Coastal Scene Magazine

SPRING 2019

oastal Scene Magazine

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

2019 SPECKS AND REDS: SPRING FISHING IN THE COASTAL BEND OYSTERFEST: HERE AN OYSTER, THERE AN OYSTER ...

LOCAL EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE!

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Table of Contents In Every Issue...

5 Round Up Days: Oh My! 11 Portland’s Got Talent 16 Specks and Reds 22 Real Estate News 24 Calm Before The Spring 27 Area Attractions 31 Protecting Our Ocean 32 Camping On The Beach 34 The Idle American 35 Seafood Recipes

Publisher’s Note 4 Local Events 36-37 Advertising Directory 38

Cover Story

Spring Break ’19

8

Fulton Oysterfest

20

For the Love of Outdoors

NOW IN

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oastal Scene Magazine Living & Leisure in the Coastal Volume 7 Bend Issue

1

Spring 2019 Debbie Aylesworth Editor/Publisher debbiea@cbredbook.com

Brenda Dodson

Business & Marketing Consultant office@cbredbook.com

Gary Kuhn

Marketing Consultant office@cbredbook.com

Bill Davis

Marketing Consultant office@cbredbook.com

Tina M. Riley

Production Manager/ Graphic Designer tredecim.designs@gmail.com

advertising and distribution

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www.shopcoastalbendonline.com

Coastal Scene Magazine ©2019 is a free publication published 4 times per year and distributed throughout the Coastal Bend. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Coastal Scene Magazine cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of content or opinions expressed by its authors or advertisers. Coastal Scene Magazine office is located at 361 S Commercial, Aransas Pass, Texas 78336.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

M

oving to the Such diseases as typhoid Coastal Bend from the fever and hepatitis have Panhandle (Amarillo) been traced to contaminated was a new adventure. shellfish taken from polluted One of our sources of waters in other parts of food was nearby in the country. The Texas Debbie Aylesworth, feedyards. Now, one Department of Health Editor/Publisher of our sources of food determines the sanitary is again nearby in the quality of the oystering areas water of the Gulf and it smells and closes those that do not meet much better than the feedyards. state and federal standards. It The waters are rich in varieties publishes maps of the Texas coast, of shrimp, oysters and other edible designating approved oystering fish and shellfish. areas and closed or polluted areas.

The adage “Never eat oysters in By law, no one may take oysters months without an ‘R’ in them” from the polluted areas either for was based partly on the difficulty sale or for personal use. in keeping oysters from spoiling In this edition, we have a story in warm weather (May, June, on Oysterfest. You can enjoy July and August) before efficient oysters in all their finery at this methods of refrigeration had been special event March 7, 8, 9 and 10 developed. Actually, oysters are in Fulton. Just follow the crowd good to eat all year long. After and when you find a place to park, spawning, however, they may someone in a golf cart will take become thin and watery. Oysters you the rest of the way to the front are in best condition in winter gate, where the fun begins. and early spring. As filter-feeders, More fun is around the corner oysters can concentrate bacteria in Ingleside at Round Up Days and viruses within their bodies. and April will bring Windfest in These may be harmful to man Portland. We know how to have fun when oysters are eaten raw or in the Coastal Bend. Read more insufficiently cooked. inside and come visit us soon.

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4

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Scene

Spring 2019

Games, food, and entertainment ... Oh

M y!

BY JAYDEN BEATTY

Special to Coastal Scene

T

he 45th annual Round Up Days will be March 22-23 at N.O. Simmons Park in Ingleside. Gates will open Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m.

Starting as a street dance and rodeo, the event now includes two days of live entertainment, a carnival, food and more. The newest addition to the event will be a free Kidzone sponsored by Kiewit and 1st Community Bank.

It will include an obstacle course,

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jump houses and other activities for children ages 5-13.

“We wanted to try to do something for kids that is fun and free,” Ingleside Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jane Gimler said. “The price of the carnival games and rides can add up so we wanted to give parents an affordable alternative.

The Kidzone provides a free, safe place for kids to have fun while mom and dad enjoy shopping, music and more.”

Live entertainment will include performances by Back in Black-AC/DC Tribute band and Las Fenix, an all-girl group composed of five sisters. The group released their new single, “Un Traguito De Tequila,” on Feb. 1.

This year’s lineup marks a change in strategy for event organizers.

The first night of the event has traditionally been reserved for country artists but the Chamber board opted to offer something different this year in the form of rock and roll.

Back in Black describes themselves as the next best thing to AC/DC and promises an, “… incredible, exciting, high energy reproduction of a concert performance of AC/DC.” One of the first tribute bands chosen by Live Nation/ CBS Radio to tour all the House of Blues, the band has been featured on AXS TV World’s

Greatest Tribute Bands and has recorded AC/DC classics for 20th Century Fox’s movies Napoleon Dynamite and Garage Days.

Organizers saw Back in Black perform at another local event and knew they were a right fit for Round Up Days.

“We needed to find something that would entertain all ages and they did,” Gimler said. “They were so entertaining that I had to bring them to our community.”

Las Fenix performed at Round Up Day’s last year and was a hit among attendees.

“They were so good that we had to bring them back,” Gimler said. “This year’s lineup is a little bit of a tribute to the music the older generation grew up with and the young generation now likes.”

The board plans to bring country back next year and alternate every other year moving forward with new diverse acts that appeal to all audiences. Saturday will

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remain Tejano night due to its popularity among Ingleside and surrounding communities.

Last year, struggling businesses and closed hotels due to Hurricane Harvey caused a decrease in available funds to host the event so the chamber had to use reserve funds through the City of Ingleside. Finances are back to normal for 2019 as the community continues to recover.

“We lost about 40 of our members due to the hurricane,” Gimler said. “But we’ve gained about half of them back and we’re bringing in new businesses that are helping us head in the right direction.”

Round Up Days is expected to help the local economy by drawing customers from surrounding communities who would not regularly visit Ingleside businesses.

“This event marks the first of Spring so we expect people to be ready to come out after a winter inside.” Gimler said. “Why not come out to hear some great music and spend some quality time with your family?”

For more information go online to www.inglesidetxchamber.com.

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Spring Break

More than a party!

BY KARLA ABERNETHY Special to Coastal Scene

F

un in the sand with a few thousand friends, a cold drink in hand, a beat to dance to and a carefree attitude – that is Spring Break and it is right around the corner.

The month of March means Spring Break for many colleges and universities across the country and an influx of thousands of young adults to the Coastal Bend.

Port Aransas and Corpus Christi are considered two of the top 10 places in Texas to visit on Spring Break, according to travel sites like tripstodiscover.com and tripsavvy.com.

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Nicolas Young poses on the new playground equipment at Rockport Beach made possible

by Rockport Lions Club.

Corpus Christi is cited for beach time and unique attractions like the Texas State Aquarium, South Texas Botanical Gardens and the USS Lexington. Schlitterbahn on the Island is also an attraction for visitors.

Port Aransas (Port A) is known for its beaches and fishing. “With miles of beach perfect for building sand castles, sunbathing, fishing, bird watching and shell hunting, Port Aransas is a beach lover’s ideal Spring Break getaway,” stated an article on tripstodiscover.com.

Though many families do venture out for a family vacation, Spring Break is known as a time for college students and young adults to take a break from studying and let loose. Versions of Spring Break have been around for centuries.

Ancient Greeks had a three-day “awakening” dedicated to Dionysus, God of Wine and Fertility.

The ancient Romans festival Floralia was held April 28-May 3. The Celts danced around bonfires for Beltane. The English held a-maying, a gathering of greenery and flowers to “bring in the May.” In the United States, the annual vacation time began as a training time for college and university swimmers.

A 1926 hurricane left Fort Lauderdale, Florida in ruins. City leaders decided to build the first Olympic size swimming pool in Florida, the Casino Swimming Pool. They marketed the pool as the standard for universities in the north to bring the swim team to train during school breaks. The swim coach from Colgate University in upstate New York did just that. The team arrived, practiced and enjoyed the beaches and sunshine of the Sunshine State.

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Maggie Young has fun at Rockport Beach on new playground equipment made possible by Rockport Lions Club.

Ft. Lauderdale began an annual swim meet that brought young swimmers from across the country to the beach community. The meet soon became an annual tradition of swimming and partying.

Word traveled fast about the fun on southern beaches and soon not just members of the swim

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team were flocking to Ft. Lauderdale.

Michigan State English Professor Glendon Swarthout became curious about the place where his students ventured to every Spring. In 1958, the professor went to the hotspot and saw all the party shenanigans. He wrote about what he saw in a book “Where the Boys Are.” Published in 1960, MGM made the book into a movie. The romantic comedy was a hit and opened the floodgates to Ft. Lauderdale.

