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Raccolta annuale del Rattlesnake

Dal 6 marzo al 9 marzo 2008
Coliseum della contea del Nolan
Sweetwater, il Texas

Fatti del Rattlesnake

Il rattler occidentale del Diamondback può eccedere sette piedi di lunghezza ed è il più grande delle specie 20+ e delle sottospeci di rattlers del sud-ovest del deserto. Rattlers appartiene ad un codice categoria della specie 100+ di vipere generalmente denominate tossiche del pozzo dei serpenti.

I Rattlesnakes possono essere un problema ai ranchers, ai cacciatori, ai campeggiatori, ai hikers ed a chiunque altrimenti chi desidera godere all'aperto. Per questo motivo, il rattlesnake rotondo aumenta ha cominciato come senso raccogliere la popolazione del rattlesnake.

Raccolta del Rattlesnake di Sweetwater

La scossa ufficiale fuori alla raccolta del Rattlesnake è la parata di revisione del Rattlesnake, tenuta il giovedì 6 marzo 2008. Ciò è seguita dalla sig.na Snake Charmer Pageant tenuto nella sala comunale di Sweetwater.

La raccolta reale comincia il venerdì 7 marzo ed è tenuta al Coliseum della contea del Nolan ed al parco adiacente al coliseum.

La venerdì, sabato e domenica, i cacciatori con esperienza del serpente guidano i gruppi dei cacciatori registrati fuori ad aiuto nella caccia e nel passare dei rattlesnakes in tensione. Il registro, l'autorizzazione e la tassa hanno richiesto.

• Se non desiderate cercare i rattlesnakes, i giri guidati del bus vanno periodicamente durante il giorno ai rattlesnakes in tensione di vista, della pellicola o della fotografia nel loro habitat naturale.
• Potete guardare i rattlesnakes che sono pesati, misurati, munti e maneggiati. Se desiderate, potete toccare un rattlesnake in tensione o mangiare una parte del rattlesnake fritto nel grasso bollente. Altri spuntini sono disponibili pure.
• Ci sono prodotti del serpente ed altro mette disponibile in forma per la vendita nel coliseum ed alle cabine nel parco del Newman durante la fine settimana.
• Il Rattlesnake che la raccolta Cucina-fuori è tenuto sabato soltanto nel parco del Newman, in un parco della città da 25 acri con le insenature, in alberi, in tabelle d'accampamento ed in pavilions.
• Il randello del fucile & della pistola di Sweetwater patrocina un'esposizione della moneta & della pistola nell'annesso del Coliseum.
• A large carnival is held outside the Coliseum all weekend long.
• Dances are held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm. Friday night features rock-n-roll music, Saturday night is country music. $15 per person/$25 per couple.

Controversy about Rattlesnake Roundups

The rattlesnake roundup is controversial. Snake advocates claim that the snakes are mistreated at the round up. On the other hand, the proceeds from the roundup benefit many charities and community agencies (see list HERE). This event is also important to the Sweetwater area because of the economic impact of tourism. You will need to decide for yourself if this is a worthy family activity.

I do know that the snakes are captured, milked, displayed, killed, skinned and their meat is cooked or sold. Last year the gall bladders were also sold. The skins are cleaned and sold. The heads are mounted and sold. No part of the snake is wasted, as best as I can determine. If we do it to cows, sheep and goats, I do not see a problem with doing it to snakes.

RV Parks in Sweetwater Area

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Hill Country Flyer

Something that you may not know about Texas is that we love trains. We have several historic train excursions that you may find interesting.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad-between Grapevine and Fort Worth in North Texas

Take a ride in Victorian-style coaches on one of two vintage locomotives, either a 1896 Steam locomotive, the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the south, or a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive. The Cotton Belt Line from Grapevine to the Stockyards National Historic District is approximately 21 miles long. Enjoy the entertainment district or take a shorter ride from the Stockyards to 8th Avenue on the Trinity River Run.

Camp: Stay at The Vineyards Campground on Lake Grapevine, Texas. Pull-through RV sites with water, 20/30/50 amp service, sewer connections and wi-fi. Animals allowed except in cabins. Boat ramp, fishing pier, playground, nature trail, sand volleyball, fully accessible and family friendly. Phone is 817-329-8993.

Hill Country Flyer-From Cedar Park to Burnet in the Texas Hill Country

Pulled by a 1960 Alco Diesel-Electric locomotive, the Hill country Flyer leaves Cedar Park at 10 am, climbing the hills of the Highland Lakes, through Summit Pass, on a two hour ride into Burnet. In Burnet, you will enjoy a 2-1/2 hour layover for lunch and shopping. The Flyer returns to Cedar Park at 430pm.

