Back to the book reviews

 Up to this Pointe
by Jennifer Longo

What a oddly appealing author she is! I loved this book, a YA about an aspiring ballerina whose life is a PLAN...until she ends up in Antarctica for the winter. Like her book What I Carry, the format is experimental. In that one the story was told through flashback descriptions of how the foster girl acquired each of the items in her collection of stuff; in this one it's told in alternating parallel time sequences. One is then--before Antarctica; one is now--during.

I was dubious about the approach at first, and mildly annoyed when a new chapter came and the context switched. But as I got into the story--stories--I grew to like it.

I dare not tell any more. Just that the main character was a person I could identify with and grow to love; her friends and family and mentor at the research station were also my best friends; I adored every bit of it. And cried (metaphorically) a little at the sad parts.

Another Quaker midwife mystery

A Changing Light
by Edith Maxwell

About the same as all of them. Honestly, I don't know why I keep reading these--I always end up entertained but mildly disappointed. I can't help thinking that if she ditched the trappings of the mystery genre and just concentrated on historical fiction about peoples, beliefs, and birthing babies, I'd like these better.

But as usual, the mystery part seemed week and pointless but the personalities interesting and the storyline engaging.

Mammoth Returns

Thursday, December 9 2021
Lake Bistenau State Park to home
Planned 3:58
Actual 4:15

Headed home!  I was glad--missed my kitties and my bird feeder and my refrigerator/freezer full of yummy food. While I didn't exactly go hungry this trip, I'd somehow forgotten to pack the Lo Mein noodles with vegetables that's I'd intended to eat for two of the meals. Neogiri noodles filled in, but I missed the vegetables.

We got out before ten, which was great, but then we were able to "clean out the tank" at the dump station which added ten minutes onto the trip. However we took advantage of the nearly empty park to hook up the Jeep while the tank was cleaning. Unusual--we don't like to do that normally because sure as we get started, someone will come up behind us.

But nobody came, and then we were off. I chose to try a couple of experiments, neither of which were successful. Instead of barrelling right through Shreveport on I-20, like Google suggested, I routed us on the I-220 north bypass around the city. The road wasn't crowded and we made good time, but the surface was very rough. All the shaking was little better than the original highway would have been.

And then instead of going on I-20 to US-69 to cut us north to Greenville, TX, where we could take US-380 home, I chose to take the tortuous route up to I-30 in order to drive on it part of the way, theoretically making the drive easier. And that sucked. We kept getting behind slow people--we followed a truck going 50 to 55 mph in a 65 zone for what seemed like hours but was really only about 30 miles. And then it was just slowpokes and more slowpokes. Until we got on I-30, which was loaded up with huge semi trucks going way too fast. Except in the construction zones, when they were going excruciatingly slow. 

Horrible driving.  it would have been bad even in a car, let alone a motor home.

Our actual route including US-80, 390, US-58N, TX-49W, US-259N, 49, ...
Also we were fighting a 25mph headwind the whole way

Never again!  Highway 69 it is. But we arrived at a pleasant 1:56 after a 4 hour 15 minute drive. Not bad.

Mammoth Sees the Manatees Day 10

Wednesday, December 8
Lake Fausse Point LA to Lake Bistineau State Park LA
Planned 4:10
Actual 4:55

Got a fairly early start and drove in misty clouds for several hours, when it cleared up and we finally saw the sun again. That might explain my much improved attitude about the next part, Lake Bistineau State Park. It was lovely.

Starting with the friendly lady at the gate and ending with an easy hookup (hookups on the right side, this time!) at fairly new and well-built facilities. Most of the sites, including ours, had a lovely large deck just adjacent to the asphalt pad. The road coming into the park was good, too, but several areas of potholes badly needed attention. But it was plenty wide and well-marked. Very nice, well-tended park all in all.

Oddly, the picnic table was not on the cedar deck but down in the leaves below it. We pulled out our chairs and didn't bother stepping down ot the table.  Soon it was time to take Molly for a long walk, so off we went to walk in the lake bed.

