Happy New Year

These guys seem to be enjoying the winter sun. Visiting the swamp two days after Christmas, and it's turned off warm and sunny. We've had cold and snow and lots of rain, and now this pleasant promise of springtime.

Sneaux on the hills

Well, it snowed in the hills last night; an oddity for this part of the country. Big, fluffy wet flakes were falling and there was a good blanket at 10 pm. But the ground was too warm and, by morning, it was just a mottling in the clearings and nothing under the trees. Temperature was 32 at daybreak, so the stuff up in the trees stayed and was pretty. Only openings on north- facing hillsides kept their coverage into the morning. I didn't see any deer, before or after the "blizzard". Sun was shining and trees started dripping about 8:30. And I came out of the woods when the big blobs of snow started falling from the treetops.

Leaf color in the swamp

Autumn seems to have arrived. A bit more color is showing, since the frost. But the leaves are falling as fast as they are coloring. The view is still worth a stroll in the woods.

Leaf Peeping

A warm, pleasant Sunday afternoon in the swamp. There was considerable frost on Friday, our first one of the year. I had expected some leaf color, but maybe it is still developing.

side- lighting

It was a pretty evening in the swamp. The sun was sinking across the Big Muddy, casting sidelights on the moon and the treetops. Temperature was beginning to drop and the swamp critters were scrounging their supper.

Mobility is good

Wow, hunting trips have been sparse, lately. I had a pleasant visit to my home- woods, and a pretty weekend. It was even cool enough Saturday night for me to kindle a fire in the stove... how's that for cooperative weather! Lots of squirrrels and birds were active. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were active, too. I scouted and hunted a little. A doe came by my stand about sunset Saturday... looked small, young. Couldn't see much detail; she was kinda far and through some brush. Got my blood pumping, but Boss Buck didn't follow her through there.

I scrubbed and curried the leaves and bugs off of me, and went to the old family church Sunday morning; it was nice to visit the cousins.

Halloween sunshine

This ol’ water snake found a place to enjoy a dappling of sunshine. It was a pretty day in the swamp; great to get outdoors; still and quiet, blue sky and comfortable temperature. And I had been hemmed in too much, lately.

Fall is my favorite time in the hills

Well, the year rolled around and archery deer season opened October 1st. I squirmed and bit my nails, and finally got away Saturday afternoon for a trip to the woods. I had done zero scouting, my trails were overgrown, and I was short on time. The creek had gone down since the rains, to its usual few inches of depth, but the quicksand assured that I would start off with wet feet.

It was great to be home again, immersed in the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of the Tunica Hills at the best season of the year. I didn’t have time to be choosey about stand location; I just squatted among some bushes, at a spot I had hunted in previous years. Although I sat until dark, no deer moved within my sight or hearing. Perhaps, with the thick undergrowth, recent rain, and cool conditions, the deer are not moving around much for food and water.

I saw a few squirrels in the area, and two barred owls flew into a tree nearby. After quite a conversation of honks, hoots, and cackles, one of the owls flew to another tree and a squirrel started barking there. Then the other owl flew over. The squirrel stopped barking, but I couldn’t tell whether the owls managed to get their supper or the squirrel escaped their hunting party.

Labor Day Biking to Farr Park

I took advantage of the day off: I had long been wanting to ride the levee trail down to Farr Park. It was midday when I arrived, and mighty quiet at the park. The park staff was probably off for the holiday, but there were a few RVs in the campground. I would like to experiment with camping/ touring on my bicycle, and this park would be a convenient destination for some shakedown camp- outs. I need to talk to their staff and learn whether they have tent sites, how much the fees are, and how to make arrangements. It would be fun, in cooler weather, to go with a group and socialize over supper and a nice campfire. I mounted the Levee Trail from Oklahoma Street; it’s paved and very smooth from town to LSU. Easy riding, except for the dog- walkers and joggers who blocked up both sides of the bike lanes… then, there were also bikers in the pedestrian lane. South of LSU, the levee was topped with gravel, and prudence dictated a slower pace… still not bad riding for the mountain bike… with front suspension and lugged tires. And not many other people on that section. A nice clearing had been maintained between levee and river… I think it must be where the sunken chlorine barge was raised. Wow, that was nearly half a century ago. It was made into a park, for a while… maybe still is (gotta check on that).

