Sand, Sun and Adventure at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Texas
A special place awaits you where the lower Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Texas, is a great place to relax at the beach and explore hundreds of acres of coastal marshes and dunes. It is also one of the best birding sites in the nation.
The 1,600-acre park is a unique, environmentally significant property being carefully preserved and developed by LCRA, a conservation and reclamation district created by the Texas Legislature.
What's there to see and do? Play in the warm waters of the gulf, hunt seashells along 22 miles of beach, go fishing, or visit the natural science center. Three piers extend over the river channel and a fourth pier extends over the Gulf of Mexico.
Tent camping is allowed on the beach and an RV park is on the river channel.
My friend Bob and I spent the weekend tent camping on the beach between the river channel and the ocean. Yes, beach driving is allowed with a permit. However, please be aware that the sand can be soft. My 4-wheel drive SUV did fine; however I saw several cars and trucks get stuck in the soft sand.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend.
Videography by Ken Kramm, October 2011; Canon Vixia HF S20.
Creative Commons music ccmixter by Pitx, Chords For David:
and Simple:
In the Soup: Bay City
The Texas Gooney Bird shoots an IFR approach into Bay City, TX.
Explore LCRA’s Matagorda Bay Nature Park
LCRA’s Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a special place where the original channel of the Texas Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The 1,600-acre park has access to 23 miles of beach and two miles of river frontage. It is located in one of the best birding areas in the nation and has a variety of campsites and an RV park. Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a great place to relax at the beach and explore nature through a variety of activities including fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and swimming.
America's Wildest Places - Aransas and Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
What is today known as the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge first emerged 120,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era when a barrier island was born. Great continental glaciers retreated and their melted ice filled the sea. A rising sea piled up ridge after ridge of sand along today's Texas Gulf Coast, creating a vast island of which Aransas is a remnant. Time brought many changes to the land. River sediments filled barrier lagoons, joining the island to the mainland. Grasses and trees invaded sandy ridges creating a home for Ice Age mammals such as lion, camel, bison, bear, mammoth and mastodon. The Pleistocene era was lost to geological history; behind it was left the land and a few mementos of that era, including fossilized teeth and alligators.
Today, this landscape is best known for its prominent place in the American wildlife conservation movement. In 1941, when only 15 whooping cranes survived in the wild, the iconic bird became an emblem of alarm and concern for all endangered and threatened species. Aransas became a focal point of the national and worldwide effort to rescue the species from extinction.
Thankfully, due to the foresight of others, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge had been established in 1937 to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife... and ...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds... The wildlife conservation mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ensures the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge will continue to conserve, protect and enhance these lands for the benefit of wildlife and the American people.
Other native species you can see on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, white-tailed deer, armadillo and spectacular wildflowers.
Matagorda Island is a barrier island situated along the coastal bend of Texas in Calhoun County and part of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
The Island is a significant natural area. It is 56,683 acres in size and stretches 38 miles long, varying from .75 to 4.5 miles in width. Approximately 30,000 of those acres are uplands and the remaining 26,000 acres are salt marsh, tidal flats, and Gulf beaches. Matagorda's orientation is northeast-southwest with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Espiritu Santo Bay on the other. There is no public means of accessing the Island and it is this isolation that provides an unparalleled opportunity for protection of its bountiful natural resources. The remoteness is also what makes Matagorda Island attractive as it offers a unique opportunity to experience the amazing coastal barrier island ecosystem.
VISIT ARANSAS
The refuge is open seven days a week from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
The best time of year to see the whooping cranes is from mid-October through mid-March where they may be seen feeding in the refuge's marsh during daylight hours. Visitors can also enjoy seeing the birds from boat tours offered by private operators.
Hopper's Landing is the closet place to camp and it is three miles north of the refuge's main gate. It has cabins, RV sites and tent camping. Call 361-286-3331 for more information. Other nearby camping options include Gator's RV Park & Cabins (Austwell) and the City of Austwell Park, which accommodates RV sites. Goose Island State Park is about 30 minutes from the refuge and offers RV sites and tent camping.
Directions:
From the South: Follow Hwy. 35N to the FM 774 exit. Turn right on FM 774 and go approx. 6 miles, winding through the farm fields. Turn right again on FM 2040. Go another 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.
