Hamilton Pool
So, I am taking a class this semester called Texas Native Flora. Its a fun diversion (most of the time) from the heavier stuff in school. And every Thursday we take a 15 person van to some location around town to identify plants. I am really getting to know the native flora here already, its just too bad only about .01% of it grows in Minnesota...
This week we went to Hamilton Pool Preserve. It is an amazing nature preserve about an hour from town built around a natural spring and pool formation. Our poor Biology TA Christina, above in shorts, actually drives us there, then teaches us the plants, and then gives us a quiz on site each week. Its kind of weird because I think she is younger than most of us, but I think we all envy her because she actually gets paid.
Above Christina teaches us the defining characteristics of the Persea borbonia (Bayberry). Nice plant.
And the ever popular, Callicarpa americana (Beautyberry), in full glory.
Of course no trip to the Texas Hill Country would be complete with out a snake siting. Any guesses on what type this guy is?
The rock formations above the pool.
Looking at the sky from the pool area.
View of the trail on the inside of the pool. Its kind of hard to explain what this formation is like. But basically its a hollowed-out area under a cliff, with a natural spring at the bottom.
Pool and cliff.
And a lizard, for good measure.
Comments
Honestly -- that looks like a cottonmouth to me (there was one at the VA aquarium), but I am certainly no expert. I'll ask my dad!
"Well that looks like a cottonmouth to me, also. They are strongly patterned and have a yellowish tail when young. They have a flat head and you cannot see their pupils from above. Cottonmouths are quite venomous - much more than copperheads. It blended with the leaves quite well!"
Britta, I hope you are not wearing flip-flops on these outings!!