Imagine traveling down the interstate, with posted speed limit of 75MPH...when all of a sudden a Summer Storm hits the area! Within seconds, the heavy traffic volume was creeping at 20MPH, if that fast. The rain was so heavy, the windshield wipers at high wasn't helping the vision at all. The front of my own car wasn't visible!! Thankfully, no major accidents. The drivers had enough sense to SLOW DOWN. Of course, I happened to be the designated driver. After arriving safely back in Corpus, we stopped at the Texas Road House for BBQ and a frozen margarita [or two!]
Early in the morning, Friday, we decided to take a drive to Victoria, Texas. There was cloud cover, the temperature was comfortable. It's nearly 100 miles from home, and there were early morning showers near a small town of Refugio, Texas [normally this is a 'hot spot' for rain, so wasn't unexpected]. The drizzle lasted up until we left Victoria to head home. We went shopping, and stopped by the beautiful Riverside park in town [Victoria] to walk around a bit. And that we did...just a bit... Not much walking!! Afterall, the rain remained and neither of us wanted to get soaked. But it's such a fantastic park!! Heavily wooded, paved hiking trails, ball parks, a small zoo, playgrounds, an historic home, and Pumphouse turned into a restaurant, duck pond, golf course. Oh and the ever-winding Guadalupe River!!
We heard quite a few birds, but being overcast, the lighting just wasn't right to even think of searching for photo ops. They would've been all silhouette images, and unidentifiable feathered creatures. But, while at the pond, I did take some photos. While driving through the heavily wooded areas, we saw a LOT of white tailed deer. From does, to bucks and a few fawns!
For loading time considered, the images, all but two, I share today will be small in pixel size. You can enlarge them by clicking on the images if you choose!! Here is a trek through the park in the misty morning air. From the duck pond and the birds in that vicinity, to the playground, around the river bend, and through the woods to the golf course...
Black Vulture, White Tailed Deer, Guadalupe River, Black Bellied Whistling Ducks, Riverboat History, Playground, Duck Pond, Fountain, Gazebo, Cypress Tree, Cardinal, Golden Fronted Woodpecker
nice whistler family. :) sweet deer, too.
ReplyDeleteGood morning,Anni! Hasn't the rain been lovely and especially the cooler temperatures!
ReplyDeleteWe are regulars at Texas Roadhouse too. Good food, reasonable prices, and a fun atmosphere.
You've inspired me to take a trip to Victoria soon. It is a lovely old town and the park is so nice.
Hope you have a good weekend!
Oh my gosh, I was wondering what Theresa might say about the whisters! Like is a paradise in your world, all your critters are delightful to see! We've been getting a lot of deer action around here lately too!
ReplyDeletewow, i would drive 100 miles to see all these beautiful critters. great shots in the rainy day. we once drove over 300 miles in a rain like you describe, and we were both a nervous wreck by the time we got to Savannah
ReplyDeleteThat does look a lovely park Anni. But driving a 100 miles would near enough finish me off on our overcrowded roads and motorways.
ReplyDeleteShame about the light for your walk but hey you saw some great birds and had a BBQ and a good day out.
Ah, such beautiful critters indeed!! I do love the deer and what a great park!! Glad you got through that rain storm safely!! Hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI'd sure like to go with you out and about sometime! Great ride, in spite of the downpour. Is the cardinal molting?
ReplyDeleteWOW! Such a lot of wonderfful birds adn Der in this post Anni. I hope you enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe black vulture is amazing. What a great shot...but all of your photos are amazing. If the speed limit is 75, I know people are flying down the freeway at 90. Scary stuff on wet roads!! Be safe over there!
ReplyDeleteYou were talking so much about rain Anni, that
ReplyDeleteI thought your pictures should be all grey :)
But they are beautiful! Love them all!
Have a beautiful weekend!
Möwe
I used to live in Victoria decades ago and loved it. It is an old town and I loved the parks and other amenities.
ReplyDeleteNever lived anywhere but Texas. It has so m uh to see and offer. Glad you shared your trip with us. Send the rain my way.
ReplyDeleteHello Anni, I am glad the drivers slowed down, the heavy rain sounded awful. I love the Whistling ducks and the deer are so pretty! Looks like a nice park to visit. Great post! Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Anni. And I too am glad everybody slowed down. We don't get that kind of rain around here, and frankly lately we haven't had any at all. Wish we had some of yours. Wonderful park! :-)
ReplyDeleteTwo great outings...and so many amazing photos! Loved sharing these two trips with you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great critter photography trip, Anni.
ReplyDelete~
what a pretty park that is. Love the shots of the deer. I always enjoy seeing but I wish it wasn't when they are running in front of my car.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful area Anni, you got some great photos. Glad all was well with the sudden rain. We have those kind of deluges in Virginia and it can be a very scary feeling as they happen in a second and the windscreen wipers don't help.
ReplyDeleteI hate to drive in rain as you described. One of the reasons I like to read your blog because you write about towns I've been to or heard of. My deceased husband's uncle and family lived in Victoria for years but we only went to visit a few times as they always came to San Antonio to visit all their kin at one time.
ReplyDeletewow, totally awesome.
ReplyDeleteHi Anni,
ReplyDeleteI am simply amazed by the antlers - very beautiful photos!
The mosaics are well constructed and I enjoyed looking at the photos.
Have a Beautiful Day!
Peace :)
Great photos Anni. Love the deer just posing for you. Sounds like a fun filled walk. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletereally very beautiful photos...amazing collection ...
ReplyDeleteThere are some real gems in your photo series. Thank you for linking in with the "Through My Lens" photo meme.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
The deer are spectacular and I love the ducks!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty park area. Love the Gazebo and all those beautiful deer.
ReplyDelete