This is VERY worth a watch - touches the heart! If you love dogs, you'll love this!
Wittenbergs
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Gulf Coast Sea Turtles
As a follow up to my last post, I did some research to find out how sea turtle nests are faring on the Alabama coast as a result of Share the Beach's efforts.
2005: 37 Loggerhead and 1 possible Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, although four major storms that season proceeded to ruin many of them
2006: 45 Loggerhead and 1 Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, and only four nests were known to be destroyed by storms; an estimated 3,603 hatchlings reached the water safely
2007: 54 Loggerhead and 1 Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, and it was estimated that 3,465 hatchlings made it safely into the Gulf
2008: 78 Loggerhead and 1 Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, and an estimated 3,520 hatchlings made it into the surf
From 2003 - 2008, an estimated 17,390 hatchlings successfully entered the Gulf of Mexico.
So far this year, 66 nests have been located, but data haven't been entered for all nests yet, so the results are yet to be determined!
We amazingly witnessed the ONLY Kemp's Ridley nest of 2008 hatch - what luck!
2005: 37 Loggerhead and 1 possible Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, although four major storms that season proceeded to ruin many of them
2006: 45 Loggerhead and 1 Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, and only four nests were known to be destroyed by storms; an estimated 3,603 hatchlings reached the water safely
2007: 54 Loggerhead and 1 Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, and it was estimated that 3,465 hatchlings made it safely into the Gulf
2008: 78 Loggerhead and 1 Kemp's Ridley nests were identified, and an estimated 3,520 hatchlings made it into the surf
From 2003 - 2008, an estimated 17,390 hatchlings successfully entered the Gulf of Mexico.
So far this year, 66 nests have been located, but data haven't been entered for all nests yet, so the results are yet to be determined!
We amazingly witnessed the ONLY Kemp's Ridley nest of 2008 hatch - what luck!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sea Turtle Hatching, Bon Secour NWR
It will be hard to beat my one year marriage anniversary. Rod and I spent it in Gulf Shores, where we had our wedding, and unbelievably witnessed the hatching of not one but TWO sea turtle nests!
Share the Beach is a volunteer program overseen by the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and for years whenever we were vacationing in Gulf Shores I'd stop by the refuge office to find out which nests were close to hatching and where they were located. My family and I traipsed down to numerous nests at night, hoping we'd catch some hatchlings emerging. Although we came close on several occasions (volunteers monitoring those nests could hear the tell-tale "waterfall" sounds of the sand falling into the spaces created as the babies moved towards the surface), I'd yet actually seen it happen.
Until July 28, 2008, exactly one year after Rod and I were married. Dad had a contract to write an article on Share the Beach and sea turtles for the Huntsville Times, so he'd gotten the low-down on the "ripe" nests, and we headed to check one out. The attending volunteer said the waterfall sound was pretty loud, and thought the hatchlings would emerge that night... but when? Unbelievably, only minutes later, a small indention appeared in the sand. A short time later a small dark head - was it a head?- appeared. We stared at that dark spot on the sand in the glow of the red light from the filtered flashlight for so long we'd decided our desire for it to be a turtle fooled us into thinking it was a turtle, when suddenly it lifted its head, and there was no doubt. This was the "scout", and that little booger sat there for an eternity before finally deciding to come on out. Once he decided it was time, the rest followed!
This was an extra special nest, too, because it was a Kemp's Ridley nest, rare nesters along the Alabama coast. We spent about four hours out there that night with a team of about 25 volunteers, and saw every single one of those babies to the water. I saw firsthand the effect that light pollution has; there was an incredibly bright street light behind us, luring the hatchlings away from the water in the wrong direction. We had to continually turn them around and redirect them towards the water. I feel certain that without these volunteer teams who shepherd the babies to the water, the mortality would be astronomical, as they would end up in the street due to the allure of beachfront lights or predated. I felt so blessed to be part of this amazing event. Sadly, Dad wasn't to join us in Gulf Shores until the next day, so it was Mom, Michael, Rod and I who had the fortune to experience this... Mr. Writer missed out! However... all was not lost!