From the North: Travel south on Hwy. 35 to Tivoli. Continue past Tivoli for approx. 1 mile to the FM 239 exit (on your left). Follow FM 239 to Austwell. Upon entering Austwell, FM 239 turns into FM 774 at the curve. Continue on FM 774. Follow 774 & take a right at the stop sign. Go down the end of the street. Take a right again. As you exit Austwell, drive ½ mile to the FM 2040 intersection. Go left on FM 2040 for about 6 miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.
The lat/long for the refuge's main entrance is 28.313449,-96.804022
Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine
Entering Matagorda
Produced with the support of the Matagorda County Historical Commission and Rice University, this film offers an inside look as local residents discuss the rich history and culture of Matagorda County. Part of Stephen F. Austin's Old 300 Settlement, the region flourished thanks to rice farming and other enterprises. With the arrival of industrial projects like TenarisBayCity, some say the area is poised for a new era of prosperity.
Bay City Texas Auto Tour Hwy 35
Drive thru Bay City Texas on Hwy 35
LTBA 080 ~ Deep in the Heart of Texas! |[RV Living & Full Time Travel]|
We left San Antonio and ran straight to the coast! We got a site right at Matagorda Nature Park. It is by far one of our favourite spots so far! We stayed right on the Colorado River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. Check out our day at the Gulf!!!
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Music:
Barnard's Matagorda bay kayak trip!!!!
3 guys enjoying life, just fishing
Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort - Burnet, Texas
Canyon of the Eagles promises breathtaking views, gourmet dining, endless adventure and the refinements of a modern hotel immersed in natural and authentic surroundings. Located in the Highland Lakes Upper Region, this nature-based destination resort is uniquely nestled within 940 acres of Texas Hill Country preserved land. Spend an hour, day or week hiking our 14 miles of designated trails – all in a natural and wildlife sanctuary geared for all ages and abilities. Observe wildlife, stargaze at our popular Eagle Eye Observatory and lose yourself with an experience of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
Learn more at
Great day Crabbing with a huge Citation from the FWC!!!
No Good Deed goes unpunished!!!
If you would like to check out my new friends on Social Media, here's links to look them up.
John McRobert (My Camera Man)
Instagram- Jmcrob89
Zach Truong:
Youtube- Cobialicious Fishing
Instagram- Teamstealth1760
Brenden:
Instagram- briverss1
James:
Youtube- James Bay Fishing
Instagram- Lagoon_boy_
If you like the Outdoor Republic Shirts and Hat's I've been wearing, go check them out!
For the Best Coolers at the Best Prices, go to:
Want some Everglades Heat for your next crab boil? here ya go!
Aerial Video February 2015 Charlies Pasture, Jetties, Corpus Christi Ship Channel
Keeping it Wild: Texas Paddling Trails
Keep it Wild by going out and kayaking a river or lake near you! Shelly Plante tells us just how easy it is to get out on the water. Find out more at
PBS Show January 11-17, 2015, #2313 - Texas Parks and Wildlife [Official]
Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2313
January 11-17, 2015
Fishing for Cats
Catfish are the largest freshwater sport fish in Texas and are second only to bass in popularity among anglers. They are also quite popular on the dinner table, but for many, the fun is in getting them there.
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Fall is a great time to head outdoors in East Texas. At Martin Creek Lake State Park the fall foliage draws campers, hikers, and anglers, to this heavily wooded park on a 5000 acre lake.
Lone Star Land Steward: Laborcitas Ranch
Some south Texas landowners have turned an overgrazed cattle ranch into a wildlife oasis, inventing a special machine dubbed the “Quailerator” in the process.
Chester’s Island
Thanks to one tireless volunteer, work is underway to save the endangered brown pelican. The Audubon Society’s Chester Smith manages Sundown Island in Matagorda Bay. With some hard work and some helping hands, Sundown has become the primary nesting island in Texas for not only pelicans but for seventeen other bird species. Meet the man who has helped bring the pelicans back and see the spectacle of a nesting island in the spring.
Postcard From Texas
Bison babies hanging out at Caprock Canyon State Park.
Find out Where to Watch at
PBS Show Shrimping Life, Brazos Bend & Bathing Bobwhites, #2615
Program #2615. Air dates January 21-27, 2018 & July 22-29, 2018
Shrimping Life, Brazos Bend & Bathing Bobwhites
The Last of the Stringos
Shrimping is and has always been a way of life for the Stringo family. Five generations of Stringos have shrimped the Gulf and Bays of Texas. But times are tough, and while most of the family have given up, there is one Stringo still on the water.