Critical mass for August

Well, Baton Rouge CM rides have been fun, but I think that may have been my last one. I rode only a short way with the group, circling the lakes; dropped out to help with a flat tire before the Mass got off of Campus again. They rode to the State Capitol, and it was an even larger gathering, this time: I heard the count was about 325… LSU is back in session, now. New, inexperienced riders may have worsened some of my usual objections: too slow speed, disorderly use of the streets, taunting of motorists.
Now, I accept that Critical Mass is a protest activity, a way to raise awareness of bikes on the streets. But taking up the passing lane and militant attitudes are more than I can abide. I can accept the usefulness of “corking” intersections to allow the Mass to cross as a single unit. This was demonstrated again, I heard, by a big traffic jam: police directing traffic on a downtown street required the Mass to stop, proceeding piecemeal through that intersection, and it caused a big traffic mess way back through town where the Mass was strung out.
It’s been fun, and I think that Critical Mass has served as a useful public- awareness campaign. However, it seems that CM has outlived its usefulness in that regard. The city of Baton Rouge and LSU are making great efforts to accommodate cyclists, and it’s time to tone it down and show our appreciation by making the best use of the facilities and public acceptance which have been provided to the bike community. I have been unsuccessful at promoting rides of the “Critical Manners” type, where traffic laws are strictly observed and smaller, more orderly groups would convey better public images.

Late summer in the swamp

On this occasion, it was still morning when I visited the swamp: cooler temps and prettier light quality than my usual afternoon forays. And the critters were more active, too. Several kinds of butterflies were working the blue flower- spikes of pickerelweed. Hurricane damage thinned the tree canopy allowing more light to the forest floor. Now the trails are narrow corridors, walled by rank growth of weeds, brush, and vines.

Give 3 feet

An interesting happenstance: while attending a BRASS meeting (Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets), we got word that the Governor has signed the Dr. Colin Goodier Bicycle Protection Act into law. It requires motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance. Very important provisions for promoting public- awareness and education of cyclists and motorists are also included.

Louisiana Bike Fest

What a mix of weird and wonderful! Bikes of all sorts were at Abita Springs for the Louisiana Bicycle Festival. Maybe I can get over there sometime, and ride on the Tammany Trace. I got a glimpse of it when we crossed; it's one of those Rails- to- Trails projects. The Trace runs from Slidell to Covington.

