Leaving already??

Some folks have commented that it seems like I just got to Malheur NWR.  In a way that’s true.  When I leave here next Friday, I’ll only have spent four weeks here.  I usually spend three months at a time at one our refuges.  Turns out that this time I was just filling in for someone who had to leave early, so it was only a one month assignment.  I don’t feel like I’ve had a chance to truly see everything I wanted in the area, but considering I’m stuck inside the Visitor’s Center for all my work days, I’m ready to move on.  I don’t mind working the Visitor’s Center, I just don’t care to do it every day.  This is a great refuge, but it didn’t turn out to be the assignment that I thought it was going to be, and if I’m fair about it, it’s probably because I was filling in for someone.

Others have asked where I’m going next.  Well, I’ll be making my way to Anahuac NWR which is near Houston, TX.  I can’t believe I’m volunteering there for the fourth time; my usual limit is two times (because there are so many places to see in this country).  However, Anahuac has been gracious enough to allow me to store my rig there while I go on my almost three week cruise in November that culminates in Galveston.  I also really like what I get to do there, and Stephanie, the volunteer coordinator, is super to work for. 

The big question is how will I get to Texas from Oregon.  I’m a very planful person, and this question is weighing heavy on my mind.  The problem is getting the leveling jacks repaired.  I’m awaiting an email from the manufacturer to find out the nearest repair facility.  That will determine my direction of travel.  With only six days to go before departure, I usually have my route pretty well mapped out.  Not so, this time.  I have about a month to get to Anahuac, so I’m really not stressing out about it, yet.  :) 
As Joanne, another volunteer, and I headed out early this morning for the farmer’s market in Burn, I noticed a golden eagle on a fence post as I was zipping down the highway.  I planted my foot firmly on the brake pedal and did a U-turn to go back and see if I could get a picture.  Of course, just as I slowly approached the fence post, it decided to not pose for me.  There was also a raven on a neighboring post, and they both headed for the hills together!  Kind of an odd couple, as the raven was not trying to harass the eagle.  Dang!  I sure would have enjoyed getting a good close up of the eagle.  :(

I scored big time at the farmer’s market, and carried back about twenty pounds of fresh produce to the car for myself and Sue.  Sue is another volunteer, but she always has to work on Saturdays, so I shop (and haggle) for the both of us.  :)  She is a vegetarian, and is always excited to see what goodies I’ve been able to find for her and her husband.  You sure can’t beat the fresh veggies I’ve been able to get every Saturday!  This week’s haul included tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, squash, pears, plums, apples, carrots, cabbage, and broccoli florets.  Mmm!
Late this afternoon, Emma and I hopped in the car and took a drive down the Northern half of the auto tour route to see what we could see.  There was one lone Western meadowlark still singing his heart out.  :)
Two feet away was a song sparrow enjoying the concert.  :)
As we turned down a side spur, I spotted two families of sandhill cranes feeding in one of the fields.  Each pair had one juvenile with them. (the juveniles don’t have the red on their foreheads yet)
They all suddenly looked to the right, and the second bird from the left began to call out.
I thought they were just communicating with another bunch of cranes further down the field.
But what I didn’t discover until I got home and was editing the pictures, is that there was a coyote watching them looking for his supper!  The young of the year are able to fly now, so it was probably wishful thinking on the part of the coyote.  It’s survival of the fittest out in the wild, so you just never know…

Speaking of coyotes, Emma is now pacing the rig with her hair up as we are being serenaded by some very close coyotes.  They have been leaving “calling cards” around the rig for Emma in the middle of the night.  Isn’t it nice to have friends come calling??  :)

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