This class is more than just a trip, it is an experience I will never forget. I knew this trip would take me through states and ecosystems that I knew nothing of. I knew the precautionary measures and dangers that this trip had in store. Every second of preparation was worth it, because it truly was an experience of a lifetime.
I distinctly remember that the start of the trip was a little bumpy. One of the vans probably had a part gone bad, then that same van was not filled up with gas. We started out eBird right away. American Robin was our first species, no surprise there. We traveled to Fargo then headed south. Our first noticeable heat wave was when we stopped for gas in South Dakota, it hit 75 degrees. Following that we encountered more bird species on the drive down through Nebraska’s east edge and west edge of Iowa, two states I’ve never been in. The drive through Kansas and Oklahoma was dark, so no scenery except for the countless blinking lights of wind towers. We entered Texas very early morning and had our first Whataburger. Whataburger was an experience however, that first Whataburger was the least appealing one that we went to. The burger was delicious and juicy, easily one of the best fast food joints I’ve been to. I highly recommend the Bacon with cheese Whataburger and the Whatawings.
We arrived at Port O’ Connor Texas and met the amazing people that we would be spending the next few days with. Two trips were taking to get everyone and everything to the island. I was part of the second trip, the one that took place in the dark. Since I had ridden on an airboat before I knew that i was probably gonna get wet, however I was unprepared for the hour long salt water bath that I had in store. Setup of camp had basically already been done. Day one was fishing, exploring, birding and beach combing. The first morning we were greeted by a dolphin in the shallows hunting mullet. that night Cooper and the Texans cooked a gloriously cooked authentic southern meal consisting of Shrimp, Crab (that we fished for), Sea Trout, Redfish, and Authentic southern sausage. Overall it is a taste that will never leave my mouth. Day 2 was all about fishing and getting food for another good meal that night. Matagorda Island held lost in store for us I could go on forever about the Rattlesnakes, alligators and glow in the dark scorpion, but Mason Mountain had more of the Scorpion than I was comfortable with.
Mason Mountain WMA the second favorite part of my trip, right behind Matagorda. The Learned so much about the ecology of the region and the management methods used for exotics. The herping we did on the trip is one of the coolest thing I did on the trip. I have immense respect for the people who work down there and everything they taught us. Illano River State park was birding central, and we fished hard for the illusive Guadalupe Bass, Texas State fish, however in my case it was to no avail. My favorite part of Illano river state park was the Junction Burger Company in Junction Texas, a nearby town to Illano. I had a Mushroom and Swiss burger, I have never eaten anything so fast in my life. It was the most delicious burger I had every had.
Unfortunately, after Illano river we headed back home and the trip of a lifetime was over. I have so much gratitude for the people that made the trip happen and that taught me so much along the way. Thank you.