We left our home mid-morning and made our way to San Antonio. There is a quaint bookstore there that has been on Mei Ling’s radar for quite some time. While perusing the aisles, I could swear that she looked at every book in every aisle. She was in heaven. The trip is a much-needed break for both of us, but for different reasons. She is unwinding from a tumultuous year tutoring our grandson. Me, well I am trying to figure out what I want to be or become as far as being one with the sea. The real adventure started the next day as we made our way to the coast and Port Aransas on Mustang Island.
After a long drive from San Antonio, we arrived midafternoon, grabbed a bite of lunch and checked into our hotel room. I heard the ocean calling my name. The surf conditions were high, not for true surfers, but for the families and kids. I walked into the surf not caring that I didn’t have my bathing suit on. I had to feel the water against my skin.
Tomorrow the real exploration starts. More beach time is definitely on the agenda. Early the next morning, I was standing at the water around 7 AM. The beach is deserted and I’m watching the waves 2-, 3-, or 4-feet high crashing in towards the beach. The surf is up – red flag. It is cautioning that you shouldn’t go in the water over waist deep water because of the currents and the waves, but it is absolutely gorgeous here. I’m at the sea.
I had always wanted to Sea Kayak and in conditions like this, but knowing my capabilities and knowing my fears and for safety at my age, I don’t think I could ever launch a kayak into the surf or land the kayak back on the beach. I wrote in my journal that I would come to the water before Mei Ling gets up and here I am. It’s everything I thought it would be with the sun rising amid some dark clouds, but it is absolutely beautiful. I feel like I belong here.
Port Aransas is located on Mustang Island, one of seven Texas Barrier Islands. The earliest humans here were members of nomadic groups collectively known as the Karankawa’s. They stayed on or about the islands in winter and fall before moving inland during the spring and summer. These first nations that once lived here and fished these waters are gone now and sadly there is no signs of them. They’ve disappeared. Maybe some ancestors were here not too long ago, but today there are nothing but condos, houses, and people and families enjoying the ocean.
The Marine Science Center and nature trail did not disappoint. Very comprehensive and interesting.
Taking in the marine life in the many aquariums inspired me to sign up and begin taking a primer course in Marine Biology. Thinking about a couple of ladies (Nancy McGee and Jennifer Idol) in the Texas Chapter of the Explorers Club that are nationally known scuba divers and what they get to experience as their dives take them to exotic locations. Understanding marine and ocean life and the perils it faces makes it really important to understand the environment that gives me such joy and serenity.
On the way back we grabbed lunch at Gumbles Seafood Restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Great seafood lunch; flounder, shrimp, and crab cakes. We ate dinner at a quaint classy Italian restaurant, Venetian Hot Plate. Continuing the trend, food was excellent and so far our choices of restaurants have fared us well.
The next day, we got up early and took our chairs to the beach. We talked and watched the water churn a very rough surf. Really great. Sent pics to the family and friends. That was followed by a visit and exploration of Roberts Point Park and the fishing pier. We got caught in a sudden downpour, but the warm rain was soothing and did not take away from the fun. Also, on the agenda was a visit to the Port A art center. Excellent art gallery. I would have liked to have bought a black and white, but the price was too steep, and I have nowhere to hang it. A nice seafood dinner at Virginia by the Bay was awesome as we sat at a marina called Fisherman’s Wharf.
The next day started out in amazing fashion. We found a neat little quaint breakfast place and had a great breakfast at a place called Coffee Waves. After breakfast we went for a walk on the beach. As we walked through the surf, I felt the calmness that the ocean provides. Mei Ling enjoyed taking in all the sights and odors of the sea and the families that had come for vacation. Maybe too many people for my taste but cool none the less.
On our last day before the long trek home, I realized that I’ve yet to get into my bathing suit and go into the water. So, at 6:15 AM as Mei Ling slept, I put on my bathing suit and sauntered down to the ocean to reflect, to think, and to sing “A Pirate Looks at 40”. Thank you Jimmy Buffett.
After about an hour of walking through the surf and periodically stopping to stare at the water and do some major reflecting and thinking, I watched the sun break through the clouds and serenaded it with my totally off-key version of Margaritaville. I’ll bet Jimmy is up there in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and flip flops laughing his ass off at my singing. At least I know all the words! Later that afternoon, I went again into the water and played in the surf. What fun dodging the waves, getting knocked down, swimming and taking in the essence that comes from being in the ocean. I recalled doing this in my teenage years in Far Rockaway, New York. The surf and waves kicked my butt, and I realized just how powerful the ocean is and how insignificant and small I am.
This trip was my way of celebrating Ocean’s Week. One week out of the year when we give thanks for all the ocean provides and its cry for us to help maintain its power and protect it from humanity’s abuse and mis-use of it.
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