Bud’s Big Adventure: revisited by popular demand

Well, the big day finally came. Friday, October 1, 2004 was the opener for the archery deer season. I had arranged leave on Friday and Monday, for a 4- day weekend of hunting. I camped the Thursday night, then left my gear in the truck and headed out at first light, to hunt on foot. I would pick out a campsite in the woods and scout a new spot for my treestand. I hadn’t moved my stand since the previous year; it was in a poor location for early season; and I was frustrated that I hadn’t had time to move it. I chose a likely- looking place which would be easy to enter and leave in the dark, and only a few hundred yards from the truck. I picked a tree and set the stand. When finally satisfied with the arrangement, I shook the ladder and stomped the bottom rung. When I was convinced that the stand was not wobbly, I went up to check the view and lock the cable to the tree. The ladder rolled to the left and I could not grasp the tree to hold it upright, so I rode the ladder down, entangled with it, and on top of it.
I knew immediately that I was hurt, and commented aloud to myself that “I’m gettin’ too old for this”. It was midday Friday and I wasn’t expected home until Monday night. Moving carefully, I felt around for twisted appendages or protruding bones before untangling myself from the ladder. The only problem I noticed was with my right hip. I tried crawling, but couldn’t: my left side was hurting, too. I had trouble standing, and figured that something must be broken or dislocated in that right hip. I pulled myself upright on a sapling, found a limb on the ground nearby to use as a walking staff, and locked the ladder to a convenient tree. I had emergency supplies in my pack and the weather was mild, but I needed a medical checkup and was in a poor location to expect success at signaling for help. I knew I must get as far as I could before I stiffened up, so I started hobbling back toward the truck. According to my watch, it was 12:30 pm when I started back.
My hip hurt with every step, and I could only shuffle along a few inches per stride. Although I resisted the urge to stop, I had to rest and drink water several times. I soon finished my canteen of water and must wait until reaching the truck for more. I only remember falling one time; it was a little ditch where I turned off the main trail. I’m not sure how long I stayed on the ground there; I was pretty tired. At the creek bed, it was a long climb down. I had to sit down and slide along, but I had gravity to help me.
Down in the creek, the sand made the going harder, but I just kept hobbling with my staff and made it across. Thank goodness it was shallow and there was no quicksand! My hobbling had been downhill to this point, but now I must get up out of the creek bed.
I went to the trail I had broken through the briars that morning; it would be the most direct route. I tied my bow to my backpack and dragged that along by a strap. I couldn’t crawl and couldn’t climb, so I backed up against the briars and scooted my way up the bank, crawfishing up a few inches at a time. It was hard going, the briars were scratching and poking me, I was getting mighty tired, and I surely wanted a drink of water. Back on my feet (foot and staff), I hobbled and shuffled across the bottomlad. That uneven ground, cut by small drainages, was particularly difficult.
I knew that my last climb up, up to the camp yard, would be the longest and steepest, and the greatest challenge yet: sure enough, it was. It was steep and I was tired. But I was thirsty, too; and there was a fresh canteen of water in the truck. I had come too far to give up now, and it was getting late… I mostly kept thinking of that canteen of cool water. When I finally reached the top, I lay back and my truck was in sight, only about 75 yards, now. But I couldn’t get myself up; couldn’t walk anymore. I had to make it to the truck; I needed some water, and I must not rest long enough to stiffen up. I raised to a sitting position and tried butt- scooting, as I had used to climb the hills. I was miffed that I had bothered to drag my improvised staff up that last hill, only to find it of no help here, and so I abandoned it. My progress across the flat ground was better than uphill, but not much better. The pack was easier to drag—significantly so.
Finally, I reached the truck; it was nearly dark and my watch showed 7:39. That 300 yard hike out had taken 7 hours! Dumping my gear in the truck, I found my spare canteen and had the best drink of water I can ever remember. I closed the back of the truck and, pausing several times to drink and fight mosquitoes; I scooted to the truck door and struggled into the seat. What to do next?
One step at a time! I must learn whether I can drive; good thing I bought automatic transmission with power steering and brakes this time. I could go to a neighbor or a cousin; they could call an ambulance. I seemed to be alright with driving; I could maybe go to Angola or even Saint Francisville. Angola could only transport me, and there was the issue of my weapons and gear at the prison. After my long ordeal, immediacy did not seem an issue: serious medical problems should have already showed themselves. So I wheeled out and headed toward Saint Francisville. It made me think of my Dad’s final trip down that road, one Friday night. As I neared Saint Francisville and the hospital, I was still doing alright, so I kept on toward Baton Rouge. I could go directly to an emergency room, but I worried about my truck full of gear… I went on home. Wife and son showed up within a few minutes; so she drove me to the hospital and I was glad to lock my truck up in the driveway.
The emergency room ordeal was almost as tough as the things I had endured during the day. I had stopped drinking water at 8:00 pm, not knowing what I was in for, and my 11:30 Vienna- sausage lunch had long since expired. I was tired, and hungry, and thirsty, and hurting, and I had to wait 3 hours in that uncomfortable wheel chair, before getting into an exam room. Then there were X- rays and CAT- scans. “Unbuckle your belt; lower your pants; turn over; move this way; get yourself over on this table; can’t hit the vein, someone else will try, we’ll try a different vein….” Eventually, they got in an i. v. and put something in it that made me feel MUCH BETTER.
My injuries were such that no surgical intervention was needed; the fractures were stable. All I needed was to keep the weight off the injuries and manage the pain.
The ER guys said I was their first hunting- stand casualty this season, a dubious honor, I must say. They admitted a second hunter that Friday night. They deserted me for a while, and it must have been the helicopter arrival that they had to scramble for. The other guy is paralyzed from the waist down. “There but for the grace of God go I”. Neighbor told my wife that a severed spine is the norm for that type of accident; I was the exception.
The rest of the story is not so entertaining, just tedium and trials. I switched from pain pills to Tylenol, and talked them into letting me return to work 4 hours per day (in a wheelchair) on October 11. I was getting around pretty well on a walker, and went back to full- time on November 1. I made my first trip back to the woods on the weekend of November 16. I camped and didn’t get far from the truck, but I sure was glad to get out of the house. My first walk in the woods was a trip to take this picture with my ladder- stand on New Years Eve. I was able to get around with a cane by then. Years later, I’m back to my old self (minus some depreciation for age and mileage). The only lingering reminder of my adventure is that my busted hip “forecasts” cold fronts and hurricanes.