RV Campgrounds in Cedar Park area:

• Idyll Glen RV Park (no website), 19421 RR 1431, Lago Vista, TX 78645. Phone: (512) 394-6071.
• Sunshine RV Park - New park with 40 paved pull-through sites. Laundry facilities, bath house, swimming pool and wi-fi.

Texas State Railroad-Between Rusk and Palestine in East Texas

Round trips on the historic Texas State Railroad depart the Rusk or Palestine, Texas depots at 11am, with return at 330pm. The 25-mile trip takes 1 -1/2 hour each way, and there is a 1-1/2 hour stop at the destination depot. The Texas State Railroad offers both steam and diesel train excursions. The 25 miles of track meanders through some of the most beautiful forests in East Texas and crosses the scenic Neches River.

RVers: The campground in Rusk was once a state park. It has two RV camping sections, approximately 55 sites. One campground has full hookups (30/50) and pull-through sites. The group camping area, with water and electric only, are back-in sites. Must make reservations by calling (903) 683-5126. There is camping on the Palestine side, but sites are water only, and available on the first come, first served basis.

Historic Jefferson Railway-Depart and return to Jefferson, Texas

Old Steam Engine #7 will take you on a scenic excursion to and around the Big Cypress Bayou. Enjoy dogwood, cypress and pine trees, view historic Confederate Powder Magazine and enjoy the site of one of the most historic towns in Texas. Starting February 15, you may choose to ride the Ghost Train of Jefferson. Listen to ghost stories while you rocket through the pines and around the bayou. Jefferson is a hot spot for paranormal activity.

RVers: Camp at one of these campgrounds in the area.

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Buescher State Park Fishing Lake (photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).

We spent a restful weekend at Buescher State Park outside of Smithville, Texas. This park has a recreation hall, amphitheater, residences and walkways built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1920s. There are screened shelters and cabins situated on the 25-acre fishing lake.

I noticed the walk-in camping sites were ideally situated in a clearing in the middle of the forest. The walk-in was not a long hike either.  The facilities included two playgrounds for children.  Dogs are not allowed in any of the park facilities and must be on a 6-foot leash in the camp ground.

I am going to share RV sites because some of these sites were really short, maybe 20-22 feet. In the Oak Haven multipurpose camping area, sites 16-19, 22 and 28 are the only sites that have space for travel trailers and RVs. The Cozy Circle camping area is designated for RV and travel trailers, but sites 1-4 are not shady nor private, and do not have enough parking space for your car. Site 5 is a beautiful handicapped-accessible site right across from the bathroom that has handicapped-accessible facilities. Sites 6 and 7 are okay, but awkward to back into. Sites 8 and 9 are too short (<15 feet). Sites 10-14 are the most roomy, shaded and private spots.

Antioch Historic Roadway on Lost Pines Hiking Trail
(photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).

We hiked about 5 miles total on the Lost Pines hiking trail, which was not as scenic as I was expecting. The walk through the woods was shady and full of wildlife and birds, but there was a long walk on the right-of-way in the sun. We turned back at the Antioch Historic Roadway and retraced our steps. We were so hot and tired, we just crawled in bed and passed out, including our dog, Rags.

Colorado River Valley from Park Road 1C
(photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).

We drove just a few miles out Park Road 1C from Buescher SP towards Bastrop SP. There is a turn out where you may overlook the Colorado River Valley.

Another RV park in area:

I picked up a brochure for Toad Hollow RV Park & Campground (art & antiques, too).  They are located on 12 acres on Alum Creek and have nine RV spots, one vacation cabin, a tipi and camping sites.  There is a Toad Hollow Pond on the property. The phone number is 512 237 5969.  The address is 115 Fishers of Men, Smithville, TX 78957.

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Texas has miles and miles of coastline and as many rivers and lakes as there are stars in the sky, so you can always find somewhere close to scuba or snorkle.  What you may not know is that Texas has some very unusual dives.  The three in this post, Athens Scuba Park, Aquarena Center and Valhalla are about as different as night and day.

Athens Scuba Park

The park facilities were designed by divers for divers. The quarry depth varies from 20-35 feet, with visibility ranging from an average of 35 feet to a maximum of 70 feet. Full training is available, all ages and specialty diving certifications. All diving equipment may be rented.

Explore 30+ wrecks, from Ray Price’s Greyhound bus to a Lockheed C-140 Jet Star plane. There are boats, another airplane, motorcycles and a space capsule below the surface, guaranteed to provide hours of diving fun and to make some of the most amazing backgrounds for underwater photographers.

Amenities include 12 docks, shade pavilions, gear rinse stations, bath house, heated pool, hot tub, camping and RV hookups, sugar sand volleyball court, metal detectors, kayaks, and golf carts.

