Back on solid ground

After two more days at sea after Nassau, we pulled into the port of Galveston early on Sunday morning.  Everything went smoothly with our disembarkation, and by noon we were back at Anahuac NWR.  I deployed the slides, turned on the water, and opened up the windows to air out the rig.  I was happy to be home.  While on the cruise, we spent quite a few morning breakfasts with folks that had sailed many times.  Only about 1/6 of the people onboard were on their first cruise.  I was surprised that so many people seem to cruise so often.  While I truly enjoyed myself, I’m thinking this will probably be my only cruise.  I guess I’m just one of those people that prefers my land yacht.  This foray into massive crowds of people makes me that much more appreciative of my more off the beaten path lifestyle.  :)

I had to set my alarm for 5:00 this morning (UGH!) so I could get Pam to George Bush International Airport in time for her flight to Chicago.  Having her travel with me on this cruise really enhanced my experience.  What a good time we had together!  I think I’ll even keep it a secret that she snores.  :)

On the way back from the airport, I picked Emma up from the kennel.  Boy, she was sure happy to be home, also.  She ran right up to the steps to get inside, and after sniffing everything out, collapsed with a great sigh.  With all that barking at the kennel, she probably hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in three weeks!
After spending the afternoon catching up on three weeks of laundry, Emma and I headed out to get a bird fix on the refuge.  :)  It was late afternoon, and many red-tailed hawks were perched along the roadsides.
As we drove the refuge roads, we stopped to enjoy the abundance of waterfowl that are feeding and loafing on the vast marshlands.  I think there are presently over 100,000 ducks and geese in residence. 
I even spotted two white-tailed kites along the drive.  I’m hoping to get a better picture of this raptor while I’m here.  They mostly feed on small rodents, and I’m very much in favor of that!  :)
This young white Ibis took time to pose for me at one of the water level control devises.  Next year, this bird will be entirely white in color except for black tips on it’s wings.

It seems the mosquito population has been very busy repopulating while we’ve been away.  That means you had better seek refuge inside by 5:00 each evening or not have any exposed skin surface.  I was outside in shorts with Emma this evening when the hoard of blood suckers descended… eek!

Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later,  Judy