Views of the Neighborhood

April 30, 2017April 29, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

I had originally planned to do a post on the World’s Largest Peace sign which was to be formed on the beach today using human participants. Here is what it looked like last year. Port Aransas for Peace

Unfortuately, we had some high tides this weekend, so the event was canceled. So, instead of the peace sign, I thought I would let you know what it means when we have high tides.

This first photo was taken last week and shows what the beach typically looks like.

Normal beach

You’ll have to excuse the gull. Whenever I start taking pictures, they want to make sure I catch them as well. Here is what the beach looked like yesterday was taken from the same place.

High Tides

Notice the water is covering the sand. The gulls are still in the shot since they can’t stand being left out. To give you an idea of how this affects the happy tourists here is a shot that is directly to the left of the one above.

High Tides

If you can say “chaos” you have it right. The wooden structure is our cart over leading to the beach.

Just so you can appreciate the misery here is a closer shot of the one above.

High Tides

Now a shot to the right.

High Tides

There are always hearty souls willing to make the best of a bad situation. Here are a group of Skidoo fans enjoying the overcast sky.

High Tides

Also, there are fog worshipers who must love this weather. Hope that have their fog screen on.

High Tide

I think if you want a serene photo that avoids the carnage on the beach you need to back up a bit.

High Tide

Ahhhh. That’s better.

Wait! Maybe the solution is to avoid the beach altogether.

High Tide Grab a chair or lounge. Here take this margarita and let’s sit a spell.

Views of the Neighborhood

April 23, 2017April 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Last week I ran a preview to the Texas SandFest and promised more pictures this week. I have to provide a little disclaimer. Since my deadline for posting for Sunday is Saturday, I had to be satisfied with the sculptures state of readiness. The artists have until Sunday noon to finish their work for judging. You will get an idea of the work even though they are unfinished at this time.

This first photo is of the sculpture honoring our military personnel.

Texas SandFest

Here is a closer look at the work.

The heart reads “Thank you Troops and Vets” with a subscript saying “military smiles.”

Here is a shot of the finished side honoring those who fell in the Texas Revolution

The fourth side of the honor piece is a tribute to the Alamo and the people who lost their lives.

There is also a huge sculpture recognizing the sponsors of SandFest

The next photo shows three of the Master exhibits under construction.

The next is an artist at work

Hard to miss the beginning of a hound dog. You can make out his face and crossed paws.

Pictured are three more under construction. It is interesting to see how the sculptures are built with the help of barrels.

takes a lot of water to keep the sand wet.

More construction

This photo shows how the artists work from middle to outside on bigger pieces.

The Story Reading Ape should like this one.

Here is a good example of building a sculpture on a wooden base.

Another using a barrel

Since last week I showed you the food trucks in a state of repose. I thought it would be fun to see one of them in their full costume.

The final shot gives you an idea of the number of vendors there are on site.

Views of the Neighborhood

April 16, 2017April 16, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Texas Sandfest

Next week is SandFest which is a big event here in Port Aransas. The event’s mission is to raise money for local charities. Founded in 1997, Texas SandFest is a three-day event that attracts sand sculptors from around the globe. The event is the largest sand sculpting fest and competition in the nation and brings over 100,000 guests to the beaches of Port Aransas. The free event is organized into competitions for all experience levels to include both amateur and professional sculptors. Guests can participate or simply wander through the incredibly unique artistic displays.

I will be giving you a look at the festival next week but thought I would provide a behind the scene preview

This first photo shows the kind of heavy equipment needed to prepare the beach for the sculptures. They are forming piles which will be turned into works of art.

Texas SandFest

Here is a long view of what will become the central sculpture. It will depict the theme as well as honor the sponsors. The three poles act as supports.

Here is one of the artists hard at work. The person in blue is spraying water on the sand to keep it moist.

A close up of one of the flags that will be on the sculpture. This is the famous battle flag from the battle of Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution.

A little more detail showing the oil heritage of Texas

I left this shot in so that you can see the proximity of the sculpture to the Gulf Mexico.

It takes a lot of water to keep the sand from blowing away. Here is one of the hook-ups to service some artists.