Hours

Winter (Jan-Feb) Sat-Sun 10am-5pm (call to confirm)
Spring (Mar-Apr) Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
Summer (May-Oct) Wed-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat & Sun 8am - 6pm (camp & night dive Fri & Sat)

Prices

Diver with C-card $15
Night Diving $5
Fills $5

Non Diver $15
Camping $5
Electricity $20

Aquarena Center

Declared a critical habitat in 1980, Spring Lake, the water impounded at the headwaters of the San Marcos River, is home to eight federally listed species and is governed by the rules and regulations of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Spring Lake is also registered as an Archaeological site governed by the rules of the state of Texas Antiquities Law.

So, there is no recreational diving allowed. Aquarena’s Diving for Science program is a great way to dive in the cleanest and clearest water in Texas while helping with one of the largest habitat restoration projects in the country.  The water is crystal clear and 72 degrees all year.
LEVEL 1 Scientific Diver Authorization course $220

LEVEL 2 $220

April 21 & 22 and June 9 & 10

Underwater Photography-Taught by David Eation of wetdigital.com, the training will focus on digital photography and computer editing.

June 23 & 24

Underwater Archaeology- This program will take up where Dr. Shiner left off. The two day program will be taught by Texas State Anthropology staff and include lots of diving and work underwater.
March 17 and May 19

Underwater Naturalist- Taught by Aquarena Center Staff, the training will be Aquarena/San Marcos Springs specific and the flora and critters of San Marcos System.

Note: Below the dam that impounds the lake, you may snorkle and scuba dive for miles down the San Marcos River, the natural aquarium of Texas.

Dive Valhalla

The water is 60 degrees, 130 feet deep and crystal clear. The scuba experience is enhanced by realizing that you are diving in an Atlas ‘F’ Hardened Missile Silo that used to store Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). The silo is 60 feet in diameter and everything is 50-70 feet underground.

Dive Valhalla is not open to the general public, but dive reservations are easily arranged through Family Scuba Center. To reserve, a group must consist of an instructor or insured divemaster who will be responsible for coordinating the diving activities and maintaining safety divers ready for any problems. Dive Valhalla staff help coordinate getting the gear and divers from the dressing room level to the water and back safely, as well as doing some of the underwater photography and videography.

Divers should have prior deep diving experience, or be in an advanced or master class with this as your deep dive. Divers should be in good physical condition and habituate themselves to cold water dives in full gear. Divers from all over the world use Valhalla for advanced open water training in deep diving, altitude dives, nitrox, rebreathers and for other specialty courses. There is no light underwater, so you need a dive light, backup dive light and marker light.

For your convenience, Family Scuba Center has training facilities in one location. Five heated indoor pools (4-17 feet deep), class rooms and scuba shop. Family Scuba Center also conducts open water training in Texas lakes and springs and in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Specialty Dive Classes

• Deeper Diving
• Search and Recovery
• Underwater Photography
• Stress / Rescue
• Wreck Diving Nitrox Diver
• Boat Diving
• Equipment Specialty
• Drysuit Diving
• Full Face Mask Diving
• Altitude Diving
• Underwater Archeology
• Underwater Sign Language

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Through February 3, 2008
Southwestern Exposition Livestock Show & Rodeo
Will Rogers Memorial Stadium
3400 Burnett Tandy Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Established in 1896, this popular event attracts nearly one million people from around the world to the nation’s oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world’s original indoor rodeo.

Click here for RV parks in Fort Worth.

January 31-February 17, 2008
59th Annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum Grounds
3201 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, Texas

In 1854, in an emerging Texas cattle town, history was made when one of the first ever Texas Agricultural Fairs was held in San Antonio. Today, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the top five PRCA rodeos in the nation and is recognized by the PRCA Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

On February 17, 2008, attend the South Texas Ranch Rodeo Finals in Horse Barn 2. Ranch Rodeo contestants are actual working cowboys from ranches in and around South Texas. The modern Ranch Rodeo pits teams of working cowboys against one another in events similar to the task they face every day such as steer loading, branding, roping and tying.

Hotels and RV parks in San Antonio may be found by clicking here.

February 21-March 2, 2008
76th Annual San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo
San Angelo Coliseum
50 E. 43rd
San Angelo, Texas

The PRCA rodeo includes the following events: saddle bronc riding, bare back riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and girls barrel racing.

The 2008 Santa Fe Trail Ride is February 15–23, 2008. It starts at Old Settlers Camp in Buffalo Gap, Texas for 90 mile trek to San Angelo in time for the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo parade. For more information, please click here to visit the Santa Fe Trail Ride website.

• Hotels, B&Bs and ranch accommodation in San Angelo may be found here.
• Click here for information on RV campgrounds in San Angelo area.

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