It’s been over a year since we’ve launched the boat onto any body of water, fresh or salt. A scheduled trip home to south Texas and the spontaneous timimg to meet up with Rosa and Jeff @Baum’s Away in Port Aransas gave us just the opportunity to do what we love, have missed and share the experience with friends.

Our minds were set on deep sea fishing and boondocking beach side. Our Lord had different thoughts. I was reminded, “We plan, God laughs”; thank goodness He has a sense of humor.

The wind was relentless and made its intentions clear each day we attempted to venture pass the jetties. When it’s whitecapping in the bay, it’s obvious the open water is not going to play nice. The one day it appeared as if the description “gail force” could finally be downgraded to “nice breeze” the fog decided on a cameo. Fishing was dismal and as I shared that sentiment with our son he reminded me, “At least you’re on the water.” Duly noted son and thanks for the nudge to be grateful and give thanks even for, perhaps, especially for the small things.

It was great to learn I. B. Magee Beach Park had reopened after being decimated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It has always been our “go to” spot when not boondocking. Witnessing its destruction was heartbreaking. Beauty has certainly come from those ashes. The sites are now incredibly long cement pads each with their own water, electric, and sewer hookups. It was neat to see familiar faces in the front office as well. A testament to the resilience of the residents as reconstruction continues daily. Their faith, strength, and conviction to their hometown is inspiring.

This place always leaves us with more than we bring. Spending time with Rosa and Jeff sharing memories, laughs and great food. I never knew grilled elk could taste so delicious. Rosa, your cooking skills, rock! Praying your full time journey will take you to amazing places and you’ll always be blessed with safety. We’ll meet up again sonewhere down the road.

Making new friends; Donna and Al it was great to meet you. Your four boxers are a hoot. They’ll learn not to talk excessively someday, have faith. 🙃 We loved their intruder alert.

The week spent here didn’t produce the fishing outcome Vidal hoped for but we leave full of gratitude once again. As long as the Lord allows us health and gifts us with time we’ll consider it good. Also, hold in our hearts Elias’ reminder….at least your on the water.

In all things give thanks; be blessed y’all!

When it comes to beaches, sand and the ocean we all have our preferences. For example our son loves deep sea fishing but is not fond of beach camping or sand for that matter. 🙃 He will tolerate the sand if the majority of the day is going to be spent on the boat. However, you won’t find him just relaxing where the sand meets the surf. Vidal and I on the other hand, are drawn to the sand, surf, and deep waters as if they were the completing pieces of puzzle to our contended souls. This yearning to be enveloped by salty air would soon be satisfied.
Our initial plans while in the Rio Grande Valley visiting family and wrapping up dental and optical appointments in Nuevo Progresso, Mexico were inadvertently thrown into a tailspin. We suddenly had an additional seven days of opportunity for adventure.
The lure of being only an hour or so from the coast draws us in like a magnet; off to South Padre we go. The driving wind that accompanied our journey did not subside upon our arrival. The following day was much like the first which made for a great day of exploration all over the island on foot and hopping on the island shuttle occasionally. Our third day we were greeted with heavy fog which would linger all day. It made for the perfect day to just relax, nap, and watch movies.
Day four found Vidal’s desire to boondock on the beach take us on a scouting mission. Before driving onto the sand we wanted to walk the area. We’ve boondocked beach side for years but not here. Feeling fairly confident the sand was well packed but harboring a bit of reluctance with the smaller expanse from the compacted sand to the dunes to which we are accustomed, we decided to give it a go. Several motorhomes had already staked their space on the seashore. We found a spot of our own and settled in. I had been monitoring tide times and knew high tide was expected at approximately 4:24 pm. It was only 1:30 pm so we decided a nap sounded great. Vidal ventured to the bedroom and I laid on the living room floor cuddled up with Zazu. The ocean breeze and rolling waves were my lullaby. An hour or so later I woke up feeling a bit chilly. I sat up and watched a wave roll in….right up to our doorstep. I looked at my watch twice, it was only 2:40 pm. I knew this was not good; high tide wasn’t scheduled for another two hours. I quickly stirred Vidal awake and explained what I had witnessed.
We went into “all hands on deck” mode, bringing in slides and jacks and making a quick plan for getting ourselves turned around and heading to the nearest acces road. I positioned myself outside as Vidal began to maneuver the motorhome in a manner that would keep us out of the water as much as possible. We were fine for a few moments, until we weren’t. We’ve never been stuck before. I marveled at the thought for a moment before reacting to Vidal’s command to hop out and get our leveling pads. We would attempt to use them to give traction to the back tires. We were not successful. It was time to break out the small shovel and dig. All the while, Vidal is frustrated that he can’t help me with this task. (Sidenote: he is only a month post op from spinal fusion surgery.) I was at this task for a mere two or three minutes when a gentleman walked up and asked if he could help. He and Vidal came up with a plan and in no time at all we were back on compacted ground. The dilemma then became how to get turned around without burying our tires once again. As Vidal and the gentleman discussed strategy I gathered our leveling pads and shovel and stored them. The gentleman then returns to where I am standing and I thank him for his help. He tells me he has advised Vidal to turn into the surf a little ways then backup onto the packed sand to get us turned around but Vidal isn’t having it. I hold up both arms and say, “Well, we could always backup the whole way.” He shook his head, smiled and said, “That’s what your husband just said.”
I grin at the thought that Vidal and I think alike. Let’s be real, I know my husband. I knew there was no way he was going to drive into the surf and I knew he had the confidence and skill to back up our 32-foot home on wheels right back to the access road we had entered from. I took my position at the open doorway. My job was to guide us away from the water as much as possible. As we began our retreat we stopped to thank Amos, our angel for his help. The entire time Vidal is steadily backtracking our path he also has to be mindful of other motorhomes and vehicles that are also making their retreat. As chaotic as it was I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the surf and sand as we rolled passed and feel immense gratitude. We found ourselves in a messy situation but the beauty around us was not to be ignored. A half mile later, we reached our exit and made our way to the blacktop. We were officially chased off the beach by the tide, a first for us.