Speaking of artists here is the person known as The Glue Man. His job is to spray a glue-like mixture on the sculpture. This binds the sand and acts a finish coat to keep the work in place.

Sine the festival attracts 100,000 people there needs to be quite a few food trucks to provide food and refreshments. The photo below will give you an idea of what they look like.

Here is a holding area for the food trucks. Notice the RVs which serve to housed the vendors for the week.

I hope you enjoyed the preview and I’m looking forward to showing you the finished result next week.

Views of the Neighborhood

April 9, 2017April 8, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

This week my producer is back and suggested a portfolio of some of the boats here in Port Aransas. I thought it a super idea and went out yesterday with my trusty iPhone and took a few. Hope you enjoy them.

The first boat I saw when I arrived at the marina was a pirate ship just getting underway to overtake that ferry.

Port Aransas Boats

This next shot is of a couple of bay boats. Notice the 225 horsepower motors

Theis next one is a Coast Guard cutter. Always nice to see these guys around.

I thought this next one would be of interest given how shallow the draft. This is a bay boat as well. The motor looks big enough too.

I saw this sailboat at the dock and wondered if the folks brought her here from St Petersburg Florida.

Here is a compact fishing boat. It could handle substantial seas.

In case anyone is interested in a house boat this old junker can be had for a song I’m sure.

Here is one a little more cleaned up.

This boat is all party

Here is a good-looking sailboat named Parrot Tales. A few drinks to be had on her I’ll bet.

Y’all always ask which one is mine.

Nope not this one.

I love No Wake signs and here is a good one.

No boat Port Aransas portfolio would be complete without a shrimper. Here is one heading to the Gulf.

I thought this boat was kind of interesting. It is a platform with a motor.

Here is an outboard twin fishing boat coming back to the marina from a Gulf trip.

This last photo is of some folks on paddle boards. Yes we have those as well.

Views of The Neighborhood

April 2, 2017March 29, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Today I thought I would take you on a tour of some of the places we all love to go to grab something quick. It may be a sweet or something for dinner. I purposely left out the pizza places, and fast food joints cause you can see those right where you are. So here we go.

Our first stop is a place where you can grab crabs and shrimp. They also have some bait, but most of the business is fish, crabs, and shrimp. Here is the sign on Highway 361. (don’t be confused it is a two lane road.)

Now a shot of the store

Port Aransas Treats

If you are in the mood for something cold, then a sno-cone is right up your alley. Here is Tropical Sno in the Spanky’s liquor store parking lot (Could be worse)

The building is cute and fits with the burnt orange of the Spanky decor. Not to be confused with that Coors Light semi in the background.

How about a pickle sno-cone. (you first)

Right across the street is a shaved ice stand. Now you have to know the difference between a sno-cone and shaved ice. I’ll bet you thought I was going to tell you didn’t you. Well okay, a sno-cone is served in a paper cone and is crunchy. The syrup added more or less makes its way to the bottom where the last bites are the most delicious. Shaved ice is finer and resembles snow. The syrup generally penetrates all the snow, so each bite is uniform. It is usually served in a foam cup.(Even though Nola’s sign looks like it is in a paper cone. There, now you know.

We also have Ice cream on the island and in fact tow ice cream shops. This one is cute and like all things, in Port A it has an interesting neighbor.

I will be doing a feature on tattoo parlors another time but doesn’t this place look interesting?

Here is the other Ice Cream parlor. By the way, that circle of what looks like smoke is a Blue Angel. They are giving a show in Corpus Christi. I didn’t even know I had caught it until I got home.

Here is another view. The place is called “Desserted Island.”

Our final stop is the newest fish place. The guy’s name is Paul, and this is Pauls Seafood. Paul is very popular in Corpus Christi, and he took over another seafood shop here in Port A. I’m sorry, but the idea of live crawfish gives me the willies.

Hope you enjoyed the view this week.

