Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

As wildlife refuges go, Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is simply that, a wildlife refuge comprised mostly of swamps and bottom land with Lily Pads and Lotus blooms scattered here and there. The 8,000 acres plus wildlife refuge is situated in northwest Tennessee just west of Clarksville, outside of the town of Dover.

The wildlife refuge runs parallel to the Cumberland River so while you drive the main refuge road and view the refuge on one side, in other parts of the refuge you will find the river on one side and the refuge on the other.

One nice thing about this refuge was how it offered photo ops other than the standard wading birds standing in a swamp. There was one large section of land just as you entered the refuge that was covered with blooming Lotus flowers. Unfortunately, I could not get close enough to take better images.

I did manage to capture this Great Blue Heron on the prowl for a meal standing knee deep in the middle of a cornfield. He looked to be on a serious mission so I moved on after clicking a few frames.

The temperatures here in Middle Tennessee, as the locals call it, have stayed in the low 90's for over a week now and do not appear as though they are going to change any time soon. UGH! All one can do is take cover in the air conditioning. I hope wherever you are, you find it cooler than what I am experiencing. Luckily, we have missed the heavy rainful brought on shore by Tropical Storm Bill. Most of that weather moved farther north before turning east. Back soon. ENJOY!

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Burnt and Beautiful

Allow me to take you back to those 'Dog Days of Summer' with its sweltering heat and temps hovering in the 90's while the sun slowly bakes the water in Lake Reichert at Mustatatuck NWR. Now look out on the lake for as far as the eye can see. Do you see one Water Lily plant after another. Far off in the distance. Seemingly hundreds of them. Their stunningly huge lily pads standing tall, held fast by one tiny thin stalk wavering in the breezes. And then there are those gorgeous, butter yellow Lotus flowers with their velvety petals opening faithfully in early morn and closing again before dusk has yet to set in.

Standing amongst the literal sea of lily pads you'll find huge cone shaped seed pods sprouting up everywhere, holding all of the beauty that is the Lotus flower, securely within, just waiting for a chance to break free.

But sadly, some didn't make it through the heat of summer. And yet, in spite of the fact that their beautiful flowers didn't spring forth, there is still something ethereal about the huge burnt pod. Brown, crusty and yet still beautiful.

If you reside anywhere near Mustatatuck, in south central Indiana, stop in. The diversity of the wildlife refuge never ceases to amaze me. The endless landscape of Water Lily Pads this season was unsurpassed. I learned while reading about these gorgeous plants the flower is actually a Lotus flower, and not a Water Lily. Such a common mistake made by us folks in identifying the flower that Water Lily is now accepted as its name, even though it isn't. Amazing what Mother Nature teaches us as we continue to document its beauty. Everyone have a fantastic week. ENJOY!