AMAZINGLY, the very next night we lucked out AGAIN and watched a Loggerhead nest hatch! This time Dad was in tow... thank goodness. Two species in two nights - WOW. Also, we discovered that as we were herding baby turtles to the water, another mama turtle was laying a new nest just yards away from us! The next morning we saw her signature tracks in the sand. Dad got to patrol with a volunteer on the ATV in the early morning hours, and got to help dig up and move a newly laid nest.
The fun still wasn't over. We were invited to take part in an "excavation" - 48 hours after a nest empties, they dig it up to get a count of the total # of eggs laid, figure out how many didn't hatch, and possibly determine why. Well, to our surprise, once they started digging, they kept finding live baby turtles still in the nest!
Because the belief is that the turtles have to make the journey from nest to ocean to imprint upon their natal grounds, we stood by as the remaining babies made the long journey to the sea. At least they had a trench to help guide their way!
We saw the last hatchling into the water as the sun was beginning to set. It was an experience I'll always treasure!
All sea turtles are listed as endangered or threatened and face numerous threats to their survival.
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY ROBERTA RESS
Share the Beach is a volunteer program overseen by the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and for years whenever we were vacationing in Gulf Shores I'd stop by the refuge office to find out which nests were close to hatching and where they were located. My family and I traipsed down to numerous nests at night, hoping we'd catch some hatchlings emerging. Although we came close on several occasions (volunteers monitoring those nests could hear the tell-tale "waterfall" sounds of the sand falling into the spaces created as the babies moved towards the surface), I'd yet actually seen it happen.
Until July 28, 2008, exactly one year after Rod and I were married. Dad had a contract to write an article on Share the Beach and sea turtles for the Huntsville Times, so he'd gotten the low-down on the "ripe" nests, and we headed to check one out. The attending volunteer said the waterfall sound was pretty loud, and thought the hatchlings would emerge that night... but when? Unbelievably, only minutes later, a small indention appeared in the sand. A short time later a small dark head - was it a head?- appeared. We stared at that dark spot on the sand in the glow of the red light from the filtered flashlight for so long we'd decided our desire for it to be a turtle fooled us into thinking it was a turtle, when suddenly it lifted its head, and there was no doubt. This was the "scout", and that little booger sat there for an eternity before finally deciding to come on out. Once he decided it was time, the rest followed!
This was an extra special nest, too, because it was a Kemp's Ridley nest, rare nesters along the Alabama coast. We spent about four hours out there that night with a team of about 25 volunteers, and saw every single one of those babies to the water. I saw firsthand the effect that light pollution has; there was an incredibly bright street light behind us, luring the hatchlings away from the water in the wrong direction. We had to continually turn them around and redirect them towards the water. I feel certain that without these volunteer teams who shepherd the babies to the water, the mortality would be astronomical, as they would end up in the street due to the allure of beachfront lights or predated. I felt so blessed to be part of this amazing event. Sadly, Dad wasn't to join us in Gulf Shores until the next day, so it was Mom, Michael, Rod and I who had the fortune to experience this... Mr. Writer missed out! However... all was not lost!
AMAZINGLY, the very next night we lucked out AGAIN and watched a Loggerhead nest hatch! This time Dad was in tow... thank goodness. Two species in two nights - WOW. Also, we discovered that as we were herding baby turtles to the water, another mama turtle was laying a new nest just yards away from us! The next morning we saw her signature tracks in the sand. Dad got to patrol with a volunteer on the ATV in the early morning hours, and got to help dig up and move a newly laid nest.
The fun still wasn't over. We were invited to take part in an "excavation" - 48 hours after a nest empties, they dig it up to get a count of the total # of eggs laid, figure out how many didn't hatch, and possibly determine why. Well, to our surprise, once they started digging, they kept finding live baby turtles still in the nest!
Because the belief is that the turtles have to make the journey from nest to ocean to imprint upon their natal grounds, we stood by as the remaining babies made the long journey to the sea. At least they had a trench to help guide their way!
We saw the last hatchling into the water as the sun was beginning to set. It was an experience I'll always treasure!
All sea turtles are listed as endangered or threatened and face numerous threats to their survival.
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY ROBERTA RESS
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Nature Conservancy | Planet Change
My friend Laura Marx (who was on my OTS course in Costa Rica) tells us why trees are important to carbon sequestration in this GREAT video clip - check it out!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society Photo Contest
For all you photographers in Northwest Arkansas, the NWAAS is hosting a photo contest! But hurry, the deadline is September 25!
