Sunday, October 28, 2007

Beach Buggy

After an exhilarating morning chasing redfish with Paul in the marsh, it was time for some serious beachcombing.

Tracy and I ate a quick lunch of leftovers, packed some sandwiches for supper, and headed south to Matagorda. Each time we go is a different experience and this trip was to be the first in the new Beach Buggy.



The model we found is the Sport and the one we rented was the Limited. The major difference aside from the luxury items is that the 4WD on the Limited had an additional setting. The Sport has 4H and 4L with two other settings for 2WD and a neutral setting which frees both axles. This feature is great if you want to tow the vehicle as a dingy behind a motorhome.




We drove several miles down the beach - not as far as last week but well beyond where we were able to go in the Tracker. The sand was very fluffy and since the tide was low it was not always clear which was better - close to the waterline or back near the dunes. The Liberty Sport performed well in whatever task we asked of it. It has a long enough wheelbase and a wide enough track to provide a stable platform and the 4H setting was all we needed to go where ever we wanted.




I fished some but either the cold front or the low tide had all the fish out well beyond my casting range. Either that or I've lost my edge!



The surf was pretty rough and the wind was blowing - not the best for fishing the first gut but great for shell hunting. Tracy took some great shots of me and the Liberty.


Walking on Water?

I haven't been the one taking the beach pictures on previous trips so I decided to keep my eyes open for some good shots. The day was moving towards evening and the light was improving.



The wind was blowing sand along the ground which, combined with shells and the longer shadows, made for some interesting mini dunes.

Drifting Sand and driftwood combine here to provide a collage of texture.



The longer shadows provided this shot of the fishing photographer.



While Tracy was exploring beyond the dunes she found some water so I naturally had to check it out. Who knows what might be found here?



It turned out to be a fresh water pond - collection of rainwater that didn't seem to have any fish in it but provides a source of drinking water for the wildlife.


Tracy heading back to the beach.

The search for shells is never ending and you need to keep your eyes open. This shell had landed on a stump.


Looks like a pearl in an oyster!


The surf brought in some small debris along with shells creating this interesting interface with the dry sand.



Pink light from the setting sun colors these sand ripples.



Time to head for home.....



Isiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the sky, Then look to the earth beneath;
For the sky will vanish like smoke,and the earth will wear out like a garment
And its inhabitants will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness will not wane.

2 comments:

Paul Batchelder said...

Nice beach shots...wheres the beef! (fish)

Bawana said...

Give me liberty! Nice rig I have one myself for rainy( or snowy ) days. Great shots as always the beach looks like a great getaway spot.