Mississippi Sandhill Crane

Traveling west on I10 from Alabama, I see massive shipbuilding cranes dotting the landscape in Mobile, Al. I hope these will not be the only cranes I see. As today, I am seeking the smaller; 4 foot tall, rare and endangered, Mississippi Sandhill Crane.

The interstate toward the Sandhill Crane Refuge in Gautier, MS is lined with billboards promoting upcoming performances by Billy Idol, Ron White and also teasing of jackpot riches at the Biloxi casinos. All of these are things that pique my interest, but today the number of billboards is just an assault on the senses. This isn’t at all what I envision for a wildlife refuge area. However, as I cross over the Pascagoula river and Creole Bayou, there is a dramatic change in the landscape. The saw grass marshes and soaring heron are much more aesthetically appealing.

Curious Craig - Sandhill-Savannah.jpg

Entering the refuge I notice it is unusually empty. I am early but within the stated operating hours.Â I think I surprised Pat, the refuge coordinator, as I make a less than graceful entrance into the visitor center. She is most friendly and informs me that once the first crane egg drops, the refuge closes for nesting season. Yep, it dropped just prior to my arrival, and the arterial roads within the refuge are now closed. Pat and I carry on a conversation about cranes, birds, plants, and dogs, you know the usual stuff.

One advantage of visiting with the refuge closed, is I have the place to myself. In such, the rules are a little more lax. She invites Murphy to join me in the theatre for a 12-minute presentation on the refuge and the Sandhill crane.

As expected the loss of habitat is to blame for the dramatic decline in the crane population in the ’50-’60s. What I didn’t expect to hear is that the air conditioner was largely to blame. Before the advent of freon and the Carrier man, no one dare live in this areas heat and humidity.

On the Trail

Armed with more knowledge of the cranes’ plight, Murphy and I proceed to the C.L. Dees trail adjacent to the visitor center. The windy conditions give literal meaning to the term whispering pines. It’s as if the whole tree canopy is passing along a secret; warning of our passage. The 3/4 mile trail provides a mini-ecosystem of marshes, bayous, flatwoods, carnivorous plants and a wet pine savannah. Just as we are too late in the season for the cranes, we are too early for the full onset of blooming plants. A few wildflowers along the way added splashes of color.

Based on a recommendation by Pat, we travel the refuge boundary road, old Spanish Trail, hoping to spot a Sandhill Crane that might be out stretching its wings.

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Old Spanish Trail

Traversing the 8 miles on a rather busy two-lane road called the old Spanish Trail, I see what would normally be access roads into the refuge with now locked gates. I stop and peer in but see no cranes. Disheartened, I stop at the Fountainbleau Trailhead, also part of the refuge, and begin to hike in.

Soon, I hear a loud shrill cackling, chirping sound. Unlike anything I have ever heard, did I stumble upon and nest? Is a momma bird about to swoop upon me or carry Murphy away? What anyone might do in this situation, I check and make sure my camera is on and ready to shoot. I follow the trail toward the noise and hear it again, but this time there are more of them. The trail ends at a clearing, and there they are, right on the Ocean Springs Middle School grounds, a bunch of school girls playing kick ball. Doh!!

Realizing that my chances of finding a Mississippi Sandhill crane are dwindling fast, I retreat and drive back through the main refuge area. An area of which is now ablaze as part of a controlled burn that helps keep the more dense vegetation from overgrowing and preventing a healthy savannah.

Though I see no cranes today, I learn that’s not uncommon, as they are highly protected and reclusive. The refuge covering over 19,000 square acres is home to only 135 of the Mississippi Sandhill cranes known to exist. That’s triple the number from the ’70s when the Refuge was the first such habitat to be designated under the Endangered Species Act. Though the refuge itself is a nice little oasis, I can certainly understand the loss of habitat that contributed to the cranes’ population decline. This refuge provides a much needed habitat necessary for the preservation of this beautiful and majestic bird.

If I could somehow be assured that Billy Idol wouldn’t drop an egg and cancel on me, I might just buy a ticket for that show.

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Curious Craig

Lead Membership Specialist at Thousand Trails

Craig spent a career in the Information Technology industry before selling his company to pursue full-time RV travel.He has written for various travel-related publications and is an amateur photographer.
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.

Going Up Mt Washington

The autumns day drive up to the mountains base, however, is beautiful, with trees showing off their reds, oranges, and yellows as if they were contestants in a beauty pageant.

Mount Washington is part of the Presidential Mountain range in the White Mountains. It is a favorite for avid hikers. But today, we opt to take the Mount Washington Cog Railway instead of hoofing the 6,000′ ascent hike,

The Climb

Cog Railway Engine

The Cog Railway, a charming, rickety train that looked like it was designed by a steampunk enthusiast. The conductor, a jolly fellow with a beard that rivaled Santa’s, assured us that the train was perfectly safe, despite its antique appearance.

Training going up mountain

As the train chugged up the mountain, the views grew more spectacular. We passed hikers who looked at us with a mix of envy and disdain. “Suckers!” I thought, as I sipped my hot cocoa and watched them huff and puff their way up the trail. I think to myself, one day I’ll do that hike….one day.

Mt Washington in Fall

Arrival at the Observatory

Stepping off the train at the summit, I am immediately struck by the view. The sky is a brilliant blue, the kind you only see in postcards or after extensive Photoshop editing. The air is crisp and clean, with just a whiff of pine.

Mt Washington Observatory

The observatory itself looks like a futuristic fortress, perched atop the mountain like a sentinel watching over the world below. I half-expect to see Dumbledore standing at the entrance, staff in hand, welcoming weary muggles. Instead, I am greeted by a sign pronouncing the worst weather in the world along with a list of those who had died on the mountain. A somber reminder that Mother Nature don’t play.

We find a series of exhibits showcasing the harsh conditions that Mount Washington is known for. There were photos of ice-encrusted buildings, windblown scientists, and snowdrifts that could swallow a car.

The Observation Deck

After a cruise through the little gift shop, we step out onto the observation deck, and are greeted by a view that can only be described as breathtaking. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, painted in autumnal hues. The wind, while present, was more of a warm gentle caress than the usual face-slapping force. I feel like I am standing on top of the world.

Atop Mount Washington

Tippy Top

While exploring the summit, I stumble upon the Tip Top House, a rustic stone building that dates back to 1853, making it one of the oldest structures on the mountain. Originally a hotel, the Tip Top House has weathered countless storms and still stands strong, a testament to the resilience required to endure Mount Washington’s notorious weather.

Stepping inside felt like a journey back in time, with the stone walls whispering tales of adventurers who sought refuge within its rocky embrace. The Tip Top House once housed an entire herd of sheep during a particularly brutal blizzard. As I look around, I couldn’t help but admire the blend of history and practicality, making the Tip Top House a charming highlight of the visit. But a herd of sheep, really??

Tip Top House

The Descent

We board “The Cog” for the ride back down, and I marvel that the chairs flip to the opposite direction of the ascent. This is to ensure that though the train is at a steep angle, we sit comfortably level.

Mt Washington Cog Railway

As we near the base, the conductor makes a final announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed this rare treat of perfect weather on Mount Washington. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir T-shirt that says, ‘I Survived Mount Washington’s Weather – On a Good Day!’”

Back at the base, I take a moment to reflect on the day. Visiting the weather observatory on Mount Washington during such impeccable conditions felt like winning the lottery. It was a reminder that even in a place known for its ferocity, there are moments of calm and beauty.