Finally cooling off in the swamp

My boy had an appointment nearby, so we made a quick visit yesterday to the Bluebonnet Swamp before I had to get to work. The cool weather was very pleasant, and a welcome change from the sweltering summer afternoons. We saw a cottonmouth beside the trail; looked like he was trying in vain to find some sunshine. Poor snake seemed sluggish; just lay there.

The weather made me bug- out

Rains are on the way, so I left the woods. I've seen lots of critters, but no deer. I suspect there has been too much activity in the woods, making the deer skittish. Also, the heavily baited stand areas nearby are allowing deer to feed heavily at night and then not need to forage around during the daylight hours.

A gaggle of ibis?

I saw a flock/ herd/uhh… group of white ibis juveniles on yesterday’s swamp- walk. The light was low and they were very busy… thus, the poor picture. I was wishing for a “real camera”. I posted an ibis’ picture back in the early spring; I wonder if that was their Momma? Lots of other critters were about, too. Wood ducks were whistling, kingfishers were twittering, and squirrels were scratching in the leaves. I saw a huge green caterpillar and supposed it to be a Luna moth larva. The mosquitofish were busily working the water surface. They must have been happy to get some rain.

Well, they fooled me this time

I went back Sunday evening, for another try at that big bruiser. This time, I set up nearer to Panther Creek. Maybe I could see him against the lighter background of that sandy creekbed. I hunkered down near a big tree and immediately wished I had brought my tree- seat. Oh well, I guess ya gotta suffer to see deer. I spotted another knoll with a good 360- degree view, but resisted the urge to go check it out… didn’t want to be spreading around my noise, movement, and scent… put that on my list for another day. I watched and waited, and the squirrels, birds, and butterflies were very entertaining. About fifteen minutes after sunset, the light was fading. A deer snorted and I saw two white flags bounding through the brush. The air currents had changed direction and given me away. This time the deer had skirted through the thicket on the far side of Panther Creek. They snorted and stamped the ground for a while, but didn’t come back out. Darkness fell and I eased out of there, disappointed that I had let them detect my presence.

Whoo-ee, there goes my blood pressure

I had to work on Saturday, but I got away early enough for an evening hunt. I didn’t take care of chores, nor business, nor nothing’; I changed into hunting clothes, grabbed my gear, and headed to the woods. I went to a knoll a short walk from camp. Surrounded on three sides by a bend of Panther Creek, there are sharp slopes down to the creek- bed and several game trails cut through the area. There are usually plenty of browse plants in the understory there, and that big white oak should soon be dropping its huge acorns. About sunset, a small doe crossed Panther Creek and I got a good broadside view of her as she angled up the creek bank. I raised up for a look, and she vanished behind a group of small trees. Just disappeared! I guess she bedded down; maybe she saw my movement. I hope I didn’t strain the lenses of my glasses, trying to look for her. Daylight was flickering and the squirrels were bounding through the trees, on their way home for the evening. A huge owl stopped in a nearby tree, looking around for a supper opportunity, but he was too late; the squirrels had already passed by. As light faded, a big- bodied deer with a dark coat stepped out into the creek and turned upstream. He was cautious, pausing for a long look, taking a few steps, taking a drink, pausing, walking, pausing. To my right, another deer was breaking through the brush and coming toward the creek. This one was obviously a big doe; I got a better look as she followed the first one upstream. I heard the first deer climb the creek bank and start toward me. The doe followed up the bank and she was coming my way, too. They crossed the creek bottom toward me, but the light was gone. It was past legal shooting time, and I could barely see their movement. I sat quiet and still to avoid spooking them… maybe tomorrow I’ll get another chance. The big deer was crunching through the leaf litter, headed up my knoll, probably 20 yards away. As he passed, I could see the dim glow of his antlers. I couldn’t make out points or shape, just a glow floating through the woods above the sound of footfalls, but it was obviously a large, heavy rack. The big doe followed up the same trail and in the dim light, I could see the vague form of her lighter color. After those two had passed, I heard the small doe come through, also. Wow! I’d certainly like a daylight glimpse of that buck. I know he’s a big’un.

Days are getting shorter in the swamp

This pretty little cardinal flower was growing in one of the gravel footpaths and attending to its reproductive responsibilities before the frosts arrive. The swamp animals were preparing for fall, too. The sun has been setting earlier, so wildlife was more active prior to the park’s 5 pm closing time. Squirrels were scratching in the leaves and rabbits were grazing around. A big owl was looking at me from his perch in a pine tree; and maybe he was also watching for a squirrel- supper. The snakes haven’t been out sunning, lately, but turtles were lined up on logs.

Well, that was a pleasant trip to the woods

The stars were out this morning, but all my clothes and gear were still wet. I put on my driest dirty shirt and pants, and found a pair of fresh, dry socks. My boots were still soaked, so dry socks were only a temporary luxury. Nephew was supposed to come, but didn’t show. After I gave up on him, I made a quick walk to the woods and found more hog- rooting. There was no sign of the pigs or where they might go during the day. I loaded up and headed back to town with a lot of wet gear that needed care. I managed to hunt a little, got some chores done, went to the old family church, and visited some kinfolks. The weather was a bit warm for hiking and hunting, but I had lots of critter- encounters and hardly noticed the heat. I did, however, notice the no- see- ‘ems that were chewing on my bare hands…those little gnats don’t make a welt, but leave an itching and burning sensation that vexes me for a long time afterward. I had to dab on the bug dope. I couldn’t find what the deer were feeding on, but I suppose they are browsing the greenery. A few acorns were being shaken loose by breezes, but there was no evidence of specific feed trees. They didn’t seem to be nipping the French mulberry yet; it’s often an early- season browse in that area.

I got soaked!

