I’ve felt like a shut-in for so long, it was wonderful to finally get out for a real photo hike this weekend. I went prepared though. I traveled to Tarklin Bayou State Preserve hoping to find the Pitcher Plant fields in bloom. I knew from previous visits, that with the amount of rain we’ve had lately, the trails would be flooded… so I threw my galoshes into the back of my car.
When I arrived at the Preserve, another family was parking too. One of the women was a tad concerned about my boots and mighty walking stick. I think she was worried I had the stick to beating off snakes and the boots… well, those were intimidating. I warned them the trails may be wet, and I found out later that they didn’t believe me about how bad it was until they were faced with knee-deep swampy trails. I tried…
The pitcher plant fields were in bloom, but the camouflaged carnivores were smaller than I’ve seen in the past. With my trusty water boots, I was able to hike into the field to get some fun shots. Did manage to scare myself when I flipped over a piece of wood that looked suspiciously like a black snake. (Was very glad to have my walking stick.) I also managed to NOT say any of my fancy words. I think I did squeal like a little girl, then laughed when I realized it was just a stick.
Taking the raised boardwalk to the t-pier that ends in the bayou, I was there resting when I saw the disbelieving fam again. I felt vindicated when the doubters told me about the impassable trails. Amateurs.
You can click on any image to see a larger photo, or the series as a slideshow.
(Photos shot with a Nikon D60, using an 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle, 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, and/or iPhone4)
Thin spiral notebook 
I love the pitcher plants. Another thing to add to my wish list.
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I enjoyed walking with you! I didn’t need my boots because you did the walking for me.
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The image of the butterfly is so perfectly clear and sharp!
Mollyxxx
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Never under estimate a woman with boots and a walking stick 🙂
Love the pics. That first flower is stunning. I don’t think I’ve seen one like that before.
Happy SIMC, jj
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Don’t you love the rush you get after you scare yourself like that, but realize you are totally safe?
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Absolutely! And you know if it had been a snake, I would have taken its picture.
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It’s nice to know a place well and to know how to approach it. I would have used some very fancy words if I thought I had stepped on a snake!
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I’ve meant to take my water boots on these hikes before and kept forgetting. I’ve seen so many snakes before, I must be getting used to them.
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Your writing intrigued me and made me smile. Love what you captured during your walk. Have a fantastic week. 🙂
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as always I am in awe of your talent. x
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Thank you, and I am so happy when you drop by my little space.
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Absolutely stunning photos!
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Thanks! This is one of my favorite places to go hiking, and it’s one of those “if you don’t know it’s there, you’ll miss it” sort of places.
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those ones are always the best 🙂
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