DETAILS:
Three Categories: bird, nature, scenic
$50 David Nolan Prize for Best in Show
Four additional prizes in each category
1st prize: $40 Bordino’s gift card
2nd prize: $25 Bedford’s gift card
3rd prize: $10 Bedford’s gift card
Entry Deadline: September 25
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society
2009 Photography Contest Rules
Amateurs only
The contest is open only to amateur photographers. An entry may not previously have won an award in any photography contest.
Entry requirements
You may enter a maximum of ten photographs.
Minimum size: 8'' × 10''
Maximum size: 11'' × 14''
Categories
Each photograph may be entered in only one of three categories. You specify the category of each photograph on the entry form. The three categories are:
1) Birds, 2) General Scenic, 3) General Nature
Entry locations
Bedford Camera, 1320 W. Walnut, Rogers; 3277 N. College, Fayetteville, or
Collier Drug Store, 100 W. Dickson, Fayetteville
Entry Fee
$5 for each photograph entered. A separate fee and entry form must accompany each photo (place in envelope and submit with photo). Please write your name on the back of each photo in case the form and photo get separated.
Cash or check is accepted. Make check to:
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society
Damage
While all possible effort will be made to avoid loss or damage, Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society (NWAAS), entry locations, judges or display locations may not be held responsible for loss or damage to any submitted photograph.
Selection of winners
A panel of outdoor and nature photographers selected by NWAAS will judge the entries.
Best of Show will be the entry judged best among all entries. The remaining entries
will be divided into the three categories and the entries in each category will be ranked.
Announcement of winners
Winning photographs will be on display at the Shiloh Museum in Springdale on October 10 from 1pm – 4pm. There will also be a presentation from Lynn Sciumbato of Morning Star Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and a question and answer session about birds by “The Bird Guys”, Dr. Doug James and Joe Neal, authors of Arkansas Birds. The event is open to the public.
Winning photographs
Winners agree that their entries may be published as winning photographs in this contest. Winning photographs may be picked up at 4 pm on October 10 at the Shiloh Museum. Any photos not picked up will be returned to the entry location where they were submitted.
Non-winning photographs
Non-winning photographs will be returned to the entry location where they were submitted.
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society
The NWAAS is a registered non-profit organization serving the four-county region of northwest Arkansas, and is committed to preserving the natural world in northwest Arkansas through education, environmental study and habitat protection, and to promote awareness and enjoyment of local and regional natural areas. For more information or to join, visit: http://www.nwarkaudubon.org/
DETAILS:
Three Categories: bird, nature, scenic
$50 David Nolan Prize for Best in Show
Four additional prizes in each category
1st prize: $40 Bordino’s gift card
2nd prize: $25 Bedford’s gift card
3rd prize: $10 Bedford’s gift card
Entry Deadline: September 25
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society
2009 Photography Contest Rules
Amateurs only
The contest is open only to amateur photographers. An entry may not previously have won an award in any photography contest.
Entry requirements
You may enter a maximum of ten photographs.
Minimum size: 8'' × 10''
Maximum size: 11'' × 14''
Categories
Each photograph may be entered in only one of three categories. You specify the category of each photograph on the entry form. The three categories are:
1) Birds, 2) General Scenic, 3) General Nature
Entry locations
Bedford Camera, 1320 W. Walnut, Rogers; 3277 N. College, Fayetteville, or
Collier Drug Store, 100 W. Dickson, Fayetteville
Entry Fee
$5 for each photograph entered. A separate fee and entry form must accompany each photo (place in envelope and submit with photo). Please write your name on the back of each photo in case the form and photo get separated.
Cash or check is accepted. Make check to:
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society
Damage
While all possible effort will be made to avoid loss or damage, Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society (NWAAS), entry locations, judges or display locations may not be held responsible for loss or damage to any submitted photograph.
Selection of winners
A panel of outdoor and nature photographers selected by NWAAS will judge the entries.
Best of Show will be the entry judged best among all entries. The remaining entries
will be divided into the three categories and the entries in each category will be ranked.