By 1985, an estimated 350,000 students were traveling to the coastal town each year. Residents grew tired of the extra visitors and began passing tougher drinking laws. The mayor at the time appeared on Good Morning America and told college students around the country to take their antics somewhere else.

Soon places like Panama City Beach and Daytona Beach in Florida took over as the Spring Break destination. In 1986, MTV began broadcasting their Spring Break show that took place in Daytona Beach. By the 1990s, the show was an annual cultural institution with live musical performances, bikinis and other destinations like Jamaica, Cancun and even Arizona.

Today, Gulf Coast communities like Port A and Corpus Christi are on the list of locations young people and even families pick to enjoy a few days or a week of Spring Break.

But, today, Spring Break isn’t just for a party.

In 1989, Habitat for Humanity became one of the first volunteer organizations to offer an alternative Spring Break. Since then more than 260,000 students have opted to spend their vacation participating in Habitat for Humanity. Hundreds of alternative options exist for those students wanting to give back.

In the Coastal communities of Rockport-Fulton, Aransas Pass and Ingleside, the traffic through town is a clear indication that visitors have arrived for Spring Break. It’s also more family oriented than one might expect.

The beach in Rockport is full of families that enjoy the playground equipment and building sand castles on a toddler to middle school scale.

Thanks to the Lions Club of Rockport-Fulton, there is new playground equipment at the beach.

Port A and Corpus Christi will be among the many destinations welcoming students from across the country, but families find their way to smaller communities for the Spring Break fun.

Whether partying on the beach or helping others, the Spring Break tradition continues.

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Scene

Spring 2019

4 1 – 2 1 l i r p A

Portland’s

Got Talent and music and food and fun!!

BY JAYDEN BEATTY

he annual Windfest Festival in Portland is scheduled for April 12-14, 2019. Organizers expect 10,000-15,000 people to attend Windfest this year and say there is something for the whole family at this weekend event.

Nationally touring comedian Steve Trevino will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the weekend of festivities. Activities include a parade, art contest, BBQ cook off, more than 50 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, the famous Dogs and Dash competition and the first annual Portland’s Got Talent Competition.

Inspired by America’s Got Talent, Portland Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Shelly Stuart hopes the talent show will draw crowds.

“I’ve been in this business for 15 years and I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” Stuart said. “We have a lot of talented people in Portland and we want to see it.”

All acts, including individuals, trios, or groups, were invited to apply for the competition with a three-minute video on

Spring 2019

Portland’ s Got Talent competition Jumbo Twister Game Monster Mural • Paint Wall Bungee Pedestal • Petting Zoo Washer/Horseshoe Competition Market vENDORS • chili cOOK-OFF

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YouTube demonstrating their talent. The deadline for videos was Feb. 15. The only rule was that the act must be clean since Windfest is a family friendly weekend. There are two opportunities to win. The Judges Choice will be chosen by five judges and the People’s Choice is determined by which talent gets the most votes. Votes can be purchased for $1 and all proceeds will go toward the Chamber’s building fund.

“We currently lease our building so we hope to raise enough funds that will allow us to build or

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purchase our own building so that we can better serve our community,” Stuart said.

Other funds raised at Windfest will benefit a variety of organizations including the American Cancer Society, the local Lion’s Club, Young Life and the local Kiwanis club.

“We let organizations ride on the coattail of Windfest because we want this to be a communitywide event that helps a lot of different people,” Stuart said.

General admission tickets will be between $5$10 depending on Friday night’s live entertainment, which has yet to be determined as of press time.

Children 12 and under will be admitted for free.

“We’re doing this for the single mom with four kids who has a hard time just getting through the gate because of ticket prices,” Stuart said. “We want to alleviate that financial burden by letting kids in for free.”

Several tribute bands make up the lineup for live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Friday night will feature Robert Ray and Jagertown.

Saturday night will include performances by the winners of Portland’s Got Talent, Tumble Dry Low, Riptide, Reverends Daughter, the Zeppelin Project, Cristina Amaro Selena Tribute Show and Earth to Mars: Bruno Mars Tribute. Other acts were still being verified as of press deadline.

“I’m very excited for Cristina Amaro,” Stuart said.

“She is so amazing that you think you’re watching the real Selena. She’s just fabulous.”

The 2nd annual art contest is being held to determine the design for the 2019 Windfest T-shirt that will be given to 200+ volunteers and sold to attendees. Artists can apply on the Chamber’s website until March 1.

The highly anticipated Dogs and Dash will include up to 70 canine contestants. Other activities include the carnival, a petting zoo and other events geared toward entertaining people of all ages.

“We have a little something for everyone,” Stuart said.

For more information, go online to www.portlandtx.org or contact the Portland Chamber of Commerce at 361-777-4650.

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Here an oyster. .

There an oyster. .

All around the Fulton Festival Grounds will be oysters!

BY KARLA ABERNETHY Special to Coastal Scene

T

he Fulton Oysterfest is March 7-10. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event benefiting the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department.

“All the oysters, food, games and fun people have come to expect will be there,” said volunteer Beverly Garis. In four decades, the community and even visitors from across the country have shown up by the thousands to support the fire department and celebrate oyster season.

Despite the devasting aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a category 4 storm

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2019 OYSTERFEST SCHEDULE Thursday, March 7

5-11 pm – Grounds Open 5-10 pm – Arts & Crafts Tent 5-6 pm – Rowdy H 6-8 pm – Bobby Flores 8-9 pm – Fireworks 9-10 pm – Dean Adamson

Friday, March 8

5 pm-Midnight – Grounds Open 5-11 pm – Arts & Crafts Tent 5-7:30 pm – Purple Sage 7:30-9 pm – Decorated Oyster Contest and Live Auction 9-11 pm – Riptide

that made landfall near Rockport-Fulton, Oysterfest once again was a success last year.

“Even after the hurricane, people came out. We had a better year than we thought we would ever have. It was marvelous,” Garis said.

Organizers are expecting the same “marvelous” turnout for the 40th anniversary.

The primary fundraiser for the volunteer fire department, proceeds from the event will provide additional and updated equipment for the department as well as new fire trucks. Oysterfest began as an effort to raise funds for a Jaws of Life that the department needed to assist in rescue efforts. Since Fulton is on the coast and it was oyster season (Nov. 1-April 30), it was decided that a fundraiser centered around the plentiful, edible seafood was the ideal solution. The event has grown to a three-day festival with more than 30,000 people attending in years past.

As is customary, there will be the annual oyster eating, shucking and decorating contests. There is a men’s and women’s division with prizes ranging from $50-$200.

Saturday, March 9

10 am – Midnight – Grounds Open 10 am – 10 pm – Arts & Crafts Tent 11 am – Oysterfest Parade 12-1 pm – Ernie 2-4 pm – T. Kaye & Bandana Rose 2:30-3 pm – Texas Gypsies 3-4 pm – Men’s Raw Oyster Eating Contest 4-6 pm – Jarret Birmingham 6-8 pm – Charles LeBouef 8-10 pm – Darrin Brown 10 pm – Midnight – Charlee Mykels

Sunday, March 10

10 am – 6 pm – Grounds Open 10 am – 6 pm – Arts & Crafts Tent 10-10:30 am – Songs of Glory 10:30-Noon – Lost But Found Noon – 2 pm – Whiskey Bent 2 pm – Women’s Raw Oyster Eating Contest 2-4 pm – Rocky King Band 3 pm – Oyster Shucking Contest 4-6 pm – Gabriel Fidel

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The parade will begin at 11 am on Saturday, March 9. Participants will line up on Traylor Boulevard. The parade route will go north down Fulton Beach Road and end at the Festival Grounds.

The carnival will be set up offering a variety of rides for young and old. Arts and Crafts booths will be set up along the waterfront for attendees’ shopping pleasure. Unique décor items, clothing and knick knacks are among the choices.

And, of course, there will be food.

Since it is Oysterfest, there will be plenty of raw and fried oysters as well as fried shrimp. But, the culinary abundance is not limited to seafood.

“We will have everything from sausage on a stick to smoked turkey legs, fried shrimp, funnel cakes and fried Oreos,” said Garis. Also, plenty of beer and other drinks to quench the thirst.

With thousands expected to attend and cars lining the streets, there will be a trolley and golf carts available to pick up attendees and take them to the front entrance. Rides are free and available all four days.

Music will fill the air as a variety of talented acts take the stage.

