Brazos Bend State Park is an absolute treasure in the huge
cosmopolitan area that makes up greater Houston. It’s located on FM 762 in the Needville area and
is close to Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Galveston, and Wharton. It is 5000 acres of peace and stress
relieving beauty. I almost said peace
and quiet but quiet it is not. There are
all sorts of birds chirping, bull frogs calling, the buzz of insects, and the
occasional alligator bellowing but there are no truck, car, or train
noises. Nice.
There is plenty to do there - biking, fishing (no license
required), hiking, birding, canoeing, camping, star-gazing (the George
Observatory is located at the park), free programs, and guided hikes. There are hardwood forests and wetlands
consisting of many lakes and swamps. Plus,
they have some of the best oak trees I’ve seen in a while and all of them are
draped in Spanish moss and a few covered with ferns. Actually, I found one I’d like to take home
with me. Next time I’m bringing a truck!
We hiked around 40 Acre Lake. There were all sorts of birds – herons, ibis,
egrets, cormorants, along with many different ducks and perching birds.
In addition to birds, there were alligators! Like, a big bunch – actually a congregation
of alligators!
Side Bar: Did you know …….
1 Adult American alligators measure 11-15 feet in length, and can
weigh up to 1000 lbs. 2 They are considered apex predators
and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Generally, they eat smaller prey that they
can gulp down in a single bite. 3 Young are protected by their mother
for about 2 years. 4 They will bask on land and will climb trees if there is no
shoreline available (oh goodie, watching for alligators in trees). 5 While
the American alligator was on the endangered species list, it has made enough
of a comeback that it is now a protected species. 6 And,
they tend to be less aggressive towards humans, but it is best to not feed,
tease, or aggravate them!
As we were walking along the path, Bobby stopped me and said
– what’s that up there? Uhhh, a branch laying on the path. Nope,
sez he, I’m pretty sure it’s an
alligator. I slowed down
walking. As we got closer, the “branch”
jumped up and RAN (quick like a bunny) to the water (on my side of the path)
and slid in. Oh my! A few minutes later, he again said – look – there’s another one. This one was laying quietly just beside the
path in the grass. I stopped
walking. He walked on.
So, here’s the thing – I don’t like lizards – not little
ones like this ……. or big ones like that.
Yes, I know – odd because I really do like dragons BUT, I don’t think
dragons are even remotely related to lizards and that’s a whole other
conversation!
He motioned me forward.
And, not wanting to be perceived as a scared little baby, I walked (as
far from it as possible and still be on the path) right past the alligator snoozing alongside
the path for the humans. Was I brave or
what!
A little later we hiked to one of the visitor centers. It’s a very interesting place and there was a
volunteer to answer questions along with a park ranger. The place has all sorts of skeletons and
general information with pictures on many of the things you can see there at
the park in the way of animals, snakes, wildflowers, birds and, of course, alligators.
Cat Claw Mimosa
There were also glass cages with various types of snakes and
one on the counter with a tarantula in it.
(Snakes and spiders don’t bother me – just lizards)
And, the park ranger was holding a baby gator and showed me how to pet
it. Which I did! Go me!
If you haven’t been to Brazos Bend Park, put it on you list
of places to visit.
Take care
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