I got “conscripted” for church Sunday morning, as the preacher was away and much of the congregation had to work for the Prison Rodeo. Sparse attendance was expected; maybe they needed me to make a quorum, or something. They included an interesting speaker in the service… someone from the Gideons, the hotel- bible folks. In additions to hotels, they distribute bibles to prisons and colleges, and have issued them to military personnel since World War I. When I was very young, my Dad gave me his, issued when He joined the Navy and carried through the World War II. That hit home, so they won a contribution from me, too. Anyway, I didn’t hunt Sunday morning, and that allowed me to finish the tombstone transcriptions I’ve been working on for the family cemetery.
After lunch and a quick siesta, I sauntered off for an afternoon hunt. There were some gusty breezes that should cover my movements. A few slight sprinkles should moisten the leaf litter enough to lessen the sounds of my walking. The sky was overcast, but bright, as it had been all day. I tipped along and stopped in several likely places, but nothing was moving. I reached Beech Hollow, my old campsite where the great beech tree stood, and I knelt in a hidden spot to watch the creek, the hollow, and the hillsides. Suddenly, it started raining… no warning, it just rained. I was somewhat sheltered by the trees, so I waited for the shower to end. It just got harder. Well, I got soaked! So I headed back to the cabin to dry out. It rained hard, but for about 20 minutes, only. The creek was muddy when I crossed and water was pouring off the hillsides and down the gullies. It was only a short rain, so the creek will probably be down and passable by morning.

More critter encounters

Nephew came Saturday, for a morning hunt. I headed out early for a spot where a game- trail crosses Panther Creek. I set up my tree stand, the one I can strap to the tree and my feet still reach the ground. I’m too old for any more of those crash- landings. At first light, a coyote howled across Panther Creek. He was atop that big hill. Squirrel season opened that morning, but there was no shooting nearby. I heard a few shots in the distance, though… probably on the Wildlife management Area. About 9 am, a doe came tipping through the woods and stopped behind some brush. I couldn’t find a clear lane to shoot through, and she was small anyway. Eventually, she spotted me and hopped off through the bushes. She stood off and snorted, and snorted, and snorted. After about 5 minutes of that, I figured the hunt was over, and hiked back to camp for another cup of coffee. I watched the squirrels and birds play that afternoon, but saw no deer. After dark, I was washing the supper dishes when some critter growled outside my cabin door It was just one snarl; sounded like a cat or a ‘coon. I grabbed my light and my revolver to investigate, but I saw nothing outside. I guess some critter passed by and was startled when he saw me through the screen. He just snarled and ran.

Lots of critters

I found a likely- looking stand area where some game- trails crossed and hunkered down to wait and watch as the afternoon waned. Birds fluttered around the trees and squirrels bounced from limb to limb. After sunset those ground- birds started scratching around and turning leaves to search out some supper. Those guys keep me upset, mostly thrashers and towhees. Their sounds of rustling leaves keep me distracted from watching for deer- shapes to materialize among the shadows. At dusk, just as dark was creeping in through the woods, I watched the squirrels cross overhead, bound for their den- tree. The wind lay for the evening and an owl hooted in the distance. A cool air current sifted down from Hickory Ridge; it felt good after a hot afternoon. Through the thicket on my left, a deer snorted and dashed off to his 100- yard flight distance. He stood off there and snorted repeatedly, punctuating the end of that day’s hunt. That enjoyable breath of air had carried my scent to the hidden deer. I crossed to the creek for an easier hike back to camp. Walking the open creek bed, daylight lingered on the white sand. I could see without a light, I was away from the tangled brush and vines, away from the snakes and ticks. But, as I approached a small bunch of driftwood, a cottonmouth slithered out of it and off toward the water. He wasn’t as large as those I saw in the spring, but certainly made me attentive to where I was stepping. Sometime after midnight, I heard a “dogfight”. It was not far away, west of my cabin. Wrong direction for dogs, so I figured it must have been coyotes. The next morning, I found fresh rooting along the creek bank… those were wild hogs involved in some late- night disagreement. If they do their foraging in the middle of the night, it’s no wonder I can’t find them in the daytime.

Archery Opener

Well I didn’t “live” in the woods and hunt the whole time as I had wished, but I did walk around Monday morning and Monday afternoon carrying my bow and arrows. October 1st is opening day for Louisiana’s archery deer season. I was scouting, more than hunting, and had a great time. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells were all there to appease me. A few squirrels and chipmunks were shaking branches and scratching in the leaf litter. Breezes shook loose a few leaves to flutter down. Here and there, acorns were dropping with a “plop” on the forest floor. I’m home again! I wait all year, anticipating this. I had a good trip, despite a few distractions. I’m still doing some work at the family cemetery, there is always some maintenance needed around the place, and boundary markers needed refurbishing. Monday night, there were lots of stars, and several screech owls were nearby to sing me to sleep. Tuesday morning, I had time for only a short hunt, so I couldn’t venture very far. It was foggy and had cooled considerably overnight. In fact, it was damp and chilly enough that I wished for my insulated vest; I usually keep one in my daypack… I’ll have it next time. Although I didn’t manage to get close to any deer on this trip, but I did see a young doe and I jumped another deer, unseen, as I walked near a thicket; brought that adrenaline rush back again.

Wascally Wabbit

This guy was feeding in a small clearing yesterday. He spotted me when I rounded a tree, and he struck this pose to watch. He held like that for a long time, and let me take several pictures before he hopped off. I was surprised he could balance on two legs for so long. It was steamy in the swamp; I guess hurricane Humberto is pushing that Gulf moisture in here. My busted hip is still notifying me when these tropical systems approach, but it doesn’t interfere with my playtime.

Is it fall yet?

