Rockport, Aransas Pass, and Port A

As we neared Rockport, the first thing we noticed were the new utility poles. It’s a quiet testimony to all the people who have, and are, recreating cities where once stood nothing but piles of destruction. Passing Holiday Beach and Lamar we crossed Copano Bay. Trees had disappeared, and we had new vistas of what used to be tree shrouded forest but now is wide-open spaces.

Texas DOT Trucks were hauling away pile after pile of debris and everywhere work was being done, Blue tarps are now the most common color, but roofers were hard at work with many buildings spotting new shingles.

Our Rv park was not yet open and so we moved, temporarily, to Southern Oaks. The workers there have done such an excellent job that you can hardly see any damage from the hurricane. The birds don’t seem to notice any difference, and a vermillion flycatcher greeted us on one of our morning walks.

Monday, we traveled to Corpus Christi and were welcomed at the Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society’s Rock Shop by old friends, and new members. The shop was full, a far cry from years past where Renita and I would be the only two members using the machines.

Yesterday we decided to drive to Port A which was also devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The destruction there was catastrophic and, yet you could see that, so much work had been done.

The beach, next to the jetty, has pretty much disappeared but still fishermen were able to access the long structure.

Fisherman were throwing cast nets for finger mullet where we had parked. Perhaps the most symbolic thing we saw was the sign at Virginias, that said, “Port A Strong”!

Most of businesses were still being repaired but there were restaurants and even a gas station open) Every place we have gone to has an open Whataburger, if I were to build a house I think I would build it using the same general plan.

Eating at Virginias, we enjoyed the same great food. The garlic fish is one of our favorites! Many of the docks have been destroyed but I am sure it will be only a matter of time before they too are back, better than ever.

We plan on doing our part by spending lots of money, just what the places need.

A dome house looked undamaged, at least from the outside, Again the amount of rebuilding visible speaks volumes to the spirit of Texans! Dolphins were still feeding near the ferry’s and I was surprised to see the old Fina Dock stood across the pass.

Today we are going to visit our usual rv park and we hope it will be open this week. Renita and I have purchased our fishing licenses and can’t wait to get our kayaks and start enjoying the water! Clear skies.