Dean Adamson will take the stage Thursday night following the fireworks show. Friday evening will feature Riptide with Darrin Brown and Charlee Mykels headlining on Saturday.

Darrin Brown is a native Texan born in Amarillo.

He grew up in Aransas Pass and has a passion for traditional country music. He started playing the guitar at the age of 8 and was in his first band at 14.

He started the Make Mine Country Band in 1976 and performed at the first Fulton Oysterfest in 1979. His solo career began in 1980 and he recorded “I wish I had the Job Paycheck told them all to shove” and

“Pretty Papers” that led him to becoming the premier opening act in South Texas for country superstars such as Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Ricky Skaggs and Barbara Mandrell.

In 2014, Darrin was inducted into the Texas Country Music Association Hall of Fame.

Also, on the weekend schedule is T. Kaye and Band, a high energy group that has opened shows for Lee Ann Womack, Johnny Rodriguez and Aaron Watson.

Other entertainers include the Texas Gypsies, Songs of Glory, Lost But Found, Charlee Mykels, Rowdy H, Ernie, Purple Sage and more.

Admission to Fulton Oysterfest is $2 on Thursday and $5 Friday-Sunday for people age 12 and over.

Active and retired military receive free admission.

Entrance is for a full day.

“You can come and go. Just get a hand stamp when you leave the grounds, then you can come back throughout that day” Garis said.

Information for those wanting to enter the parade or contests and those wanting a booth, go online to www.fultonoysterfest.org for entry forms and information.

❖

NOW OPEN

Spring 2019

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

15

SPECKS AND REDS

Spring Fishing in the Coastal Bend

S

pring will soon be upon the Coastal Bend. There will be fishing, fishing and more fishing taking place all across south Texas. Tourists visit the Coastal Bend area for the beaches and great fishing water.

Water temperatures were in the 60s at press time, but will be rising soon. While 60 degrees might feel a little cool to humans, trout and many other varities of fish enjoy it and that’s good news.

Fishing guides are available in all communities and they tell us larger trout and larger numbers of trout are in our bays today than we have had in years. Redfish, Black Drum and Flounder populations are thriving as well so it is all good with the fishery.

Fishing in South Texas gives anglers opportunities for freshwater lakes and rivers or bay and deep sea fishing in the Gulf waters lining Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas Counties. Fish in fresh water sources are bass, a variety of panfish and catfish, while saltwater varieties of fish include redfish, flounder, saltwater trout, grouper and the list goes on. Bay fishing and deep

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sea fishing will offer fishermen an endless choice of tackle, bait and lures to reel in their limits.

For fishing, fishing guides, deep sea fishing trips and kayak as well as other water rentals, each spot in the Coastal Bend offers unique fishing for any type of fisher.

SPECKLED TROUT

The most frequently caught fish in the area is the speckled trout. This fish is often found in large groups along surf and around oyster reefs and shallow grass beds.

Speckled trout is popular because of its flaky meat and abundance. While there is no shortage of this fish, the challenge is in selecting the right bait and location for the size of speckled trout desired.

Time of year and time of day dictate where to find trout. Early mornings and late afternoons of warm spring and summer months find the speckled trout in the shallow areas of grass flats, oyster reefs and grassy shorelines. As the day heats up, it’s time to swim on to the drop offs and channels. In the colder months, it’s in to the deep holes such as harbors and channels.

Locating speckled trout can be as simple as looking for “slicks” on top of the water. While excited, the trout will regurgitate, spilling partially digested fish and oils into the water. The oils float to the top of the water that creates a slick film.

The primary fishing area near Aransas Pass is Redfish Bay. Watching the fish cleaning tables at the various boat ramps around Aransas Pass you will see good catches of redfish, flounder, speckled trout and drum being brought in. The primary focus is fishing the 14,000 acres of seagrass flats in the area for redfish and the various channels, cuts and deep holes for trout.

and looks up.

Being able to blend or bury itself in the ocean floor makes the flounder harder to be seen by its prey and by fishermen.

The southern flounder is the most abundant flatfish in Texas waters.

March through December, the female flounder make their way in to the bay areas to feed after spawning.

The majority of flounder caught in the bay are

FLOUNDER

What is it called when you go out in the water at night with a light and a pole to look for a camouflage hiding fish? Flounder Gigging!

One of the many fishing experiences available in the Coastal Bend area is flounder gigging.

A multi-pronged spear at the end of a long pole, usually 8 to 14 feet long, is called a gig. The gig is used to spear the flounder. A light is used to spot the outline of the flounder at the bottom of a shallow area of the bay.

Flounder lies on its side and blends in with the ocean floor. It changes it’s color pattern to match the area it’s in, anything from blackish-brown to light gray or a mottled color. Because of it’s laterally compressed body, the flounder lies flat on its side Spring 2019

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female but male flounder can be found as well, though they tend to stay in the Gulf of Mexico year round.

In Texas, flounder must be 14 inches long to keep and people are limited to catching five per day.

There are several fishing guides offering flounder gigging. With the help of special lighting and a gig, participants look for and spear flounder during a five to six hour night flounder gigging trip.

REDFISH

Arguably the most sought fish in the bays of the Gulf Coast, the redfish can be found throughout the Coastal Bend. We even have an area referred to as Redfish Bay in Aransas Pass.

Catching the redfish can be a challenge. In fact,

several tournaments test the skill of the redfish fisherman. Once hooked, the redfish is a fighter challenging the skilled angler. This fish also is wanted for its meat.

Redfish are found looking for prey along grass lined shores, deep cuts, flats and reefs. According to www.coastalbendfishing.com, redfish prefer shallow water, one to four feet deep, and tend to gravitate to oyster reefs and breaks in the shoreline. Large schools of redfish will wander the shorelines eating while preparing to spawn. Late summer is known as the “redfish rodeo.”

We are just a little ahead of that readers, so get your tackle ready.

In addition to some of the richest marine habitat in Texas, Aransas Pass offers a lot of protected areas that can be fished on windy days. Regardless of wind direction, there is always a flats or deep hole behind a wind break that can be fished in with the potential to make a good catch.

Aransas Pass also is a jumping off point for offshore boats that head up the Aransas Channel to the Gulf of Mexico out of Conn Brown Harbor or the San Patricio Navigation District Marina near Ransom Park.

One of the top destinations in Texas for bay and flats fishing is around Rockport. Copano Bay has

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numerous shallow oyster reefs while St. Charles Bay and Redfish Bay are where the back water redfish action is. At Aransas Bay, there are open water reefs for trout and the St. Joe shoreline has inlets and tidal lakes for redfish, flounder and trout action.

There is something for every avid fisherman or the tourist wanting a taste of the sport. Check out www. coastalbendfishing.com for locations and where to find guides and tips.

Other fishing reports directed us to edges of Aransas Pass/Lydia Ann Lighthouse, located along the Lydia Ann Channel just north of Port Aransas. Another good spot would be the Aransas shrimp boat channel and Dagger Island.

Bay Fishing is an outstanding sport for any angler. Bay fishing in South Texas offers world-class fishing year round with over 1,000 miles of bays and inland areas to fish. Bays in Aransas and San Patricio contain numerous saltwater marshes, channels and shallow flats. Although many parts of the bay are very shallow, fish are abundant and angling can be done by means of various casting techniques or fly fishing.

Wade fishing can be seen year round in the mild temperatures of South Texas.

Bay fishing offers as many different kinds of fish as there are ways to snag them. Redfish are a popular variety, giving anglers a good fight regardless of size.

Saltwater trout are plentiful and abundant in the spring.

Other varieties include: amberjack, Atlantic croaker, black drum, black fin tuna, blacktop shark, blue crab, bluefish, Florida pompano, gag grouper, gray snapper, hardhead sea catfish, King Mackerel, Lane Snapper and many varieties of trout, shark and turtles.

Anglers heading out to catch some monster fish in the Gulf won’t be disappointed. There are all day excursions as well as a shorter 3-4 hour trip.

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For the Love of the Outdoors W

hen it comes to nature, the Coastal Bend has certainly earned its bragging rights. The Bend is home to numerous species of resident birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Our area is on the migratory path for transient species, as well, making ours one of the “birdiest” communities in the United States. We also boast an impressive array of fish, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, and insects. Aside from wildlife, we have lovely plants, such as live oaks, seaoats, and woolly stemodia. Whether you enjoy fishing the Gulf of Mexico or one of the many bays; enjoying sandy beaches, rolling coastal prairies or pristine forests; Texas’ Coastal Bend lures visitors and transplants alike with its stunning and diverse beauty.

