Earth Day and Armand Bayou Nature Center

Earth Day was sometime last month.  I missed it again. That's okay, I'm just a convenient environmentalist.  I drive a hybrid, but it's an SUV.  I just bought it for the "gadget factor".  I recycle now that I can just throw it all in one big green bin that I can roll to the curb (I'm not sorting my trash just so a company can make money on it later).  Finally, I live in Texas.  I like air conditioning.  End of discussion.

However, Earth Day also made me think about Armand Bayou Nature Center, right down the road.  Just because I'm lazy doesn't mean I don't like nature.  I like nature, especially when it's convenient.



Armand Bayou is a nice little nature center that encompasses several different types of terrain.  There's a prairie, a wetlands, a bayou, and a forest, all within the course of a very short hike.

Additionally, they have a relocation/reproduction of a turn of the century (uh, that would be last century) Texas homestead, with demonstrations of life during the rockin' 1900's.  There are even a couple of (probably very lonely) bison.



Even though Armand Bayou is located on the edge of Houston, it's possible to lose yourself there.  You can see a variety of wildlife from birds, turtles, snakes, lonely bison, and other small animals up to large alligators.  (Some jackasses shot a 13 foot alligator there a few years back.  Luckily they were caught and punished.)  There's a learning center where they often have nature displays  There's a bird blind if you want to see the variety of birds that pass through there.  Unfortunately, the center can get pretty popular, so that makes it hard to sneak up on any of the birds.  If you're serious about seeing the wildlife, there are bayou rides in the early morning and early evening.  They cost extra, but seem like the way to go if you want an undisturbed view of the bayou.



Things I saw....


I've been several times and have wandered all around the center.  Occasionally there are special events or demonstrations at the homestead.  I've seen some interesting displays there, and they always make good subjects for photography if you're tired of photographing nature. On holidays (like Earth Day), there are usually special events planned.  Halloween is fun, with creepy critters.  During Christmas, the homestead is decorated and there are historical displays.



Things I missed....


Well, I've never been during Earth Day, even though I know they have lots of environmentally themed events. I've also never taken the pontoon rides on the bayou.  And one event I've missed is the Bayou Boil, the fundraiser and crawfish boil.  However, you don't have to miss it as it's coming up May 14.  Get a ticket, eat some crawfish, have fun, and boost your environmentalist cred.

For more info...


The Armand Bayou Nature Center

The Shell Houston Open (yeah, golf)

Golf.

Right now, you're probably thinking one of a few different thoughts - grass growing, paint drying, or "wow, how about that Masters tournament today!" If you thought one of the first two (and you're still reading), you might as well stop now and go read something else. If you thought "wow, how about that Masters tournament today" then read on.

The Shell Houston Open happens every spring and it's currently just before the Masters Tournament. It's one of the PGA Tour's oldest tournaments, and has a long history.

For fans of the game, it's a fun time and a chance to see some of the top tour players up close. Being a cheapskate, I don't drop the big bucks for tournament tickets. Instead, I've gone on Tuesday when admission is free, there aren't any crowds, and you can get up close (great for photography, as well).

Things I saw...

Well, obviously I saw world class golf. If you've never seen professional golfers, you're in for a surprise, if not shock. I'll hack it around occasionally, but the game you and I may play is nothing like what these guys play. The sound is probably the biggest difference. The course is just a tad better than the Caddyshack courses I usually play (remember, I'm cheap). Being very close to the action, and with it being a practice day, you can see the players in a much more relaxed manner. You'll be glad to know that Caddyshack jokes are as popular among the players as among your regular foursome.

Things I missed...

Well, I missed the competition, of course. If you want to see that, buy a ticket. Just call me Captain Obvious. I also missed huge crowds, $7 sandwiches, and $10 beers. Granted, competitive golf can be compelling (assuming you like golf in the first place). You could also see the Pro/Am on Wednesday, but if I'm going to pay, I'll pay to see competition. For my money, literally, I'll take the free Tuesday.

Oh yeah, and you missed it this year, but you can start planning for next year.

For more info...

The Shell Houston Open will be held March 26 - April 1, 2012.

Galveston County Fair and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest events in the country, running for 3 weeks in late winter/early spring. It's a blast, and I recommend it to everyone. However, for some good ol' down home fun, and up close rodeo action, head to the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo.

Things I saw...

The fair rides and food are pretty typical for fairs everywhere, from traveling shows in a small town parking lot to annual events like this. Meaning fried sugary stomach bombs, followed by rides where the main excitement comes from wondering if the ride is actually safe. :)

What makes this fair stand apart is the rodeo. I've been twice and I've seen rodeo queens, bull riding, steer wrestling, bronco riding, calf roping, and even a little mutton busting (where the 5-7 year olds try to ride a sheep). I was also free to wander around the arena and back with the live stock. It's well organized, yet still a "small town" event, which makes it fun.

Things I missed...

There are a wide variety of rodeo events through out the year, ranging from mutton busting to professional bull riding. I've missed most of them, but they're on my to-do list. Check the schedule if you're interested. The fair and rodeo is currently going on through next weekend, so drive down and check it out.

For more information...

Galveston County Fair and Rodeo schedule

San Jacinto Monument, Houston, Texas

The San Jacinto Monument honors the victory of Sam Houston and his band of Texian soldiers over General Santa Ana and the Mexican Army in 1836, leading to Texas independence. It's a nice urban park dominated by the San Jacinto Monument and located on the site of the 1836 battle.

Things I saw....

The monument was built in the 1930's for the 100th anniversary celebration of Texas independence. I really liked the architecture from that era, and the surrounding area (the battlefield) is great for short walks. Being located along the ship channel, you can also see a variety of water birds and nature, if you're so inclined. However, this being Texas, the park sits in the middle of several oil refineries, creating a rather unusual skyline.

The base of the monument contains a nice museum of Texas history. The summit of the monument gives an outstanding view of downtown Houston, the Houston Ship Channel, and the battleship Texas. True to Texans' nature, the monument stands just a few feet higher than the Washington monument. The reflecting pool along one side of the monument is great for early morning reflection shots (for the calm conditions required). The park also has plenty of great picnic areas and lots of space to wander around the battlefield, tracing the path of Sam Houston's troops.

Things I missed....

Each April, there's a reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto. It's a great spectacle that draws thousands of people. In addition to the reenactment, there are games, food and lots of fun for the family. Great for people watching, history, photography and best of all, it's free! This year, the reenactment is on Saturday, April 16. Don't miss it like I did.

For more information...

San Jacinto Museum of History