Galveston Island State Park, Galveston, Texas
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. ~ Proverbs 18:8
We read about this National Wildlife Reserve – Brazoria – that seemed like a great place to visit. There’re tons of birds of course, as well as flora and fauna (which translates to plants and animals). We knew going in that we’d missed the Springtime migrating bird flocks, but were still expecting to see numerous things. And there was the possibility of kayaking in the marsh as well. We planned for an entire day outing.
If you look at a map, Brazoria is pretty close to us here in Galveston, but you can’t get there as the crow flies. You have to drive around the water. That meant an hour drive. Blaine couldn’t even find it on the gps. He had to compare maps and give it his best guess. But it was a decently scenic drive, despite the damp chill in the weather.
This truck somehow drove under that bridge and is parked on that spit of land. : )
Along the way, we saw more of those steam/smoke clouds and finally came pretty close to it. Despite the clouds, we didn’t smell anything, so we were beginning to believe it might be steam. Once we arrived at the Visitor Center, that was confirmed, although the gentleman volunteering today didn’t really know why. He just knew it was.
Some type of oil refinery.
This one, the cows were close to the road.
Look at the one trying out the “grass that’s greener on the other side”. ha!
No wonder Blaine couldn’t find the VC!
The VC had a great sculpture out front, and gave us an unusual “mascot” greeting when we opened the door.
Dedicated on March 17, 2019, the waterfall garden, the centerpiece of which is a bronze sculpture featuring several children frolicking in nature, reflects the infectious enthusiasm with which Bryan Adams taught others about the natural world. Over the course of his working life, Adams, who died on June 30, 2017, worked as a biology teacher at Brazoswood High School, the Director of The Brazosport Nature Center and Planetarium, the Environmental Education Specialist for The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, and finally as a volunteer trainer and turtle patroller searching area beaches for nests of the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
There’s a drive around the Park with stops along the way for various viewing, short walks and a monument, which we’ll get to later.
We were given a map, and off we went.
We stopped here to look for any potential wildlife.
Probably because it was so cool and wet and breezy, there was hardly any wildlife about, and it soon became obvious that there’d be no kayaking today it was simply too windy . . . and cold. There were a bunch of American Coots – not close enough for us to get a good picture – and a few ibis about, but those were all mostly close to the Visitor Center.
We were surprised to find some wildflowers here and there, though!
It doesn’t show it’s full beauty in the picture though — it was flourescent!
And we explored one of the huge mounds of dirt we’ve seen several places in our southernly travels this time. That was pretty incredible to witness!
I know some of you probably think we’re insane when we tell you that we got excited over watching ants scurry about, but to us, it’s just another testament to our Father’s immense plan and creativity!
We struggled to read it, but it says:
Site of the K.T. and Amanda Maddox home which was destroyed by the 1915 hurricane
We’re guessing it was lost in the 2008 Hurricane and never rebuilt.
The first picture shows juveniles. If you look at this next group of pictures, you’ll see how the flock all came in and landed on the boardwalk railing. Fun!
Another of the more interesting things we witnessed today was a vulture engaging in calisthenics. Who knew? And he actually stood there and allowed us up close and personal viewing and picture taking.
“Glad you could join me!” 
“It’s time to begin!” 
“….and bend….” 
“….and stretch…” 
“Come on now! Really extend that leg!”
We arrived at 10am, and were ready to head home by 2:30pm. Not quite the day we were anticipating, but still interesting and full of the wonders of Creation!