On the Beach

Scoot'n Around

That's actually the name of the place and yes it's on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico. No wall here but we did see a border patrol car.



As an option for getting around a new scooter is getting a lot of attention. Great for taking out the garbage.

Beach Lodge Restaurant

The beach also serves as a road and for a $12 a year parking pass you can even camp overnight no charge in many areas.

 
 
 
We preferred our first nights on the island to have full hook ups. A mile walk on the beach for a Flounder Fish Fry at Beach Lodge.






Pelican

Lots of fishing here in this port town, and we had a chance to see a number of feathered creatures too.




Short walk on a pier.

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Zoomed in on some Rosy Spoonbills

Hanging out at the Beach

Plow on the Beach -Sand not Snow

 

Texas or Bust

Midway Park Waco

We made it after 4 days of driving to our first destination Port Aransas, Texas. We always began after morning rush hour and settled in before dark, stretching out the 1900 miles with HaRVey in tow.

Reflecting on the route, we wish we would have avoided an $18 toll from Kansas City, KS and Fort Worth, Texas downtown road construction. But arriving without incident is all we wanted.

Wendy as we fondly call our GPS unit was usually right, but still have some doubts. As we took the ferry onto Mustang Island she told up to get off the Ferry when we were still 100 feet from shore. I guess she was just as excited as we were.

Sunset  with one more day.

Our overnights on the road - Lakeview Casino in Iowa winning a $100, a Microtel in Oklahoma enjoying a hot tub soak and Midway Park, Army Corp of Engineer property in Waco, Texas where we made use of the Senior National Park past for our first time. Only $12 for water and electric.   The stops were brief stays as we kept everything hooked up so no exploring our surroundings.









Driving into Aransas Pass

By the time we crossed into Texas the temps were rising to the 60's which felt plenty warm to us.



We know we were coming into the storm worn area of last falls Hurricane Harvey. Reports are many businesses have reopened but many still awaiting repairs and clean up in Port Aransas. It was very evident on the last stretch of road before the ferry. Miles of mounds of building debris filling the media between a divided highway for sorting and crushing.

Ready for a Ferry Ride

So far the spirit of area residents is strong. Many volunteers remain in the area. Clean up continues, the beach is beautiful. Were meeting people who have returned here for their winter getaways and are saddened by what they see, but wouldn't choose anywhere else. Even a neighboring RV couple adopted a rescued dog from the shelter.

The saying here- Port A Strong.

 

 

On the Road Again

Our great escape this year will take us south to Texas. It's a big state, I mean really big. Too big to cover all of it in our February adventures.













We'll be starting with the beach in Port Aransas, we know the sand is still their but we will see how much has been reconstructed since Hurricane Harvey. No to be confused with our HaRVey.








Then our mission will be to explore San Antonio and the Hill Country. Walk along the river and enjoy Gruene or Green as they pronounce it.

Austin will be our last stop hopefully, since we have reservations at an Army Corp campground. Hopefully the Federal government won't be on break again closing down our rest stop.



If nature is in our favor we hope to see some of the bluebells in bloom.  Along with finding the best brisket and BBQ and discovering taco trucks. My desire is to see an Armadillo and a Long Horn Steer, hopefully at the rodeo.





We've been preparing as always, I read James Micheners book Texas, we've researched the web and got our gps updated. If you have any spots to share be sure to let us know.
 

All Fired Up and Glazed

Our bowl creations from December's event.

Saturday's date night at Generous Earth Pottery in La Crosse, WI. They're pretty small and heavy but they're ours.

Sweet Day

A trip to Winona's Minnesota Marine Art Museum is always inspiring. Amongst the Van Gogh's, Monet's and Hudson River Artists are the rotating exhibits by artists inspired by water, especially the Mississippi River.























A gallery walk with artist Mary Catherine Solberg was a real treat. Former La Crosse based artist, she now resides in Minneapolis giving all her time to her creations. The messmerizing water portraits are larger than life. In person you really appreciate the textures and colors she gets with oil pastels and plaster. Gold leaf and glitter give them a unique richness.  (#solbergwaterportraits)







There will be an official art opening on Thursday, January 25 along with artist duo Leo and Marilyn Smith. Mary will be unveiling a museum commissioned portrait during the evening. Can't wait to hear who the subject is.



 
 

Trempealeau Mountain in Perrot State Park is always a great subject matter for artists.






We ended  a delightful day, enjoying a sweet treat from the popular Winona's Bloedow's Bakery. Shown here at Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge

Battles

Blank canvases await

Sometimes we pick a battle sometimes it chooses us.












Setting down the rules

My battle, fortunately, was one I choose, "Battle of the Brushes" a painters challenge and fun event held in Winona, Minnesota for the benefit of the area Womens Center.

Beer Drinking and Food by Green Heron popup restaurant



The venue hosted by Island City Brewery was perfect with lots of room for the 12 contestants and audience fans.

Round one over

Paint and canvas were supplied by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, all we had to was bring our own brushes. No theme challenge so lots of different results.

Round 1 painting

Preparation and practice were key to completing a painting in 20 minutes. This is a very short time as the acrylic paint isn't quite dry enough for some techniques.









Round 2 painting

Bold impressionistic and nature inspired paintings were popular and worked well with the time restraint. Since I usually spend an average of 40 hours on paintings this was a push for quick brush strokes and bold moves.

All in all it made me a better painter, as I could brush up on some different techniques.

Winner Painting by Ron P.

....and the winner is Ron, he showed a lot of restraint and control with his winning painting. The photo didn't do the subtle shading justice. He had to have steady hands for some fine brush stokes and shadows. Congrats.
















We continued the weekend warrior theme with a two hour pottery class at Generous Earth Pottery in La Crosse. Along with 7 other brave souls we were given instruction and then our chance. It's not as easy as it looks. Especially centering the clay, the most critical part to a successful outcome. The instructors were very attentive and assisted when needed.


Here we got down and kinda dirty throwing clay on an electric wheel and trying to form a bowl. Out of 5lbs of clay each we got 5 bowls total.

The business will then fire and glaze our masterpieces with our selected glaze. Will let you know how they turn out in about 4-6 weeks.




Fun weekend with lots of new challenges.





 

Caledonia Excursion

Our leisurely day journey to Caledonia, Minnesota began with watching the Hot Air Balloon Rally.

Held in December of each year, they launch from behind the High School.









 



No need to bring chairs, the five balloons were up and off in 30 minutes. You don't want to be late for this event.














You can get up close and personal with crews and lucky guests in the gondolas.

 Up, up and away in their beautiful balloons





Our 45 minute drive to south western Minnesota, needed to be filled with more adventures.

We stopped at the Brownsville overlook to view the Tundra Swans. Yes they are still feeding in the Mississippi bottoms, even in December.







We also decided to check out one of their State Parks.



















Beaver Creek Valley State Park, here rocky walls border a spring-fed creek. The park provides a walking tour which you can download or a transcript for a four mile hike in the park.








We just meandered along the stream,  enjoying the sounds of trickling water. It was crystal clear allowing us to admire the abundant watercress.



A very refreshing walk.















A little known fact about Caledonia, Minnesota

Local legends the Kunst Brothers began their excursion in 1970 to walk around the world's continents on foot. No small feat since it took over four years. They documented the journey and lots of details can be found at www.davekunst.com