We took a nature hike in Bluebonnet Swamp, which is only a few miles away from our home.

Last time we shot photos here was in winter 2008. Quite barren, and tons of damage from hurricane Gustav.

Definitely not barren this time! Some of these trees are probably 100 feet tall.

The trees made arches over the paths we walked, like a cathedral.

And the flowers were in bloom.

We saw lots of blue-tailed skinks. Easy to spot, just look for the flash of iridescent blue.

I coaxed this one onto my hand. It stayed briefly, before scampering up my arm, doing a few laps around my body, and...

...decided it wanted to nest in my hair. We got this picture before it burrowed in completely. It took a while to get out!

Turtles were out sunning themselves.

One of many that came to check us out.

This snake was eyeing us suspiciously too.

Look closely and you'll see that lady spider has a gentleman caller. Hopefully he's not also a meal. :)

Also seen were many birds, squirrels, and rabbits, but they were too elusive in the heavy foliage to photograph.