# 288 - Third Arm Fertilizer

Fishing in the same kayak that sank a few weeks ago, at the end of May, has become a bit easier for Deputy Dave. He's been sticking closer to shore since that incident which reminded him of how small he can be in the middle of the ocean. But, I am thankful he's still enjoying his #1 hobby of fishing.

Contending with sudden harsh waves is something every fisherman dreads. To have rather calm waters around you, then to be hit by hard hitting waves is disconcerting. However, we've all heard the stories where it goes beyond a little boat being hit, there have been ships that have rolled due to rogue waves.

Still, seafaring people driven to be on the water will continue forward, in spite of fears. It's kind of like getting back on the horse after being bucked off. You shake in your boots a little, but haul yourself back onto the saddle for another ride.

Here is one of the channel markers near our house.

Deputy Dave paddles beneath an overpass and gets to see many Swallow nests.

These birds are amazing. I find it fascinating that these birds create homes that are tucked into places most creatures cannot access.

Deputy Dave continues paddling between the two overpasses.

Of course, since he's fishing and kayaking nearby, there are definite signs of industry all around the coastline. After all, this is the Greater Houston area and we all know what that means...OIL INDUSTRY.

Yes, we have these famous icons of Texas oil all over the place.

Like a moving work of art, they plunge into the depths of the earth and pull back to start all over again.

Here's another one in the photo below, but the drab appearance of this rig is not as "pretty" when lacking the brilliant red coating.

Along with industry comes pollution. This area, near Baytown, Texas, has warnings for fisherman to not eat the fish from this area very often. For some, there is a warning to NEVER eat the fish or crab from this area. That's kind of scary. The fish in this location consistently test positive for heavy metals and other toxins.

Needless to say, there are no "keepers" brought home from this area, but it's still a great place to explore and to fish for sport.

Again, I can't wait to explore Lake Livingston once we get moved to the country. Lake fishing is definitely different from fishing in the ocean. Deputy Dave is accustomed to sharks and is not deterred by their presence. However, I must say that I am personally TERRIFIED of alligators. Here in Texas, on many trips in and around several bodies of water, I have come across some VERY LARGE alligators who are fierce looking and it is clear you'd not have a chance to escape their jaws, if you were to get too close.

To be fair to saltwater in our area, there are places that have saltwater alligators. So, I guess either lake water or saltwater may have predators lurking beneath the surface that I would like to avoid.

However, since Lake Livingston has been known to be home to rather massive alligators, I'm still opting for a REAL boat once we move to Livingston. Yes, I have kayaked around Lake Livingston and have paddled back into the recesses of inlets that look more like swamp water than lake water, but after I stop for too long to ponder my surroundings or after I see a log partially exposed from beneath the water...I begin to see alligators all around.

Shudder.

Yes, a boat will be high on my list. I will be eager to have catfish in my freezer for a variety of meals, but I am not eager to come across an alligator while catching that dinner.

Then again, once we're moved to the country and fishing on the lake, we will be away from waters that are continuously inundated with toxins. At that time, I guess the third arm growing out of my back won't get its city fertilizer any longer. Darn.