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
***
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.
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you, Keith. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
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).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Those poles are very strong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like fun to watch. Ever see sports like this and wonder how people came up with it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to believe it was the Greeks.
LikeLike
Probably. Yet, I wonder if there was an earlier non-sport application. For example, the throwing stuff may have stemmed from range combat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How about up and over a wall?
LikeLike
That’s what I was thinking. Not very big walls though. Maybe old style barriers?
LikeLiked by 1 person
There you go.
LikeLike
A great event and a perfect day for it. Good pictures, John. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Suzanne. It was a fine day.
LikeLike
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?]
LikeLiked by 1 person
They did as did the show about buying houses on the water. Thanks, GP
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was fun to see through your eyes. I was struck by the strength of the athletes – and their wonderful youth. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
it was a great sight. Thanks, Gwen
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dan. At the airport now. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know right. I was gob socked.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Good point, Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whooo! Those guys are fit! 😀
Have a bonny flight, John – the weather’s not too bad up there today!. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent, Jan. Long range looks a little cooler and 65% chance of rain. I will enjoy the weather.
LikeLike
Bon Voyage, John – safe travels! Hope your vacation is restful and memorable. Thanks for the great pole vaulting shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi John,
great action shots here!
Enjoy your travels,
Pit
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Pit. On the road now.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Philip. Good to see you again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do have a lot going on for sure. Thanks, Jill.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teagan. It was a super scene. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! Who knew? Enjoy your trip, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie. It was gorgeous
LikeLike
I wonder how Port Aransas came up with the idea of sponsoring a pole vaulting contest. Interesting.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with you, Teri. Thanks.
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they did, Deborah
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never seen an event like this. Wow.
Completely unrelated: I just finished your book, My Grl–another wow. Loved it. Will be reviewing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooh. Jacqui. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! Now that looks like fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Michelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool shots! I like all the color.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Audrey.
LikeLiked by 1 person