Announcement of winners
Winning photographs will be on display at the Shiloh Museum in Springdale on October 10 from 1pm – 4pm. There will also be a presentation from Lynn Sciumbato of Morning Star Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and a question and answer session about birds by “The Bird Guys”, Dr. Doug James and Joe Neal, authors of Arkansas Birds. The event is open to the public.
Winning photographs
Winners agree that their entries may be published as winning photographs in this contest. Winning photographs may be picked up at 4 pm on October 10 at the Shiloh Museum. Any photos not picked up will be returned to the entry location where they were submitted.
Non-winning photographs
Non-winning photographs will be returned to the entry location where they were submitted.
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society
The NWAAS is a registered non-profit organization serving the four-county region of northwest Arkansas, and is committed to preserving the natural world in northwest Arkansas through education, environmental study and habitat protection, and to promote awareness and enjoyment of local and regional natural areas. For more information or to join, visit: http://www.nwarkaudubon.org/
Monday, September 14, 2009
Nature Writing
My first assignment for my online class was to start a nature journal, which I chose to do in my backyard. Here are some excerpts from my first week:
Monday 8/31 – 6:55 pm-7:17pm
I’m starting this journal for my writing class. I am to observe the same spot day after day. I’ve chosen our backyard. I don’t spend enough time here anyway. Scooter’s accompanying me this evening. It’s unseasonably cool- probably mid-70s now, and with the deck in the shade it even feels chilly. I only have two feeders out right now – thistle and hummingbird – at least until fall migration begins. The south side of our fence is overgrown with trumpet creeper, and the hummingbird feeder is on a shepherd’s pole nestled among the vine. The north fence Rod planted squash and sunflowers alongside of. I think the squash has stopped producing for the year. Many of the sunflowers are still in bloom. Three days ago they were laden with American Goldfinch, but now, with the exception of one that just flew over, they’re nowhere to be found. A Blue Jay is calling incessantly overhead, and a cicada just flew by. I watched a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird feed uncontested from the feeder. She then flew up to perch on the power line – moved approximately 18 inches over – moved about 18 inches over again… ah, I think she found her spot. I can only surmise the warm sunshine felt good, as the first two perches were shady. A Grey Catbird flew down and hopped around in the smilax vine behind the sunflowers, but must have sneaked out the back – I don’t see it anymore. The sounds of nature are shattered by a train whistle. Ah! The hummer is back and has brought a friend – two females. Funny – one drinks from the feeder while the other sits patiently in the trumpet creeper. Whenever I see two together they’re usually vying for a monopoly of the feeder. The feeder bird left, and the other sat for 1.5 – 2 minutes more before taking its spot at the feeder. It’s too bad we have only one species, when they regularly get up to 14 in (ah, she just flew off) areas of the southwest we just visited. The breeze is chilly! I think I’ll call it good for my first journal entry. Until tomorrow!
Tuesday 9/1/09 – 9:10pm-9:27pm
I’m supposed to spend a night journaling in my spot, so here I am. Mostly just because it’s the first chance I’ve had to get out here! The night is filled with the sounds of insects. Wish I could identify them all: a constant buzz – background noise. Once that chimes in fours, very consistently. A lone insect calling – chirping – sporadically from the crown of a nearby tree. One occasionally pipes in that sounds like two marbles clicking together (of course, that’s how I describe cricket frogs too!). Now, in the background noise, I detect a “humm” separate from the “buzz”. I also hear what I’m pretty sure is a species of cricket. Wow, what diversity! It’s crisp and chilly. The moon overhead is almost full – a little squished on the upper right side yet. I believe it to be waxing – this is good for my observation skills! Had I been out last night I’d know! Some small insects are flying around the porch light. Neighborhood dogs are barking in the distance. Scooter has joined me again tonight – Haley has no interest. There is a gentle breeze – all the chillier for me! The stars are scarce – cloudy night, or overpowered by the lights of Fayetteville? I do not know. I suppose I should be thankful for the light, despite their pollution. Michael sent me a satellite photo link of completely blackened N Korea (except for the capital city and Kim Jong Il’s home) surrounded by the illuminated S Korea and China, where the people are forced to live without power. It’s peaceful out here – I should take this time more often. Next time I’ll bring a jacket – in August? I know, crazy!
