Front Porch and trip to beach

Here are a few more pictures associated with the last post.  Enjoy

The beginning of this blog starts on Saturday, October 6th when we went to the Rockport Seafair.  Many vendors with some really cool stuff, entertainment, the "old timey" fair rides, cardboard boat races, crab races, etc. etc.  Very enjoyable.  The following day we did what I call "the circle".  We take highway 35 to Corpus Christi, on the return trip we take highway 361 which I call the "back way" into Port Aransas to the ferry bringing us across to Aransas Pass then back home to Rockport.  Corpus is where everything is located - shopping center, Academy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Freebirds, Starbucks...all the really good things.

On the 9th we headed back to Port Aransas and rode along the beach for miles.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The sound of the ocean is so peaceful to both of us.  Of course we don't go to the beach without going to the jetty.  You're not only entertained with all types of fishing folks but that's the way the BIG ships come into port.  Some of those ships look like they're 5 miles long.  Lee now has the proper fishing rod to fish at the jetty, so we'll head out there next week with his fishing equipment, our chairs, my kindle and spend the day.

On the 10th our good friends (Jim & Pat) came after us and we went to Trout Street for dinner.  If you know of anyone that knows about Port Aransas -- then they definitely know about Trout Street.  The highlight of that evening was not only a great dinner but getting to ride in a CAR!!!!!  I haven't been in a car since we left Tennessee.  It's hard to explain what it's like riding in a big truck without that air ride suspension unit (LOL).

On the 13th Lee went on a Kayak Paddle-In.  There were 38 people which paddled approximately 8 miles.  They all had a great time.  They would have gone further, but the wind interferred with their plan.  His big event will start a week from tomorrow.  He will be attending a 3 day class on kayaking.  I will have him give you an update on that adventure in a couple weeks.

Now to the steps at our front door (picture to follow).  We had noticed these at several rigs last year, so we decided to check around to see if you could rent them.  Long story short......a family that had been camping here for the summer has let us use theirs for the winter.  It keeps him from having to store them.  Well -- let me tell you -- these are the GREATEST!!!!!!  Lee has put some solar lights on each step......with the top light containing a butterfly.  It doesn't take much to excite us --- but this is such a neat addition to our winter home.

We are now making use of the fitness room.  We started on Monday.  Will we stick with it?  Who knows.  But - so far we're doing good.  These machine let u know how much out of shape you are!!!  As of today, both of us were able to add a few minutes/reps.  We should be able to add more next week.

On a closing note.....we came down here for the warmer weather.  Just an update - we have been in the 80's just about everyday, but on the 10th the weather was 94 degrees with a heat index of 100.  Now I would say that's WARM, but we don't mind.......good beach weather and the humidity is not as bad as Tennessee.

This blog is going to be presented by Linda.  Giving Lee a break (LOL).

Our trip to Texas for the winter began on September 21st @ 5:25 am (EST).  It was a very cool 56 degree. I'm really surprised we didn't get on the road sooner.  Due to excitement neither one of us could sleep past about 3:00.  We stopped for lunch at the Mississippi Welcome Center @ 11:28 (CST).  It was too early to check into the RV park.  After relaxing for a few we were back on the road.  Stopped in Meridan, Mississippi @ 12:07 for the night at the Benchmark RV Park, after traveling 361 miles.  Lee felt like he could go another 100 miles or so, but I insisted we "kick back and relax" for the afternoon since we had gotten up so early.  Obviously he thought we made a good choice since he took a 2-1/2 hour nap. (All times going forward will be CST.)

Day 2 started @ 7:47 am.  It sure felt good to sleep in!!!  Warmer temperature this morning -- 68 degrees.  We stopped for the day at 3:12 at the Twelve Oaks RV Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  We traveled 388 miles today for a total of 749.  So far we have been very lucky in reference to having very light traffic and very nice weather.  It would all be perfect if  I-59 and I-10 were more driver friendly.

Day 3 started @ 7:31.  Set the alarm clock for us on this morning.  Our plans were to get through Houston before noon.  Houston is worse that Atlanta in regards to traffic.  We were VERY LUCKY......never had to slow down and most folks that know me ---- I didn't have to roll my window down and yell at people for cutting us off.  We arrived at the Texas state line @ 8:10 and at our final destination for a week - Rio Raft in Canyon Lake - @ 2:04 pm.  We did 335 miles today for a total of 1,084.

After updating everyone of our arrival, Debi (my sister) and her family were insistant that we come up to Austin for dinner.  Tried to tell them how tired we were......but........I LOST that battle.  You see - it's only 60 miles from the campground to her house.  And - we have a "Texas Tag" which mean we can take the toll road and if we want to ---- go 85 miles an hour and .get there in a hurry.  Don't worry - I kept an eye on the
speedometer. We did take clothes, etc. and spent the night.  Headed back to Rio Raft on Monday morning.  Our spot was perfect!!!!!  Overlooks the Guadalupe River.
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My sister joined us on Tuesday in her Class C.  The three of us played tourist for a couple days.  Her son Todd, his wife Chelsea and their son Ryder joined us over the weekend.  What a WONDERFUL time.  Ryder is now 15 months old and loads of fun.  Had to take a couple aleve after playing with him.....but it was definitely worth it.  I'm just not an young and mobile as I use to be.

We left Canyon Lake on Monday, October 1st heading south to Rockport @ 9:40 am.  We only have 150 miles so this will definitely be a short day on the road.  We arrived at our winter home @ 1:30.

Everything is set up and we have played tourist again for a couple days.  A favorite of mine is riding the ferry to Port Aransas and go to the beach and the jetty.  The jetty is where people fish.  While we were there a guy hooked something that was giving him a "fit".  Interesting catch --- a huge by large stingray.....estimated weighing 50 pounds.  We have also caught up with a nice couple we met last year (Jim & Pat Doggett) for breakfast.  Several of our other friends will be arriving in a couple weeks.

Please enjoy the pictures we have posted......but I do feel I need to clarify the yard art.  That is NOT my doing.......but Lee's!!!  Our front yard is definitely the talk of the park.