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GeographicWest Road Dispatch Number 1The Treasure Coast PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS - A slender ribbon of land stretches from Sabine in the north of Texas, west then bending south to Brownsville and the border with Mexico. Closer, portions of this land, sometimes connected to the mainland and sometimes acting as a barrier island, were the first landfall of many a pirate ship several centuries in the past. Treasure was buried and ships were lost at sea near the shoreline in this area called "The Treasure Coast." And over the years treasure has been discovered from buccaneers such as Jean Lafitte around Mustang Island, just south of Port Aransas. Because of the constant threat of hurricanes and tropical storms, 1875 and 1919 in particular when the town of Port Aransas was almost wiped out, development has been slow. Nearer the shoreline from "downtown" Port Aransas and along the spit of island land toward Mustang Island. You will see most of the residences on stilts, living areas above ground and garages on the ground. You will also notice the absence of trees, naturally occurring stands of trees are rare. Palm trees do flourish in the warm tropical climate and you will see them scattered throughout the area on the barrier island and mainland. The area is a playground for families and fisherman. The fishing industry abounds with opportunities to traverse the Gulf waters where an estimated 600 plus species inhabit the waters around Port Aransas. Beach activities are highlighted by the fact that cars are allowed on the beach. Beach access roads cut off from the main road, 361, and onto a beach road that stretches for mile after mile. The beach road is firm and compact and easily driven. There are spots for dry camping for your Winnebago or Fleetwood or Country Coach or Coachmen RV. Or you can pitch that new tent that you just picked up from REI or Camping World. The seemingly constant sea breeze helps to cool from the humidity and heat. There is one caution, in that constant sea breeze, in calm periods, you will notice mosquitoes. Vector control is fighting a loosing battle this year with the massive number of free standing pools of stagnant water collecting in depressions around Port Aransas and Aransas Pass. So, bring plenty of Jungle Juice or Off. You will need it. There are restaurants scattered around the main downtown section of Port Aransas. Fins, try that one out. Dozens of others serve all types of food. A few grocery stores, a few small drug stores. Some medical facilities, but remember Port Aransas is a beach community. Not far from downtown you can drive about a mile to a ferry which can take you to the large town of Aransas Pass on the mainland. Hooray& an Aransas Pass Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut, Popeyes Chicken, Sonic, Whataburger and McDonalds and your back in the burbs again. Port Aransas can also be reached from the mainland and Corpus Christi. Corpus has a population of about 280,000 so it is fully serviced city. Corpus, the shortened version is how the locals refer to their fair city, has a skyscraper skyline and throughout, dozens of hotels, large and small such as: Omni, Quality Inn, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Radisson, Regency Inn, Embassy Suites, Travelodge, Rodeway Inn, La Quinta Inn, Comfort Suites, Microtel, Super 8, Motel 6, Ramada Inn, Best Western, Red Roof Inn, Hilton, Fairfield Inn, Drury Inn. Lots to choose from with a wide range of prices. If you prefer to stay in Corpus Christi there is lots to do there as well. Two must-sees are the aircraft carrier Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium. If you fly into Corpus Christi International Airport you can rent a car from Avis, Advantage, Dollar, Hertz and National. They have rental car counters in the airport next to baggage claim. You can also take a shuttle to Thrifty Car Rental, Enterprise Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car. Airlines that service the airport: Continental, American, Southwest, Delta and Express Jet. A drive to the beach community of Port Aransas is within easy reach of Corpus Christi. Staying next to the Gulf and hearing the waves at night from one of the many hotels and condo right next to the beach is wonderful. The air is warm and sweet and even the humidity feels like velvet, in the evening of course. There is much to see and do and experience or you can simply luxuriate on the beach. Port Aransas is not upscale but it is a wonderful way to spend a weekend or week or longer. You won't be disappointed.
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