04/03/2009 - Chickasaw Creek / Pumphouse Canal

Launch: Brooks Park Landing (Tuckers) (US Hwy 43 at Chickasaw Creek – Southwest Corner)
Route: Pumphouse Canal to log jam at RR Track Crossing and back, then up Chickasaw Creek and back.
Weather: Sunny, 70s, very little wind.

1) Sunrise on the Pumphouse Canal.

2) Remains of a fire. Never have been able to find out what this burnt out facility was at one time.

3) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

4) Neck muscles contort as this large heron flies off.

5) Waters in the Pumphouse Canal were moving unusually fast at about 2 mph due to recent heavy rains.

6) Natural waters from the Black Creek and swamp area north of the Pumphouse Canal were mixing with the turbid waters of Chickasaw Creek.

7) Yellow crowned night herons were plentiful along the Pumphouse canal.

8) Yellow crowned night herons were plentiful along the Pumphouse canal.

9) Mountain Laurel was in bloom along the banks of Chickasaw Creek near Chickasabogue Park.

10) Shrubs (yaupons) with small white flowers were in bloom.

11) This snake was moving fast across the water.

12) Masses of small grasshoppers were along the banks.