What's digging those holes?

Something has been rooting along the creek bank. There are wild hogs in this part of the country, but I’ve never seen any on our place. All I see is evidence of digging or rooting; and I would expect hogs to leave some tracks. I guess this could also be armadillo diggings, but I can’t say definitely.

Who? Who was that?

A bird flushed and startled me, coming from a small magnolia tree nearby. It ducked into the butt of this log and stopped to stare at me … a little screech owl. He turned a shoulder to me as I snapped a picture, then he darted away; I can barely make him out. Maybe he lives in that log… I’ll try to visit him again.

Mayapples... love to see 'em

Stands of mayapples are beginning to bloom now. I always enjoy seeing patches of these exotic- looking plants; and, one of these days, I’m going to sample one of their fruits before the deer and squirrels eat them all.

Drying out

It was colder than I had expected: 32 degrees on my little zipper- pull thermometer. I stirred up the coffee- makings without leaving the covers, and lazed there sipping coffee and watching daylight arrive. When I sat up to dress, I brushed the tent wall and got a wet sleeve. Condensate can be a problem in some tents, especially small ones and in cold and damp conditions. I’m still in the learning curve with this little tent: need more ventilation next time. The sunny morning warmed quickly, and I soon had my gear dry and packed.

Early Spring is best for Louisiana camping

I camped in the creek bottom Friday night. The sun had set, and darkness was quickly closing in. I set up my tent under the drop- off, to be sheltered from that North wind whistling across the field. It had been a lovely, mild afternoon but the temperature was dropping rapidly. Trees and brush were tight, so a large enough campsite was hard to find in the fading light; I was especially trying to avoid the game trails. Those deer will ramble around all night long and keep waking you with their nervous snorts and foot stamping. Once the tent was pitched, I stepped off to a convenient kitchen spot and saw a green fireball overhead. I looked up and saw another… don’t meteor showers come in the early morning? Then I saw another that was nearly stationary… lightning bugs! They were scattered all around in the treetops and when one was caught in a gust of wind, his flash went through the woods like a tracer. That was quite a show. I never knew fireflies were out this early or at such cool temperatures. Supper in the dark must be simple and hot, so Ramen soup was on the menu: quick, easy cleanup, and I was ready to duck into the tent. I fired up the candle lantern and it quickly moderated the temperature in my little solo tent, but it’s not quite enough light to read by. Funny… I recall that it used to be enough light… maybe they just don’t make candles like they used to. Unfortunately, my bed was not very satisfactory. Setting up in the dark, with few spots available, I had picked a very lumpy location, and could expect as long night. I soon crashed and the next I knew, my cell phone’s alarm was calling me… maybe it was not so bad a site after all. I love to watch the woods come alive in the early morning. The sky was just beginning to gray when I heard the turkey gobble across the creek. I might be looking for him next weekend! Then I heard an excited- sounding hen start up, and there were several abbreviated gobbles… I don’t know enough about turkeys: maybe those were still on the roost; or maybe they were the younger jakes.

Red Stick Day

It was a beautiful day! It was clear and cool, with the trees budding out. Everyone seemed to have spring fever as bad as I do. My boy was after the bass which were visible all along the shallow pond edges; they examined every offering, but refused to bite. Red Stick Day is the annual gathering of the local fly- fishing club. I visited friends and saw some interesting demonstrations and presentations. I did not win any prizes in the raffles, though. I surely lusted after a beautiful little pack rod made by a fellow club- member, but didn't win it. Lunch was a special treat: crawfish etouffee (pronounced A- 2- FAY), first crawfish I've had this year.
The kayak demonstrations were popular, and there was much interest in the new model that The Backpacker had brought along. Back amid the turmoil of my residence, I forgot to view the lunar eclipse; when I dashed outside, the moon was already high and the eclipse was over... guess I'll have to wait for the next one.