Day 69 - March 17th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Up and ready to roll this morning. Planned to be away early off to Aransas Wildlife Refuge up near Tivoli, TX, about 40 miles to the East of here. Surprise, surprise, Green Irish fog was so thick, that as one woman said this morning when she let her dog out to do his business he wouldn't even go. Looked back as saying "I can't even see my Tail in this stuff. How do you suppose I'm going to see where to rip up the grass to cover my treasures"

Anyway, given the weather, we decided to delay for a while, but by 10:00AM headed out. By the time we were approaching the Refuge it had lifted and a glorious sun came out. Had to peel off our jackets. Denice even had to peel more. A bit of an exhabitionist I think!! But now she was down to a t-shirt. Hope it doesn't get any hotter. Oh well it is spring break - everybody is doing it !!

As we were getting closer to the refuge we spied a little animal along a creek. Slammed on the brakes, as this was the first time either of us had seen a live armadillo. It was just over the guard rail on the right hand side. Denice got a couple of fair shots of it, but it did not seem to startled with us being there. It seemed as though it was quite sluggish, so I got out and walked around to get a better shot. Now I know for sure that they can move. It just galloped away so fast that I only got a picture of where it had been!! Went on into the refuge, and registered - free to us as we had purchased a National Park Pass when we came down. Now headed on a sixteen mile self guided Loop Road Tour of the area. First on the agenda was the Alligator swamp, and Yes there are definitely live ones here. There was a couple behind a visitor proof fence, but then there was couple more along the edge of the swamp. A lady and here kid were watching those, but she said they were just stuffed ones as they were not breathing. I walked to within about 6 feet and watched closely. Finally one eye blinked!!! I don't think they are dummies!! Lots of photos:

Now Doesn't he look friendly???


Once we had enough of them, we moved on. Well now it's near lunch time and Denice had prepared a good one, so at the next picnic site pulled over and ate (I wanted to us partook, but Denice says Shannon will have a fit if I use that as a word -- not sure if it really is a word) so we ate our lunch. While enjoying a pork and musturd sandwich, what do we see but an armadillo rooting around near the base of some oak trees: Now grandaughter Caitlin; That is what you should have for a pet!! Want me to smuggle one back for you??

Lots more photos!! Interesting trees here also. Long Vines -- I even started to feel a little like Tarzan! Thought I might try a little swinging between them.

On the road again. Next an interesting Beach. Nice photo op: Next the wild Hogs, Not javelinas but Wild Boars - somewhat larger than Javelinas. Then Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures ( Too ugly to put in this Blog), and then to an elevated viewing stand, and I do mean elevated! A long concrete ramp to well above the surrounding trees. A great view of the Tidal bays, Did see a couple of Whoopers but much farther away than the photos that I have shown in a previous Blog. But here is a good shot of Denice high in the air: Then on for some flowers and even some butterflies: Then back to alligator alley for some final friendly discussion:

That about completed our day. Made the 40 mile drive back to Rockport, grabbed a Hamburger at Wannaburger, and returned to ELTORO to satisfy our appetites.

Happy St. Pats to all our Irish Friends and to those who wish they were!