Gators Galore!

We live in Anahuac, the alligator capital of Texas, where it is claimed that gators outnumber people 3:1.  Recently we visited the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and got to see lots of alligators in their natural environment. We saw small and large, sheltering from the sun, swimming, and one amazingly quick manouver (went underwater and came up behind us in a bit over a second!) by a gator to reposition and better watch what we were doing. 

We've seen other wildlife on our drives and finally captured some photos of these woodpeckers in our backyard.  That's a grasshopper in his beak.

God has blessed us with some awesome sights around our new community.  One of my favorites is of the Gulf waters.  This one was taken from Smith's Point and looks toward Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula.  Of course, I had to share one of many water shots from time spent on Galveston Beach recently. 


Do you see the dolphin fin is this photo taken from the ferry?








Other interesting sightings were made at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center.  They have a long (it seems long when you travel it in the heat of a 100+ degree afternoon) boardwalk which is surrounded by previous swampland and has many a photo opportunity if you like cobwebs and spiders. 









Isn't God creative in the creatures He has placed on earth? When I see these, who really are not cuddly and cute, it serves as a reminder that I am called to love and serve all persons, regardless of what they look like, their living conditions, or their affinity for me.  We have to find a way to get along and I believe that God provides us the strength and direction to serve all whom He has created.

The refuge is having a photo contest to fill the pages of a new book they are publishing.  This means it is absolutely necessary that you not copy, post, share, print or reproduce any of my photos.