Since this is the second anniversary of Hurricane Harvey which devastated Port Aransas, I thought I would repeat a post that ran after the hurricane showing the community spirit there. I think it is that spirit which helped many people through difficult times. We no longer live in Port Aransas but the experience of the hurricane is still with us. The post follows this photo of the Texas flag flying over the marina taken days after the Hurricane.
Here is the post.
Continuing with my thoughts on maintaining a positive focus regarding Hurricane Harvey, I am featuring three separate groups who have set up relief points in town. All the goods in these relief locations are donations from kind folks outside of Port Aransas. These contributions have made a difference in helping folks through a very tough time.
Our first stop is the Recovery Supply Depot at Robert’s Point Park.
Here residents can find almost anything in cleaning supplies, hardware, and food. Bear in mind the local grocery store just opened this week with a very limited supply.
This shot will give you an idea of the magnitude of the donations. There are even wheelchairs available.
I loved this shot since it shows bikes, shovels, and rakes.
When I took this picture, a guy off camera asked, “Do you have any tarps?” The answer was, “Sure do. What size?”
The next relief point is Cowboy Camp David. A place run by volunteers offering free food, water, and hugs. The words across the Texas image on the right of the sign read “Texas Strong.”
Water is very important and is available here.
The volunteers are setting up for lunch.
The local churches were hard hit, so Camp David is the point to gather for worship.
Cooking under a pop-up.
Two things every Texan loves. Bar-b-que and the Texas flag.
This relief point is the Harvey Help Center and is located in the ruins of the Laughing Horse Motel. There are bins of cleaning supplies, food, and clothes. (The Fritos looked especially good)
Here is a shot of the women who run this relief spot. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to help those in need.
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Just yesterday, I came across the news about the rebuilding of the Fulton pier and convention center. If it weren’t for the spirit of that community, and so many others along the coast, there wouldn’t be as much progress as there’s been. Here’s hoping we all get a respite from storms this year, so recovery can continue without having to take time out for that kind of event.
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Even though we are away from the coast, we hope the same. Thank you, Linda.
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It’s really hard to believe it’s been two years, John. Your pictures tell an amazing story of the strength of the Port Aransas residents. Thanks for sharing!
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I agree on how quickly the two years went by. It is always good to remember the good that came out of the disaster. Thanks, Jill
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I agree! It’s too bad our media doesn’t show more of the good in the world.
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These are great pictures, John. The people were just grand in giving so much help. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Gives rise to pride in the spirit of humanity. Thanks, Suzanne.
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Pride in the spirit of humanity is sorely needed in these trying times. Thank you for the reminder.
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Humanity must earn it though. 😊
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I remember the spirit that joined your community back then. It was an inspiration to the rest of the country!!
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I hope people always respond the same way to any disaster. Thanks, GP.
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Thank you for this powerful reminder, John. “Free food, free water, free hugs” captures the spirit of the people and the reason Texans inspired the nation. Everyone pitched in, even those who lost everything. ♥
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There were several who had no home but were serving others in the food shelters. Was amazing. Thanks, Gwen
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The ability of people to rebound against devastating odds continues to inspire. Thanks for this reminder that we can rally and help each other in times of need, John. Particularly important in these divisive times…
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I think so too, Lori. Thanks for the comment.
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Thanks for posting. My prayers are still with those awesome fellow Texans!
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Thank you, Tony.
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My husband and I vacationed in Corpus Christi and Galveston about a month before Harvey struck. Many placed we had driven through were all but destroyed, parts of Houston underwater. Texans really came together during this time.
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They did, Joan. The sad thing was it took forever to get relief from state and federal programs that we all paid into.
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That is sad.
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I paid over $7000 a year for FEMA and storm insurance. From FEMA? zero. The storm finally paid off.
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Feels like it was longer ago for some reason. Are there still signs of it even today? I know we still have some signs of Hurricane Sandy around Long Island. Seems like these storms always leave scars.
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Yeah, there are several condos that still haven’t been rebuilt. Many legal issues with condos in a disaster.
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Wow, it’s been two years!
The long term ramifications of these storms remain, but thankfully so does the spirit of those who came together to make a positive difference.
Great look back, John.
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Thanks, Marc.
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I wasn’t following you back then so this one is all new to me. Nothing like disaster to bring people together. I can’t believe it’s already been two years
Excellent reminder, John, that life picks up the pieces and keeps on moving on.
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So true, Dale. Thank you.
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🙂
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I remember your posts during the recovery, John and how far into the future your posts would still include bits about the ongoing recover effort. You lived in an amazing community. I was always impressed by the spirit, for the hurricane or the odd parade through town. I hope they are spared any further damage this season.
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I hope so too, Dan
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Yesterday I was thinking about Harvey too. Thanks for the reminder of how we can all come together and help each other when there is a storm or other disaster. We all are affected and pull together and leave politics out of it. So far the hurricane season has been quiet. Maybe we will be spared another year.
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I hope you coastal benders will be spared.
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I can’t believe its been two years already. Thanks for reposting this and reminding us of how people can come together to help each other.
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I can’t believe it either, Denise. People helping people always is a good thing.
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Surviving a wicked storm like that lives with you for a long time, John. My sis and her family went through Katrina, and you know how bad that was. It’s wonderful to have so many kind, caring folks manning the relief efforts afterward — bless them!
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It does. One of the reasons we moved.
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I am warmed by the spirit of community in Port Aransas, not just after the hurricane, but, as shown in all your posts of the town. Sometimes people pull together after a disaster and then go back to their own lives but in Port Aransas, that spirit seems to exist year-round.
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Thank you, Michelle. It seems to be there year around.
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Once you’ve lived through a hurricane it’s hard to unseen the devastation. Like left such an impression on me.
I was out of Texas when Harvey hit. Thank you for a look back and moment to be thankful for the day today.
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Yes. My thinking exactly. The folks in Potr Aransas had a big ole party yesterday. I suspect Harvey will be the excuse for an annual bash.
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All we|they need is a reason. True Texans ♡
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Yup for sure. And many times not.
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As Dorian bears down, I’m sure it makes you thankful you won’t ever have to endure that kind of weather again!
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Yes, it does. We have had enough of Hurricanes.
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Nice to repost, John. It’s hard to realize it’s been two years.
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I feel for the folks in Florida.
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I do, too.
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Hard to believe it’s been two years. I remember when you first posted these photos.
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Yes it does go fast.
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