Chuck and Elva's Travels: Port Aransas, Texas

Enjoying the Boat Harbor at Port Aransas, Texas

Growing up in San Francisco, California I was always surrounded by salty air, roaring white water waves and sandy beaches, and the smell of freshly caught fish at the wharf on the Pacific Ocean. I loved taking the city bus to Fisherman’s Wharf, chowing down on fish and chips for lunch, and finding that special shell to decorate my room. My eldest daughter and son live in New Jersey and go to the Shores every summer. My last trip to visit them took us all to the shores where for the first time I was able to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean's salty air, sandy beaches, and a succulent fish lunch.

Retired and pushing 63, my husband and I have embarked on a journey that has allowed us to visit interesting places. Work camping in Falfurrias, Texas has allowed us to meet fellow work campers who also enjoy the lifestyle. This year we celebrated Thanksgiving and will also be celebrating Christmas with our new found friends.

Our new friends and work campers at Falfurrias, Texas

My husband and I decided to explore the shores of the Gulf of Mexico at Port Aransas, Texas.

Our visit included a one night stay at 3rd Coast Inn for $59 per night. We were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful spacious 2 bedroom beach apartment with kitchenette, bathroom/shower, pool/spa, and lanai if you wish to barbeque.

We visited the area in December, which is the off season and cooler weather for Texans; and about 80 degrees during our visit. There were no tourists and all the shops looked closed, but they were open. There was no mad rush to find parking. We found this was the perfect time to visit the most beautiful, quaint, and friendliest area we’ve been to so far. We had a fantastic dinner at the Moby Dick Restaurant; my coconut shrimp with Hawaiian rice and Cole slaw was to die for.

Exploring the area we visited the harbor that toasted a great array of yachts for hire. Birds of every species were in abundance and we feasted our eyes on schools of dolphins that jumped out of the water showing off their angelic presence and mystical aura. We also viewed the light house casting its spell across the way on an island that can only be visited by boat. We salivated when we saw the motor homes docked along the coastal sands that overlooked the ocean for a three day stay, beckoning us to purchase the $12.00 yearly user fee.