§ A Dose of Vitamin SEA

Several days ago I read on my ebird connection that a couple of frigatebirds were sighted along the ship channel at Port Aransas. Of course, I had to drive over to SEA if I could spot them since they are water birds that rarely come ashore, preferring to stay out on the gulf. I didn't find any, but I enjoyed the time outdoors, walking. I stopped at the bird reserves first. Not much going on there bird-wise, and I enjoyed the quietness...no one else around birding. I had the area all to myself.  For about half an hour, I watched the sky for those frigatebirds soaring [they're nicknamed the Pirates of the Caribbean since they're robbers of fish caught by the sport's enthusiasts...sometimes  stealing the catch right out of the tern's mouth].  Afterwards, I got back in the car and drove to the area that has a small city park near the ferry docks. I then walked to bring my step count up to my goal before the summer heat made it unbearable to be out exercising, as I watched those that were fishing along the channel banks, and the ferries taking cars, trucks, semi trucks, and RV campers across the water to the town, Aransas Pass,  side or visa-versa...bringing them back to Port Aransas. First, I'll take you along the highway at sunrise...as I drive across Mustang Island to Port A. Some areas along the 15 mile trip you find motels, condominiums, RV parks, residential areas, park access roads to the beaches, churches, and golf courses. It was a beautiful morning...

I've mentioned on another blog post the fact that small boats, called the Farley Boat, were first made in Port Aransas, Texas. Historical data prides in stating that FDR [US president] made a special trip to fish for tarpon here, sailing in a Farley Boat.  And when you drive around the fishing village, you can see replicas [most all painted with seaworthy scenes -some are patriotic, and quite individualistic] on just about every property; on private residences to hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Along the park entrance, several Farley Boats are lined up along the car lanes at the yacht club. Here are two:

Also, found docked nearby is a Pirate Ship replica [also photographed and shared before]...you can go on a harbor cruise and dine aboard. I believe there is also entertainment while dining, making an evening of thrills, chills, and good food...



My next post will be ferries and scenes around the yacht club...

§ Misc....

A photograph continuation of the morning at the harbor...


At Paradise Pond, a reflection of a Little Green Heron on the water's surface, and two brown pelicans on a highly damaged pier [from last year's hurricane]


A Pirate Ship [will go out in the harbor for a dinner cruise] and part of the channel

The Port A Harbor and a Great Egret on an observation tower.

All over town of the little area called Port Aransas, as you walk or drive the streets [both business and residential areas], you no doubt will notice these little boat replicas made into planters...if you don't know the history behind them, you will now...They are replicas of the actual tarpon fishing boats first designed and built in Port Aransas over 100 years ago.  And it's my understanding that the Farley Boatbuilding Works has been re-established in 2011.  Here are a few I've spotted here and there....

Charles Frederick ("Fred") Farley, a master craftsman, was living in Birmingham, Alabama, when he learned from his brother that the guides of Port Aransas needed boats to satisfy the great demand for tarpon fishing. Fred traveled to the Gulf Coast with his three brothers where they designed and built utility boats, lighthouses, and ornate bars. Eventually, Fred settled down in Port Aransas, with his son and began designing and building boats. They established Farley and Son, Boat Builders, in 1915.

source: Wikipedia