Don’t expect 2 State Parks in a week to be the norm, but we just had to seize the opportunity to visit another nearby park on the first clear day after 5 straight days of rain.  From what I read on the place prior to going, a winter time visit was more ideal. And for two reasons; the constantly warm lake water due to the nearby power plant discharge and BALD EAGLES(cue the patriotic music)! We got all star-spangled eyed and loaded up for the hour long drive.

The park ranger at the entrance was super helpful and guided us on the map where we could find the best viewing place for the one pair of eagles they currently had living at the lake and also where their few hiking trails were located. It was close enough to lunch time that we headed to the eagle location first and set up our viewing picnic. We were warned that they are only most active in the early morning and evening, but we were hopeful. We were hopeful for a whole hour. We did spot their nest across the lake fairly easy. Excuse the poor quality of iPhone zooming, but the blob in the middle of the leafless tree is it. The foggy day wasn’t helping, but how cool would it have been to see one come swooping across that lake from the mist?!

After deciding we would just have to be satisfied with the viewing of their nest, we drove on to check out the beach and fishing pier. We were all curious about just how warm that water was. And holy moly! It felt darn HOT compared to the 50 degree air temperature! I put it at 70 degrees. When I asked the ranger later what the actual temp was he said it was in the upper 60s. But in the summer is can push into the 80s when the plant is at peak production! The kids were just pissed I didn’t bring swim suits for them. Ashlyn collected a sample to make a slide later for our new microscope. I’ll have an update on that soon.

We then drove to the other side of the lake where the campsites and 2 small hiking trails were located. There is a trail that follows the entire perimeter of the park, but mostly recommended for horseback or biking. First, we walked he birding trail and found a cool natural blind that let you sneak out on a peninsula into the lake.

The kids still managed to flush a flock of mallards up out of the water. Which, of course, they loved. After some time at the playground, we walked a 1/4 mile loop that was part of a 2 mile nature trail through post oak trees.

On our way out, we drove through the campsites and I determined this really isn’t a place I would be interested in camping at. The sights are super close together. It looked like a parking lot with trees. In just one section of sites, there were 63 and only 2 bath houses. Not my cup of tea. I wouldn’t mind coming again for the day and trying the fishing, though!

-Lindsay