The autumn is my favorite time of year. Yesterday I saw the first hint of it… admittedly, not a very big hint. On a quick waltz through the Bluebonnet Swamp trails, I noticed that the humidity was low, the temperature was not too abusive, and the air just had that “fall” feel to it. There was a sprinkling of leaves on the trails and boardwalks, and I noticed that things seem to have begun changing from summer- green to warmer shades of fall.

Oh, yeah… lantana

I found this at the park; see it other places occasionally. I had trouble remembering the name, lantana. It’s a good one to remember, though; they say that stuff is pretty toxic. Sight of lantana always stirs some memories for me. Back in a previous life, I saw lantana along the roadsides, on my late- summer trips to Colorado. Now, every time I see a patch of lantana, it reminds me of my annual pilgrimages to the high country.

Oh, deer me

I found four deer feeding in the field. Well, well, that makes me excited for bowhunting… it’s less than a month. I’m back out of the woods now, and it was a hot trip. I had to take my grass mowing and fence work slowly. I got a few things accomplished and I did get to play a little. I looked for animal tracks in the creek and watched for pottery shards. I got to practice with my bow, too. I’ve been “field testing” some of my camping recipes, so maybe I’ll post some of that soon, over on Campdaddy’s page. There were fresh deer droppings in the camp yard; looked like a fawn visited during the night. There were deer hanging around across the creek, too; wonder if they were the same ones in the field. I saw or heard them several times from the bluff. I only got a good look at one… a medium- sized doe. The evenings were very nice… warm summer nights, perfume of wildflowers in the air, heat lightning flickering a sky- show … stirs some memories. Lightning bugs were flashing and crickets singing all around (probably some kind of conehead katydids, but “crickets” sounds more romantic). There were several screech owls calling in the night. An occasional coyote howled and, in the distance, a barred owl was making quite a racket.

You never know what to expect in the swamp

The big grasshoppers didn’t seem to mind the heat. These guys were involved in making more grasshoppers, at least the victor was. The loser was headed south. There were enough pools in the swamp to keep the mosquito fish in business, but for Rocky Raccoon, it must have been troublesome to wash his dinner. There were lots of ‘coon tracks wandering the mud flats.

Hot ‘n dry in the swamp

It’s been hot and dry, and water is low in the swamp. The webs were sun- baked, not moist, this afternoon. This one took on a golden sheen where a shaft of sunshine peeked down through the trees. I enjoy seeing spider webs with dew droplets glistening on them, too. Close up, they look like beads on a necklace. But they kinda give me the creeps… they give me shivering memories of walking into the sticky stringy messes, and spiders crawling on me. I love the woods, but those encounters are unwelcome.

Hotter ‘n a hen in a hayloft

My grass- mowing project in the country had progressed to bush- hogging weeds. I needed to get it done before it got worse; it surely was hot, though. The recent spell of cool nights seemed to have ended just when I needed it… it never did cool off last night. I took my boy along for an overnight in the hills, and, despite the heat, we had a pretty good outing. We took a detour on the way, for some sightseeing and discussions of people and places and happenings from bygone times. We visited Cousin’s house and caught some nice- sized brim from the pond. We were planning a fish- fry, so we needed enough fish to go around. We had caught several, but wanted two more before going back to start cleaning fish. Wouldn’t you know it... I kept missing strikes, losing fish in the water weeds, and hanging backcasts in the trees and bushes. My boy could only catch bass (I caught two of those, myself). The bass were only recently stocked into the pond, so it’s too soon to start depleting their numbers. We finally gave up, one fish short, and hiked back to start the cleaning and cooking. Supper was good, as was the company, and we had plenty fish.

As we were leaving, there was a buzzing sound from the driveway that I couldn’t recognize. It was a constant monotone and was too low- pitched for cicadas. There, in the shadow, a cat was crouched low. She faced toward a pile of coiled rattlesnake, about two feet away. There was rapid deployment of lights and guns and, at the first shot, Kitty made her escape; I hope she hadn’t already been bitten. That excitement, right there in Cousin's yard, kinda messed up my work projects… it's hard to concentrate on getting things done when you’re constantly watching the ground and flinching at every leaf you brush.

You never know what’s lurking in the swamp

This guy is a white ibis, and I had never seen a wild one this close. I was able to confirm my identification with a picture they had at the swamp's nature center. I also saw a green heron, a few songbirds, and a broad head skink (those guys get pretty big). I visited the swamp today, on my way to work. I usually get to see some critters on Sundays… they open at noon, so I get to the trails before other visitors have frightened the wildlife. Weekdays, in the summer, there is youth programming… day camps. By the time I get there, in the afternoon, the animals have usually had all the excitement they can stand and are in hiding. The swamp will host a couple of night hikes next month, and I think I might like to join them if time permits.

A little work, a little play... glad to escape the city

Well, I had to come back to town… even part- time work interferes with my fun. It’s been a busy few days in the woods; I played some, got some things accomplished, and greatly appreciated being away from the city. I got my weedfield mowed with a big tractor and that saved me the sweat and toil of marching behind my little one over all that rough ground. I was glad to get that mowing done to enhance the wildlife habitat, and I need to plow a piece of it too. Unfortunately, I still have to leave a wide swath of the frontage grown up with weeds, to avoid all those good citizens poaching deer from the road. There are multiple shift changes… all day and all night, so a lot of trashy people pass on that road. I am continuing to work on developing a hedgerow across the front; progress is slow and it is slow- growing. I think I have stopped the power company from continuously destroying it, but I am beginning to doubt whether I can live long enough to complete it.

I continued my fence repairs at the old family cemetery, and have most of that completed, now. Wow, that’s a hot job and I’m not accustomed to such. Working short stretches, early morning and late afternoon, and drinking lots of water, I have made good headway. I probably would never be able to repeat that project, but I hope the repairs will last until after I have claimed my own plot there. I was working there on my Dad’s birthday (he would have been 86), but was too busy and too hot to do more than merely acknowledge it. I had never spent long periods at the cemetery, and was amazed how much traffic there was. Lots of people visited while I was there and everyone felt the need to interrupt my work… I won’t go back on a weekend. An interesting side note: next weekend, the annual hummingbird gathering will be held at the Rogillio property, which surrounds the cemetery. I must work, but maybe next year… They will capture, band, and record biometric statistics on the hummers, and enthusiasts come from all over.

