Yes, the headline is correct. Every year Port Aransas host a major pole vaulting event. Pole vaulters come from all over Texas to spend two days here testing their skills. The event draws college athletes as well as Olympic team members. The whole idea is for the students and athletes to get together and participate in some wholesome, friendly rivalry. This event took place yesterday, and I was certainly glad I went. I hope you enjoy it.
This first photo gives you an idea of the track and the contestants lining up. Also, you can see the number of poles at the ready
Here is a shot of one of the two tracks being used. This also gives you an idea of the spectator base.
This shot was interesting to me since it shows how high the bar is in relation to the size of the athlete. She is just talking off.
Here is a different athlete going over the bar
And then the long way down.
In this shot, you can see a contestant getting ready for her vault.
This young person is an Olympian.
Her starting run shows how every muscle in her body becomes employed.
Here is a shot of the bar.
On the second track, the bar was a little lower. Here an athlete makes it over
Back to the big bar. Here is an athlete who gets tangled in the bar. It is designed, so the athlete does not get tangled.
Of course, the Hot Dog Lady would not miss this event.
I like this next shot because it shows the pole vaulting equivalent to the soccer mom. It takes a trailer to cart those poles.
I love this shot since it shows all these young people getting ready to vault. You can never doubt the future with a picture like this showing their interest.
Here is a final shot of the venue which is one of Port Aransas’ parks
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By the time you read this, I will be on my way overseas. If my response is delayed it is because I have run into a WiFi dead spot. Otherwise, I will have pretty good connections today.
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Nice set, John. I never tried that sport (or
many others for that matter), but it seems to demand a courage I could never muster. Have a great trip.LikeLiked by 1 person
You and I feel the same, Keith.
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I agree with you, Keith. 🙂
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I agree with Keith; I wouldn’t have the guts for this sport!! (Plus I think the pole would snap when I put all my weight on it).
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Ha ha ha. Those poles are very strong.
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Looks like fun to watch. Ever see sports like this and wonder how people came up with it?
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I have to believe it was the Greeks.
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Probably. Yet, I wonder if there was an earlier non-sport application. For example, the throwing stuff may have stemmed from range combat.
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How about up and over a wall?
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That’s what I was thinking. Not very big walls though. Maybe old style barriers?
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There you go.
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A great event and a perfect day for it. Good pictures, John. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. It was a fine day.
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You don’t see a pole vaulting contest in every town, I’ll tell you that!! Sounds like a place with a variety of activities, sort of like San Diego.
[I think HGTV even did a ‘House Hunters’ or two in your city?]
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They did as did the show about buying houses on the water. Thanks, GP
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This was fun to see through your eyes. I was struck by the strength of the athletes – and their wonderful youth. 🙂
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it was a great sight. Thanks, Gwen
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Thanks for the tour of this cool event, John. It must be fun to see them go up and over. Great photos and commentary.
I hope you’re on your way to a safe journey and an enjoyable vacation. This is a well-deserved break.
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Thank you, Dan. At the airport now. 🙂
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Amazing!
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I know right. I was gob socked.
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I would have guessed Port A. As a limbo kind of town, where going under the bar was something you did in the bar. Safe travels.
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Ha ha ha. Good point, Craig.
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Whooo! Those guys are fit! 😀
Have a bonny flight, John – the weather’s not too bad up there today!. 😉
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Excellent, Jan. Long range looks a little cooler and 65% chance of rain. I will enjoy the weather.
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Bon Voyage, John – safe travels! Hope your vacation is restful and memorable. Thanks for the great pole vaulting shots.
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Thank you, John. 🙂
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Hi John,
great action shots here!
Enjoy your travels,
Pit
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Thank you, Pit. On the road now.
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🙂
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That looks like a ton of fun John. Great shots. We attended a local Scottish festival a couple of weeks ago and they play a lot of the highland games. Great entertainment.
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Thanks Philip. Good to see you again.
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These are great shots, John. If I were their age again, I don’t think I could ever get over that pole. Your community always seems to have such interesting events going on. Thanks for sharing! Safe travels!
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We do have a lot going on for sure. Thanks, Jill.
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Wow… that really was unexpected for the View of the Neighborhood. I always look forward to our Sunday strolls. Looking at the height of the bar and poles made my tummy do a somersault.
Again, safe journey my friend. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. It was a super scene. 🙂
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Wow! Who knew? Enjoy your trip, John!
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Thank you, Jan
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What a beautiful day for pole vaulting (though NO WAY could somebody push me up and over that high a bar, ha!). Safe travels, my friend!
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Thank you, Debbie. It was gorgeous
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I wonder how Port Aransas came up with the idea of sponsoring a pole vaulting contest. Interesting.
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I asked some of the coaches and apparently, a couple of people interested in pole vaulting organized it many years ago to give their team members some healthy competition. One said it has been going for twenty years. Like most things on the island, it has an ad hoc kind of history. Thanks for the question, Nichole.
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I’d love to watch, but no way would I every try it myself – how they get over that bar is beyond me. Have a great vacation, John!
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I’m with you, Teri. Thanks.
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Great action shots! I was reminded of my school days in gym class and doing this…not nearly as high. It was fun! I hope these athletes had fun.
Hope you have a safe, and great trip!
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I think they did, Deborah
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Never seen an event like this. Wow.
Completely unrelated: I just finished your book, My Grl–another wow. Loved it. Will be reviewing it!
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Ooooh. Jacqui. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. 🙂
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Wow! Now that looks like fun!
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Thanks, Michelle.
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Cool shots! I like all the color.
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Thanks, Audrey.
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