On the beach you take it like it comes and I could not be more satisfied with the volunteers, the amount of trash collected and they entire event overall. As Dr. David McKee said, “Today is the stuff legends are made of.” To those who didn’t go due to the horrible conditions - don’t worry about it one bit. We know you were there with us in spirit and there will be other years. Once the weather situation became known prior to the cleanup I told several folks who were feeling sickly not to dare get out there and get bad sick - so no one should feel bad about passing on this one. To those who did come and stuck it out, I’d be proud to have any of you covering my back anywhere anytime and we all know I go to some awful tough places. Ha! You all should be remembered as the legends; not me. The ladies who turned out were the ones who really got to a lot of us. Late in the event I came upon a woman who appeared to be in her late-50s or early60s working alone picking up trash. She looked so miserable. I stopped and asked if she was alright to which she replied, “I’m soaking wet, I’m freezing to death and I’m having a ball, so you go on and leave me alone.” Says a lot, doesn’t it? Ace Leal was busy with his camera capturing a bunch of video footage of the event and it should be available soon at www. FriendsofPadre.com or www.billysandifer.com. The volunteers are the heart and soul of this event but our sponsors mean the world to use too and I’d like to acknowledge them although I’m sure I’ll miss someone as I always do so I’ll apologize in advance. A big thanks to outdoor writer David Sikes and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Ron Behnke and the Saltwater Angler, Everett and Pam Johnson of Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine and the Padre Moon for their promotion of the event. Thanks also to the board of Friends of Padre and all the coordinators and section leaders. I cannot say enough about the great folks at PINS NPS, Coastal Bend Audubon Society, Sharkathon, C2Mhill and Laura Paul, David Webb and Spooner Lures, Ben Beaty, and Mr. David Ainsworth and the continued invaluable help of Ainsworth Trucking Co. Mr. Leon McNinch and Jim Mayo of the Ruth Parr Sparks Foundation, CCA Corpus Christi Chapter, Daniel Dain and Domino’s Pizza, Smart Shield Sunscreen, H. E. B. and “Fishbites” as well as Gambler Graphics. Citgo and Team Industrial Services stepped up for the second year as did Michael Laskowski Sr. and Jr. of Trac-Work Inc. Railroad Maintenance of San Antonio who again furnished volunteers with work gloves. Remember the speed limit on PINS changes from 25 to 15 mph on March 1. Now if we can just figure out what to do with all them left over, high-dollar event tee shirts. What a hoot.
Burrowing Owl ~Alhene Cunicularia ~ Slightly larger than American Robin. A long-legged, boldly spotted and barred ground dweller, uses abandoned burrows of other animals. Lives in open country, frequently seen in daylight, although hunts mostly at night. Perches during the day at the entrance to its burrow nest or on a low post. When disturbed it imitates the sound of a rattlesnake. Present in Texas November through February.
“If we don’t leave any there won’t be any.” –Capt. Billy L. Sandifer
Contact
Billy Sandifer Billy Sandifer operates Padre Island Safaris offering surf fishing for sharks to specks and nature tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. Billy also offers bay and near-shore fishing adventures in his 25 foot Panga for many big game and gamefish species.
Photo credit: Petra Hockey
Length: 10 inches Wingspan: 21 inches Weight: 6 ounces
Phone 361-937-8446 Website www.billysandifer.com
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