Part II

To conclude my previous post of the park near Calallen, Texas, I mentioned before that the Parks and Rec department had begun a new boardwalk section last winter. When Bud and I followed the road around the park area, we ended up along the Nueces River. Here, the newly built area, that meanders through the woodsy area along a section of the riverbank seemed to be completed. So...we ventured onto the boardwalk, crossing the small drainage ditch to begin...

First of all, I really, REALLY like the fragrance of fresh cut lumber. And the air surrounding us was permeated with this awesome odor. I knew right away the walk would be enjoyable as long as I didn't find any snakes!! [One birding hot spot just down the road from this park a few miles, a Texas Coral snake was spotted by a birder!! I hate snakes. And to be a poisonous snake at that...well, nightmares!] Anyway, this is what the area's views were like. Filled with hidden treasures of the quiet, slow moving river, the huge, massive trees - some in autumnal colors, while others in their winter garb, and of course, still other trees; evergreen. The unmarred, beautiful and colorful, contrasting wooden boardwalks and constructed benches here and there....along with the rich, blue skies and puffy cotton ball clouds above made for a nice tour of the new area.. Most trees were blanketed with Spanish Moss, gently swaying in the balmy breeze!  What I consider a real Southern Charm!!

Nueces River through the palm/oak/willow trees - Looking out to the wooded area

After crossing the drainage ditch this all comes into view

A wooden bench for bird watching, spotting deer, enjoying the winding boardwalk

The fencing construction was solid and LONG - Spanish Moss Swaying  in the breeze

Close up of the moss just inches from the boardwalk - Looking Down River

Looking Up River - Giant Trees

Spanish Moss - The plant's specific name usneoides means "resembling Usnea", and it indeed closely resembles its namesake Usnea, also known as beard lichen, but in fact Spanish moss is neither a moss nor a lichen. Instead, it is a flowering plant (angiosperm) in the family Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) that grows hanging from tree branches in full sun or partial shade.

PS...did you know that the pineapple is distant cousin to the "Spanish Moss"? It too is of the bromeliad family