Buffalo still in the refuge.

Tuesday I worked with John on one of his clearing projects.  It was on the Blackbird Wildlife Auto Drive at one of the overlooks.  John's job was to clear out trees and brush blocking the view.  He cut, chopped and sawed trees, limbs and bushes.   As he finished an area I pulled limbs to the top of the hill and piled them on the trailer.

John at the bottom cutting. 

The completed job.  A nice few of the lake area.

Another view of the completed job. 

This is the first time I have worked with John on one of his projects at the refuge.  As we were finishing up I got something in my left eye.  I tried washing it out but nothing helped.  When we got back to the RV Judy loaned me a couple of eye cups to try.  Nothing worked and my eye really started to hurt.  To make a long story short.....I ended up at the eye doctor's office.  The doctor removed a piece of a leaf stuck under my eyelid.  It was very small but it felt like a boulder. 

Yesterday Judy and I worked on the Purple Loosestrife Project.  We checked several trails.  As we were leaving the Omegash Trail area Judy spotted a patch of Purple Loosestrife on the side of the road next to a ditch.   Check out Judy's Blog.

Here it is.  Very pretty to look at but sadly it can take over an area rather quickly if not stopped. 

This is a picture of a group of Purple Loosestrife.

Judy checking out an area on one of our stops.

We are always on the look out for wildlife and have our cameras ready....just in case.  On one of our stops we were treated with the sight of five loons on a lake.  We watched them take flight and sing their beautiful song.  I think they are my favorite water fowl.  I wish I could get a close up picture of them but they were too far away. 

We saw this Broad-winged Hawk.  Sorry the picture is blurry.  My camera can only zoom so far.  I think I need a new and improved one.

You know the old saying, "stop and smell the roses"?  Well, we stop and snap a picture.  It is so interesting how the trails change from week to week. 

Monarch

Bee on thistle.

Jewel Weed

This is a plant I haven't seen here before.  I looked it up and I think it is a Swamp Smartweed.

After our lunch break Judy and I returned to check more trails.  Just when we thought we weren't going to see any wildlife ..... we see buffalo!   These are the ones that have been running loose for a week.  The wildlife officer and the owner had herd of them cornered in this area.  They were hoping to get them to cross a bridge but I don't think they were successful. 

Oh well, at least we got some cool photos. 

Today, Judy, John and I were invited to have fajitas with fellow full timer RVers Janice and David.  Their way of thanking us for volunteering, much appreciated.  They are staying in the area and toured the refuge today.  We really enjoyed meeting them and sharing travel stories.  Thanks Janice and David for the hospitality and a delicious meal.  We wish them safe travels and hope to see them again down the road. 

Judy, Janice and David.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.