February 28, 2018

Our first three days on the beach were marked with dense morning fog, intermittent rain, never-ending winds, and dismal fishing. We remained undeterred; we were together and seeking to make the moments count.
Swells larger than my comfort level kept us within 100 yards of the jetties. A trip out to the oil rigs would not be experienced this time around. Chalk it up as a win; any time spent on the water is a great time. Quiet joy fills me watching Vidal and Elias take part in an activity in which my father-in-law was so passionate. He would be beyond proud witnessing his grandson’s boating and fishing skills.
Boondocking this close to the water’s edge the sound of waves breaking on the shore is a melodic symphony to the senses. Night sky, chairs in the sand, drinks of choice, loved ones around the campfire; does it get any better than this?
Conversation flows easily, laughter erupts between fishing tales, debates over whose fishing skills are superior, plans made for future trips and then, quietly a sense of humbleness hovers in the air. If you truly want to know where your children’s hearts are on any given subject listen, really listen as they share their thoughts. Discover how those little eyes, ears and minds you once held in your arms and nurtured in your home equipped them with wings and courage to build their own foundation for living.
Those same wings you helped form will one day propel you to new heights. Vidal’s brother joined him and Elias for a day on the water while Kelli and I were tasked with motorhome duty. I know how to dump the black and grey tanks, fill the the fresh water tank, have the propane tank filled and I’ve driven our home on wheels countless of times…on the highway, not narrower than balance beam city streets! With Vidal’s mantra, “it’s just a big car” ringing in my ears, Elias’ encouraging words, and Kelli serving as my co pilot, off we went. Kelli and I learned we work well together, we’ve decided we’re driving to El Paso, kidnapping Andie, and going on a girls’ camping trip soon.
Our fourth and final day is brilliant. Sun shining, calm winds, and a new type of fishing adventure for the boys. Our college classmate and locale resident is taking them wade fishing in the bay. An opportunity to learn new skills is always welcomed. Blackened flounder for dinner? Yes, please.
The elements were irritants for sure; but even the oyster uses them to create pearls.
Precious pearls of memories were made; treasure for our hearts. Be blessed y’all!