Brazos Bend State Park
Known as a nature-lovers paradise, the diverse ecosystems of Brazos Bend State Park attracts equally diverse people from the nearby metropolis of Houston. Learn about some of the things visitors enjoy doing at this popular state park.
Preaching Taxidermy
Meet a man in Utopia who helps save souls, when he isn’t helping save lasting mementos of hunting and fishing trips.
Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bats
Get an up close look at a bat few folks ever get to see. Travel to east Texas and visit the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, to catch a glimpse of the rare Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat.
Postcard From Texas
Bobwhite Quail cool off and chow-down in a Panhandle cotton field.
PBS Show Bird Man, Fishing Support & Powderhorn Ranch, #2610
Program 2610. Air dates December 17-23, 2017 & June 17-23, 2018
Bird Man, Fishing Support & Powderhorn Ranch
Parks & Wildlife People: Cliff Shackelford
Cliff Shackelford has dedicated his career to advancing bird conservation and education in Texas. Published in scientific articles and books, authoritative science is at the heart of Cliff's work, powered by a love for the beauty and mystery seen only in the world of birds. And he can do a lot of bird calls.
Fishing Hall of Fame: Gulf States Toyota
As one of the founders of The Toyota Texas Bass Classic, Gulf States Toyota has been instrumental in promoting bass fishing and recruiting youth and families into the outdoors through fishing.
The Powderhorn Legacy
Through the efforts of many agencies and organizations, the largest remaining undisturbed track of land on the Texas coast has been acquired for conservation and restoration of native habitats and wildlife. Powderhorn Ranch is a unique and significant biological and recreational asset that will be an important asset for wildlife and outdoor recreation for future generations.
The Cup Crusaders
A father and son, armed with a video camera, fight city litter, and raise awareness about the impacts of urban trash on water, fish, and wildlife.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Known as the birthplace of Texas independence, this East Texas park features a living history farm, a reconstructed Independence Hall, and the Star of the Republic Museum. It’s a place where you can touch and taste history.
Postcard From Texas
Enjoy a relaxing morning at Lake Corpus Christi State Park.
PBS SHOW Goliad Paddling, Protecting Deer, Conservation Art, #2710
Program 2710. Air dates December 16-22, 2018 & June 16-22, 2019
Goliad Paddling, Protecting Deer & Conservation Art
Goliad Paddling Trail
Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its connection to history. It also has a connection to the San Antonio River as part of the Goliad Paddling Trail. Take a leisurely float down this meandering river.
Parks & Wildlife People: Ryan Schoeneberg
Protecting Texas’ deer population is Ryan Schoeneberg’s job and his passion.
The Art of Conservation
Through the vanishing art of lithography, a Fort Worth artist captures a conserved habitat and its wildlife in living color, while proceeds from his prints help save wild places, like pristine Powderhorn Ranch.
Rebuilding the Forest
Hurricanes have taken a heavy toll on several East Texas state parks. We’ll visit Martin Dies, Jr. and Village Creek State Parks to see how they are coming back from the loss of native trees.
Postcard From Texas
Early canyon dwellers left clues to their lives on the stone walls of Seminole Canyon.
PBS Show Sea Rim, Sea Center & Tree Stands, #2603
Program 2603. Air dates October 29-November 4, 2017 & April 29-May 5, 2018
Sounds of Sea Rim
At the far southeast corner of Texas lies a remote and unique coastal park that few folks know about. From coastal fishing, to crabbing, to kayaking the marshland, Sea Rim State Park has something for everyone.
Sea Center Stocking
Sea Center Texas is the largest redfish hatchery in the world. Now biologists hope to replicate that success with spotted seatrout.
Lone Star Land Steward: Dixon Water Foundation
The Dixon Water Foundation promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management, to ensure that present and future generations of Texans have the water resources they need.
Skill Builders: Tree Stand Safety
Learn to prevent the number one cause of hunting injury: falls from tree stands. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your safety while hunting from above.
Shot in the Dark
Follow landscape photographer Mike Mezeul II through Big Bend as he leads a nighttime photography workshop. Join the students as they learn to capture the Milky Way in the darkest night sky in Texas.
Postcard From Texas
The mockingbird is the state bird of Texas and can be found throughout most of the U.S. and Mexico. It can also mimic many other birds and some insect sounds.