Hurricane Harvey caused extensive damage to our region. Symbols of our community – the windswept live oak, for example – and thousands of dead birds littered our neighborhoods. Storm surge, extraordinary rainfall, and category 4 winds altered our natural resources, and stagnated our economy. Some residents have completed repairs, but for many hurricane recovery is still in progress.

Leadership Aransas County Class XXII is the first class in the post-Harvey era, and its members consider their involvement a tremendous privilege. For their class project, Class XXII has elected to raise funds for community enrichment and beautification projects, and to adopt a stretch of FM 3036. They have completed the first

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of several scheduled cleanup projects.

Their fundraising event will showcase businesses, organizations and activities that support ecotourism, or naturefocused tourism. The event, For the Love of the Outdoors, will be held Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Aransas County Airport located at 421 John Wendell Road in Rockport. A 5k chiptimed race will kickoff the day at 8:30 a.m.

The entire course will be within the airport grounds. Following the race, awards for male and female winners within ten age categories will be announced. At 10 a.m., a vendor and food truck market will open.

Live music will be performed throughout the market, which concludes at 8 p.m. Keep Aransas County Beautiful is partnering with LACXXII and will be on site hosting their Texas Trash-Off event.

This event is the single largest one-day cleanup in the state. For more information about KACB or to sign up for the Trash-Off, visit www.kacbtx.org.

Sponsorship opportunities for LACXXII’s For

the Love of the Outdoors event are available. To inquire, please contact Dana Kisel, LAC Class XXII member and Show Chairperson, at 210-439-9937.

For more information about the 5k race, vendor and food truck opportunities and the live music lineup, please visit www.facebook.com/LACXXII. All proceeds from the race and raised as a result of this event will go directly toward projects in Aransas County.

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Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

21

For Sale d n e B l a t s a o C across the A

sk any real estate agent in the Coastal Bend about the real estate market and you’ll find it’s surprisingly active this year.

“We’ve had a very active January,” said Jennifer Bradshaw of Eling Coastal Real Estate. “We had a great fourth quarter and a very active January. I hope the trend stays.”

Coastal communities are getting stronger every month and the real estate market is recovering from the slam of Hurricane Harvey at the end of 2017.

Funding has become available for homes and the patience of the realtors is paying off.

“I see a ton of contractors around town,” Bradshaw said. “I’m still hearing some horror stories about incompleted work, but I’m hoping that is a rare occurrence.

“New things are popping up here and there in Rockport-Fulton,” Bradshaw said. “A new chain restaurant is opening where K-Bob’s Steakhouse was in Rockport. They have other restaurants in Texas, but this is the first one in the Coastal Bend.”

Realtors would tell you now is a good time to buy. The market is much better but because of the conditions of 2018, there is more than likely room to negotiate on prices when making offers on property.

Inventory is increasing and shows signs of being as

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strong as it was before the storm.

According to local realtors, this is probably a good time to list a home. After homes are completely remodeled, the prices will more than likely rise again. For those looking for a “deal” this would be a good time to buy and list, if you want to sell quickly.

Hogan Homes has a new subdivision with 325 new home starts in Aransas Pass. The area is looking good and drainage issues have surfaced just in time to be straightened out before the homes fill up.

Everywhere you look, in Port Aransas, Ingleside, Aransas Pass and Rockport-Fulton, rebuilding is taking place and it’s amazing that there was such a devastated bunch of small coastal towns this time last year.

The people who lived in apartments were forced to leave because of no alternative living quarters.

Many of these people were laborers and employees in the tourist business or local businesses. We have some of them back as remodeling efforts on apartments are completed.

This population also accounts for the reduced numbers of students in the school districts of

Aransas and San Patricio counties. Getting everyone back is important to every area of our economy.

School superintendents report student numbers increasing throughout the year.

Schools are the first thing prospective home buyers look at when moving to a community and as repairs continue in Rockport-Fulton, Aransas Pass, Ingleside and Port Aransas it is certain almost all the campuses will look much better and be in better condition than before August 2017.

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o

ver the past 18 months, I have heard on more than one occasion that “this is the new normal.” “This” might be our local economy or the way we prepare for hurricane season. In my little slice of the Coastal Bend, this is the weather. Nobody knows what is the new normal for weather patterns, but I can tell you from first-hand experience normal includes abundant rain and drainage issues. While other parts of the state 24

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Kumquat

Pomegranate might be suffering drought conditions, here in Coastal south Texas we have what I call a “water surplus.” More rain is in our immediate forecast, but we must wait to see how 2019 plays out. Will this be another year for record rainfall? Could this be the year for another hurricane? Late-season hailstorm? Or, heaven forbid, snow?

Educated guesses and history aside, the plants have begun to prepare for spring. Deciduous trees and shrubs, especially, are producing buds as if they will bloom soon. Some of the perennials look a bit bedraggled, yet new growth is pushing up and out. Plants are stretching their stalks and limbs as they yawn and awake from a brief winter’s nap. Vegetables and greens have been producing for several weeks and should continue for several more, unless the inferno that we call summer arrives early. That happens, sometimes.

Or, we could have a sudden cold snap and the budding-then-blooming process starts over again, for some plants. Regardless, as I write, I am serenaded by tinkling raindrops on Sage Hollow Pond and distant thundering and it’s 61 degrees.

No wonder the plants think it is spring.

Being a cautiously optimistic gardener, I feel it

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in my bones winter is not done with us yet. That can be great news if you are part of the growing number of people interested in growing your own food.

Fruit and nut trees love this weather on the cusp of winter and spring. Recently, we planted several varieties of citrus. This time next year, barring events which may redefine our normal again, my kitchen will be filled with sweet, aromatic Meyer lemons, Kishu mandarine and Satsuma oranges, Mexican and Key limes, figs, and kumquats. We also planted red mulberry and have placed but not yet planted pawpaw, elderberry, Mexican plum, Biscamp pear and olive trees. Other trees ready to plant are pomegranate, Chickasaw plum, mayhaw, Anna and Dorsett apples, nectarine and several cultivars of persimmon. Texas and Common persimmons, which are also native, have been growing in our nursery for a few months but the Chocolate and Fuyu persimmons need a few more weeks to acclimate. We still need to find just the right spot for a few pecan trees.

Trees that do not produce fruits or nuts also favor this time of year. Consistent rainfall and cooler temperatures help the roots to become established.

This is a great time to replace or add new live oaks.

Remember to invite the live oak’s “friends,” as well. Redbay (Persea borbonea), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), coralbean (Erythrina herbacea), dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), turk’s cap (Malvaviscus drummondii) and coastal bluestem (Schyzachrium scoparium var. littorale) will make great additions to your live oak garden.

If, like me, you have soggy spots on your property, consider Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), Sycamore (Platanus spp.) or Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica or Fraxinus texensis). For dry or well-draining areas, try Anacacho Orchid (Bauhinia lunarioides) or Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis).

This also is the optimal season for pruning and mulching. When pruning, select limbs or stalks for removal rather than indiscriminately “whacking” or coercing into geometric shapes. Use only un-dyed native hardwood mulch or a blend of hardwood mulch and compost. Dyed mulch imparts potentially harmful chemicals into the roots of your plants. Hardwood mulch decomposes to help build soil and, when blended with compost, fertilizes naturally. Doing these simple tasks will help prepare your plants to spring into the next season.

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Spring 2019

y y k n p u e p Sle Spicy S Lit

wn o T g in h is F tle

Night Life

Adventures

BY DEBBIE AYLESWORTH Editor/Publisher

A

ll across the Coastal Bend there are plenty of special sites and points of interests not to be missed. Here are a few of them. Each community along the ‘Bend has a personality of its own and offers its own unique form of attractions and entertainment.

ARANSAS PASS

Aransas Pass offers cool breezes and unique, crystal clear waters with beautiful seagrass and some of the best bay fishing in Texas. Conn Brown Harbor, home of Redfish Bay Boathouse and Redfish Willie’s Waterfront Grill is cleaned up and ready to launch. Aransas Pass prides itself on maintaining a charming, small-town atmosphere while hosting many professional fishing guides.

The harbor town offers kayak facilities, birding areas and parks that include a wonderful aquatic center. It also is home to many downtown shops, restaurants, a historic downtown theater and the most state-of-the-art Civic Center in the area.

Seaman’s Memorial Tower is a structure dedicated to those fishermen who lost their lives at sea. It is located on the point of the southern end of Conn Brown Harbor. It’s a must see when visiting the harbor.

Hampton’s Landing on Ransom Road is open year ‘round and the boat ramps are good. There also is a fish cleaning station there.