Lake Bistineau is pretty large (or so it looks on the map), but the campground is at the upstream end of it. And the lake is "drawn down" every winter from August through November in an attempt to combat Giant Salvinia. To quote Texas Parks and Wildlife,
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a floating fern from southern Brazil, is currently one of the most problematic aquatic plants in Texas. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl. Additionally, it blocks out sunlight and decreases oxygen concentrations to the detriment of fish and other aquatic animals. When plant masses die, decomposition lowers dissolved oxygen still further.

We weren't intending to fish and so we really didn't need the lake-side location, but if I'd realized that my lake view wasn't going to be, I might have reserved one of the pull-through spots further up the hill. Maybe. I don't remember seeing any pull-through spots when I made the reservation.

The campground was mostly empty--a couple of trailers were parked two sites away from us, and further around the loop in the higher numbers there were quite a few campers and things. But all around us it was gloriously vacant. And quiet--very.

Molly and went down into the lake bed and walked along a tire track path there. There were signs on the trees where the canoeing trail went:

And all the poor cypress trees were bare of water and showing their petticoats:

Our walk turned out to be much shorter than I'd planned, because I was hungry. We returned to the Mammoth home at 4:15, showered, and headed out to a restaurant that the park attendant had recommended. Well, actually she said every one else said it was good but she'd never been there.

And it was great! A little weak on the vegetable choices, but my plate of crawfish etaufee on rice and topped with three crisply fried catfish fillets was excellent. Better etaufee than I could make myself.  Ed's version was oddly a lighter color and not nearly so good. His wasn't as spicy, either. Mine, while not as spicy as I would have preferred, was perfectly acceptable without adulteration. I did add a little Louisiana hot sauce at the end.

By eating so ungodly early, it was not yet six o'clock when we finished. We were back with the dogs by six-twenty. And they were very happy to see us.

At our walk that night, Molly and I did okay except I stepped in some of the potholes in the dark. But I'm not complaining about the dark--it was great. I even shone my flashlight on a pair of eye observing me from the bushes. About racoon height, I'd guess.

Mammoth Sees the Manatee Day 9

Tuesday 12/7/2021

Salt Springs Recreation Area to Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
Plannned: 5:19
Actual 6:48 ?

Weird day. We got an early start, leaving the campsite at 8:50 and being out of the park before 9 o'clock. Unheard of. But traffic was heavy, it was a long hard drive . and we had to take I-12 through Baton Rouge, which sucked horribly. We never had to come to a complete stop, but traffic kept slowing us down. And it was misty, rainy foggy dreary all the way.

The dogs got a tiny walk at the Love's during our gas stop. When we arrived at the campground at two-thirty or so, it was so dark and cool that I had to force myself to give Molly a long walk. We meandered around and took one trail halfway, but at the bridge across to the "trail system" we paused and returned. The sign there had been defaced with crude paint saying something like 'psychd' and I just didn't care to go walking out there.

The campground needs a review update. Points: hookups at the FRONT of the sites and on the wrong side of a very, very narrow pad. If we'd realized we weren't going anywhere, we'd have parked the Jeep in the back so the RV could be at the front edge.  The electric cord and water hose ran right in front of our door, very inconvenient. Picnic table ancient. Oh, and the electric box is so close to the ground that you could barely flex the 50-amp cord enough to hook it in. What were they thinking, putting a box that close to the ground with a one-direction electric outlet to which you have to attach a big, thick cord?

But the place is in the middle of a swamp, which explains the crumbling roads, soggy state of wooden fences, and general swampiness of the air. The fishing piers, one for every campsite or so, are in perfect condition. I can imagine this place being very beautiful in the summer. Racoon in the trees; barred owl; frogs. Ancient cypress trees everywhere.

There's a pretty large playground and a tiny little kiddie water park, too.  So I'd rank it 3 out of 5 stars--nice place but some serious issues.

