05-Feb-2005 -- This site is quite close to my home in Katy, TX. Travel to the site was about 29 miles (47 km). I can't think of why I had not visited this one before.

I approached it from a gravel road to the south that ended, about 100 feet (30 meters) from directly South, at a gate. As I arrived I startled two Crested Caracaras that were directly South of the Confluence and in a tree to the North of the road. I tried climbing a fence into the area and simply going north to the Confluence, but there was a stream that was about 8 feet (2m) wide with soft banks. So I went back to the gate and entered there to the West of the stream.

The first shot is looking about 18 degrees East in line with the confluence. The cows moved away as I approached. You can see the two Caracaras, now in the tree in the distance. That tree was directly North of the confluence. I climbed the fence at the corner near the stream and proceeded directly toward the Confluence, now that I was North of the stream. The area has grown up a bit since the last reported visit. Tall dried weeds were about 5-7 feet (1.5-2m) high and made for slow going. Ground was very soft from recent rains.

I found the spot easily and even located a stake within three feet (1m) of where my two GPS's said was the Confluence. Of course even they did not totaly agree on the location. But all within the reported accuracy of about 7 feet (2m). Snapped the photos, lots of weeds. I added one of a house to the East. I doubt they could even see me in the field.

Headed home the same way I came. Stopped at one point to watch a pair of Northern Harriers perform some aerial acrobatics. Then back home, only about two hours later.

On US 290, go 10.25 miles from the center of Hempstead, TX 77445. Don't take 290A (just before Hempstead), which is a limited access highway, as I am not sure what will be an exit and what would be a crossing. Just before the town of Waller, turn right onto a road called F-M 362. Go for a total of 3.8 miles (at 1.95 miles, there should a cemetery on your right), and turn right onto Baethe Road. Go 1.9 miles. Just after the road makes a sharp left, turn right to stay on Baethe Road.

Go 1.17 miles and turn left onto Cochran Rd. Go 0.56 miles, and take the next right onto Purvis Road. Go 0.4 miles almost to the end of the road and stop. Walk due north 1000 feet to the confluence.