Bike to Work

Well, it was down to the wire, today. But I rode my bike to work before May ended, National Bike Month. Official bike to Work day was May 15, so I’m only a little late. And I was celebrating my birthday, too… only a little late. Traffic was less and there were fewer crazies on Sunday, so it was a good choice. I was riding the paved shoulders and bike paths most of the way, to keep me out of the fast traffic… and those surfaces were rough riding in some places. Mapmyride.com calculated my plotted route out to 11.41 miles, one way. The trip took 55 minutes, and I didn’t overheat or play out. Only stopped once, when I was bouncing too much to drink from my water bottle. That 55 minute trip time is about twice what my drive takes, and about half what a bus ride takes. But I don’t know how often I would want to bike that trip. Early morning and late evening would be more pleasant peddling on that route. Back at the house, I was ready for supper. Two hours later and I still have the munchies.

Biking in BR

Lots of interest in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and promoting a healthier lifestyle. A local TV station posted the following link to a map showing the current and proposed bike routes in the Mayor's current initiative.

Whew, there’s a flood of bike stuff going on!

Monday morning there will be a ride to the State Capitol, in support of the bike safety bill. Wednesday, the Mayor will hold a press conference nearby, to announce his health initiative and improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Thursday is the monthly meeting of the bike and pedestrian committee which advises the City Parish Planning Commission. Last night, the wife wanted to ride with the kids: a group met at midnight at the LSU tower, rode around town, and howled at the full moon. Early this morning, I went to check bike- ability of Burbank Blvd, but it didn’t look promising: I need a reasonable route that direction, because this is Bike- to- Work- Week. I need to pedal over and visit Mom, because this is Mother’s Day. This afternoon, help may be needed to attend the bike corral for Sunday- in- the- Park. How did I ever manage to work full- time?

Summer's comin' to the swamp

Lush undergrowth is forming in the swamp. More light is reacing the forest floor since the hurricanes took so many limbs and whole trees out of the canopy. Lots of critters are out enjoying the warmth; I saw birds and bunnies, squirrels and snakes, and skinks, today.

Critical Mass for April

We biked in some of my old stomping grounds on today's protest- ride. We went from LSU, through downtown, and out Choctaw Dr. to Scenic Hwy. and back downtown for music at the "Friday in the park celebration". There was quite a turn- out, but I think the claim of 250 riders may have been too high.

Yikes, snakes!

Behind the library, there is some trash near the dumpster. Looks like some snakes may be starting a family there. I wonder how the library's patrons and employees will react to these neighbors.

Springtime swamp

It's warm and muggy in the swamp today; flowers are blooming, trees are shading the trail, bugs and lizards are busy, snakes are sunning. But, not all snakes were lazing around on the logs; I never saw such a squirming mass as this... pity the poor female at the bottom of that pile.

