Long time, no blog. We stayed at Coleto Creek Reservoir, which is located between Goliad and Victoria, Texas for a few days and it was a truly beautiful place. When we drove into the campground, my husband and I both said, “Water!” at the same time. The drought in Central Texas is making records and it had been so long since we have seen a lake or stream with water in it.

The lake water was clear and there were oyster and mussel shells on the sand bottom. Lots of fisherman at this lake in February and March because the warmth of the water moves up the date for fish spawning. Above is a shot of the wetlands with the power plant in the background. If we get a park like this for each new coal-fired power plant, I am ALMOST sold.

Above is a shot from our campsite, number 50. This is the primo site in the campground because you are on a point and you may view the sunset and the sunrise from the same place. Those black dots on the water are Coots, ducks that apparently live here year round. You can see the incredible clarity of the water from this photography.

Saw my first LadyBug of the season on an oyster shell and happened to have my camera. You can make out the sand crystals beneath the shell. I understand Coleto Creek Reservoir has a problem with hydrilla, an invasive species of aquatic plant. However, with the cool weather, the Hydrilla had died back and all we saw was sand and water.

Supposedly there are over 100 alligators living around the reservoir, but we did not see any. I was wondering, “What do you do if an alligator attacks you?” They can outrun humans, eat dogs and are not scared of shouting. I guess I will found out if I ever see one.

We visited Goliad one day and saw the mission and the presidio. We also visited the Fannin monument. I will be back tomorrow with these pictures.

Tags: Texas coast, Coleto Creek Reservoir, Victoria, Texas, Goliad, Texas

We are leaving in the morning for a two week RVing vacation. We are going to take a leisurely drive, traveling through and staying on several loops on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

First we will go to the Coleto Creek Reservoir on the Guadalupe River. This is the cooling reservoir for a coal-fired electricity plant. I am interested in staying here because our governor wants to add 7 more coal-fired plants to Texas. I also would like to see how the drought has effected the lake levels on the Guadalupe River.

Birding is generally best around the reservoir itself, so we hope to see Bald Eagle, Osprey, waterfowl, grebes and cormorants. This is a site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. I am not sure about this park having Internet access, so I may be out of pocket for several days.

Next, we journey to Goose Island State Park where I am going to see the Whooping Cranes! and the Flamingos!

Goose Island State Park is located on Lamar Peninsula and island comprises the southern limit of the park in Aransas Bay. We will be camped on the Island. Goose Island has Wi-Fi, so I will be checking in.

Goose Island State Park is home of a Coastal Live Oak that is estimated to be over 1000 years old. Big Tree is 35 feet around, 44 feet high and spreads to 90 feet! I will be taking many pictures of this one. It will probably have to be a panoramic shot. I have to remember to bring the directions! LOL

Goose Island is right across the bay from Aransas National Wildlife Reserve, so we will be seeing lots of birds and other wildlife. I must remember to pack binoculars and my birding book. We will be traveling and staying through several loops on the Great Coastal Birding Trail. Are you jealous, yet?

Next, we will be drive to Portland, on Corpus Christi Bay at the Sea Breeze RV Park. Here is a shot from the air. It looks huge!

They have a heated pool with waterfall, jacuzzi, club house, laundry room with TV and exercise equipment (probably the only way people work out). We have never stayed here, either. We are being adventurous.

We plan on stopping at likely looking RV parks to see what they have to offer. I hope to take pictures and write an entry about each one that we like.

Tags: Texas coast, Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Texas Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Goose Island State Park, Coleto Creek Reservoir,