Fun In The Fall

   It's a Gopher Tortoise!  Not really a rare creature, but very local.  It's found only along the Gulf Coastal Plain from Florida to Texas.  I had never seen one, so I stopped when I caught a glimpse of this one on the roadside while returning from our recent canoe trip.

   We had fabulous weather for the Columbus Day Weekend - highs in the low 80s and lows in the 60s with clear skies all the way.  We normally get rained on at least once, but not this time.  Red Creek was very low and we did a lot of dragging and lifting over obstacles, but it was great fun anyway.
   After hearing a lion and monkeys while cooking our Saturday evening meal, we were relieved when Jamie and Bethany told us about an exotic game ranch that had been established less than a mile from the creek.

 Jamie and I returned to Wolf River two weeks later to reclaim our title in the Paddle, Pant, Pedal Triathlon.  We won first place team overall again in a fun race.  Ruthie and I spent a wonderful weekend in Wiggins, Ms. as guests at Bethany and Jamie's country home.


   The weather has been ideal for training for my second marathon.  I've had good energy and injury-free legs so far.  I'm hoping for nice weather for the race.  Kay Vee and I have a guest coming from Denver.  Our blogger and Facebook friend, Tea has committed to running the 4th Blues Marathon.  I sure am looking forward to a memorable event.