Spring 2019

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

27

Veteran’s Memorial Park is located at the intersection of McCampbell and Maddox in Aransas Pass. The park was damaged in Hurricane Harvey but repairs are on the way.

Fourteen different species of ducks frequent this hunting region and the shallow bays offer hunters bag limits of duck and geese. Crabbing, beachcombing and dolphin watching are quiet pursuits meant to get you outdoors into the fresh air and sunshine. Nearly 500 species of birds travel through Aransas Pass. Some of the best bird watching the U.S. is found in the Aransas Pass Nature Park within the 36-acre Aransas Pass Community Park bordering Redfish Bay.

INGLESIDE

The Splash Pad at N.O. Simmons Park will be closed until Spring Break. The Splash Pad has proven to be a favorite of area children and parents. Everyone looks forward to it opening again March 11.

Cove Park, located on FM 1069 going toward the bay, is still being repaired. The bathrooms are not functional, but the fish cleaning station is under construction.

Portable toilets are available for use. Ingleside on the Bay has a public boat ramp now open for use. It is located in the park at Ebony and Woodhaven.

Whitney Lake is a 50 plus acre project, which includes several bird watching areas, extended docks over marsh areas, observation platforms and many other amenities. It is fully restored for recreation.

PORT ARANSAS

Piers have yet to be completed at the beach, but otherwise, it’s business as usual for beach lovers in Port Aransas (locally known as ‘Port A’). Rebuilding continues and more businesses are reopening. A list is maintained at www.portaransas.org. The ferry from Aransas Pass to Port Aransas is a favorite ride for visitors to the Coastal Bend. Dolphins are often seen as well as large ships moving to and from Ingleside businesses.

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PORTLAND

Sunset Lake is a 333-acre area park restored to its natural habitat. The three distinctive facets: recreation, education and conservation are blended to preserve the ecology of rich wetland and the saltwater lake. Winding between the ponds is a paved two mile hiking/biking trail. Fishing is abundant on the Corpus Christi Bay side and kayaking is enjoyed in the southern part of the lake.

Sunset Lake also is a popular place for birders.

Fred Jones Sanctuary is a botanically rich protected area considered a hot spot during migration for birders looking for Warblers, Vireos, Orioles and other song birds. Dripping water near a covered viewing area

entices birds to show themselves. Many species inhabit the native brush and trees along the creek year ‘round.

This Sanctuary is #74 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

Indian Point Park is a premiere fishing pier reaching out into Corpus Christi Bay. It is known to produce record black drum. The park includes a variety of habitats for shoreline birds. Entrance to the park is free.

Violet Andrews Park is a kite surfer’s haven. This beautiful and well maintained park sits on a bluff overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. The coastal wind and chop make launching platforms for extreme kite surfing.

It offers 10 acres of wildlife preserve with a 1/3 mile hike/ bike trail, two observation decks, a narrow sandy beach and a children’s area. There are also two covered patios for watching the sunset. Ample parking also is available.

Portland is the home to Kaiah Dog Park located on Moore Avenue. The park offers a section for medium to large dogs and a separate section for small dogs. The larger section features two pavilions and a section of training equipment for show dogs.

Portland is only 10 minutes away from Corpus Christi’s attractions including the Lexington Aircraft Carrier, the Texas State Aquarium and museums.

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13 Dealers with 50 Models and over 100 boats on site

A star spangled celebration VFWV LOGO: FINAL ART of fun, foodPMSand 032 redfund-raising and 281 blue © Saltwater Ink Originals Nov. 17, 2014 honoringEvaALL Thornton, veterans evat1@sbcglobal.net.

Sponsored in part by:

Friday, April 26th Saturday, April 27th FREE PARKING, GREAT FOOD, MUSIC, DOOR PRIZES

Benefiting Veterans retired & active with special needs and local veteran’s organizations.

There are a variety of ways to donate. Call Mike @ 361.445.1796 or Jan @ 361.445.1974 or log onto Vetsfishingwithvets.us

Spring 2019

322 Huff Street, Aransas Pass 361-758-9000 Tackle

Electronics Great Food

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

Local Artists Live Music

Nautical Jewelry

Much More

29

ROCKPORT/FULTON

Under the leadership of Executive Director Luis Purón, the Rockport Center for the Arts offers wonderful exhibits for local artists and it continues to be a huge draw for tourists. The Center has a full schedule of activities that can be viewed in this edition in the Calendar of Events. Rockport Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art main gallery, was destroyed but has temporarily moved to Austin Street in downtown Rockport. Plans are underway to build a new facility in downtown.

The Texas Maritime Museum, designated as the Maritime Museum of the State of Texas featuring

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Texas history from exploration and settlement to boatbuilding and shipbuilding to sports and commercial fishing, is open for visitors coming for Spring Break.

The History Center for Aransas County focuses on the history of those men and women who founded, settled and developed Aransas County. The Center is open and operating fully. The collaboration between the History Center and the public schools has been valuable for the community.

The Fulton Mansion sustained extensive wind and water damage from Hurricane Harvey when the roof peeled away taking the chimneys. Most of the contents in the mansion had been secured and removed prior to the hurricane. The mansion will be closed until further notice. Expectations are to have repairs completed later in 2019.

The Fulton Mansion’s Education and History Center is open and free to the public. Call 361-7290386 for hours of operation.

Goose Island State Park and The Big Tree are only minutes north of Rockport-Fulton in historic Lamar.

The park is open to the public now and the staff is working. It is possible the boat ramp and some areas of the park may open for day use by the end of the year.

The “Big Tree” is still standing. It is available for viewing.

The “Big Tree” at Goose Island State Park was named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) in 1969, and is thought to be one of the largest in the nation. The “Big Tree” statistics: • Trunk Circumference: 35 feet 1 and 3/4 inches or 10.71 meters • Average Trunk Diameter: 11 feet 2 and 1/4 inch or 3.41 meters • Crown Spread: 89 feet or 27.1 meters • Height: 44 feet or 13.4 meters • Age: In excess of 1,000 years The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States and is the winter home of the Whooping Cranes. The park and the pier is open. Visitors should bring their own water.

The auto tour is open sunrise to sunset daily. The Visitor Center is closed until further notice, including the lobby and restrooms.

The Aransas Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to get away. Hiking and biking trails are open in addition to viewing lots of birds and animals. Take your time and spend the entire day. The campgrounds are not open yet but you can still launch a kayak.

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Protecting our ocean and beaches S

o much of the environmentalfriendly talk today revolves around recycling our plastics or concerns for our businesses through sustainabile manufacturing and business practices.

These are important conversations to have.

But often in our efforts to look at how we can simply consume less we forget to look back at what it is we are trying to save. For example, we need to recognize that one of our big efforts needs to focus on our oceans, seas and beaches.

It is a sad fact that as Americans continue to improve upon their own way of life and indulge in their creature comforts, they also continue to impact and often in a negative way, the world around them. Studies show that increasing coastal populations, shipping accidents, overfishing and poaching and climate changes are having a negative impact on marine ecosystems around the country, particularly in large tourist and fishing areas such as Florida.

We don’t want the same thing to happen on our stretch of the Gulf Coast.

Various species of marine animals are being endangered and even with good conservation efforts most of these habitats and animal species are slow to recover once threatened. Thus, protecting our oceans and beaches is something that needs to begin.

Our beaches are suffering the same fate, as they become polluted with chemicals, tainted storm water run-off and litter. Light pollution also is a problem, as street lights and those from nearby homes damage some animals’ natural instinct to head towards the moon above the water in an effort to reach the safety

of the sea. This has created problems for sea turtles all along the southern coast of the United States. People need to be reminded of the damage that a large oil spill can cause. Even a spill occurring hundreds of miles off the coast can ravage a beach, as we saw in 1989 with the Valdez oil spill and recently, with the BP spill along the Gulf coast. These spills result in deadly, floating oil that decimates the oceans and eventually reaches the sand, where it creates a sludge that endangers wildlife and renders the beaches unusable to humans. In addition to damaging our eco system, we also damage our economy through loss of tourism and our human ability to enjoy these otherwise beautiful surroundings.

Various organization and governmental mandates have attempted to protect our oceans and beaches. To save our beaches we need to see this time as a turning point, when we recognize that it is still early enough to stop this damage but we may reach the point of no return all too soon. Each person needs to commit to their own responsibility, working in small ways to save our oceans by keeping them clean, managing storm water responsibly and so on.

We have been taught, “pack it in, pack it out” but we need to take it a step futher and make sure our part of the beach looks better than when we arrive. If there is other trash there, pack it out, too. If it’s left on the beach, chances are it will end up in the water endangering sea life and spoiling its future which is also our future.

