The trip started from Palacios, a small coastal town located about 110 miles northeast of Corpus Christi. Nestled on Matagorda Bay, this town is just one of the perfect locations along the Texas coast to get away from it all. The wind blows off the Gulf of Mexico, and the trees along the seawall sway with it, silently holding guard over centuries of exploration by foreign nations, hurricanes and millions of visitors who prowl the "third coast" of the United States. 

There is a retro-feel to this place. Old homes that have been renovated and bed and breakfasts that offer the tourist the small town charm of a bye gone time. But with this feel of antiquity comes the recent expansion of new summer communities that offer someone a second vacation home - if they so choose. Also in Palacios is the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's Marine Research Station; the only one of its kind in the state.

After a cup of coffee, I set on Texas State Highway 35, heading toward Corpus Christi. Highway 35 actually winds along the Texas coast - you can drive all the way from Houston to Corpus Christi on this road. It's not an interstate by any means, a two lane road. But it is the road to take if you want to get a real feel of rural Texas while staying close the water. I head around the western end of Matagorda Bay, able to see the wetlands that make this area a treasure trove for birdwatchers and the waters that attract fishers from all points on the compass. 

The road stretches out to the horizon, to the east the faint remnants of the Gulf of Mexico, to the west the vast stretches of grasslands that are indigenous to this region. The sun is soaring into the morning sky and I can feel the vibration of the road on the steering wheel. There's always traffic on this road, a truck pulling a boat heading off to some fishing adventure, an 18-wheeler transporting goods to a community, and RVs making there way to another spot to stay for the night. 

I close upon Point Comfort, a community where petrochemical installations are the primary economic engine. After a short jaunt through the town, I begin to cross a causeway that will take me into Port Lavaca. This town was traditionally a shipping point for cattle outbound from the ranches in the interior. Today it is a haven for local fisheries and residents who live here and work in the vibrant petrochemical industry. As with almost any coastal town, fresh seafood can be found along the docks. Any of you who have been here know that almost every coastal community here has its own self-declared "best seafood in the state" location. The docks at daybreak are anything that an avid reader of Herman Melville would expect:

 Continuing along Hwy 35, the road now enters the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, truly a gem for anyone who is interested in seeing native flora and fauna. The road cuts through what is essentially an enormous expanse of marsh and wetlands that are world reknowned for bird watchers and the whooping crane - a protected species - uses this area as part of its migratory path across this section of the continent. One of the greatest aspects about taking this road is that you can gain access to the wildlife refuge and venture to one of the observation platforms that looks out into the gulf.

It truly is a sight to behold. You are standing there atop one of the observation platforms, feeling the sea breeze blow. It is so quiet here. So quiet that you realize that once you escape the trappings of modern civilization how much you have missed. You can hear the animals, be it birds, alligators - anything - from far out in the distance. If you listen close enough you can hear the waves rolling home from some across the gulf journey that probably started somewhere near Florida. You have a new found respect for the power of the earth, something that has been ongoing far longer than ever since humans set his or her feet on this ground. 

About another 30 miles and you approach Rockport. This community is a veritable paradise for those wishing to enjoy the arts and the coast at the same time. After crossing another bridge (in which you can she shrimp and fishing boats making their way) you enter the community itself. It's officially known as Rockport-Fulton, but its charm remains the same for someone who is looking for lodging or wants to take advantage of its proximity to the City of Corpus Christi, about another 30 miles down the road. This town has exploded in population over the past few decades, with everything from newer upscale homes to RV parks that seek to attract the previously mentioned RV traveler - many who come from far away locations during the winter. License plates from every state in the union can be seen on the street while passing through. It is no wonder that many are attracted to this portion of the coast for vacations, fishing escapes, or a home-away-from-home. 

It is merely a short amount of time after leaving Rockport until you approach Aransas Pass. This is the link to the famous Padre Island, spring break distination of choice of thousands of college students yearly. Once again, if seafood is your favorite, all of these coastal communities have it, and with many different varieties. Aransas Pass and Port Aransas has a real beach town feel to it. The beaches on Padre Island are well known as one of the prime tourism spots for Texas. I would love to have stopped and caught some rays and a fish or two, but my road trip continues:

 After leaving Port A, the speed of the traffic accelerates. I'm getting closer to Corpus Christi, also known as part of the Texas Riviera. You can sense that you are approaching an urban center by the increased density of traffic. But the ever present allure of the coast is still there, with the smell of the sea and azure sight to the east. 

Then there it is. Corpus Christi. Hwy 35 takes you right across the Harbor bridge, where you are greated with the sights of the U.S.S. Lexington Museum, a World War II aircraft carrier that has become part of the skyline and the Texas State Aquarium, a great place to meet other local Texans who live beneath the surface. Corpus has it all for the visitor who wants an urban experience yet yearns for easy accessibility of the beach. 

I recommend this road trip to anyone. It gives you a feel of the Texas coast like no other. You can really get a feel of what it's like to live down here on the coast by taking those back roads, seeing sights that you wouldn't from the major highways. 

My next road trip log is the interior, away from the coast. Every locale has its stories. This is one of them. 

 May you crave the dust of the road, 

 Danny Long 

If you would like to join us in promoting this great thing we enjoy - the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council - join us at our next meeting. The scheduled meetings for the rest of this year follows:

TCBRTC 2009 Meeting Schedule

July - December

Tuesday, August 25 – Port Aransas

Tuesday, September 22 – High Lonesome Ranch, near Tilden in McMullen County

Tuesday, October 27 – Cuero

Wednesday, November 18 – Rockport-Fulton

Wednesday, December 16  - Corpus Christi (awards luncheon) – Omni Hotel