Sabal Palm Sanctuary

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to go to Sabal Palm Sanctuary for the first time in a long time. It is a favorite hiking place for me.

The pathways are so inviting . . .

. . . and picturesque!

Bird melodies play in the background . . .

and resacas along the Rio Grande have bird blinds to get a closer look.

Sabal Palm Sanctuary, I will be back.

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park is a great place to walk in the cool, crisp "winter" air.

 

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park 2024

 

First of the new year trip to Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen, 

and I was not disappointed. 

From the delicate and beautiful egrets,

vibrant cardinals . . .

and mourning doves . . .

To the wild and rugged javelinas

Always a nice excursion!

My New Musical Friend

I bought this little ukulele about three weeks ago, and I can't get over how it has changed my life. I wanted to learn something musical and I thought this would be perfect to take along when I'm on the road. 

I have had a wonderful time getting to know the instrument and learning songs. I have found that there is little room for negative thinking the last few weeks. Anytime I feel a little down about something, I just pick up my friend and strum away the stress. 

I took my "friend" to the beach one day and felt like I was in a 60's beach movie. The combination of beach and ukulele is like a match made in heaven!

 

A Drive Along South Padre Island

 

I went to the beach and, for the first time, drove in at the northernmost entrance. Then, completely unplanned, I decided to just keep driving to see how far I could go before the driving conditions got bad and I would have to turn around. I ended up driving 15 miles! Even then, I wouldn't have had to turn around, but it was getting to where the fishers and beachgoers were getting to be out of view, and I sure didn't want to get caught up there where even AAA probably does not go. But if was such a lovely drive! I saw so many heron and pelicans along the way. 

Beautiful dunes . . .

Not much to see here, thank goodness! Lol...

When I got back to town, I walked around Jim's Pier for a while. It was so peaceful to watch, with just a little music from Laguna Bob's drifting over the way.

All around, a very special and enjoyable day!

South Texas EcoTourism Center Taking Shape

 

 The South Texas EcoTourism Center is taking shape nicely!

Every time I come I see more wildlife showing up. 

This friendly pigeon followed me around for quite a while. 

While an egret tried not to get blown away!

 

Red Rock Canyon Campgrounds

 

The first time I took Oklahoma's Hwy 281 home, I was enthralled by the view of the red rock formations gleaming with selenite in the sunlight. It looked as though there were diamonds sprinkled all over the cliffs. I went through another time on a cloudy day and it wasn't quite as glorious, but still very impressive. I vowed I would come and spend some time here, and I got my chance this trip. It was only for a night, but I'll be back for more. 

I stayed at the Red Rock Canyon Campground, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The area was once part of a state park, but when the lease expired, its state park status was not renewed and it was made into a lovely campground. Check it out if you're in the area!