Finally, another 5 1/2 hours gone and I made it to Corpus Christi. The air was thick and warm. The sky was gray because of recent storms. I began to see water promising the beginning of bay inlets. I had been warned about the muggy weather so I was not surprised when the air conditioner, blowing on me inside my car, began to feel moist. I thought that odd but would learn that it was the way of life way down South in Texas. It was 86 degrees but it felt like a sauna you are stuck in and can’t get the door open. I would find there would be an ocean breeze but the breeze was also warm and wet, not like the cool Pacific winds that we spoiled Californians actually complain about. I will never complain again, I promise.
There are a lot of visitors here, like me, but most of them are here for the fishing. There are multiple piers to fish from. People also bring their boats and head out into the waters. There is commercial fishing too. I believe they are going into Shrimp Season but they also have Clam Season and, most importantly, Oyster Season. People come from all over to enjoy fresh-caught oysters. If you come here when I am here, I will give you all of my oysters. I’m not a big fan…
You can tell the locals because they have a true Texas drawl. They are also extremely polite. Arleen’s friends and neighbors have been very nice to me but I learned quickly that they are not “California Huggers.” Guess they don’t need any of that nonsense to show they are friendly. Note to self: Chill on the California Hippie-Love Stuff. Also, most of Texas seems to be way behind in recycling. Cans and bottles are NOT collected. They tell me there are no known recycling centers nearby. “There are some in the big cities, but here in most of Texas, our garbage is our garbage.” It is just garbage. It brings a tear to my eye as I have been an avid recycler since 7th grade.
A couple of days ago we went downtown. On the way home, Arleen suggested we take the ferry back. We waited in line and drove onto the ferry. We were in the front row. How exciting. Once full, the ferry moved forward, turned slightly to the right, then slightly to the left, and then docked. It took longer to get onto the ferry than it did to ride the ferry. Turns out, they thought it was better to ferry people across (cutting out about an hour of commute time) than to build a 300-foot bridge. There was no toll. That was a California shock.
I have spent time here with my friend, Arleen. We have been friends since I was 15. This has been much-needed girlfriend-power time for her, and I think also for me. We have decided that she will come with me as far as North Carolina and then she will return home. I enjoy my solitude but I am sure it will be nice to have a little company for a while. Plus, she is good at navigation. Just call me Wrong-Way-Wobin!
Walking up to the office, for my morning coffee, I was stopped by an elderly gentleman holding a open flat box. It contained rocks and some small tiles. On each was a different painted animal (cat, dog, fish, etc) and on a 1 1/2 inch square tile was a lovely bayview, garden scene. He smiled and asked if I would like one. Immediately my skeptical mind asked, “How much?” He continued on, “My wife and I travel and we also paint rocks, passing them out to strangers we meet. Please, just choose one for yourself.” So, I did. It turns out, their retirement years are filled with doing what they love, traveling, painting rocks, and being quiet Ambassadors of Good Will.
I have been here almost a week and still have not had any barbeque or TexMex. Tuesday, I will finally head out, first stopping in Waco, Tx. Have you seen the HGTV show with Chip and Joanna? Joanna has a store there at the “Silo”. It will be nice to say I saw it in person. I understand a keychain is about $25 so I don’t believe I’ll have to worry about spending money for stuff I don’t need. That will make my friend, E. proud (insider joke).
Today is Memorial Day. I feel a tug missing the visit to my father’s grave, seeing all the flags. But last year I stayed for the ceremonies, and the experience took a toll on my emotions. I still feel that ceremony and I still remember you all. Thank you, veterans and active service members. I’ll be going to a celebration potluck at the RV park where Arleen lives. We shall see how Texans party.
Arleen would be over the moon if I moved here, but there is nothing to do unless you love fishing, and you love oysters, and you love warm, muggy weather – that will turn into hot, muggy weather soon enough. No, it is time to move on.
FORWARD!
#ontheroadagain – finally
Good thing I gave myself two months.
Note: We went to church on Sunday; a nice little “warehouse” type church. Almost everyone, except the pastor and me, wore shorts. Rusty, from my church back home, would have been very comfortable there. Those who know him can tell him that.
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