The ride started before sunrise on Saturday. I had just scanned the real time weather map hoping I would be able to just avoid the last of part of the storms that had brought heavy rain to south Texas. As I approached the town of Gonzales, I experienced a strong intuitive tug on my riding consciousness to quickly turn into the local gas station. Within minutes there was series of very loud lightning strikes near me. This was followed by the last of the very heavy deluge of rain. After about 15 minutes of waiting for the inclement weather to pass, I proceeded to Port Aransas. The rest of the ride was superb as I was greeted by fresh blue sky, the lingering scent of the freshly wet trees and grasses accompanied by cooler temperatures...onward to Port-A.
For lucky Coastal Bend residents, it's easy to take for granted that they are surrounded, quite literally, by saltwater. Aside from the Gulf of Mexico, the bays and estuaries provide some very fertile fishing waters, some of the best in the state of Texas, which are virtually all accessible to the public. Some of the best fall fishing spots are located on, and on the way to, North Padre and Mustang Island. It had been quite some time since I had ridden to this area. I was impressed at the beautiful, clean beaches, great selection of restaurants and attractions, a welcoming village setting, and the friendliest people on the Texas Coast!
Once in Port Aransas, I was able to filter to the front of the ferry line. I arrived a few minutes late, but the selected restaurant for the pie run had been closed for almost half a year. We quickly chose the cafe across the street. Lunch was seafood naturally and exceptional too. After some further tall tales, the TWTEX riders departed. Leon visited the “Lady Lex” - which set more combat records than any carrier in U.S. Naval history and today rests in Corpus Christi bay. I took off for the beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Sand Festival and yes, I went swimming in the ocean. It was refreshing.
I headed back the next day via Three Sisters which made for a long day, but very enjoyable as the dense wild flowers are blooming on Highway 462 from Hondo to Tarpley.
Thanks Leon for putting this together.