Bluebirds

Have you seen any bluebirds nesting?

They are just a very cool bird!

Disney

This week I was at Disney World in Florida for this event.

The Cornell Cup is a national computer engineering competition. My son Scott is holding the hardware!

They came in 4th of of 30 teams

Graduation is next Friday!!

Magic Kingdom

Plenty of Fireworks

And Epcot at night

Broken Point Ranch

This Bow Hunting destination just west of Abilene, and is filled with lots of history.

  This just makes my back hurt!

 I added this as my new screen saver

If you are looking for a unique spot with lots of game and great accommodations here it is!

You can contact David Mayfield  210-275-3208

www.bowhuntingwesttexas.com

Amy's Senior pictures in Herman Park

Keep your eyes open!!

This guy was out for a walk! I saw a lady sitting in the grassy median by Herman Park. I turned around to see what she was doing. She was "baby sitting"

Freshwater Fifty: Deussen Park Lake Houston

Location:

 Alexander Deussen Park   12303 Sonnier Street Houston, Texas 77044

This is a 309 acre county park on the west side of Lake Houston. Very well maintained and includes 3 boat launch ramps

Directions:

From Beltway 8 east take Lake Houston Parkway east 3.1 miles the park entrance is on the right.

Launch Site Evaluation:

 The three boat ramps are all paved . The middle ramp can accommodate at least two vehicles at a time The ramp on the very north side of the park is smaller and situated on a protected slough area and would be my choice to launch a kayak.

Paddle Details:

 Lake Houston is 11,854 acres, created in 1953 for a city water supply You will have plenty of room to explore. Deussen Park is on the far south end of the lake so try the west shoreline and along the dam.  As with most any lake near a large metropolitan area you will have to contend with some power boat traffic.

Fishing Prospects: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and  Pan fish are plentiful. The Cat fishing is excellent. The drought in 2011 caused the lake to be very low, but by early 2012 water levels were back to normal. Fishing around docks and other structure should produce satisfactory results. There is also piers from which you can fish

Water Conditions: Paddling on an open lake brings wind and other weather factors into consideration. The lake is relatively shallow and at times can appear pretty muddy. There are also several launch points on the north side of the lake that are more protected.

Amenities:

This park is very well maintained and has several pavilions and multiple handicap accessible restroom facilities. The park has a playground, hike and bike trails, a wildlife exhibit and a jogging trails.

http://www.hctx.net/comm_lee/PDeussen/index.htm

This is a shot of the very north ramp. It is the best in my opinion for kayak launch

 The middle ramp is much larger and can launch 3 power boats at a time..

 The south ramp is the spot to launch closest to the dam.

Freshwater Fifty... Trinity River North

Kayak Launch Destinations

Location:

Trinity River on Highway 59

  

Directions:

Travel highway 59 north from Beltway 8, 48.7 miles just north of Shepherd Tx. Turn left across the freeway and continue under the bridge to the ramp

  

Launch Site Evaluation:

This is a free paved 3 lane ramp. It is very long and very steep going down to the Trinity River. Plenty of paved parking available.

  

Paddle Details:

The Trinity River has very steep banks and lots of structure. Rip-rap and other structure are all along the banks. This river can be prone to major water level changes. Always check the river height and flow before planning a trip to any major river.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/flow/flow.htm

Fishing Prospects:

When fishing major rivers you will have the opportunity to target may species of fish. Largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, buffalo, gar just to name a few

  

Water Conditions:

The water in the river will be muddy to stained depending on the flow. Always be sure to check the river condition before you plan a trip. It can vary from a flat calm paddle to turbulent raging white water flood. Remember there are not many available take out spots along the river so be sure you have a game plan for where to put in and take out. If that is the same place understand you paddle capabilities and plan your trip accordingly

  

Amenities:

No Restrooms and no other facilities

Looking down the ramp

 Backing up to the water

 Looking down to the river.

 Up the ramp..it is very steep!

 Rivers edge and launch point.

 Very large parking lot.