We woke up to the sound of the Ferny Kat Meow! She thought Lauren had had enough sleep and it was time for him to get up. A couple hours later, I woke up and stretched, and heard the Ferny Kat pitter patter on the bathroom door. Ferny Kat was running out of patience for my awakening. The day was started.
We lounged around surfing the web until lunch time. It was a nice, cool, day and time for an outing. We went to Huck's Cove and ate burgers on the deck, while watching boats and gators in the cove.
When we returned, we hiked around the refuge. We got our stuff packed for tomorrow's trip to Natchez and relaxed outside watching the hummingbirds battle for the feeder.
Monday
We were supposed to have a 4 hour ride to Natchez today. The 4 hour ride turned into 5 hours after I forgot to get our clothes that I ironed and hung up yesterday. Lesson learned, make sure I put it on the list.
We stopped at Okhissa Lake for our picnic lunch. A nice and quiet place with a great view. We found our first Big Leaf Magnolia Tree as we were driving out.
We got to Natchez in plenty of time to check in the hotel and visit St. Catherine National Wildlife Refuge visitor's center before they closed at 4 pm. The Park Ranger informed us that the 25,000 acre refuge had all but 2,500 acres of land under water due to the flooding of the Mississippi River. He also informed us that the Bull Gnats were bad and we needed bug spray.
We got out of the van, changed to our hiking boots, sprayed down with bug repellent, walked about 50 yards, and high tailed it back to the van. The gnats weren't bad. They were ferocious. I had to put my hand over my nose to prevent from inhaling them.
We still enjoyed the refuge, just from the comforts of the van. We saw plenty of birds and a bunch of alligators. One of the alligators was huge.
We had red beans and rice for dinner at the hotel, and watched TV till bedtime.
Tuesday
We presented the Jr. Duck Stamp Awards at Cathedral High School. We also announced the winner of the Ms. Ducks Unlimited Green Wing Art Competition. The school had prior knowledge of the Jr Duck Stamp winners. We were the the ones that got to inform them of the Ms. Ducks Unlimited Green Wing Winner.
The students really enjoyed their presentation awards, especially the candy and the pizza gift card. Mrs. Gamberi, the art teacher, gave us a tour of her art class. We got to see behind the scenes where all this fantastic talent comes to life.
On our way home, we made a detour at Crossroads for our picnic lunch and to get the mail. A few miles after we left, the Flower Child was on the side of the road taking pictures. Life sure has changed over the last 37 years.
When we returned to Camp Refuge, Ferny Kat was lovey dovey. We were gone long enough, that the Ferny Kat missed us and appreciated our return for a few minutes.
The 3 of us sat outside bird watching. Ferny Kat did a little squirrel watching. Then we called it a night.
Ferny Kat laid on our luggage when we went inside. She obviously doesn't want to be left behind on our next trip.
Wednesday
Melissa and Carol were off today, leaving us in charge of the MGCCC special needs adult program. We had 12 people. They watched the video, checked out the VC exhibits, checked out the Dusky Gopher Frog Tanks, and had a guided Trail Walk. It was a very rewarding day to be a part of these guys outing.
Late afternoon, Angie had a program for the Coastal Program Partners. They arrived in a bus, spent time in the auditorium, came out and saw the 3 Free Birds eating in the back yard, and shopped in the book store before departing for their refuge tour.
After our long day, we sat around outside, having a few beer sodas, and cooking chicken on the grill.
Thursday
We worked the VC with Pat today. We had a prescribed burn at the HQ savanna today. We watched front row and center from the back of the VC. The Fire Center did another awesome job.
We got our first bloom from the Indian Blanket plant at the VC native garden today.
We didn't see the Free Birds today, but last check with the telemetry, they were in the fire lane where they usually hang.
We walked some of the Dees Trail late afternoon. There was still smoldering on some of the stumps in the distance. The thunder had us in hurry up mode to get back to camp before we got wet.
Friday
We worked with Pat again today. Lauren got the grass mowed around the VC. I replaced signs on the CL Dees Trail.
The birds on the trail were loving the burn and rain from yesterday. They were plenty of them singing and foraging. They must like their grub rinsed and roasted.
The savanna on the side that was burned last month was bursting with new blooms. It was a challenge to trying to decide if I wanted to look up or down.
After work, we made a much needed trip to Wally World, ate left overs, and bird watched. We finally saw Coconut and Banana eating from the HQ feeder in the back yard at roost time. Crab Apple was not with them. We hope he is okay.
Saturday
We had the Native American Dancers program today at the refuge. Even though the bad weather did not allow us to be outside, it was a great double feature.
The tornado warnings nearby put a damper on attendance. We only had 20 people attend, but had close to 190 views on Facebook of the live performance. Thank goodness for social media.
During the friendship dance of the 2nd show, one kid did his own thing. I don't know how he lasted that long dancing that hard. It was quite a show.
We did see Coconut and Banana again today, but no Crab Apple. We attempted to locate him by telemetry. No luck.
We have made our very busy 6 day week and are resting up the rest of the day.
The game cams have captured 2 different sightings of black bears in the last couple of weeks.
Week of Pictures:
HQ Savanna Burn:
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