Critical Mass

I've been off biking with those kids, again. What a kick; riding a bike down Perkins Road! It's a large enough group, that we can just take over a lane. It rained on us at one point, but it didn't last long.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Saturday's annual St. Patrick's parade was a bit soggy: it sprinkled rain a little, becoming even more of a drizzle toward the end. There was a small but enthusiastic crowd, and they might still be partying at the terminus. There were lots of floats, with tons of beads and other throws. Many cheerleaders and marching bands came from distant schools, there were police cars and fire engines, bicycle units from the City Police, Sheriff, EMS, even the Constable had a bike patrol. The constable, police chief, and the bishop were there in person. Amazing, that a small neighborhood celebration has turned into a giant parade!

Springtime in the swamp

Wow, it's been several days since I could visit the swamp, and spring had sprung while I was away. The birds are singing, trees leafing out, and flowers blooming. I noticed lots of bees zipping around the hives. There were critters sunning: this skink, plus snakes, a green lizard, and turtles. Thistles looked like a prickly situation.

I finally found the Geocache that's hidden near the Bluebonnet Library, but a picture would give it away... took me a year to figure out that camouflage. I can't decide whether to be proud of resolution, or give in to my frustation and never look for another one.

Bike to the lake

Those warm days in early spring certainly do spoil me. The alligator saw his shadow and went back in the hole for six more weeks of winter; and we have another dose of it blowing in right now. It was warm this morning, but had turned breezy and the temperature was dropping when I went for a mid- day bicycle spin to City Park lake. The gulls had given it up and were parked on the beach, but pelicans were still out working for their living.

Biking in BR

Well, that was fun. There was an art exhibit downtown, tonight, so the wife asked about riding our bicycles to it. I used to bike often, but that’s been decades ago. I haven’t yet replaced my wrecked truck, so that has necessitated some renewed interest in biking. I’ve lately been biking around enough to regain some of those bike muscles. Leaving the exhibit at the old Bogan Fire Station, we saw a noisy bunch of bicyclists on a cross street. It was a huge group, from the local Critical Mass organization. Here’s a link to CM's MySpace page. Anyway, we fell into the group and toured the town with them. They rode at a moderate pace, had outriders that “corked”every intersection so that the whole group could pass safely, and they all seemed a friendly bunch. They do those rides on the last Friday of every month, and I would certainly enjoy riding with them again.

Happy Mardi Gras from Beauregardtown

We biked downtown today, to participate in a Mardi Gras Parade. It was a loose, impromptu, neighborhood party and we all had fun. There were interesting characters, mobile music machines, parading for all, and dancing in the streets.

Spring in the swamp

The trillium blooms are coming on, now... not showy, but trillium is some of the first greening in the spring. It always excites me when the blooms start to open. Some trails are still blocked: reminders of the storms, and the difficult year it has been.

Glimmers of Spring

Wow, those days of hot weather have encouraged early plant growth and brought out some critters. Yellowtops are blooming, trillium and violets are budding. Even a few bees were out working. Turtles were sunning on logs and someone reported a watersnake. A bullfrog was singing his baritone solo, and lots of birds were busy in the treetops and the understory.

Woody Woodpecker?

This ol' woodhen was busily working on a beech tree. This is in a small upland habitat bordering the Bluebonnet Swamp. As I watched him work, the cold breeze was biting at me. I was too lightly clad for comfort, so I had to keep moving. It spoils me when I spend the weekend outdoors, warmly dressed, then venture out in my typical workaday clothes. It was a pretty afternoon in the swamp, cool and sunshiny. Saw a few squirrels, and some of the spring birds are arriving. Lots of the local residents were busy, too.

Unseasonably warm

I have been hemmed in kinda close and I've been neglecting my blogging, too. Still managing brief visits to the swamp, however. This afternoon, it was another warm one... shirtsleeve weather doesn't feel like January! Lots of birds were active. This barred owl was asking the perennial question, "who cooks for you". And a pair of great horned owls were hooting back and forth in the distance. Lots of other birds were active, too. Now, if I can just escape to the "real" woods... soon, I hope.