A Walk in the Woods

A Photojournal

This past Monday afternoon I drove to Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Reserve. I had in mind to just ride down some of the roads and enjoy the beauty of the sunny day. We had a very rainy and cloudy weekend and the sunshine was appealing. As I arrived at the end of one of the roads, I decided to get out for a bit. Without any intention of a walk in the woods, I slowly ambled down a trail and just kept walking.

Of course, anyone who has read my writings knows I love birds and am always on the lookout for feathered friends to photograph. I could hear a few chirps but nothing close enough for me to locate. The trail I followed runs along the bayou. I enjoyed the views of the water that has recently risen back to fairly normal levels after a drought this past summer.

While standing there I heard an owl hooting a little farther down the trail. I have been trying to photograph an owl for a long time now. I just never see them! But upon hearing it, I walked even further down the trail. I was trying to watch my step (I don’t want to step on a long slender creature with fangs!) and keep an eye on the sky as well. Although I went a fair distance and slowly took my time scanning tree branches and trail directions, I never did see the owl. I never heard it again either. The joy was in the experience, however, and I have no regrets.

The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland - Isaiah 43:20

As the sun went down, the temps started to go down as well and I began to make my way back to my vehicle. I did spy some cardinals making some noise and I carefully made my way closer. I think they were under the impression I couldn’t see them.

I did see some unusual tree formations. Some were twisted around and others were just trees that had long ago died but functioned well as woodpecker homes. Other trees just served to obscure my view of some birds flying overhead.

After my owl-less adventure, I thought I’d just drive on home. I can’t help it, though. I saw the sign for the wildlife pier and had to spend the last few minutes of the day there. I took a few pictures there as well. It is a wonderful experience to be at Black Bayou as the sun sets.

A friend said to me that he was surprised that I have been so interested in being outdoors. We’ve been friends for over 40 years, so that is a valid expression of surprise. I’m surprised also. I’ve always been a great indoorsman! My brother and his family are superb outdoors people! But this is fairly new for me. There are times when I won’t go down a trail that isn’t especially clear, or if I hear noises I can’t identify. I am hesitant as I walk, cautious about what I might encounter.

Not my photo, but I liked the quote.

The joy of taking these photos and sharing them with you overcomes much of the trepidation I encounter within myself. So, a walk in the woods might not be a big deal to a lot of people. But for me, it’s a way of stepping outside of the boundaries I’ve lived within for most of my life.

Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. - 2 Kings 2:24

I guess the Bible isn’t always comforting.

Thanks for spending a little time with me. I look forward not only to my next visit to Black Bayou, but some other areas around that I want to explore as well.

From an earlier visit to Black Bayou, but in the same area.