Views of the Neighborhood

March 26, 2017March 26, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

This week I thought it would be fun to take photos of those things around town that tourists take tend to take photos of too. I know, sounds a little nuts but bear with me. I also have to explain that there were no tourists in town yesterday so I couldn’t hoodwink a few into having a picture taken with their head inside these items. I would have put me in the photos, but since my producer is out of town for a week, there was no one to snap the photo. Sad right?

The first photo is a group cutout in front of Winton’s candy store. It has nothing to do with the beach or candy but does provide a pretty accurate depiction of a Port A Saturday night.

Photos to take in Port A

This next one is in front of Wintons as well. Clearly, this is a Rattlesnake dressed as a cowperson shooting of guns while happy candy cane cactus stands by. Woo yeah.

Where to take photos in Port A

The next one is in front Stingrays Taphouse and Grill and is obviously a stingray dressed in a 40’s zoot suit playing a guitar. I would want this one on my holiday card

The next is an extra. We have a sand festival called SandFest, and this gold cart will be raffled off.

Now we are at The Gaff, and since there are pirates everywhere, it is no surprise that the cutouts are of pirates. Of course given some of the others and the fact that The Gaff is the Sandbelt racing capital of Texas one never knows.

For bad pirates, there is the stockade

Y’all have been here before but here is another shot of the Gaff sign. I didn’t stay for the races. There is only so much excitement an old guy can take in one day.

Here is an interesting tent. You can see this is a place that you can have photos converted to shirts, shoes and it appears by the photo blankets as well.

Here is another shot of the outside. I think I would love to have a poster that big. Maybe one of my books and it could fly from the porch.

Here is a shot inside the mysterious tent. The first thing you should notice there are no photographs allowed. (Oh sir, I didn’t see the sign or signs.) Notice also the parrots. They are live and were yelling “no photos,” as I was setting up the shot. The third thing to notice is the tourist (yes, there is one) dressed in the blue shirt with a depiction of cocktails on the back. In case you miss the subtlety the word “cocktails” is stitched above them

Here is the granddaddy of all photo ops. Imagine yourself inside the shark’s mouth. Don’t forget to look horrified so that folks back home will be fooled into thinking you are in the mouth of a shark.

I love this little sidewalk painting. This shows you where to put your feet to get the best shot of……

These two old fisherman. I did stand where I was told by the street painting and by gumbo I got the best shot.

Thanks, for joining me on this little walk around the neighborhood.

Views of the Neighborhood

March 12, 2017March 11, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Since this is spring break time, I had hopes of catching some excellent photos of American youth out of control. You know the ones where no one can focus their eyes, duckfaces, tongues out, red Solo cups, cigarettes, no shirts, and no shoes.

For a little nostalgia here is a shot from last year. (yes, there is a guy in the photo )

Spring Break

Since I take the photos for this feature on Saturday, I’m sad that at press time because of record-breaking rain, the posted photos show a different scene. (Don’t get me wrong. I’m not sad there is no mayhem, I’m sad we have nothing to laugh over)

So, let’s take a look at some friends of mine. I have to warn you these guys are not wearing any clothes.

Spring break

Yup this is a flock of Pelicans flying over a dark and stormy beach. This is a look to the North, and you can see some blue barrels on the beach. These are designed to keep the thousands of college kids from parking by the dune and blocking the road. They are put up for spring break then taken down. Usually, there are hundreds of vehicles going back and forth. The next photo shows a vehicle in the area.

Spring break

You have to admit it is a pretty dismal sight. I can’t imagine sleeping in that soggy tent.

This next shot shows an alternative to the soaked tent.

Spring break

Not sure this is any less dismal.

This last shot is of the beach chair set up by the resort down the road. I think they are ready for what will be no-shows.

Spring break

In case you wonder, we are most happy when the weather does not co-operate. We have become used to the peace and quiet of no spring break, and when it is upon us, all we can do is hunker down. This year it appears we have had a break of our own. Besides, the lawn needed a drink.

The weather is supposed to clear by Monday (darn it) so I’m sure there is plenty of noise, trash, and drunk time left in the week. I’ll be hanging out inside.