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Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

31

Camping on the Beach? ! le b a r o m e m it Make

BY RICHARD GONZALES Special to Coastal Scene

T

here are few enjoyments like coming to the coast for a day-trip outing soaking in the sun, the water and sand on the beach. The only thing better may be staying longer overnight waiting for the rising sun in a campsite cooking over an open fire and relaxing afterwards surrounded by nature’s sounds of wind, wave and wildlife.

Beach camping, whether roughing it in a tent or use of the convenience of an RV advances an amazing range of reasons for campers to do it on the beach.

Boating, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, boogie boarding, kite flying, beachcombing, body surfing, shell collecting, birding, racing remote control cars, surfing, turtle watch patrolling, windsurfing,

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duck hunting, kayaking, beach cleanups, crabbing, geocaching, metal-detecting, or just simply, hanging out. Beach campers never waste a moment in time---as they balance the expected with the unexpected.

Planning ahead for a more enjoyable and disasterfree beach camping experience must be at the top of the list. Too much human hedonism that overlooks the essentially required inclusion of natural science, otherwise known as, common sense, will inevitablly, cause an eternal memory. Know the high and low tide phases for the time period where you will be on the beach. Stories have been told about how in the middle of the night a campsite is suddenly washed away and vehicles buried in the sand by incoming tidal surges.

For that reason, review area towing services as in case of emergency, towing charges can wash your cash away, too.

Coastal Bend beaches offer both free and permitted camping opportunities. Free camping can be found

Tips for Camping on the Beach from a Girl Scout DO’S

• • • •

• Do make sure to pack accordingly. Consider where, when and how long the camping will be.

• Make sure food is in an animal-proof container or they will take the food.

• Wear sunscreen even if it is not sunny.

• Pack a water bottle and fill it often to prevent dehydration.

• Wear bug spray. There will be bugs anywhere there is a campsite.

1262 Bus Hwy 35 N | Aransas Pass, TX

• Do not spray aerosol spray inside the tent as the waterproofing of the fabric will be impacted.

• Do not bring scented body washes, etc… because animals will think it is food.

• Do not litter at campsite as animals will eat trash and get sick.

• Do not wear open-toed shoes as they are easy to lose and foot protection is priority.

• Do not bring a lot of technology, camping is the experience, not the news or games.

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32

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through an online community Freecampsites.net that uses an easy nation-wide map-based method to free camping discoveries. There are a few free camping spots in the Coastal Bend. However, most coastal cities and counties require a permit to park and/or camp on their beach areas.

Port Aransas permits are readily available at local convenience stores. Campers have to go to City Hall in Aransas Pass to purchase a permit.

The best advice is to make contact with the local governments to make sure you are good to go with the proper permits. You do not want to break camp in the dark of night as law enforcement does a better job than code enforcement departments.

Going online to plan for your coastal camping trip will provide you with the most current rules and conditions.

Some camping facilities may have a limited number of available sites. Port Aransas has Beach Camping 30 sites and as popular as this site is, camping Planning Guide may be booked. So again, pre-planning 1. Be aware of required is everything to a camping permits rewarding camping 2. Check high tide schedules for bays and the Gulf experience.

3. Be aware of wind speed, Texas is the leading wind gusts and wind state in the country direction for wind energy 4. Wash your RV or boat after production and the your stay Coastal Bend is a part 5. Beware of blowing sand of being number one and salt spray due to its prevailing 6. Cellular reception southeasterly winds. limitations Make sure your tent 7 Limits on number of is low to the ground camping days and tacked or you may find yourself rolling Amenities about like nighttime Maybe Yes or Maybe No crawling crabs.

Girl Scout, 1. Porta-potties Ashley Poprik, from 2. Showers or bathhouse 3. Restrooms College Station 4. Trash cans also recommends 5. Bar-B-Q grills bringing odorless 6. Electricity hook-ups toiletries and insect (50,30,20 amps) sprays as anything 7. Designated sites with an aroma may 8. Water station be unknowingly 9. Picnic tables construed as 10. Park Ranger food by wildlife 11. Dump station

Spring 2019

oblivious to human needs…and unexpectedly, invites themselves to become a part of your beach camping remembrance. In addition, exploring the dunes is another world as animals like foxes, lizards, coyotes, snakes and other critters make it their home, so avoid setting up camp there whenever possible.

Ashley related that campfires are not always possible with gusty wind conditions or in-place park burn bans.

Alternative cooking opportunities are cast iron stoves, backpacking stoves or a Jetboil. A Jetboil quickly heats water for meals that only need hot water to cook.

Each camping experience is different from one another and Ashley recommends to get as many camping experiences as possible, especially on the beach!

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Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

33

THE IDLE AMERICAN

Musings at the Mail Box… Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury

T

here was much to chatter about when Uncle Mort reached his mailbox down the lane. A neighbor on the next farm was fetching his mail too, the day was sunny and warm, and their chance meeting suggested that a protracted visit loomed.

It did. They “prattled” away, each sticking to topics of selfinterest.

Mort wanted to talk about how Dallas Cowboy Quarterback Tony Romo finally got to the Super Bowl (albeit as an announcer), and his friend was ready to share news from the county library. The latter took a part-time job there, fascinated by the job listing’s requirement to “liven up the place.” The librarian thinks too much has been made of the “shhhhhhh thing,” and that most folks really yearn more to chat than to read…. ********* Unlikely as it seems, his friend began the discourse while Mort was opening the envelope from the Reader’s Digest sweepstakes.

“I got lucky, Mort,” the neighbor laughed. “The first library visitor asked me if I could direct him to the ‘self-help section.’ I responded of course I could--but wouldn’t that be cheating?”

The new employee said that within the hour, a woman asked where she could find books on 34

paranoia. “They’re right behind you,” Mort’s friend said, doubling up with laughter. Mort interrupted before his friend finished his account about how he helped a 10-year-old boy set a mouse trap behind the handful of books on the shelf about “rodents.”…. ********* Mort, perhaps suffering from the “travail of the undelivered speech,” had heard enough “library humor.”

He wanted to tell his friend that Romo passed what Mort called the “acid test” of a sports analyst-“making a game sound interesting when it ain’t.”

Contending that he tired of watching The Super Bowl, a “bonecrushing defensive contest most of the way,” Mort tossed a quilt over the screen. He wanted to evaluate Romo’s verbal description of the goings-on that many fans had paid thousands of dollars to witness…. ********* “They bragged about cheap concessions, and that $5 would buy a hot dog and soda. When fans pay huge sums to get in, what difference does it make what snacks cost?”

Anyway, Mort concluded that Romo is indeed gifted at the microphone, and is perhaps destined to be remembered for his description of games far more than his quarterbacking.

Mort said he thinks there’s a fair chance all of those Denver plumbers who invested thousands of bucks in Tony Romo bobble oastal

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heads may come out okay on the boondoggle if they don’t mind keeping them in storage for a few years…. ********* My uncle--staring down the barrel of birthday number 107 on July 4--admits that he may remember the details wrong, or maybe it was a dream or maybe (perish the thought) one of his “made-up” stories.

Huh? Mort dredged up two-year-old details when rumors erupted that Romo might forego retirement in favor of playing quarterback for the Denver Broncos…. ********* A bunch of plumbers there “went nuts” at the prospect, and immediately bought a section of season tickets, printed Romo t-shirts, and ordered several thousand bobble head dolls.

When Romo chose broadcasting, the plumbers were able to cancel season ticket orders, and they could wear the Romo shirts. But what about the dolls?

Most of all, the plumbers were sad that they didn’t get to unveil their “game name,” which, as might be guessed was this: “Romo Rooters.”

As I’ve stated here many times, Mort believes himself to be a conversational genius. Give him a straw, and he’ll make a broom.

As they left the mailboxes, Mort’s friend said he has a bunch of those 50-cent “forever stamps” left, and wonders if he can add a nickel stamp to them for the new 55-cent rate “so they won’t go to waste.” I’ll leave it to my Uncle Mort and his neighbor to “duke it out” about the use of “forever stamps.”… ********* Dr. Newbury is a former educator who “commits speeches” round about.

Comments/inquiries to: newbury@speakerdoc.com Phone: 817-447-3872.

Website: www.speakerdoc.com Twitter: @donnewbury.

Facebook: don newbury.