Thursday 9/3 – 5:43 pm-6:10pm
It is overcast today and the temperature is very pleasant. The multiple hues of green from the surrounding trees stand in stark contrast to the grey sky. A cardinal is repeatedly fluttering above the neighbors’ fence, just into my view, then down again – I wonder what she’s doing? A bee (sp?) is feeding from the trumpet creeper. I wish I knew my plants and insects better (yet never take the time to learn!). I hear flowing water, that’s a new sound – wonder if our neighbors installed a water feature? Would have to climb over the privacy fence to see, and not in the mood. Female hummer is back, and twittering from a trumpet creeper vine. She left without feeding. The thistle feeder is empty. Quite bird-wise today. I can still see remnants from the ice storm. The trees will likely show the wear and tear for years to come. Ah, the hummer is perching on the wire. No sun to bask in today. Now she feeds. A Carolina Chickadee is flitting between the Sycamore and the pine. A second joined her. And now descend the House Sparrows. On that note, I’ll head inside.
Monday 8/31 – 6:55 pm-7:17pm
I’m starting this journal for my writing class. I am to observe the same spot day after day. I’ve chosen our backyard. I don’t spend enough time here anyway. Scooter’s accompanying me this evening. It’s unseasonably cool- probably mid-70s now, and with the deck in the shade it even feels chilly. I only have two feeders out right now – thistle and hummingbird – at least until fall migration begins. The south side of our fence is overgrown with trumpet creeper, and the hummingbird feeder is on a shepherd’s pole nestled among the vine. The north fence Rod planted squash and sunflowers alongside of. I think the squash has stopped producing for the year. Many of the sunflowers are still in bloom. Three days ago they were laden with American Goldfinch, but now, with the exception of one that just flew over, they’re nowhere to be found. A Blue Jay is calling incessantly overhead, and a cicada just flew by. I watched a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird feed uncontested from the feeder. She then flew up to perch on the power line – moved approximately 18 inches over – moved about 18 inches over again… ah, I think she found her spot. I can only surmise the warm sunshine felt good, as the first two perches were shady. A Grey Catbird flew down and hopped around in the smilax vine behind the sunflowers, but must have sneaked out the back – I don’t see it anymore. The sounds of nature are shattered by a train whistle. Ah! The hummer is back and has brought a friend – two females. Funny – one drinks from the feeder while the other sits patiently in the trumpet creeper. Whenever I see two together they’re usually vying for a monopoly of the feeder. The feeder bird left, and the other sat for 1.5 – 2 minutes more before taking its spot at the feeder. It’s too bad we have only one species, when they regularly get up to 14 in (ah, she just flew off) areas of the southwest we just visited. The breeze is chilly! I think I’ll call it good for my first journal entry. Until tomorrow!
Tuesday 9/1/09 – 9:10pm-9:27pm
I’m supposed to spend a night journaling in my spot, so here I am. Mostly just because it’s the first chance I’ve had to get out here! The night is filled with the sounds of insects. Wish I could identify them all: a constant buzz – background noise. Once that chimes in fours, very consistently. A lone insect calling – chirping – sporadically from the crown of a nearby tree. One occasionally pipes in that sounds like two marbles clicking together (of course, that’s how I describe cricket frogs too!). Now, in the background noise, I detect a “humm” separate from the “buzz”. I also hear what I’m pretty sure is a species of cricket. Wow, what diversity! It’s crisp and chilly. The moon overhead is almost full – a little squished on the upper right side yet. I believe it to be waxing – this is good for my observation skills! Had I been out last night I’d know! Some small insects are flying around the porch light. Neighborhood dogs are barking in the distance. Scooter has joined me again tonight – Haley has no interest. There is a gentle breeze – all the chillier for me! The stars are scarce – cloudy night, or overpowered by the lights of Fayetteville? I do not know. I suppose I should be thankful for the light, despite their pollution. Michael sent me a satellite photo link of completely blackened N Korea (except for the capital city and Kim Jong Il’s home) surrounded by the illuminated S Korea and China, where the people are forced to live without power. It’s peaceful out here – I should take this time more often. Next time I’ll bring a jacket – in August? I know, crazy!