I had some first- rate critter encounters on this trip. Lots of birds were flitting around and singing. After an afternoon shower, two armadillos came charging through the woods. They were of adult size, and I don’t know whether this was a matter of foreplay, or some kind of territorial dispute. Then a rabbit came nibbling things around the yard, eventually hopping off toward my garden spot. Just as daylight was fading, a young ‘coon, about half- grown, came prowling around. Soon after dark, I heard a deer snorting nearby. So, it was quite an interesting wildlife parade, that day.

The next day, I drove into the yard, returning from my cemetery project, and a deer bounded away. She seemed to have been under the pear tree, probably feeding on fallen fruit that those pesky squirrels have been knocking down. A rabbit passed my window the next evening, too; I think he was smaller than the previous one. Maybe the whole family is over there, gobbling up my young plantings. When I walked over to check the cutover field, there was a coyote poking around. He was successful at finding food… I saw him catch something and give it a shake… maybe a mouse or bug of some sort. After watching him for a while and taking a few pictures, I stepped out into the open. He soon spotted me and loped off to the woods.

At church, Cousin was telling me that I should come fishing at their new pond. It was reworked and stocked about a year or two ago. It was a pond Uncle had built years ago; I had fished it a number of times, but it’s been a long while… I recall some nice bass.

I really needed to get back to the fence- work after lunch, Monday, but first I wanted to check for ATV tracks in the creek… those kids get out of hand and tear up the land if you don’t stay on top of it. On impulse, I kicked off my boots and went wading up the creek, squishing the sand between my toes… I hadn’t done that in a while, either. I didn’t find a fishing hole or even a spot for skinny- dipping, but I had a nostalgic time. I was relieved to find no ATV tracks, even in Panther Creek, but erosion damage from the recent rains was obvious on the neighboring property.

So I shorted my Monday afternoon fence- work. After my sunshower (by the way, 98- degree water is not warm enough in a breeze), I headed over to try fishing the pond. . When I arrived they were talking about the hogs rooting up the pastures. I happened to have my bow along for some practice shooting, so I dragged it from behind my truck seat and went for a hike. Sure enough, there were a number of rooted- up spots. I saw no hogs, but the sun was still high; I probably should go back and try to help with that hog problem, dontchathink? Barbecue? It was a great walk! I went all the way to the farthest pasture. I saw a hen turkey along the way. The coyotes were howling all around. Their sounds carry farther and longer in those open pastures, than they do in the tight coverts of my place. On my way out, the two donkeys caught my attention. I was walking along, watching the donkeys and something fluttered away right beside me—brrrp—scared the wits out of me. I didn’t see it; had to be a quail.

I took my fly rod, walked over the hill to the pond, and caught a fish on my second cast. The pond had been stocked with fast- growing hybrid brim, and this one was bigger than my hand, heavy and thick through the body… beautiful fish. They were aggressive and gullible, and put up quite a fight… I’ve got to bring my boy. I made only about 9 casts and missed 3 strikes, but I caught and released 4 big brim and was quite impressed with the pond.

High water in the swamp chases the critters out of the flood- plain. This little skink was still smiling, but perhaps a forced smile. Bunnies were grazing around the parking lot, risking the people- threat to gain higher ground.

Swamp's fillin' up

I had a quick rainy- day jaunt in the swamp, yesterday. The water was rising, but had not yet covered the boardwalks. It was cool and the birds were singing happily. The wood ducks sailed through the woods, squealing; they didn't seem to mind the weather. The ground is already saturated and this wet stuff is likely to continue for a while.

Maypops

I have always been impressed by these... some call them passionflowers. They are so showy and exotic- looking! Maypop vines are quite common in my neck of the woods, growing in clearings and along field edges. The fruits are about egg- sized and they turn yellow as they mature. They are said to be sweet; I know they are full of seeds and make a "pop" when squeezed. But, like some of the other wild fruits, I never seem to get a sample because the critters like them so much. Maybe I could cultivate some of these and keep them out of reach. I bet they would make jelly or wine.

Swamp Creature

I met this weird moth yesterday,on a trail in the Bluebonnet Swamp. It [she?] was running toward me rather quickly, was impressively large, and had only vestigial wings. The moth was nearly the size of my finger. She was about the same size as that water oak leaf which is also in the picture. While I was stopped with the camera in hand, she climbed on my shoe. When she headed up my leg, enough was enough! I went on about my business and left her to her's.

Friends said it may be a luna moth; that had been one of my guesses, too. I finally matched a picture of it on this website.

First Thursday

After the daily monsoon, I got away for a quick Tramp through the Bluebonnet Swamp trails. The rain left it very cool and the air was washed clean. Not many critters moving, but the flora looked fresh and sparkly. While I was there, the director helped me with some map questions about BREC facilities. I am on a determined search to find a variety of convenient fishing spots.

Thursday night’s meeting of the hiking club included an interesting discussion of gear; and I was especially pleased that Little Sister joined me for the meeting. She seemed genuinely enthused and observed that “those people are really serious about hiking”. Little Sister is emphatic that she is a day hiker and “not going to sleep in the woods”.

And I won a door prize, a fine pair of Smartwool hiking socks. I had been admiring those in the catalogs and they get good reviews, but I never could justify the expense to test- drive a pair. Up- close and personal, they look really good. I’m washing them right now, and will try them this weekend.

