

after dark!!

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.  Robert Frost

 

Our Texas Hill Country Trip

I've been falling behind in my blogging lately but wanted to post a few pictures from our February trip to the hill country. We were there visiting with our daughter and son in law at their condo on Lake LBJ. It's such a pretty place and so much to do for anyone loving the outdoors. First off we had to go to visit the eagles near Llano. We weren't disappointed either. As we drove up we could immediately see the huge nest and one of the parents flying in with food for the eaglets.
 

The eaglets are hopping from branch to branch now and will soon be fledging the nest.

This parent was close by just watching as the little ones exercised their wings and keeping a close eye on the river below.

 

 

 

We took a scenic route back to the condo, crossing the Llano River and passing through some pretty countryside.

 

 

 

 

 

The following day we drove to Ink's Lake State Park where we walked one of the hiking trails.  This was fairly strenuous for me and I'm so thankful it wasn't a very hot day or I never would have made it!!  It was 3.2 miles which doesn't seem like very far but a lot of it was rocky and steep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now which way??  This isn't looking good!

 

 

 

Now back at the lake and Tropical Paradise.  Seems so unusual to see palm trees in central Texas, but they do very well here.

 

 

 

These little guys look happy with their home on Lake LBJ.

 

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One touch of nature makes the
whole world kin. ~William Shakespeare

 

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 Hope you are seeing some pretty weather

with some spring in the air also!