Find out where to watch at
GoPro falls into pit of Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnake strikes GoPro and knocks it into pit of snakes.
Check out the DJI Mavic Drone, probably safer than what we did if you want a close up of snakes:
Texas | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
00:03:57 1 Etymology
00:05:34 2 Geography
00:08:48 2.1 Geology
00:11:28 2.2 Wildlife
00:12:26 3 Climate
00:14:34 3.1 Storms
00:16:39 3.2 Greenhouse gases
00:17:25 4 History
00:17:34 4.1 Pre-European era
00:22:59 4.2 Colonization
00:29:13 4.3 Republic
00:31:53 4.4 Statehood
00:35:18 4.5 Civil War and Reconstruction (1860–1900)
00:39:15 4.6 Earlier 20th century
00:42:13 4.7 Economic and political change (1950–present)
00:43:10 5 Government and politics
00:43:35 5.1 State government
00:46:52 5.2 Politics
00:47:01 5.2.1 Political history
00:50:28 5.2.2 Texas politics today
00:52:23 5.3 Administrative divisions
00:54:16 5.4 Criminal law
00:54:57 6 Economy
00:56:41 6.1 Taxation
00:58:02 6.2 Agriculture and mining
00:59:31 6.3 Energy
01:02:24 6.4 Technology
01:03:18 6.5 Commerce
01:04:04 7 Demographics
01:06:29 7.1 Ethnicity
01:16:29 7.2 Cities and towns
01:18:31 7.3 Languages
01:20:28 7.4 Religion
01:21:48 8 Culture
01:23:08 8.1 Texas self-perception
01:23:48 8.2 Arts
01:25:57 9 Education
01:28:27 9.1 Higher education
01:32:13 10 Healthcare
01:32:22 10.1 Introduction
01:32:48 10.2 Obesity
01:34:09 10.2.1 Consequences of obesity
01:35:46 10.2.2 Obesity treatment
01:36:34 10.2.3 Obesity prevention
01:37:13 10.2.4 Obesity policy
01:38:10 10.3 Alcohol Use
01:39:03 10.3.1 Alcohol Policy
01:39:33 10.4 Maternal Health
01:40:03 10.5 Infant Health
01:40:57 10.5.1 Rates of infant mortality
01:42:06 10.5.1.1 Preterm birth
01:42:45 10.5.1.2 Low birth weight
01:43:30 10.5.1.3 Prenatal care
01:44:28 10.5.2 Vaccinations
01:45:16 10.5.2.1 Vaccination Policy
01:45:51 10.6 Medical research
01:47:24 10.7 Legislative Responses
01:49:04 11 Transportation
01:50:04 11.1 Highways
01:50:59 11.2 Airports
01:52:48 11.3 Ports
01:53:37 11.4 Railroads
01:55:59 12 Sports
01:59:33 13 See also
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
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SUMMARY
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Texas (, locally ; Spanish: Texas or Tejas [ˈtexas]) is the second largest state in the United States by both area and population. Geographically located in the South Central region of the country, Texas shares borders with the U.S. states of Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the southwest, while the Gulf of Mexico is to the southeast.
Houston is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth largest in the U.S., while San Antonio is the second-most populous in the state and seventh largest in the U.S. Dallas–Fort Worth and Greater Houston are the fourth and fifth largest metropolitan statistical areas in the country, respectively. Other major cities include Austin, the second-most populous state capital in the U.S., and El Paso. Texas is nicknamed The Lone Star State to signify its former status as an independent republic, and as a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico. The Lone Star can be found on the Texas state flag and on the Texan state seal. The origin of Texas's name is from the word taysha, which means friends in the Caddo language.Due to its size and geologic features such as the Balcones Fault, Texas contains diverse landscapes common to both the U.S. Southern and Southwestern regions. Although Texas is popularly associated with the U.S. southwestern deserts, less than 10% of Texas's land area is desert. Most of the population centers are in areas of former prairies, grasslands, forests, and the coastline. Traveling from east to west, one can observe terrain that ranges from coastal swamps and piney woods, to rolling plains and rugged hills, and finally the desert and mountains of the Big Bend.
The term six flags over Texas refers to several nations that have ruled over the territory. Spain was the first European country to claim the area of Texas. France held a short-lived colony. Mexico controlled th ...