Nature Deficit Disorder

I have always suffered from this malady, knew the symptoms, and knew what was needed to cope with it. However, until I saw the term in Backpacker Magazine, I did not know it had a name and was not aware that fellow- sufferers were out there. Although I have more free time nowadays, work and domestic demands continue to keep it cut up into awkward chunks. Frustrated by inefficiencies of time use and today’s high cost of rambling, I have been seeking outdoor opportunities that are nearby, convenient, and cost- efficient in terms of time use and travel expense. I have found some interesting hiking options in the local parks; those are much more to my liking than pounding streets or sidewalks, and I would stay in bed rather than go to a shopping mall. Along these lines, I have been pondering and researching local park options for fishing spots. Today’s cross- town trip was to the Blackwater Conservation Area, and I was very pleased to find such a lovely park site. This is a reclamation project by the Corps of Engineers and managed by BREC, of former gravel pits located along the Comite River, and the site is dedicated to casualties of the September 11th attack. There are lakes, river access, gravel- paved trails, and woods. I saw bunnies and birds and not- too- many people. Bank- fishing was difficult, with willows and brush along the shores and water- weeds extending out into the shallows. I only managed to catch a few small brim, but there were bass swirling and I saw some larger brim. I’m going back soon, with my canoe to access better spots and at a better time of day. Wish me luck!

Nemesis of my garden

I may have discovered my garden problem; I thought it was deer eating up my plants. Maybe I need to cook some jambalaya. It’s difficult enough, on a part- time basis, to keep my gardening ahead of the weeds. Then, what the weeds don’t choke out, this guy eats. I found him hopping around the yard, apparently checking whether there were any new edibles planted; he doesn’t seem to like squash or tomatoes. I’ll try stringing some wire to keep him out of my fall planting; and a short fence will also keep the armadillos from rooting in the garden. They’ll be easier than contending with deer; I may need to just plant extra for the fence- jumpers.

Summer Solstice: Hike- naked Day

Did anyone out there celebrate the occasion? Here’s a link to some explanation. High summer in Louisiana is almost too hot to hike; better to do short trips that end in a creek or a hammock.

Tickfaw Report

I took a new fly fisher over to Tickfaw State Park today. It’s an excellent location for novices: close to home, civilized amenities, and the fish are biting. The Tickfaw River is fairly easy to fish, too. The current is easy to paddle a canoe in, either upstream or down and there’s lotsa fishing structure to cast to. There are holes and shallows, treetops, logs, cutbanks, sandbars, grass edges, and overhanging trees (I decorate those with my flies sometimes).

It was a nice afternoon trip. We got off of work at 2 pm and got there with plenty of time for fishing. The weather cooperated, too. Deer flies buzzing around us were a bit of a nuisance; one must swat cautiously to avoid upsetting the canoe or embedding a hook. On our paddle back to the landing, there was a log blocking the bayou and we thought we were lost. With no bug spray and no flashlight, that could have turned into a miserable night in the swamp! Apparently, the log was floating around and the free end had swung across the channel. We squeezed around the end of the log and found familiar landmarks. On our paddle back to the landing, we saw a hen turkey and her half- grown chick perched on a log that leaned across Gum Bayou.

The fish were small, but lotsa of bites are good for a novice and the scenery is nice. It’s also worth noting that they have rental canoes… you don’t have to own a boat. I noticed that there is a pond on the park property, too. I must explore that in a year or two; I learned that the pond was built about a year ago and stocked two weeks ago. I have been wanting to set a line for catfish, too. And bass; I have only fished for brim, but I often catch a small bass or two, so I know they are in there. Maybe there are some big ones. The state record spotted bass came from somewhere in the Tickfaw River. Around the state park, there is certainly ample forage for big bass. There are lotsa small brim and we saw schools of mullet or shad popping along the surface. I’m ready to go back!

Take a hike

Summer hikes in Louisiana are best in the mornings. I recently joined the Louisiana Hiking Club (check out the website) and today I went on my first outing with them. We visited several spots without ranging far from home. The summer heat built quickly, but I was back in BR before the afternoon showers began. At Port Hudson SP we hiked the trail to Fort Desperate. Some climbed observation towers on the way to the museum. The air conditioning felt good while we wandered around the exhibits, and we were refreshed for our guided tour of some battlefield sites. We lunched at Audubon SP, saw a presentation on Audubon’s life there, sampled soft- drinks typical of the 19^th century plantation, and had a guided tour of the Oakley House. The Mary Ann Brown Preserve was nearby, and we made a brief visit, mostly to see where the facility is and what it is like. Naturally, I spotted the pond and wanted to learn about fishing possibilities. Today’s trip was a very nice getaway. I enjoyed hiking with old friends and meeting new ones. I’ll definitely involve myself in more hikes with this likeable group.

They’s ticks in them hills

I think I’ve never seen so many ticks; they are in the woods, in the field, in the yard, in the berry patches, in the trees, in the grass. I saw a recent message- board post on the computer, complaining about somewhere out west…. Seems this guy was finding hundreds of ticks while hiking; I didn’t see anything like that. Still, there were more ticks crawling on me than I was accustomed to. I was pondering the reasons why there seems to be so many ticks; I guess it could be global warming. Space aliens seem unlikely, and communist plots are not as threatening as they once were. Maybe our assault on biodiversity has diminished some important tick- predators. Whatever; the ticks were a good excuse to stay out of the woods. I forgot to bring my sun- hat, so I should avoid too much heat and bright sunshine. Lots of birds were out and very busy, so they required watching. Church with the cousins didn’t start until 9 and then there was a sendoff for the pastor who was being replaced. It’s amazing how many reasons require me to avoid work. Oh well, I’ll just recycle my To- Do list… maybe that is a good conservation practice. I was touched by that church visit; I hadn’t been inside there for a long time… it was coming home, and there was a communion service. Mostly it was family, and it was a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Whenever I enter that little church, I think of my grandfather’s funeral there. It is not troubling thought, just a memory that always comes to me. Beside the road this morning, a pair of quail flushed and flew away together… another half- century- old memory… my grandfather was a bird hunter and would save quail to feed me when I visited.

