Up early this AM as it is the day for a boat tour of the Aransas Wildlife Refuge and hopefully view some Whooping Cranes. Looking out when we got up, it was obvious that there had been weather a change, as it is rather cold, overcast, and damp, with threatening rain. We had some ham and toast before we left, and then took a thermos of coffee with us. Thankyou grand-daughter Caitlin, for that thermos and cups that you gave us for last years Christmas. It came in very useful once again. Hot coffee sounded like a welcome addition for a mid-morning break. We did dress more warmly than had been the norm for the last few days, with jeans and jackets. We arrived at the departure point by 8:30AM to be prepared for a 9:00AM departure. We had weighed the decision as to delaying in favor of a warmer day, but in the end decided to proceed. The boat we were scheduled on was the "Skimmer", a 35 ft cabin cruiser powered by twin 4 stroke Honda 225 HP outboards. Once out of the protected marina, Captain Tommy Moore, poured on the power, and we did "Skim" across the waves at a fair rate of speed toward the Wildlife Refuge. I found it strange, the detail Tom gave us of the Aransas Bay being 16 miles by 8 miles wide, but only from 2 1/2 feet to 12 feet deep. Once nearing the Refuge we slowed and started to see many types of waterfowl. I cannot even attempt to relate what ones we did see, as Rob was rattling of so many names unfamiliar to me. We continued on up the inland waterway constructed by the Corp of Engineers from Corpus Christi all the way to New York City, during the second world war to prevent submarine attack. Soon we came apon the first Whooper, a young female. She was not the least bit afraid and we drifted to within about 25 meters of her. 
That completed after much picture taking, we went further along, photoing birds as we went, then came apon 3 whoopers together. Could not get as close as the water was too shallow, but did get some more shots. Time for a welcome coffee, as it definitely is cold and windy, only about 52 °F, I believe. Wish we had put on more clothes! Most people spent most of the time in the cabin where there were supplied blankets to wrap up in. The windows opened for camera access when needed, or the more eager (
That completed after much picture taking, we went further along, photoing birds as we went, then came apon 3 whoopers together. Could not get as close as the water was too shallow, but did get some more shots. Time for a welcome coffee, as it definitely is cold and windy, only about 52 °F, I believe. Wish we had put on more clothes! Most people spent most of the time in the cabin where there were supplied blankets to wrap up in. The windows opened for camera access when needed, or the more eager (Denice) could go out on the front deck or on the upper deck. After coffee it was about time to turn around and head back, although we really had been making a large circle, but I had lost all bearing with the overcast. More birds, more photos, and then some bottle-nosed dolphins to try and take pictures of, we tried! Then a fast trip across the Bay to the mooring. Glad to be back and into the Jeep and a heater. Seems strange after the hot and humid temps of the last few days. Returned home and heated Big Fisherman leftovers for lunch. Turned on ELTORO's furnace and turned it up to 70°F. Still couldn't get the chill off and ended with a hot shower that did the trick.
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