Every state park has something fascinating to discover.  You just have to go with an open mind and pay attention to details.  This blog focuses on a recent trip to Purtis Creek State Park.

 

---

While I’m familiar with burl wood I never realized it’s a growth on trees.  Here’s a handy link I found that gives an overview on burl.  You might also be curious about the choice of clothing.  The vest features dozens of pockets where I store cold water, ice packs and bug spray.  It keeps me cool in the warm Texas weather and I avoid getting eaten by mosquitoes.   

Have you ever walked on a trail covered in frogs?   It’s as if the ground is moving.  I was able to snap a quick photo of one of the tiny frogs before it jumped away.  Notice how it matches the color of the leaves.

Here’s a photo of a different frog taken in the same area.  The frog got away before I could confirm it changes color based on its surroundings.  Most of the frogs were sand/leaf colored while a few were orange/reddish.

Here’s a new addition to my “Fungus As Art” series of photos. Don’t worry, I washed my hands before eating later that day.

---

Notes:
Camera:  Big Bertha (Canon EOS 5D Mark II), Canon G16
Date:  July 2016