Indian pinks… learn something every day if you’re not careful

I found a labeled picture of these at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature center (they are celebrating their ten- year anniversary on Saturday, by the way). These native wildflowers are Indian Pinks, Spigelia marilandica. My own picture was taken in the Tunica Hills... serendippity... it was a place where I started down the wrong trail from a hilltop. It is amazing how a small miscalculation at the top of a hill can translate to such a great mess by the time one reaches the bottom, with briar- patches, ravines, blow- downs and sheer distance between you and your destination. My post is rambling… anyway, I happened upon this patch of flowers and was astonished. They were beautiful and their bright colors stood out boldly against the greening of early spring. I’ve seen something like these before, but I didn’t know they were natives; and I didn’t know they grew in my woods. I guess my forays to the forest have always been brief during the spring… too busy trying to make a living… seems I have been missing a lot.

Happy Mother’s Day!

I heard a turkey gobbling across the road this morning. There was a dove cooing and every time the dove would call ”ku-coo, coo, coo, coo”, the turkey would gobble in response. I figured they were both serenading for Mother’s Day. I listened for a half- dozen times, but I had to move on… I, too had mothers to visit.

Another cottonmouth encounter

I saw another snake, perhaps the same cottonmouth as in my recent picture, on the creek bank. He was about the same size and only about 100 yards away. This time he was lying in a small drainage close to my cabin, beneath the foot- plank that I use to cross the stream. It made him nervous when I stepped one foot down onto the footbridge… he reared his head and opened his mouth in his threat display. It worked, too. Seeing that white maw, which gives cottonmouths their name, upsets me… I backed off; it was too close for comfort. He didn’t seem to like my company, either; and slithered off into a hole, allowing me to cross the bridge. Seeing so many snakes certainly keeps me attentive to where I am stepping. Mid- afternoon, I hiked to a high point on Hickory Ridge to get a cell phone signal and check my messages. I took a round- about route back to camp and within 50 yards of that same footbridge, there was a cottonmouth in the trail. Now, I needed to come down off the ridge and that trail was the only reasonable way. The snake was headed up and I was headed down, and we sorta found ourselves at an impasse. I took another quick step toward him and tried to appear as big and as bad as possible… my aggressive, threat- mode. Well, it got his attention and made him nervous, but it was counterproductive, as he held his ground and assumed his own aggressive threat- mode. My adrenaline was pumping, but he wasn’t getting the best of me! I was armed with a hiking staff and a revolver, and I fully intended to come down that trail. I flailed the ground and stirred the leaves with my staff and finally got the snake moving, but he only went up on the bank about shoulder- high and within striking distance of the trail… not good enough! But I could reach that position with my staff, so I goaded him a little. He wagged his tail and gaped his mouth and coiled up; he was getting mad now. This cottonmouth was difficult to convince, but I kept poking him, and he reared his head and gaped his white mouth, and hid under the weeds, and let out a terrible stink. Finally, he moved on off and let me pass. I’m a little uncomfortable about having a poisonous snake hanging around so close to my cabin, but I killed too many of them when I was a kid. They had me believing that all snakes were vermin to be exterminated, and I was very efficient with my pellet- gun. I came to regret that eventually, and don’t like to bother snakes if they don’t bother me. This guy is showing up too often, though. On the other hand, maybe I would like to propagate his non- aggressive genes… he was slow to anger, didn’t come forward to attack, and didn’t strike when I was poking him. We'll see.... Here's an interesting link I found about cottonmouths.

Why am I a morning person?

I love sipping coffee and watching the day wake up. Out my cabin window, I see the first graying of the sky in the southeast. An owl hoots. The gray turns to a vague light, as the stars fade out. There are scattered bird- calls; some critter is rustling around in the grass and leaves… maybe an armadillo. Across the creek a turkey yelps; my cup is empty and I’m feeling lazy… I probably should fix a refill. Light has come from behind Hickory Ridge now, and is gradually filtering across the sky. The birds are singing in earnest now, fluttering around, and hopping from limb to limb. Daytime is here and I have things to get done; it’ll be hot soon and I’m burning daylight… better get moving.

Swamp- walking

I have been seeing the denizens of the swamp from a new perspective (click the pic). My time in the Louisiana swamps has often been in a canoe or motorboat (with a motor everything whizzes by or the noise makes the critters hide). On foot, my typical swamp visit has been a brief rest stop or a hunt during cold- weather. My recent boardwalk excursions are new and interesting to me. Only minimal attention is needed to avoid obstacles, thorns, and snakes, and the elevated platform allows views down into the weeds, water, and brush piles. I'm doing stuff that is pretty tame recently, but it’s better than the frustration of wishing I were someplace exotic, and my swamp walks have contributed much. I have been going to the Bluebonnet Swamp for little strolls, on my way to work; that makes it only 2- 4 times a week, but it’s on a regular basis. The park’s trails are paved with limestone rocks and there are boardwalks that lead into the wet areas. One could walk the entire trail system in less than an hour, but I usually slip along, slow and quiet, and watch for critters. They close at 5 pm, so I go there Tuesdays and Wednesdays around 3:30 or 4:00 and leave at 5:00. That gives me a chance to regroup, to recover from domestic life and rush- hour traffic, get a little exercise, and still get to work early enough to check email, read a magazine, or loaf a bit. This is the way working life should be: the 5- day weekend!

Need more hiking!

