Friday, November 13, 2009

Day 11 – Goose Island, TX – Gulf Coast / Rio Grande Trip

No Travel Mileage Today

This morning I fell into the Gulf. I thought that I would take Mik to the water. There are some steps that lead into the Gulf by the coach. What I didn’t realize was the steps below the water are slimly and very slippery. My feet went out from under me and the only thing to do was let go of the leash and belly flop into the water. I looked back and there was Mik looking at me. At least the water was not cold. So now I can add the Aransas Bay to the long list of waters that I have been in.

We spent today doing some chores around the motor home and exploring Goose Island.

Goose Island State Park is surrounded by the St. Charles and Aransas Bays, is located north of Rockport in Aransas County. The park was acquired in 1931-1935 by deeds from private owners and Legislative Act setting aside the state-owned Goose Island as a state park. The earliest park facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

IMG_0001 Goose Island is home to the "Big Tree" named State Champion Coastal Live Oak  in 1969, is thought to be one of the largest in the nation. Estimated to be  over 1000 years old, the "Big Tree" has a circumference of 35 feet, is 44 feet in height and has a crown spread of 90 feet.IMG_0004

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Many smaller live oaks reported to be off springs of the “Big Tree” surround their 1000 year parent. Live oaks are oak trees that have leaves year round.

 

 

 

IMG_0006Both the white and brown pelicans are common throughout the island.IMG_0007

 

 

 

 

Egrets feed just across from our camp site in a marsh lagoon.IMG_0008  

Cruise Ship

 

Our coach is so close to the water that sitting on the couch looks as if one is on a cruise ship. The waves constantly lap at the shore line and sound as if the a beating up against the ship. At night the only sound to be heard is the waves lapping against the shore. If we get any wind, I am sure it will feel as if we are in a ship rocking back and forth.

1 comment:

jdmjreed said...

Great Blog. Any pictures of the "Belly Flop?" Did Mik give you a score?