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Borrego Springs, CA

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The sun was shining this morning, so we took advantage of that fact and headed out for Gulf Islands National Seashore.  I don’t know the reason, but it turned out the Visitor’s Center will not be open until at least March 8.  As we drove around the park, there wasn’t much evidence that this was a seashore.  :(  We did find a  person playing his bagpipes at the boat launch into the bay, but that was about it for shoreline.  Don’t know why he was there alone playing his heart out, but it gave the hike we ended up taking a rather eerie backdrop.

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We parked in the large picnic area and headed out on foot to take the Davis Bayou Trail.  The trail meandered through another coastal woodland.

IMG_8806There were some rest stops along the way, but this one was so tilted it didn’t look very relaxing to me.

IMG_8808There was a rather rickety overlook to this sea of marsh grass.  Perhaps there would have been more water in it during high tide.  It’s been over five years since hurricane Katrina, so I was surprised this trail wasn’t in better repair.  They need some RV volunteers here doing trail maintenance!  :)  Maybe next month when the Visitor’s Center opens I’ll ask about volunteer opportunities.  There’s a camp host in the campground, but I’m thinking they could use additional volunteers to help out with things. 

IMG_8811I came across this huge magnolia tree along the trail with very thick vines entwining it’s trunk.  I’m going to have to figure out when the magnolias come into bloom here.  I imagine that it will be just gorgeous, and fragrant.  I need something this spring to rival the blue bonnets of the Texas Hill Country. :)

_MG_8823On the way back to the car, we came upon this ‘gator’ pond.  It was a bit too chilly for alligators to be out this morning, but the winds were calm providing nice reflections.

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A great blue heron seemed to be waiting for a bit warmer temperatures to actively look for lunch. 

_MG_8829A little further on, a brown pelican took time to pose for me.

_MG_8832Pretty soon, this guy/gal will be outfitted in breeding plumage, and be quite a bit more colorful.  In another six weeks or so, things will really begin to pop around here in the avian and flora world, and I’m happy I’m in a new location to enjoy the vernal awakening!

 

Emma and I headed back to the rig after our hike.  We made one more stop in Ocean Springs, MS, on our way home, but I think I’ll save that for tomorrow’s post since more rain is in the forecast for tomorrow.

 

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

13 comments:

  1. What a gift it would be to hear someone on a set of bagpipes in a setting like that. I would have loved to get his photo.

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  2. Great heron and pelican photos, Judy. It never hurts to scout out future volunteer opportunities--sounds like this national seashore could use your help, even if you don't play the bagpipes!

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  3. I love the hair do on the pelican. That spikey look is pretty cool.

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  4. Maybe I've been in the desert too long but I really like those really green trees. Nice pics & reflection shot. Trail maintenance would be right up my alley if I was ever to volunteer for something. No visitor centers, no camp hosting or cleaning washrooms, but trail maintenance.......ya, that's for me:))

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  5. bagpipes by the shore..perfection!!

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  6. We have a guy in the WINs who plays the bagpipes, and it is a real treat!

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  7. I love bagpipes but I'm with you on the eerie back drop thing!
    I think trail work would be an awesome thing to volunteer for. Hubby and I are moving out of province in the next few months and this would be something we have considered in our new location.

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  8. If I volunteered I think I would do the visitor center. I'm not much of a one for trail building!

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  9. Been about a week behind in blog reading. Glad I caught up on yours - such great photos! Looks like you have landed at a very nice place. Hope you continue to improve - having that crud just isn't fun. That was really neat that you got to meet Randy and Pam. Sure wouldn't like a 32-hour work week, but as you said, it really might not be 'work' for you.

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  10. I am fascinated by Blue Herons....loved your photos...Sounds like you are in a great spot...Spring is a real "re-birth" time...love it...The only thing birthing around here are new snowflakes...

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  11. I'm surprised there were still any birds left within a 100 miles of those screeching bagpipes!

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  12. I love the mournful sound of bagpipes... guess it is "in my blood"!
    Sounds as though you had a very nice walk. I love the 2nd picture of the pelican - "what are you lookin' at??" :-)
    Emma looks so shiny and healthy - she is a pretty girl!

    Stay safe...

    Kerri in AL :-)

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