I went to the monthly meeting of the Louisiana Hiking Club; they meet the first Thursdays at the Bluebonnet Library. Here’s a link to their homepage. Although I have been interested in this group for years, their meeting times conflicted with my work schedule... now they conflict with my play schedule. There are a variety of interests there: dayhikers, casual strollers, backpackers, even some long- trail hikers. The club has some organized hikes and backpacking, but a lot of small groups link up for various outings. Maybe they'll encourage me to keep strengthening; building some hiking muscle has been helping my busted hip, I think… that extra muscle seems to stabilize it. The hiking club meeting was interesting; a presentation on the John Muir Trail, by a guy from the Lafayette shop, Pack & Paddle. The group will have a dayhike to St. Catherine's Creek in July... I need to go for that. My 5^th- great- grandfather, Christian Bingaman, had a Spanish land grant near Natchez, and I think it was on St. Catherine’s Creek.

More snakes!

Here’s another big cottonmouth in my “backyard”. I’m amazed; I never before saw so many snakes in the hills. This fellow was headed up the creek bank yesterday morning. I guess he had warmed his engines and was off for a frolic in the woods. The blue runner was sunning in the mowed grass of the field. He watched, flicked his tongue, and tolerated me for a while, but he left in a hurry, once he decided to. I have always seen lots of snakes along the bayous, where they leave the water to sun in “public view” on logs and limbs, so their presence doesn’t surprise me. But I am unaccustomed to seeing so many snakes in the hills. Perhaps I am simply out more often, now.

The days of melted GORP

Summer is coming to the hills and bayous; it becomes obvious when chocolate chips in your pack begin fusing the peanuts and raisins into amorphous globs. Such was the case yesterday. I ate my ramen and, wanting something more, pulled out my GORP jar. It was a total melt- down! First time I ever ate my GORP with a spoon; haven’t changed over to a summer formulation, yet. It was a hot session of grass- mowing and I went through a lot more water than I would have expected. When darkness came it was still too hot in the cabin, so I strung up my hammock to sleep outside. I have never camped much in a hammock, but have carried one many times on summer day trips and work sessions. Hammocks are great to rest and cool off during the midday heat. They are light weight, pack small, and are easy to set up. Hammock- camping has become quite popular among backpackers; there are some benefits and some trade- offs to weigh against tent- camping. Among those comparisons, hammocks are cool: much more comfortable than that hot, stuffy cabin. But during the night, the temperature dropped and the humidity increased, and I kicked and scratched for cover the rest of the night… the small- sized foam pad was convenient for packing and my little blanket was lightweight, but I just did not have enough insulation… I guess it’s not really summer, yet.

Cottonback rattlemouth?

This old moccasin was lying in an area I had mowed last week and didn’t seem intimidated by my presence. He just rose up and watched me; didn’t run away and didn’t charge me. He seemed friendly enough; every time I would throw a stick at him, he would wag his tail rapidly. He held his ground, but I wanted him to move so I could better identify him. When I went to look for the proverbial 10- foot- pole, he sneaked away. You can bet I watched where I was stepping when I crossed that area again! I had close visits with three snakes, and I don’t go looking for them; that’s more than I usually see in a whole weekend. I saw a black runner in the camp yard and a large rat snake near the creek.

It was a windy day and, in the woods, it was raining bugs. Inchworms and tent caterpillars were everywhere and were often crawling on me. Something I found strange was that there were no spider webs. Usually, there would be sticky yellow webs stretched across every trail and throughout the woods.

I’m still watching the mayapples

The mayapples are growing, but are still a long way from mature. I continue threatening to put a cage over some, to keep the critters off until I can taste a ripe one. However, I’m not sure how to exclude critters without interfering with the plants.

Meet Toby!

I had a visit from one of my pets in the camp- yard(click the pic for a close- up). This king snake was rather large… must have been 5 feet long. I felt safe getting up close for a picture, since he continued smiling as I crept in on him. He was a beautiful animal, sleek and shiny, with brilliant coloring; he must have recently shed… another evidence of the renewal of life in the springtime. I don’t know where that “Toby” name came from or what significance the name has, if any. My Dad used that name for snakes or snake skins around habitations: “there’s ol’ Toby.”

Bluebonnet swamp

Now that I am working only part- time, I am trying to take advantage of this opportunity to play. The Bluebonnet Swamp area is adjacent to my workplace and, lately, I have been making time to visit. It’s a pretty area, a little patch of wetland, tucked into Baton Rouge’s urban sprawl. I could see it out the window, but their hours always clashed with my work schedule. I’ve been trying to spend some time there, for a long while. The trails are easy to walk, so one can meander though the varied habitats without getting dirty, scratched, or bug- bitten (I suspect that there can be mosquito problems at times, though). Boardwalks keep you out of the water and Gumbo- mud. The Bluebonnet Swamp is somewhat civilized for my tastes, and highway noise is always present. On the other hand, it provides a convenient getaway, and can serve up a quick outdoors “fix” to tide me over until I can get a better reprieve from the city. I’m glad someone managed to preserve this small wilderness before the construction boom gobbled it up, too. Voters renewed the tax last week, to continue development of the local parks and there are other ones I want to visit. Descriptions of this nature preserve and the other facilities are given on the BREC website. They have lots of interesting ambitions, to improve recreational opportunities in the Baton Rouge area. An improvement I have been particularly interested in is rejuvenation of the lakes around LSU and City Park. That project could yield a wonderful sport- fishery, smack dab in the heart of the city.

April fool!

I had a rainy weekend, but it’s mighty pretty in the woods. Everything is greening up rapidly. Unfortunately, part of this flush of spring growth involves crawling ticks and buzzing mosquitoes. That orange fungus was a bright beacon against the green backdrop. As usual, I couldn’t find any springtime turkeys; they walk all around me in the fall, when the season is closed. Then, to make matters worse, there was a hen strolling near the highway as I drove back to town. Perhaps that was another part of the April- fools joke on me.

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.

