Big Tree

We washed the truck this morning and went with about 20 RVers from the park to Paradise Key for lunch. We both had shrimp and they were good. On the way home we stopped at the big tree on Goose Island. It's over 35 feet in circumference and OVER 1000 years old. It's an oak but not like the oak trees we have in Michigan, not as tall and the leaves are different. This evening we played Texas Hold 'em poker. We each lost $425. That was in chips that cost us $1 each.

Rockport, TX

Still here! Monday we visited and had lunch with another HitchHiker forum couple, Rudy & Linda Hingst. We met them first in person at the Escapee Rally in Gillette, WY this summer. We also received mail, thanks Randy & Kristi. Tuesday Judy went to Curves and in the evening played cards in the clubhouse. I made spaghetti sauce for supper. Judy made the devastating discovery that a critter ate her daisy's last night, plants and all. We did some routine maintenance on the inside this afternoon. Exciting huh?

Kohootz ride

Yesterday we did a little shopping, did some water & beach watching, and relaxed. This morning we went to church, came home to change and went to Aransas Pass for a ride on the Kahootz. We saw many dolphins, the port, pleasure and shrimp boats, the location of a sunken WWII transport that was torpedoed, and a light house. It was interesting watching the family boats anchored just off the island beaches and the people beach combing. We had our third ride on the ferry boats this afternoon.

The shrimp boat in the picture was made from a recycled water tower.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!!!

Yesterday was a rest day after scampering all over the Lexington on Wednesday. Today is Judy's birthday!! Steve and I made breakfast outside, scrambled eggs and bacon. Steve started it and I just assisted. As we were making breakfast Judy spotted a large flock of Whooping Cranes circling overhead. It was pretty, black and white flashing above us, we were told they were due back. After breakfast we said so long to Steve & Susy as they are departing for Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley. They wanted to check the area out before Steve returns to work in 2 weeks.

Judy and I went to the Texas Maritime Museum here in Rockport. It had displays on the fishing and oil industry plus a French explorer, LaSalle, who tried to establish a colony here on the Texas coast. He lost all four of his ships and then his luck really turned bad when his remaining crewmen killed him. One of his ships was sunk here and it's artifacts were recovered.

I rested this afternoon when Judy went to the pool for her water aerobics. When she returned we went to Charlotte Plumbers for her birthday supper. Shrimp of course. When we returned home it was time for cake & ice cream. Sorry Jody, doubt there will be any left after tomorrow. It's a big birthday as she now is collecting after decades of investing in social security. Mom appreciated your calls, Randy, Jody & Devyn!!

USS Lexington in Corpus Cristi, TX

We left this morning about 10am and drove to Corpus Cristi to spend the day on the USS Lexington. It had rained much of the night and the rain continued in the morning. It was quite hot and humid but the day on the WWII aircraft carrier was great. If the US sailors killed on the Lexington could return to see the tram taking visitors between the ship and parking being pulled by a Kawasaki, WWII wouldn't be over. With my truck getting 10.5 MPG towing, the Lexington made me feel better, it carried 1.5 million gallons of fuel and travelled 1 mile on 400 gallons. On the way back we drove through the downtown Corpus Cristi and along the waterfront. The return trip took us on Mustang Island (past Pioneer RV Park where Don & Zola have stayed) and across a narrow channel on the free ferry back to Aransas Pass and the mainland. We stopped in Rockport and had a good Mexican supper. Well the debate is wrapping up. Obama is a very good speaker & debater. McCain is not as polished and doesn't present himself as well BUT I agree with McCain's plans more than Obamas. The lesser of two political evils. Let's not get me started on Congress.

Exploring Rockport

This am Judy and Susy did the Curves thing then a little grocery shopping. This afternoon we went out to explore the area along the coast. Stopped for a good pizza for supper. Another HOT & MUGGY day. Rain this evening.

Rockport, TX

CRS......what did we do this weekend? Guess I'll take a stab at it. Relax. We decided we'd fore go the crowds and big city so we didn't go to San Antonio River Walk or the Alamo. We did drive to New Braunfels so Steve could get a Verizon air card for their laptops. Ate at the DQ, not bad, GREAT blizzard. Sunday Judy & Susy went to church. Susy made a real good bean, rice & ham supper! Monday we moved to Rockport, 190 miles. We were both looking forward to this as we really enjoy being near the water. We arrived about 2pm and set up home. I though MI had mosquitoes, HA HA, TX has as many and we fed them very well. We fixed some breaded stuffed chicken, mashed taters and corn for all of us for supper. Man, it's hot & humid down here, high 70s all night, I hope it cools off soon and rains. Yea, I know, I'd complain if I was hung with a new rope. The stock market had an interesting ride last week huh? I liked Mondays trip UP much better.