❖

Spring 2019

  INGREDIENTS: 6 medium tortillas soft or hard shell 2 pounds grilled shrimp peeled and deveined 1 medium avocado cut into slices 2 cups cabbage shredded 1 teaspoon sriracha 1 cup sour cream pico de gallo salt and pepper to taste cilantro lime wedges optional 1. Assemble all ingredients as a make-your-own shrimp taco buffet while the grill heats to medium heat for grilling the shrimp.

2. Sriracha Cream Sauce - Mix together sriracha sauce and sour cream to make sriracha cream sauce.

3. Grill Shrimp - Brush the grill with olive oil and cook the shrimp until it is pink and cooked well throughout, about 5 minutes.

Remove from the grill and transfer to a platter.

4. Make shrimp tacos by layering assembled ingredients desired into your shrimp taco.

5. Serve with additional cilantro and an optional lime wedge to squeeze onto shrimp tacos as they are served.

Air Fryer Salmon INGREDIENTS: 2-4 Salmon fillets, farm or wild, with bones removed 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil 4 tsp minced garlic 4 tsp paprika salt and coarse black pepper for seasoning lemon wedges 1. Make sure the fish is completely de-frosted and rub each fillet with olive oil and garlic. Season them generously with the paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Depending on how big your air fryer is, you may have to do 2 fillets at a time or all 4. Just make sure there is a small amount of space in between each fillet so the air and heat can even get to all sides.

3. Set the air fryer for 390 degrees for 7 minutes if the fillets are roughly one and a half inches thick. Add only a few extra minutes for thicker fillets; remember that salmon cook quickly.

4. When you hear the timer, open the basket and check the fillets to make sure they are done. Poking them with a fork should give you a good indication, as well as inspecting the outside for a crisp and flaky looking layer. If they are not done yet, let them cook for a couple more minutes but watch them closely; you don’t want to overcook a salmon.

5. Serve salmon with lemon wedges with some of your favorite sides, such as sauteed asparagus with garlic.

Making an air fryer salmon dish couldn’t be easier. Just follow these steps for delicious salmon from Ella Maclin at The Healthy Suggestions.

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Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

35

EVENTS

A R A N S A S PA S S - F U LT O N - I N G L E S I D E - P O RT A R A N S A S - R O C K P O RT

MARC H 20 1 9

A PR I L 2 0 1 9

Mar. 9 - 31st Annual Whooping Crane Strut It features a 2-mile walk, 5K and 10K-run starting at Rockport Beach. The Walk will remain in the beach area while the 5K and 10K will continue to Austin St. and Water St. FMI call 361-727-2158.

Apr. 6-7 - Rockport-Fulton Boat, Home and Studio Tour The Rockport Center for the Arts will host a Boat, Home and Studio Tour featuring unique, fashionable homes and one or two boats the public may tour. Studio Tour will include artists from Rockport-Fulton and beyond. FMI call 361- 729-5519.

Mar. 7-10 - Fulton Oysterfest A salute to the oyster industry will be held at the Fulton Harbor Navigation Park. This event includes entertainment, food, arts, crafts, carnival, parade, men’s and women’s oyster eating contests, oyster shucking, and oyster decorating contests.

Opening night on Thursday includes Fireworks!

FMI go to www.fultonoysterfest.org.

Municipal Harbor, 710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX. For more information, 210-218-9961 www.portaransaswoodenboatfestival.org

Apr. 21 - Easter Sunrise Services

Mar. 11-16 - The Glory of Beads 2019 Held Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-4 812 Henderson St, Rockport, TX Call 361-450-1400 for details www.beadstudiotexas.com

Mar. 22-23 - Ingleside Round Up Days Held Friday 5pm-11pm And Saturday 11am - 11pm At N.O. Simmons Park In Ingleside, Texas.

Ingleside is rounding up its community and neighbors to enjoy a weekend of family fun and Texas pride. The festival features a wide range of activities for all ages whether you like competitive sports, snacking on local eats or live stage entertainment.

Ingleside pulls out all the stops with a rousing disc golf tournament, cold beer from local craft breweries, exciting carnival rides and a flashy parade cruising through the town. www.inglesidetxchamber.com/round-up-days.html

36

Apr. 12-14 - 5th Annual Wooden Boat Festival Free event for the family held at the

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Join in for the annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Rockport Beach at Sunrise (7 a.m.) Sunday, April 21. The event will be held at the location of what is normally called the bandshell. Bring your lawn chairs. People love this service and this year especially, it could take on a whole different perspective. For more information, contact pastors of local churches.

Apr. 26-28 - Texas SandFest SandFest is on the beach between mile markers 9 and 13.

The north entrance to SandFest is on the beach at Sandcastle Drive (~marker 8). The south entrance is near Beach Access Road 1A (~marker 18). Bron’s Beach carts will be providing free beach cart shuttle service to take people to and from the end of Sandcastle Drive and Beach Access Road 1A to the SandFest entrance gates. www.texassandfest.org

Scene

Spring 2019

EVENTS

A R A N S A S PA S S - F U LT O N - I N G L E S I D E - P O RT A R A N S A S - R O C K P O RT

APRIL 2 0 1 9

( CON T ’D)

Farmer’s & Artisan Market

Apr. 27-28 - Rockport Cultural Art Districts’ Annual Kite Festival It will be held on the Rockport Festival Grounds and is a Free family event open to the public.

FMI call (361) 729-6445

MAY 2 0 1 9 May 4-5 - Nautical Flea Market This 18th Annual event will be held at Rockport Harbor and is hosted by the Rockport Yacht Club. Nautical treasures including books, nautical art, fishing and more!

FMI on booth rental call 361-729-1244 or for other information call 361-230-5019

Mar. 11-16 - Babes on Bay This 18th annual event, May 17-18, 2019 is the largest one-day women angler fishing tournament in the country.

Women from all over Texas and across the country come together for a fun-filled weekend with live bands, vendor booths, and educational outreach.

FMI go to www.babesonthebay.com.

Mar. 11-16 - Festival of Wine and Food -The Texas Maritime Museum will celebrate Memorial Day weekend May 25-26, 2019 with the 22nd annual Rockport Festival of Wines. Enjoy a wide variety of wines of the Americas, food demonstrations, and specialty food concessions. Live bands and entertainment make the event lively and fun on the grounds of the Texas Maritime Museum. FMI visit www.texasmaritimemuseum.org.

Mar. 25 - Crawfish Boil The Coastal Bend Troop support will hold its annual Crawfish Boil on May 25, 2019.

FMI contact carla4troops@gmail.com. www.coastalbendtroopsupport.com

Spring 2019

is held the first Saturday monthly from 9am-noon in downtown Aransas Pass. Hosted by: Destination Downtown Aransas Pass. The Farmer & Artisan Market to bring together local Hobby Gardeners, Famers, Crafts, Art, and all that is handmade from various locals of our community and surrounding area.

Art Center Market is held on the Second Saturday of the month (Rain or Shine) from 10 AM - 4 PM in the heart of downtown Rockport.

Art Center member artists will display and sell their fine art creations such as Paintings, Jewelry, Pottery, Photographs, Woodwork, Yard Art, Metal Art, etc...

Rockport-Fulton Market Days is held every 3rd weekend of the month on Saturdays from 9am-4pm & Sundays from 11am- 5pm.

(We Are Open Fridays With Select Vendors & Early Bird Specials) We’ve proved our spirit is Hurricane proof and invite you to come add your energy to our recovery! We have live music throughout both days, over 100 vendors, over a dozen food trucks and food vendors, seating under the shade for 48 people and we’re a pet friendly market.

Come join the fun every third Saturday and Sunday of the month at the Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor.

For more information follow Rockport Fulton Market Days on Facebook or call 361-463-0125.

Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

37

Service and Advertiser

Directory A/C & HEATING Airboss 361-851-4444 (See ad page 31)

ADVERTISING Coastal Choice Media 361 S Commercial, Aransas Pass 361-790-7106 (See ad page 39)

APARTMENTS Marabella Apartment Homes 5901 Weber, Corpus Christi 361-854-3052 (See ad page 8)

AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR Rockport Auto Clinic 210 E Cornwall, Rockport 361-790-5055 (See ad page 30)

BEADS & MORE The Bead Studio 812 Henderson St., Rockport 361-450-1400 (See ad page 13)

BED & BREAKFAST Anthony’s By the Sea 732 S Pearl, Rockport 361-729-6100 (See ad page 7)

BOAT SALES & SERVICE Waypoint Marine Rockport, 361-727-2628 CC, 361-651-2628 (See ad page 3)

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Aransas Pass Chamber 130 W Goodnight, Aransas Pass 361-758-2750

INSURANCE

RESTAURANTS

Russell Insurance Portland • 643-2600 Corpus Christi • 885-0800 Corpus Christi • 654-2060

The Fisherman’s Daughter 3714 FM 1069, Aransas Pass 361-226-3736

(See ad page 28)

(See ad page 33)

Ingleside Chamber 2867 Ave J, Ingleside 361-776-2906

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

(See ad page 5)

(See ad page 24)

NativeDave.com 361-549-2503

Portland Chamber 1512 Wildcat Dr, Portland 361-777-4650 (See ad page 11)

EMERGENCY ROOM & URGENT CARE CTR Code 3 ER 400 Enterprise Blvd, Rockport 361-529-9400 (See ad page 6)

LUMBERYARD Fowler Lumber 1262 Hwy 35 N, Aransas Pass 361-758-5345 (See ad page 30)

OH MY! Rockport, 361-727-2123 Corpus Christi, 361-867-8050 (See ad page 9)

GENERAL SURGEON Raleigh A. Smith MD, FCAS 1401 W Wheeler, Aransas Pass 361-758-0327 (See ads page 14 & 21)

GOLF CART SALES Smitty’s Golf Carts 1540 W Wheeler, Aransas Pass 361-226-1478 (See ad page 26)

Mickey’s Bar & Grill 40 Ransom Road, Aransas Pass 361-758-1562 (See ad page 27)

Paradise Key Dockside Bar & Grill 165 Cove Harbor N, Rockport 361-729-6000 (See ad page 19)

ROOFING

PLUMBING

Friendly Roofing & Remodeling 361-960-2709

Lloyd’s Plumbing Fulton 361-463-3881

RV RESORT/PARK

(See ad page 20)

FURNISHINGS & DECOR

(See ad page 10)

REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company Krystal Reid 361-385-6103 (See ad page 22)

Eling Corp Coastal Real Estate 1602 Hwy 35 N, Rockport 361-729-3424

(See ad page 12)

Southern Oaks Luxury RV Resort 1850 Highway 35 Bypass, Aransas Pass 361-758-1249 (See ad page 18)

STEEL Industrial Piping & Steel 333 45th St, Corpus Christi 361-884-1677 (See ad page 2)

(See ad Back Page)

SWIMMING POOLS

Spears & Co Real Estate Sarah Solis Rockport 361-729-1144

Aransas Pass Aquatic Center 400 E. Johnson, Aransas Pass 361-758-7770

(See ad page 23)

(See ad page 25)

TITLE COMPANIES

BOAT SHOWS

HOTELS/MOTELS

RENTALS

Rock the Dock 322 Huff St, Aransas Pass 361-758-9000

Fairfield Inn & Suites 2679 Bus. Hwy 35, Aransas Pass 361-226-3939

Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways 361-727-0312

Northshore Title Portland … 361-643-7566 Sinton … 361-364-4390 Ingleside … 361-776-0650

(See ad page 17)

(See ad page 23)

(See ad page 29)

(See ad page 15)

Thank you for advertising!

VETERAN EVENTS Vets Fishing With Vets 361-445-1796, 361-445-1974 Vetsfishingwithvets.us (See ad page 29)

38

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Spring 2019

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Living & Leisure in the Coastal Bend

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Bend and that is where you will nd this beautiful coastal home. IT IS A MUST SEE! Open concept living/dining/kitchen with 10’ ceilings and wood plank oor tile throughout. Thermador appliances in kitchen, large breakfast bar island, pantry and elevator! On demand hot water heater. Private Master bedroom upstairs with sitting area, cozy gas replace and covered patio deck, perfect for enjoying the beautiful Aransas Bay views. Corner canal lot with boat lift, freshwater sh cleaning station and underwater green light. New metal roof.

vacant lot next door is available separately.

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ten port! e 2/2 and zebo en hop/ ndmill, ort! want 2/2

Beautiful Copano CopanoBay Baywaterfront waterfronthome. home.

Beautiful Amazing views, views, completely completelyremodeled remodeled Amazing throughout.Master suite plus 2 throughout.Master suite plus 2additional additional bedrooms.All high end finishes with stunning bedrooms.All high end finishes with stunning kitchen,2 car garage, downstairsutility/laundry kitchen,2 downstairsutility/laundry room withcar halfgarage, bath.Huge deck for watching room withand halfcatching bath.Huge for watching sunsets fish.deck $457,000.

Also THE ISLANDS OF ROCKPORT is one of the newest developments vacant nextcatching door is available separately. sunsetslotand fish. $457,000.

Also in the Coastal

146 SPRING LANE • $290,000

Beautifully landscaped corner lot 4/2 home. New paint throughout, new carpet in bedrooms. Enjoy eating breakfast while looking out the bay windows. Large living area with fireplace, separate dining room Beautifullyliving landscaped corner 4/2 ROCKPORT, TX 78382 /another area. Kitchen haslotnew Residential, Waterfront, Farm & Ranch, home. New6paint throughout, newdouble carpet dishwasher, burner gas cook top, Investment and Commercial Properties electric ovens,Enjoy refrigerator, in bedrooms. eating movable breakfastisland while ROCKPORT, TX 78382 and eating bar.

With over 2400 square feet 2002 White Log Home on 1.93 treeLarge filled acres in Rockport! looking outPine the bay windows. living Three bedroom/two bath, 2000 sqwith ft., with open concept of living area, backyard garden area,kitchen/dining/ area with fireplace, separate dining roompond! living areas.

In-ground pool,workbench. spa, Fish in your ownhome private Margaret A. “Missi” Thomas, Broker two car garage with This is Includes Elizabeth Martin, Managing Broker TX 78382 ROCKPORT, a huge unattached 2+ car garage/workshop and a oversized driveway.

Elizabeth Martin, Managing Broker /another living area.

Kitchen has new priced. $204,000.

Kitchen gettingwell a remodel including new countertops and backsplash.

Residential, Waterfront, Farm & Ranch, Investment and Commercial Properties

www.ElingCoastal.com 1602 Hwy. 35 N. 1602 Hwy. 35 N. 361-729-3424

www.ElingCoastal.com 361-729-3424

1602 Hwy. 35 N.

361-729-3424 www.ElingCoastal.com We many moremore beautiful properties available.

Wehave have many beautiful properties Please stop by our office and visit with one of agents available. Please stop by our officeour and

visitMARTIN with one of our agents.

ELIZABETH MELISSA DIAZ Managing Broker (361) 386-0707 ELIZABETH MARTIN mdiaz@elingcoastal.com (361) 205-4442 MargaretManaging A. “Missi”Broker Thomas, Broker emartin@elingcoastal.com Elizabeth Martin, Managing Broker (361) 205-4442 • emartin@elingcoastal.com KEITH HAMILTON JENNIFER BRADSHAW (361) 215-3028 JENNIFER BRADSHAW KEITH HAMILTON (713) 269-7942 khamilton@elingcoastal.com We have many more beautiful properties available.

(713) 269-7942 (361) 215-3028 jbradshaw@elingcoastal.com jenniferbradshaw80@gmail.com khamilton@elingcoastal.com Please stop by our office and visit withMARK one ofLAUER our agents DAVE FOUNTAIN (361) 463-8305 MELISSA DIAZ ANNA ROBERTSON ELIZABETH MARTIN MELISSA DIAZ (361) 205-1867 mrlauer@aol.com (361) 386-0707 (361) 790-6457 dfountain@elingcoastal.com Managing Broker (361) 386-0707 mdiaz@elingcoastal.com arobertson@elingcoastal.com mdiaz@elingcoastal.com (361) 205-4442ANNA ROBERTSON (361) RUTLEDGE 790-6457 DYANNA emartin@elingcoastal.com arobertson@elingcoastal.com 361-400-8340 KEITH HAMILTON drutledge@elingcoastal.com JENNIFER BRADSHAW (713) 269-7942 jbradshaw@elingcoastal.com

(361) 215-3028 khamilton@elingcoastal.com

dishwasher, 6 burner gas cook top, double AUGUSTA • $275,000 electric402 ovens, refrigerator, movable island 241 Coastal and eating bar. With over 2400 square feet Wildwood of living area, backyard withDrive garden area, two car garage with workbench. This home is well priced. $204,000.

241 Coastal Wildwood Drive

STUNNING NEW CONSTRUCTION! 4 bedroom + studyNew or Listing!

5th bedroom Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located in the Rockport Country Club.

3.5 bathrooms.

Large 2 car garage.

New roof and new privacy fence. Just a short drive to Memorial Park, 17.69The secluded ofMiddle beautiful City Pool, andacres The ACISD and High School.

Spring 2019 oaks. 2 Private PONDS $799,000