Views of the Neighborhood

March 5, 2017March 4, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

As most of the Christian world knows last Tuesday was Fat Tuesday which marks the last day before the beginning of Lent. In New Orleans, the event is characterized by the last of the Mardi Gras parades. Not to be outdone Port Aransas Has its own version of a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras parade. I must tell you that I took over 100 photos of the show and can only give you a representative sample of the participating members. So here is the Mardi Gras parade Port Aransas style.

The parade started with two police cars leading the way

Port Aransas Mardi Gras

This is a photo of some typical participants. Adult beverages were de rigor.

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The float members were pitching beads and candy to the bystanders.

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Here is a boat theme. Wonder how they got that idea? Notice the guy picking up the beads. He didn’t even have to take off his shirt.

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This is the only photo of the fifty golf carts in the parade. It is typical, and most look similar.

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Another boat. Go figure.

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This Humvee was well decorated. Lots of candy came off this baby.

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This child was very cute, so I kept it in.

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This float is actually a portable bar that visits the beach now and then

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I thought the motorized chair showed a lot of grit and so typical of the spirit of Port Aransas. A big applause was given.

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There is a Parrot Head chapter in Port Aransas. I know a big shock.

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Here is the Chamber of Commerce float and of course the guy is texting and floating. Probably ordering carry out.

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There were some cool cars in the parade like this Camaro.

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This float got the Awwwww award. Seemed strange having innocent children in a celebration of overindulgence. They were cute, though.

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Here’s a red Chevy

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And a custom hot rod from Colorado

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My favorite was this vintage Pontiac. I think it is a 1949 and it is in pristine condition

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The parade ended with the EMS team.

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I hope you like the parade. It was very much fun and I collected a lot of beads and candy as well.

Views of the Neighborhood – Garage Sale

February 19, 2017February 18, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Yesterday was the Port Aransas city-wide Garage sale sponsored by Help Keep Port Aransas Beautiful an organization dedicated to maintaining Port Aransas as an attractive community. The idea is to repurpose items and help keep unwanted items out of the landfill. The event included private homes as well as a central sale at the Community Center.

The first photo is of the early morning opening of a private home sale. This guy’s shirt is from the local kite store. No, the guy doesn’t work there.

Port Aransas Garage sale

Another home sale. Love those water skis leaning against the tree.

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Here is a view of the sale inside the Community Center

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I asked this lady if I could take her picture and she jumped up with the cutest smile. If you want to set up at the Community Center, you pay $15.00 per table, and the tables are provided.

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Here is a sight you see at every garage sale. Mom and child are manning the tables. I wanted that purple bag, but it wasn’t for sale.

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Here is also a sight you see at every garage sale. The person behind the table is paying absolutely no attention to the patrons. I could excuse here, though she was engrossed in reading My GRL. You can see in the background that there is a snack bar set up. (They sell donuts and coffee)

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Here is a table of a lot of jewelry and stuff. (Don’t miss the ferns under the table.) That lady approaching me with the look is asking, “Hey, aren’t you that famous blogger and novelist John W. Howell?” I told her she must be mistaken.

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Of all the pictures I almost threw out this one was at the head of the list until I spotted that pneumatic apparatus on the guy’s chair. He has the only collapsible rocking chair on the planet. After I had taken this picture, the man wanted to know what of what I was taking a picture. “Not you.” was my reply. “Oh, okay,” was his.

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Help Keep Port Aransas Beautiful sells Afghans and t-shirts to raise money. The Afghan has scenes of all the famous Port Aransas places. Most of which have been on this blog

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My final shot was taken on the steps of the Community Center. I caught a guy with his treasured fishing pole. It is hard to see, but water is pouring out of the dolphin’s mouths.

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I know it wasn’t Earth shaking but hope you enjoyed the tour. Peaceful Sunday to you.

Views of the Neighborhood

February 12, 2017February 11, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

This week saw the annual Animal Rehabilitation Keep sale and auction. This event is always well received since the items offered for sale are those that have washed up on the beach throughout the year. It is hard to believe that these items were at one time floating in the Gulf. Just looking at them brings up stories in the mind. (Well, at least to a fiction writer.) I have selected some photos of the more unusual items.

This first picture will give you an idea of the interest in the sale

ARC Sale