Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell

Last week I was able to cover one of the parks in Port Aransas. This week continues the park introduction with a view of I.B. Magee Beach Park.

I.B.Magee Park

I. B. Magee Beach Park is a 167-acre park offering camping, a bathhouse, observation deck, convenience store, electrical and sanitary hook-ups. There is also a primitive camping site. The park is named for I.B.Magee Jr. a Port Aransas resident who was known for his community support.

Let’s take a look at the central headquarters of the park.

I.B. Magee

This is a three-story structure located right on the beach.  The two structures in the foreground are cold water showers and used to rinse off sand and salt water once coming off the beach. The warm water showers which are for campers are located in the structure. There are other shower locations in the park where four quarters will get you four minutes of hot water.

This next photo is of the rear of the structure. I want you to see the stairs up to the observation deck where we will be going next.

I.B. Magee

So here we are on the observation deck, and as you can see, there is a lot of Gulf out there. Yesterday was a bit stormy and overcast.  This first view is of the beach area where the primitive camping takes place.(Off to the left)

I.B.Magee

Those covered structures are tables. The next shot shows a couple of kiteboarders at play.

I.B.Magee

I managed to catch a freighter moving toward the jetty. You can see the waves hitting the jetty.

I.B.Magee

One of the kiteboarders moved into the shot of the freighter, and I thought it was interesting.

I.B. Magee

Here is a shot down the beach toward the Horace Caldwell Pier. The close in tiles are part of the roof of the headquarters building. The pier is off int the distance.  That little blue building is one of the coin-op showers I mentioned. We’ll go to the pier next.

I.B.Magee

Here is the pier.

I.B.Magee

From this pier, you can fish, grab a meal, rent equipment. and drink beer. This is the kind of place you would expect to see a number of old timers sharing stories. Of course, the weather has to be good. I mean temperatures in the low 70’s can get to your bones.

Well, that is the I.B.Magee Beach Park. Next week we will wrap up the park views.

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

41 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood”

  3. That’s a pretty complete package, John. Thanks for the tour. I’ve used those “but some hot water” showers while camping. You have to carefully consider where you might still need to rinse when the time is up. Kite boarding looks like fun but maybe the coordination requirement is a bit high for me.

    Sorry about those bone-chilling 70s. It’s 30 right now and Maddie is looking at her leash.

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  6. Wow… I never thought it would be snowing at Port Aransas, but it’s really coming down… But wait — it’s just those wicked WordPress snowflakes. Seriously though, I loved this visit to the beach. Based on the empty picnic tables, I hope the residents are finally getting to reclaim their home from the tourists. Have a sensational Sunday. Mega hugs

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    1. We are just starting the “Winter Texan” season. There are there snowbirds from the midwest. Good natured folks if not a little stand offish. Super Sunday to you, Teagan. Stay warm.

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  9. John, after seeing the weather reports, I was wondering whether you’d be able to get around your neighborhood and show us the sights today. I’m glad you braved the elements! These are such interesting captures and again, remind me of Gulfport. Sigh. ‘Tis been far too long since I was there, though it’s nice to revisit it via your beachy pictures!

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  10. Good morning, John, and thanks for taking me around Port A again. That headquarters building is quite a structure. You must have had a good wind blowing when you took theese pictures. With the waves crashing over the jetty,
    Have a great Sunday,
    Pit

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