Mardi gras in the swamp

It’s difficult for my son and me to coordinate days off for fishing, but we got away Monday afternoon and headed toward Butte La Rose for an overnighter. The water was very clear, but high, and the wind was howling. We only brought our fly rods and they were too much of a battle in that wind. We set a trotline and found an inlet that was quiet enough to make a few casts… no fish, though. It was a pretty drive across the Atchafalaya Basin; the trees were bare and the dominant color was a wintry shade of grey. There were occasional sprigs of green, but against all of that drab background were great flames of red- purple color where the swamp maples were coming to life again. I have always been impressed by that vivid swamp- maple display in the early spring. Simple pleasures…. We were prepared to camp in the swamp, but I didn’t relish fighting a canoe against that wind or listening to a tent flap all night. The swamp is different from my home territory: it’s all flat, whereas the hills offer more windbreaks and protected coves. We stayed in the truck- camper, baited our line, and ran it once during the night and again at daylight. We did manage to get some catfish… caught enough for supper when we got home and put two packages in the freezer for future meals… we made groceries and had a pretty good outing.

More signs of Spring

A little woods violet was smiling through the leaf- litter…another pronouncement of spring. The goldfinches were busy at my birdfeeder, and there were many other birds fluttering around the bushes and the camp- yard. I need to put up a nest box for that bluebird!

My intention was to do some squirrel hunting while I was in the woods; when I was chasing deer, the squirrels were everywhere. Now, I only spotted two, and they were far away. Maybe I was too enthralled with the birds bouncing everywhere, to be serious about squirrel hunting. The rainy spell seems to have ended, but the ground is still wet like a sponge. It was cold this morning, low 20’s, but it was still, and warmed up to a very pretty afternoon. I love this time of the year... I guess I say that at every season... it's always joyous to be out basking in the natural world. Sunrises and sunsets have been colorful… those red- orange skies make beautiful contrasts to the silhouettes of bare- limbed trees.

Seasons are changing

Well, it’s a bittersweet time of year for me; bowhunting will end tomorrow, and it always saddens me a little. On the other hand, the trillium reminds me that springtime is almost here and it always gladdens me with its early emergence through the drab, dead leaves of the forest floor. The arrival of birds seems to be late this year, but they are here now, and very busy in the woods. I watched a long time as robins fed in a tree across the creek. I don’t know what they were after, but it must have been very good. They fluttered and cackled and came and went… it was a veritable cyclone of birds!

Papaw’s axe

I replaced the handle on my grandfather’s old axe today. It was loose when I used it last week. I steamed it to tightness and got my tree cut, but chopping made it shake loose again: a handle fracture was hidden inside the head. One doesn’t see many double- bit axes in use these days, but they are still available in hardware stores… I saw them when shopping for a new handle. I don’t know how long this axe has been around, but I recall that 50 years ago, it was already old and well- used. Papaw logged the Tunica Hills with hand tools and oxen when he was young, and this axe could date from that time.

Yep, winter must be over

It’s awfully warm to be hunting today, and rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow. The mosquitoes have come out again, and they’re hungry! These mosquitoes are our more familiar variety, just bothersome at dawn and dusk, and staying in the bushes. Those terrible marsh mosquitoes that had blown in here would run you all around in the open, regardless of wind, and in broad daylight.

Is winter over, now?

It sprinkled rain last night, only got down to 38 degrees this morning, and it has warmed up considerably during the day. These big white- oak acorns are favorites in the deer diet; I found them along Panther Creek. The creek bank was torn up with hoof- prints of deer, but no deer showed up while I was sneaking around here trying to ambush one. I thought this cold weather and the moon phase would come together to stir the juices in those old bucks, but it hasn’t happened. We are seeing some deer signs, a few rubs, scrapes, and tracks, but the deer are moving at night.

Fetching water

I didn’t bring enough drinking water, so I was visiting Panther Creek regularly to fill canteens. This lovely little pool looked inviting but, after a 15- degree morning, skinny- dipping was out of the question. My rain- barrel had been topped with thick ice… I couldn’t break through with a stick.

I hope this rids us of mosquitoes!

I slept pretty well, and was glad to have the thermal underwear. It was 30 degrees in the cabin when I woke up. I lit the heater, started some coffee and rolled back over and convinced myself that those deer were too smart to get out of their beds when it’s that cold. They’d like to lounge around, so that’s what I did, too. The heater got the cabin up to 50 degrees and I was so comfortable that I made another cup of coffee and listened to the radio for a while. When I worked up enough courage to get outside, I found that it was a beautiful morning: the temperature was 28; it was fair and sunny, with very slight breezes. This weather was pleasant, and was a far cry from a Friday, December 8, that I remember twenty- eight years ago…that one was cold and breezy and wet, and still drizzling rain.

A cold night is coming!

I found some fresh rubs on the creek trail, where Hickory Ridge begins; hunting there this afternoon, the wind was gusting constantly, bringing in a mighty cold blast of air soon. No critters out; the birds and squirrels must be hunkered down. Most of the leaves are on the ground now; it’s like walking on cornflakes. As the sun set, it was still windy and the temperature was dropping. It was 40 degrees inside, when I shucked my pack in the cabin. My double- mantle lantern broke the chill and nudged the temperature up to 50, but it was still dropping outside. I forgot to bring my warm mummy- bag; at bedtime I donned long- johns, watch cap and socks and crawled into my old rectangular sleeping bag. That bag is getting pretty thin in spots, but it is roomy and comfortable and is just the right weight most of the year. I’m sentimental about the old fart- sack; I ordered it from Herter’s about 40 years ago. That was the first I had heard of Polar-Guard insulation and, like all of Herter’s products it was described as the best and biggest and “finest procurable”. I must admit that I still use it often, and it has been with me from Gulf sands to above timber- line and everywhere in- between.