Needless to say, after the the long drive down a narrow "levee" road to get to the campground and the difficulty in doing hookups, plus the cold, swampy air all around, we were not happy campers. But Mammoth was warm and dry and we had good leftovers in the refrigerator. So we cocooned.

Mammoth Goes to See the Manatee Day 8

Monday December 6

The plan was to take an easy day and maybe drive down to the gulf coast. And we did. 

But first a little more sand and some black water:

  

The Gulf Islands National Seashore entrance gate was unmanned, but if it had been, my senior pass would have gotten us entrance. So on we drove in search of a restroom, which we found at Fort Morgan State Historical park.

Note to all: there's a superb campground at the Gulf islands National Seashore. Water, 50-amp electricity, dump station. There were empty spots when we drove through at about noon. I can't imagine why I didn't see it while planning this trip. Could it really have filled up?  

We should definitely camp there sometime--the beaches are gorgeous, the camping loop small but it's all about location. Best beach camping I've seen to date.

I've never seen such deep, thick white sand in my entire life. Wow.

Fort Morgan is old, full of history, and best of all, you can walk right through it. Climb up to the top lookout station where they have two great big cannons, right there. Like a ghost town you can putter around in.  All sorts of historical signs and events.

 

Peeking out to look for enemy ships:

There's the ocean

 

When we returned it was threatening rain, but it held off long enough for me to take Molly on a jog/walk. I should have jogged the whole route but roots crossing the trail kept slowing me down. Not tripping me up, though--I don't think these trees have those kind of unfriendly attitudes toward travelers. After all, we're (the park visitors) the one who keep them from being lumbered. Due to urgent bowel issue, I had to make an unplanned stop at the restroom which was luckily open. I wondered if this place fills up in the summer or if it's always so pleasantly empty?

As we were turning around to take a second loop around the campground, the wind started to blow and the tops of the trees got whirly. So we went back and were barely inside before big drops started sprinkling down. See, even the rainfall is polite here! But that was the end of Molly's exercise for the day. She'd gotten about fifty minutes total.  Sorry, puppy!

 

Mammoth Goes to the Manatee, Day 7

Sunday, December 5
Salt Springs Recreation Area to Blackwater River State Park

Not sorry to be leaving. Salt Springs is a great area and the campground amenities can't be beat. But being so close around so many people with their dogs all over the place was getting tiresome. Great place; glad to leave!

We never did see the manatees but if we'd rented a canoe or if we had an inflatable to put into the water, I'm sure we would have.

Anyway. With a five-and-one-quarter hour drive in front of us, we got as early a start as we could manage. I think ten until ten, which is very good for us these days. After a tedious half or three-quarters of an hour on narrow little roads through horse farming country, we finally hit interstate I-95 north. And when it intersected with I-10, there we were until near the end.

The campsite manager called me while we were on the road to ask (a) if we'd ever been there before, and (b) how many vehicles we had. She didn't seem to do much with either answer, but I got the gate code from her in case we were to arrive after dark. We crossed a time zone on the way, which put us an hour earlier on the clock but right at the eastern edge of the zone when we stopped. So what does that mean to me? 

Our camp site.

Beautiful creek/river?  With white sand on the other side.

White sand!

Sundown at four-thirty. Really. Our bodies and brains are much confused.

And about how to arrange dog's suppertime, I don't have a clue. I should have fed them by the wall clock, which we never updated, and kept them on their own time. But I tried to move them, poor things, and now they have to move back.

Molly got a nice long walk after we arrived, but it started getting dark too soon and we had to quit. No animals, no birds. I don't think there are any birds in Florida...oh, wait. There was a bird--two. I stopped on the trail, peering into the bushes to see what a little bird was scolding about. (It may have been a squirrel--I can't tell grey squirrel scolds from birds') And as I looked, a red-shouldered hawk in a tree just over my head rose and sauntered off into deeper cover.

The walks here are wonderful, trails on thick, slidy sand and boardwalks all though the swamps. On the other side of the creek (I though it was the Blackwater River but it appears to be a tributary creek) there is supposedly a longer one. We didn't go that far.

