Port Aransas, TX on Mustang Island

Mustang Beach on the Gulf Coast

We’ve been here over a week already. Time sure does fly by…actually everything is flying by because the wind hasn’t stopped since we got here. I guess I shouldn’t complain, we don’t have to shovel it and after watching what’s going on in the rest of the country, we feel fortunate.

The beaches are different here than on the west coast. There are very few shells, no driftwood, but very sandy. We’ve been walking the beach or driving it almost every day. There are a lot of fisherman…some wading out in the water but most fishing from the shore’s edge.

One of our favorite pastimes is taking the ferry out of Port Aransas back to the mainland. These ferries are FREE…abit different than the ones we’re used to in the Seattle area. They hold about 18 cars max and fewer if there are bigger vehicles hitching a ride.

The Port Aransas Ferry back to the mainland

Jim keeps saying that when we leave here we are going back by ferry. I keep saying we’ll sink it, but they do carry some pretty big rigs. I’m just not sure I want to test them!

We’ve been exploring our surroundings a lot…especially since it’s been so windy. It’s hard to sit outside or on the beach without being concerned about being blown away or getting sand burned.

When you take the ferry across to the mainland, you go through Aransas Pass and then head on to Portland. I accused Jim of taking a wrong turn when I saw that sign…just like being in Oregon…well, not really but the name was spelled the same.

You then cross the bridge into Corpus Christi. It’s a pretty good-sized town with a population of about 463,577. The Lexington aircraft carrier is docked there and you can go on a tour to see what life on the sea would be like. We haven’t done it yet, but it’s on our to-do list.

Black Diamond Oyster Bar in Corpus Christi

We did find a restaurant that our friends Rick and Karen had mentioned to us. Rick had been stationed here while in the Air Force and raved about the Black Diamond Oyster Bar. Apparently it was a popular hang out at the time. That was 30+ years ago and he wasn’t even sure it still existed.

Well I am here to tell you that it does still exist and even though neither of us had oysters for lunch…I would never have them…Jim on occasion…the food was good. Had our first taste of catfish and it was actually pretty good. So we assured Rick that his old hangout was alive and well.

Typical Sunset at Gulf Waters

We are still having some strange emotional feelings. Not having a home to go back to gives you a different perspective on things. We thought the move would be transparent, but it hasn’t been. So we are gradually getting used to the idea that this is now our only home. It helped today when we had to take Farley to the vet for his allergies. This truly made us feel right at home…we now have a vet bill on the road!

More to come…

14 thoughts on “Port Aransas, TX on Mustang Island”

  1. Well, aren’t you having fun! Gotta do these things while you’re young. We are still here in Tucson. Unfortunately, I can’t get Marj to improve. She’s doing a good job of dealing with the hand she’s been dealt. We’re surviving my cooking but it’s certainly not like the good old days. We’re returning to the NW around 4/22. Hope you realise all the joy you anticipated. Loyal

  2. Sounds like you are moving around in comfort! Love the washer/dryer arrangement!! Gotta have that!!

    Wishing you well on the journey and keep all of us updated!!

    Jenn

    • Thanks for following us Jennifer. If you two decide to go on the road, let me know, I can give you lots of advice!

  3. I have discovered that the lagerr my house the more junk I accumulate. Back when I was married we added on to our house and it just got messier. I’ve been living in a 3 bedroom house for 22 years. It was perfect when my 2 kids lived at home but me and my German Sheppard need a much smaller place. Plus you can’t stop the house insurance and taxes from going up every year and I’m on a fixed income. Since I want to sell the house and get a class B or C I thought renting one for a month and travelling might give me an idea. All I know now is I have too much room and it is getting too expensive to cool, heat, do yard work, repairs, etc. Love your blog.Joni

    • Elena, downsizing is always tough. But in the end it’s worth it. Things get much simpler and you don’t have a lot of stuff to worry about. I think renting an RV to see if you like it is a great idea. Then you can determine if downsizing to that small a space is worth it. It was for us.

  4. Hi Chris,
    I have been enjoying reading all your blogs today. My partner and I have just put our house on the market and are so looking forward to going full time as soon as we can. We have a 36′ Coachman Freedom Express Camper with 2 slides. I know it will take some getting use to the space difference but the trade off of seeing all the wonderful USA is worth it to us. I can’t remember the last time I did my laundry in a Laundromat. One of the things we are thinking about checking into is workampers or something similar. What have you heard about that since you have been on the road? I have bookmarked your page and will keep my eye on your adventures and advice.

    Thanks and Happy Travels,
    Debbie

    • Hi Debbie,
      Welcome aboard. I’m excited for you with your decision to go full time. Yes, you will have some adjustments with space, but if you both work at it, you’ll figure it out.

      Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to blog for a while because we had some family issues that needed our attention and have spent the last several months in Washington State addressing those. We hope to continue our travels soon.

      As far as Workampers, we’ve heard nothing but great things about this program and have considered getting involved in it ourselves. We’ve spoken with several couples who are involved and they love it. Each park is a little different as to what they offer so you’ll have to do some investigating to find what you want to do and where you want to spend some time. They have a website that talks about the jobs that are available. At Workamper.com you’ll find their newsletter and job opportunities. Although we have not experienced it ourselves, it sounds like a great program.

      Amazon also has a Camperforce program during their peak times during the Holiday Season. If you Google Amazon Camperforce program, you’ll find out more about what they are looking for and what they have to offer.

      Good luck and keep me posted on what’s going on. I’ll be anxious to hear how you make out.

      Thanks for your comments.

      cb

  5. Just discovered your blog. Been enjoying reading your travels. Wife & myself have been tossing the idea around about downsizing & going on the road full time. I’m thinking about handing in my retirement papers this summer. Taught public schools for the past 23 years & ready to hang it up. No kids in our life so travel sounds interesting.

  6. Public school is now behind me. Turned in my retirement papers in May 2016. Still looking at fulltime RV lifestyle. Went to our first RV Show at Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth, TX this past weekend. Lots of campers/motor homes to look through & get ideas.

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