Another fine mess...

[Old Timer]

"Here's a another fine mess you've gotten us in." My son had just driven 4 hours through the Texas desert and hill country to try and get me to a place to get a picture of a bald eagle in the wild. Alas when we got there just before sunset NO eagles. All was not lost however we did stop at a Bar-B-Que joint that had some of the best ribs and brisket I ever tasted and it was only an 8 hour round trip drive. Some people may, " walk a mile for a Camel" but me I'd drive half a day for good ribs anytime. His expression kind of tells what side of the issue he is on.

[Gerry Widen]

Your son doesn't look very happy but hopefully the two of you spent some good time together. At least the ribs were good.

[another view]

I'd drive half a day for good ribs anytime

I completely understand! No trip is a waste if you found good ribs & brisket. Beautiful drive through there, too. Actually, we get a lot of eagles up here in the winter in the open spots on the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Other than that, they're very rare to see here.

[natatbeach]

Ribs and good brisket are far better than any 'ole bald eagle... although not as good as a Texas barBQ (debatable) we have a Tennesse BarBQ place that makes the best ribs.... glad there was something more worthwhile than a glare at the end of your journey lol

[Old Timer]

Actually Sam was more upset with himself than anything else because he had suggested the eagle site as a possible day trip. The good company and the ribs more than made up for any frustration or disappointment. As you can tell from this photo we both did a lot of smiling while in Texas.

[Cowgirl]

Sounds like you ate at Cooper's in Llano?

The eagles were nesting very close to the Highway this year between Llano and Marble Falls. The reason for this is that their old nest/tree crashed. Lightening struck it a couple years back, and the limb finally fell. This old nest was across the river and out of sight.

I went there once and got some shots. It was in the late afternoon, and the adults weren't moving much. The best time to photograph them is in the early morning. They fish in the a.m. and feed their young. With at least 400mm - 500mm you could get some very good shots with fish in their claws arriving at the nest. Actually 600mm would be better. Then they relax most of the day just sitting in the trees. Then in the evening they feed again, but I hear that they are much more aggressive in the mornings.

I believe that the young hatched in late Jan. or early February and they left the nest in mid-March. Or was it mid-April? They should be back next year so start planning now.


Kathy

[natatbeach]

handle so much cuteness in one house... between your lovely blues and your son's smile... she must have suffered extensively

I didn't he was glaring because he looked upset mostly he looked very tired...

[Old Timer]

Sounds like you ate at Cooper's in Llano?

The eagles were nesting very close to the Highway this year between Llano and Marble Falls.

You are right on both counts. Cooper's was great, just what I would have expected from a Texas Bar-B-Que joint. Great atmosphere with the big pits outside and eating off brown paper sheets. Wonderful experience. You got the eagle thing right too. My son had been there in the early spring and had seen them and didn't really know much about what thier habits would be. How close are you to the area we were visiting?

[Old Timer]

handle so much cuteness in one house... between your lovely blues and your son's smile... she must have suffered extensively

I didn't he was glaring because he looked upset mostly he looked very tired...

Don't know about the cute thing and too bad the my other son and daughter weren't with us as well it would have been nice to have the whole family together in Texas. Here is one of Sam and my wife Joy from our visit. She will kill me for posting this one from our trip, the one day she decided not to do hair and the usual makeup thing, I think she still looks pretty good.

[natatbeach]

she doesn't need all that--- she is a classic beauty... you can tell her I told you so...quite the couple you two make....

you are blessed with a very photogenic family

[Cowgirl]

You are right on both counts. Cooper's was great, just what I would have expected from a Texas Bar-B-Que joint. Great atmosphere with the big pits outside and eating off brown paper sheets. Wonderful experience. You got the eagle thing right too. My son had been there in the early spring and had seen them and didn't really know much about what thier habits would be. How close are you to the area we were visiting?

I am a native of Fredericksburg - about 40 minutes from Llano. Since I've lived here all of my life, (Except 2 years in San Angelo college) I know the Hill Country area pretty well. I cruise a lot of back roads, and listen to the locals chit-chat. I've even thought of producing a photographic/road trip book on the Hill Country. I've started it, but will probably never finish.

You can email me if you have any questions about the area.

Kathy
kweigand@ktc.com