Thursday 9/3 – 5:43 pm-6:10pm
It is overcast today and the temperature is very pleasant. The multiple hues of green from the surrounding trees stand in stark contrast to the grey sky. A cardinal is repeatedly fluttering above the neighbors’ fence, just into my view, then down again – I wonder what she’s doing? A bee (sp?) is feeding from the trumpet creeper. I wish I knew my plants and insects better (yet never take the time to learn!). I hear flowing water, that’s a new sound – wonder if our neighbors installed a water feature? Would have to climb over the privacy fence to see, and not in the mood. Female hummer is back, and twittering from a trumpet creeper vine. She left without feeding. The thistle feeder is empty. Quite bird-wise today. I can still see remnants from the ice storm. The trees will likely show the wear and tear for years to come. Ah, the hummer is perching on the wire. No sun to bask in today. Now she feeds. A Carolina Chickadee is flitting between the Sycamore and the pine. A second joined her. And now descend the House Sparrows. On that note, I’ll head inside.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Labor Day at Kings River
Rod and I spent last weekend with his dad, Robert, and the dogs, Haley and Scooter, at the Kings River and Lake Leatherwood outside of Eureka Springs. After an early supper at Penguin Ed's BBQ, we headed east into the Ozarks. Driving north on Hwy. 23, we passed HUNDREDS of Common Nighthawks heading south over some farm fields and chicken houses. It was quite a spectacle! We arrived at Kings River Retreat about dusk, and set up camp while listening to the emphatic whinnies of an Eastern Screech Owl. Scooter couldn't get enough of the river,and spent most of his evening swimming while we enjoyed each other's company fireside.
The next morning I awoke early to find the river shrouded in a blanket of fog. It was quite beautiful!
Robert was up next, and we sat by the river for a while, until we decided the cold wet chill could be easily overcome by a trip into Eureka Springs for a hot breakfast of eggs and coffee. We drug Rod from the tent and headed into town, dogs in tow.
After a satisfying breakfast, we decided to make a foray to Lake Leatherwood, where apparently a population of Collared Lizards still proliferates in its remnant glade habitat. We set off on the four mile hike around the lake, and about 3/4 of a mile in Rod discovered this pygmy rattlesnake (which the dogs and I had already walked past).
As I was getting artistic with my camera on the bridge over the lake's spillway...
... Rod found two more pygmy rattlesnakes coiled together, post-copulation?
We didn't find a single collared lizard, but did find some ground skinks, fence lizards and a northern water snake. As far as birds go, it was pretty quiet - still too early for migrants?
After we were hot and sweaty and pretty tuckered out, we headed back to the river for a cool dip. We weren't back for half an hour and Rod discovered a northern water snake that he had to get his hands on:
We headed into Eureka once more for a good Mexican dinner, then built the most perfect fire to wind down the evening. Monday morning we headed back to Fayetteville before seeing Robert off. What a great weekend!
The next morning I awoke early to find the river shrouded in a blanket of fog. It was quite beautiful!
Robert was up next, and we sat by the river for a while, until we decided the cold wet chill could be easily overcome by a trip into Eureka Springs for a hot breakfast of eggs and coffee. We drug Rod from the tent and headed into town, dogs in tow.
After a satisfying breakfast, we decided to make a foray to Lake Leatherwood, where apparently a population of Collared Lizards still proliferates in its remnant glade habitat. We set off on the four mile hike around the lake, and about 3/4 of a mile in Rod discovered this pygmy rattlesnake (which the dogs and I had already walked past).
As I was getting artistic with my camera on the bridge over the lake's spillway...
... Rod found two more pygmy rattlesnakes coiled together, post-copulation?
We didn't find a single collared lizard, but did find some ground skinks, fence lizards and a northern water snake. As far as birds go, it was pretty quiet - still too early for migrants?
After we were hot and sweaty and pretty tuckered out, we headed back to the river for a cool dip. We weren't back for half an hour and Rod discovered a northern water snake that he had to get his hands on:
We headed into Eureka once more for a good Mexican dinner, then built the most perfect fire to wind down the evening. Monday morning we headed back to Fayetteville before seeing Robert off. What a great weekend!
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