But down at the "beach", where dogs are not allowed, there is gorgeous thick white sand next to dark stained water. The water is shallow, but there are still warnings about unexpected currents and pools. It would be nice to swim in.

Mammoth Goes to See the Manatee, Day 6

Saturday, December 4

Trip to the ocean., at St. Augustine. The drive took a little over an hour--I keep thinking I need to make reservations where we want to be so we can stay in place when we get there, but then I remember that I did--or thought I did. Everyone said that Salt Springs was where the manatees where, and other than Crystal River where there weren't any camping spots, we were in the best spot.

And yes, they're here. We just can't see them. Everyone else does! If we only had an inflatable boat....

We passed
the restaurant we ate at yesterday:

Anyway, St. Augustine is a lovely old place. A bit overpopulated like everywhere in Florida. We went to the Farmer's Market first--it was a little like the one at home--lots of shoppers; few farmers. But there was one bit stand with lots of vegetables. Ed left me standing near it while he went to the bath room, and after a minute or so of trying to keep my back turned, I gave in and bought a lovely bunch of turnips. Only $3 and they were deep purple inside. Great.

I wished I'd gotten some citrus just to see if fresh tastes better. But it's best that I didn't--I don't want to ruin my taste buds for life.

The market was near closing by the time we got there, but still crowded when we left. One good thing I'll say about Florida--there always seem to be shady parking areas to leave the dogs in the car. The temperature was perfect for them to have a nice snooze while we shopped, which doesn't happen often.

On the the Beach. It was beautiful, of course, and cleaner than any beach I've ever seen. A good handful of people were hanging out (it was Saturday) and they all seemed very friendly. At least one person remarked on Zack, who was being carried--did someone get tired? And when we first parked, a lady parked next to us and I bitched under my breath. Why park right up beside us when there were empty places all over the parking lot?

But she got out and explained that she didn't want to get sand on her car. Sure enough, we were parked closest to the street and I could imagine that the oceanside spots might get sandy in windy weather. (They weren't, however). Then she remarked that she was from Texas, too--license plate--and had a son who'd just moved to Allen.

The ocean water was cold, of course. But I bet people swim in it in season.

Then we went on to the St Augustine lighthouse. And up a whole lot of stairs to the top. It was cool to the max. And again, there was nice shady parking for dogs.

 

Then back to the park where I took Molly on a long jog. Somehow, after having done this same route the day before, I missed my exit from the trail and ended up on a gravel road. I knew where I was going but couldn't figure out the best way to get there, so I ended up back out on the highway, circling the park. I don't like jogging along a highway, but it worked.

Lots of crabs at the springs...I counted fifty and I'm sure I didn't see but a fraction of them.

We saw three raccoons on the road to the primitive camping. But no bears. Oh, my.

Mammoth Sees the Manatees, Day 5

 Friday December 3 2021

Trip to Homaussa Springs. Great, but tiny wildlife park. Most of the captive animals  were rescues of some sort of other. Such as the two bobcats  (I think) that were raised as kittens by humans and illegally declawed. The pair of whooping cranes were an anomaly--the female was flightless due to a wing injury and the male had been brought there as part of an attempt to establish a flock. But he and the female bonded, and so he's stayed put every since. 

 

 

 

 

And the poor bald eagles--one had a wing that had to be amputated after an injury. It was sad to see him stuck on the ground after having seen two of his fellows soaring the day before.

They had a couple of pens of captive manatees, but the highlight of the day was the wild manatees that were nibbling at a pile of grass clippings by the gate. Big, torpid, leeches! Surrounded  by tons and tons of fish--more fish than I'd ever dreamed of seeing in a single place, and they were eating grass clippings. Yay, vegetarians!

Then we tried to see the Crystal River state park but it appeared google maps was taking us to the headquarters, not the park area with walking trails. We kept going around in circles around the building; finally, as we were leaving I saw what might have been the boardwalk area. But that's okay--it was late and we were ready to head back. Maybe a 1:45 drive is a big much for a single camping day, but now, finally, I've seen manatees!