Sign Outside Rock Bottom Pub, Rockport, Texas July 2019
Why, Yes. Yes, I Will.
Author Archives
Erin
Coddiwompling through life, guided by my love of nature and insatiable curiosity.Welcome Mural
Mural on Side of Taco Bell, Rockport, Texas July 2019
I really like this mural. Didn’t expect to find it on the side of a Taco Bell. Kudos to them!
Pricey Reflection
Maserati Levante, Shiner, Texas June 2019
While I admit the unusual emblem caught my eye, the overall design of the car failed to impress me. I mean, if I’m gonna shell out over $76,000 on the base model I want the design to scream outrageous. The body of this Levante seemed kinda ho-hum to me. Though I really liked the way it reflected the clouds after a passing rain shower.
Cartilaginous Fish Parts
Shark Vertebra, Top View
Side View, Port Aransas, TX June 2019
Since shark skeletons are comprised of cartilage not bone, their parts aren’t that commonly found on the beach. The one exception to that rule is shark teeth, but those are made of dentin, a calcified material which is harder than bone. (Side note: The average shark goes through over 25,000 teeth in a lifetime.)
As you can see in the first photo, the cartilage is added in layers, which creates a tree-ring-like signature that can aid in assessing the shark’s age. Some researchers are even extrapolating environmental information from the isotopes captured in each ring. Nature is so cool!
Mondays Are Hard
Tired Little Man, Rockport, Texas July 2019
I know Mondays are rough, especially after a long holiday weekend but seriously, don’t try this. Asphalt is hard on the knees!
Winding Down
Relaxing In My Hammock, Rockport, Texas July 2019
Can’t think of a better way to wrap up a busy weekend. Sunday is a day of rest, is it not?
Blending In
Tricolored Heron, Rockport, Texas July 2019
Tucked among the flowers, I almost overlooked this Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor). Unlike when foraging, this bird stood stock-still during my photo session. Though I couldn’t see it, I believe this one was watching over a nearby nest. Since the clouds and late evening angle of the sun were conspiring against me, I’ll have to go back earlier in the day to try to capture the iridescent sheen of the feathers.
Variable Rate
Sign on Mechanic’s Truck, Port Aransas, Texas June 2019
Happy 4th!
Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, NM October 2006
Tucson, AZ July 2009
Tucson, AZ July 2009
Or, as it’s known in my weird little circle of friends, Happy Dennis Day! No matter how you are spending it, I hope everyone has a relaxing holiday. Stay safe out there!
Sea Beans
Since it is a barrier island, lots of interesting items wash ashore on Mustang Island. I don’t typically find many shells there but I still enjoy poking in the wrack line looking for treasures. I tend to get a bit excited when I uncover a sea bean.
I haven’t been able to identify all of the ones in the above photo but a few have amazing stories. At the top of the picture, the two ball-shaped seeds are Sea Coconuts (Manicaria saccifera) which, unsurprisingly, come from palm trees in Central America.
The two maroon, heart-shaped seeds to the left of the Sea Coconuts are known as Sea Hearts (Entada gigas). They are the seeds of the monkey ladder vine which grows in Brazil. While the whitish, brain-shaped seed to the right is known as Blister Pod (Sacoglottis amazonica) which grows along the Amazon River.
Think about that for a moment, these seeds float down the Amazon River, out into the Atlantic Ocean, before curling into the Gulf of Mexico, and eventually ending up on the beach for me to find. A journey of at least 3,600 miles. I wonder how long it takes them to make the trip?
3rin's View... 