Hello from our campground on Estes Bay, about four miles west of Rockport. We chose this place because we could park about 50 feet from the water. The Intercoastal Waterway is right here too, so we get to see tugboats pushing barges, carrying who knows what, just feet away from the seawall. We’re enjoying the view of the shorebirds and the fishing boats that skim by. We hope to see some dolphins up close, but so far no Flippers.
We’re about a block away from a narrow harbor opening, where pelicans hang out all day, apparently to feed on fish as the tide comes in or goes out.
Sounds like an idyllic vacation week, but no, we’re just enjoying the sights as they come. We have other things on our plate.
Last week Angie had outpatient surgery to repair ligaments in her ankle, and after a post-surgery appointment we’ll head back to Lincoln, Nebraska, where our daughter Maya will have knee surgery (more ligaments to fix) in a couple weeks.
Even though we knew Angie was headed for surgery, we still didn’t realize how much it would limit our beach time and tourist jaunts on these mid-60-degree afternoons. We have had to enjoy our outings, even the trips to Corpus Christi to see the surgeon, the best we could.
( A side note: While visiting a clinic to get Angie’s pre-surgery screening, we couldn’t help but notice the doctor’s gleaming black Rolls Royce parked in front of the clinic, and the framed magazine article on the office wall told of his real estate empire and how he didn’t finish med school until he was 43. Yeah, sounds like a character. I tried to think of a rural Nebraska scenario where you would see that. Couldn’t imagine it. But in Texas, why not.)
The evening before Angie’s surgery we parked on the beach for a breezy evening by the fire until the dampness sank into the bones. We grilled hamburgers without ingesting too much sand. With luck, after the ankle recovers some, we’ll be able to spend some days at the Aransas Wildlife Preserve down the road from Rockport. It’s notable as one of the best birding parks in the region. We took a short drive to Goose Island State Park, home to the Big Tree, a Virginia Live Oak named the Texas champion live oak in 1966.
So you take your opportunities, as limited as they are, when you can.
The upside of this week is, while I’m making sure Angie doesn’t do somersaults with her crutches, and has ice packs on demand, i’m also in writing mode.
The ankle surgery isn’t the first medical issue of the nomads. Angie had back surgery in August in Rapid City, South Dakota, while we were camp hosting at a National Forest Service campground. Although the back surgery recovery may have taken longer, she was able to walk in short order. The ankle, however, will be non-weight-bearing for five weeks. She uses a knee cart to make her way to the bayside.
So until then….
Our stay here will be brief, so we’re working to provide content on our blog and our gallery for your enjoyment. A few paragraphs here, a few images there, we’re getting this thing off the ground. We do hope you enjoy the sights that grabbed our attention.
When we head north in mid-February, the camper will have another appointment for warranty repairs at a shop in Ft. Worth. A couple years ago, friends we met in North Carolina cautioned us about buying a new camper – that it might be completely in good shape in three years, once it’s all fixed. And so far, some of that prediction is coming true. At least all the issues, which are minor, are covered by warranty.
Mother and daughter will be in great shape for the mid April wedding of Jana and Murphy in the Kansas City area.
The medical and camper issues are just a couple of curve balls you get when you’re livin’ the dream.
No stress in our lives at all! And we get to experience late winter in Nebraska and Kansas. Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil got it right.
We’re just getting started.
Until next time
TQN
The Fulton Mansion State Historic site is one of the earliest Second Empire style buildings constructed in Texas. It dates back to the 1870s and is located along the waterfront in Fulton. Donations are accepted to help with the maintenance of the house and grounds. An educational center is located behind the mansion. Learn more at https://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fulton-mansion-state-historic-site
The 1,000-year-old Big Tree at Goose Island State Park was named the state champion coastal live oak in 1966.
Waterfront homes are connected to Estes Bay.
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