Socks and Alligators. Not necessarily in that order.

I don’t know why I didn’t think about Southern Texas being home to Alligators. I mean, Ben has been enthralled with the beasts for quite some time, so I’ve seen the habitat maps and been schooled by him as far as their place in the food chain, diet, egg laying and mothering habits, etc, etc. But friends, there were A LOT of alligators on display at Brazos Bend State park for us today.

Brazos Bend state park lies 11 miles southwest of our home location of Brazos River RV Retreat, but on the western bank of the mighty Brazos River, whereas we, and civilization as we all know it, lie on the eastern bank.

Our "Backyard"

However, it is only 11 miles as the crow flies, and we are not crows. To get there, we go north, then west, then south and it totals 28 miles and is 40 minute drive. But it was worth it! (Note: see related video post entitled “Gators and Snakes, Oh My!”) Upon leaving the RV, we went through the usual reminders for the kids to go the bathroom, get their water bottles filled up, and get their shoes on. I’m starting to trust them that these things are done, as at 9 and 7s, they almost know the drill.

So imagine my surprise when we arrived at the Ranger Station and Nora exited the car in cowboy boots — without socks. I kept my mouth shut and just said, “Wow, I hope those are going to be comfortable to hike in!”

We hiked and enjoyed the gorgeous day. We learned about the wild pigs tearing up the grass along the path we started out on (someone thought it was a great idea to bring over wild boars from Russia and domesticate them here - and wild boars are not to be domesticated). We saw amazing birds, learned about perching birds and ground birds, saw a snake, and saw tons of turtles. And of course, the alligators. The more you know what to look for, the more we saw. The last one was only 7 or 8 feet from us enjoying the sun at the side of the path. We were amazed by God’s creation on display for us.

And the kicker - we stopped every 5 minutes or so to take off Nora’s boots and get the stones out and dry off the sweat. No blisters, thank goodness, but I did get one sweet comment from her, “Mom, I think socks and tennis shoes are such a good idea. I’m going to do that next time.” So I sat down that very moment, gave her my socks to put on her sore little feet, and let my feet go commando back to the car.