Views of the Neighborhood

December 18, 2016 · by · in Views of the Neighborhood · 55 Comments

This week’s views wraps up a look at Port Aransas parks.

Roberts Point Park

Roberts Point Park in Port Aransas is home to waterfront family fun. Built through volunteer efforts and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation grant, this 50-acre park is located on a peninsula of land that juts into the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and forms a safe harbor for the municipal harbor that has 250 boat slips for permanent and transient vessels.

Here is an areal view of the park

Robert's Point Park

The red-roofed structure to the left is the harbor master building and also the Patsy Jones Amphitheater.
The amphitheater serves as a music venue for monthly concerts that are presented to the public free of charge on the 2nd Friday of each month from April through October. The amphitheater is located along the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, just north of the soccer field which hosts local league matches and pick-up games.

Here is a close up picture of the amphitheater. That boat to the right is the Polly Anna a shrimp boat and the harbor is to the right.

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On the green there is a Christmas tree and some snowmen. You can see Santa’s sleigh waiting for his arrival. When he gets here children and pets can have their picture taken. That tower in the background is the observation tower which gives an excellent view of the area. The roofed structure behind the Christmas tree is one of several pavilions that can be reserved for picnics. This time of year you pretty much have our choice of time.

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The park also has a play area for kids with plenty of room for family outings

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There is a jetty running around the park and a perfect spot to fish. There is also a lighted fishing dock that is just behind the observation tower.

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While I was taking photos a ship came through the channel and I managed to catch a dolphin bow surfing. This is a very common sight but never fails to amaze me when I see it. The greenish tone of the photo is because I had the zoom on full. I’m hoping Santa brings me a new lens so that I can capture these kinds of scenes more naturally.

Dolphin

I hope you enjoyed our little tour

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55 comments

  1. anisioluiz2008 · ·

    Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you for the reblog.

      Like

  2. Teagan Geneviene · ·

    I did indeed enjoy the tour, John. I could almost smell the ocean. Exciting to see the dolphin! It’s so wonderful that they have such a sense of play. Have a sublime Sunday. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      They are like kids. There are usually three or more bow surfing. You can’t help but smile when you see them. Super Sunday to you, Teagan. 🙂

      Like

  3. Phil Taylor · ·

    Wow! That shot catching the dolphin in the air is great!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thanks Phil. Took a series but I got it. 🙂

      Like

  4. Gwen Plano · ·

    Wonderful tour, John. Love to meet the folks on the Polly Anna…there must be a story behind that name worth sharing. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      There is a story. (you are very astute) The captain built the boat himself and he and his wife have been shrimping for years. Their kids also joined in. Not sure the kids are still at it but the couple definitely are still going strong. Safe trip. Welcome to the cold.:-)

      Like

  5. Charles Yallowitz · ·

    Nice shot with the dolphin. Getting animal pictures is really tough. Especially in the wild.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      My secret was a series of shots. I just kept shooting not knowing I had anything until the ship was past. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  6. Jill Weatherholt · ·

    Great tour, John! I like the aerial shot, but the dolphin capture…talk about perfect timing…nice! Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I actually had to hold the shutter for about ten frames. I wasn’t sure I caught it but lucked out. Thanks, Jill. Stay warm.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Dan Antion · ·

    Those snowmen must be worried in the heat. I think you guys should chip some ice for them. Beautiful parks, John. Ours are bare and brown or white today.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. coldhandboyack · ·

    Looks like a nice place to dunk a line and watch the ships go by while hoping for a dolphin sighting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      A lot of folks do that very thing. Thanks, Craig. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Lynn · ·

    Lovely tour John! Hope Santa is good to you😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Lynn. I hope he treats you well also. Happy week. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  10. patriciaruthsusan · ·

    That’s quite a spacious and lovely spot, John. The dolphin seemed to be having a great time. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      They love to bow surf. You can almost see them laughing. Thanks, Suzanne. 🙂

      Like

  11. Pamela Beckford · ·

    It’s the time of year here when I really long to see life. Like green grass, trees, flowers. White with gray skies and dead sticks in the ground are so depressing for months on end.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I remember the winters in Indiana. You are so right. Here have a cup of smiles. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  12. The Hook · ·

    I own a park?
    Cool!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Yep. All yours, Hook.

      Like

      1. The Hook · ·

        Awesome!
        Wait, do I have to pick up litter and stuff?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Nope. We er you have people for that.

        Like

      3. The Hook · ·

        Whew…

        Liked by 1 person

      4. John W. Howell · ·

        I know right?

        Like

  13. Pit · ·

    Good morning, John,
    That park is a fixture for an evening walk whenever we’re in Port A. We like it a lot, looking at the sailing-boats in the marina and the ship channel, trying to spot dolphins. Talking of dolphins: you got a great shot there. It’s so difficult to focus on the right spot at the right time.
    Have a great Sunday, and stay warm,
    Pit

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I cheated. I took ten fast snaps and caught him. 🙂

      Like

      1. Pit · ·

        Well, never mind how. It’s the result that counts. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Ha ha ha.Thanks 😀

        Like

  14. Almost Iowa · ·

    Oh….. just rub it in, John. It is -25F with a -50F windchill in Almost Iowa. At that kind of temperature, even the snow huddles on the lee side of my shed to stay warm.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Ha haha. Yes we have a windchill of 30 degrees right now and I am freezing.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. S.K. Nicholls · ·

    You live in such a lovely area. I bet the park has pokestops and a gym.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I don’t do the Pokemon stuff but I’ll bet you are right. Yes, a jungle Jim is there.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Debbie · ·

    So beautiful, John! I love how the sand peeks out from amid the grass everywhere. It does that in Gulfport, too. And that photo of the man sitting and fishing from the sidewalk? Gee, does that make me homesick!!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      He looks happy for sure. Sorry about the homesick, Debbie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Debbie · ·

        Not a problem. I always get like this when the snows and ice take over here!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Okay. Here have a cup of sunshine.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. John Fioravanti · ·

    I loved these shots, John – more reasons to visit Port Aransas. D’ya think John Canon would autograph my copies of your books?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      He has a hard time writing but I certainly would.

      Like

  18. Jan Hawke · ·

    Amazing stuff – love the dolphin and the blue/green ‘filter’! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I have no idea where the blue green came from but glad you liked it.

      Like

  19. Let's CUT the Crap! · ·

    Yes, this is an illuminating tour.The park is fabulous, the dolphins amazing and I so-o-o appreciate your taking the trouble to fly over the park for an aerial view. 😀 😀 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      My arms got really tired too. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Let's CUT the Crap! · ·

        😛 😛 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        🙂

        Like

  20. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister · ·

    Any day you can catch a pic of a dolphin is a good day. Lovely day for the park.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Audrey. 🙂

      Like

  21. tpolen · ·

    Perfect place to spend an afternoon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I’ve done it a few times. Very peaceful. Thanks, Teri. 🙂

      Like

  22. circadianreflections · ·

    I loved that dolphin! Nice tour too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Cute right? 😀 Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. macjam47 · ·

    As always, I’ve enjoyed your views of the neighborhood. I could definitely see myself living here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thanks, Michelle. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person