Let's Go Camping

In truth a family is what you make it.

It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table,

but by the rituals you help family members create,

by the memories you share,

by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another,

and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.

~Marge Kennedy

I've never seen (and heard) so many Killdeer in my life. They were quite active all along the banks at Coleto Creek Park and Reservoir. [I thought this would be a good photo to start with - so I'm reminded of the day and can look back later.]

Here we were - the makers and keepers of memories (together for close to 70 years how can that be?) My sister (BH) and brother (RF) had decided to tent camp and canoe this past weekend. I was included, but I kinda think I invited myself as I am not much of a camper or boater anymore. It's a wonder they put up with me, but that's for another story and another day.

FYI - all my camping gear is in the attic - and I'm not supposed to go up there.* And after a demanding week, it seemed wiser to forget the idea of camping and volunteer to photograph the canoeing. I was really there to visit and get in some face-to-face time with them. We talk and text, but see each other rarely - maybe a couple of times a year. We all agreed we need to take advantage of every opportunity.

As I packed my suitcase and loaded the car the weather forecasts were for wind on Friday and rain all day Saturday. I shook my head. What were we thinking? Well, we were thinking we were willing to risk it - forecasts are often wrong. And we were right to gamble as there was no wind on Friday and very little rain on Saturday.

The campers camped, paddlers paddled, birders birded, and siblings did what siblings do. We caught up and shared recipes and stories. We exchanged gift bags - exotic beans and quilts and all manner of treasure.

There were also a few plants. Normally we have all kinds of growing things to share, but it's the wrong season and we are all planning our fall and winter garden cleanup. Still, traditions must be honored. The local feed store had trays of beautiful lettuce, chard, and kale, so we split the starts. Once again we will gamble on the weather - that rain will come and the first frost/freeze hold off for a while.**

This trip presented the added gift of a visit with some long-time friends -- more siblings -- two of the children of our mother's best friend (Mom and Aunt B were friends for some 75 years - since first grade) joined us for lunch and then some long chats.

We've known them all our lives. We called each other's parents "aunt" and "uncle" even though we were not related. We visited, vacationed, reunioned, celebrated, and grieved together through the years. They (and their other siblings) continue to be a special part of our lives.*** And we agreed on a few possible visits in the not too distant future.

So, here are some photos of this fast, but rich trip:

Coleto Creek Park and Reservoir****

We were to meet at the swimming area at the park. I spent a few minutes following bird calls and taking photos before the canoers arrived.

In spite of the hazy start to the day, the place is gorgeous. Oaks drip with Spanish moss.

I love to see squirrels in the wild (just not in my yard). This guy was all around the area.

Fox Squirrel

We met at the swimming area where there is a good spot to launch. The paddlers had no trouble setting off and brought back some lovely shots of their trip around the reservoir.

Heading out.

Moving toward the point

Beyond the point. Well coordinated paddling there.

Their experience shows.

American White Pelicans (photo by BH)

A view from the canoe. (photo by BH)

I continued to watch the Killdeer and listen to an incredible cacophony of Killdeer calls - like nothing I'd ever heard before. I could only suspect there was a predator in the area and that a warning call had started the flight of a number of the birds in coordination with a chorus of Killdeer calls.

A few birds settled on the beach in front of me and I snapped away as the birds fed along the water's edge. One bird pulled up a worm in a stretch I thought would never end. It was amazing. I've never had the opportunity to watch so many Killdeer for such a long period of time.

They called and called.

There was no question they kept an eye on me.

Watching the I don't come too close.

In addition to the squirrels and Killdeer, this crazy moth caterpillar (I had never seen before) was making its way through the grass in front of me. It's a Sycamore Tussock Moth caterpillar.

One lovely oak.

Many years ago RF was a ranger at this park. And not-so-many years ago BH helped revive the pollinator garden. She still works there with a group of Texas Master Naturalists/Gardeners. On this day, it was abloom with cowpen daisies and other late-bloomers. The pollinators knew it was their garden and fluttered around as we took a look after the paddling.

I'm kind of crazy about the path that runs through the garden.

Cloudless Sulfur on Tropical Sage (maybe)

Queen Butterfly on Cowpen Daisy.

Texas Sage blooming,

Goliad State Park*****

After meeting our friends for lunch we headed back to the campsite at Goliad State Park. We visited a little more about this and that (and discussed the fireants, who managed to find me). Then we said our good-byes and I headed back to town.

The campsite.

A burn-ban fire.

I'm convinced that's a greenman looking down on the campground.

Mission Espiritu Santo

NOTES:

* "Mom, please don't climb up in the attic. Get someone to go up there for you!" I'm not quoting any one child. [I must say I don't listen to many recommendations, but this is one I follow. I'm not climbing that ladder.]

** I haven't had any serious winter gardens of greens (except the collards my brother brought us a year or so ago). Most of the time the first frost/freeze gets the lettuce/spinach/kale before I get more than a meal or two.

*** Long time friends take care of you. I don't think it was an accident the restaraunt was on a major street in town - a straight shot to my route home. I get lost easily in this, my mother's home town - even with a g.p.s. [There might have been an attempt to traverse a one-way street the wrong way the night before. I'm blaming it on the g.p.s. DTMK.]

Funny some of the gifts your parents give you aren't always immediately recognized.

**** https://www.gbra.org/recreation/coleto-creek-park/

***** https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goliad

Other photos that needed a place to be: