Rockport, Fulton, and Goose Island State Park

Just so you can enjoy......this is the view out the back window of my RV. That's a good size bird and an even bigger Jack Rabbit.

Judy or Birdie will have to identify the birds.

For some reason, the color isn't too good on these two photos.....probably to do with distance and enlargement.  These Jack Rabbits are waaaay bigger than the Traveling Longdogs. I had forgotten how big they are and how many there are of them too.

 

Our destination today was Rockport and Fulton so I headed north across Corpus Christi. I had to take a couple different highways once I got through town and wouldn't you know it, the GPS locked up as I was changing highways.

And, of course, the navigator was not paying attention because he was way too relaxed.

Fortunately, I had looked at a paper map before we left so we didn't have much trouble. We headed past Aransas Pass.....

and took Business 35 right along the coast.

Rockport is a colorful little town with an eclectic downtown area.

This mural was on the side of a small building housing an old-fashioned barber shop.

There are art galleries and interesting little shops.

They have benches at the corners with big umbrellas over them.

I love the harbors because I love boats and ships.

After we walked around town checking things out, the Traveling Longdogs graciously waited for me in the truck all the windows opened several inches. It was not that warm out and there was a good breeze so they were very comfortable....except for Willy. He let me know a couple of times that he would prefer to accompany me before he laid down and took another nap.

I had lunch at the Rockport Daily Grind. My sandwich was great, they had lots of good choices including several different kinds of quiche.  And the coffee, let's just say Starbucks could take some lessons on what coffee should taste like.

With tables outside and inside as well as a counter, there was room for a number of people and there were several different groups enjoying coffee and lunch. I would definitely recommend a stop there if you come to Rockport.

There used to be a number of grand hotels in Rockport but you will still find plenty of places to stay with or without your RV.

Lots of eye candy here.

We headed along the coast to Fulton. I think these posts are favorite roosting areas.

Love this shot.  And this guy was right next to.....

.....Pelican Pier, of course.

I think these are shrimp boats in this harbor.

I've heard a lot about this Texas State Park and I finally get a chance to check it out.

The ranger at the gate was really nice when I told her I would like to check out the park for a future visit. She gave me a visitor's half hour pass instead of charging me the day use fee. There are two different campgrounds and they really are different.  One is in the woods with lots of trees and bushes and privacy between most of the campsites. Many are little areas carved out of the jungle of bushes.  The other campground is right along the water with a covered picnic table between each site. Sites are close together but if you want to fish, you might want to be here. Sorry but I didn't get pictures in the campgrounds.

I passed the boat lunch ramp on my way to check out the water sites and look at the crowd gathered there. Everyone is very interested in the catch of the day. There is a bait house on the right of the ramp.

There was one other sight I wanted to check out at Goose Island State Park. I had to go in a completely different direction down this road.

Yes, I wanted to see the Big Tree.

This ancient oak is over 1000 years old and is one of the largest trees in the country.

It is surrounded by a fence so you can enjoy it but not climb on it. There are lots of other oaks that you can take your picture on.

It really is amazing and beautiful.

These younger trees are the Big Trees offspring and you are allowed to take pictures on their branches.

We headed back towards Corpus Christi but there was one more site I thought we could fit in.

The Fulton Mansion is about 135 years old and was apparently in need of a little work.

This is the view looking from the bay back towards the mansion. Regular tours are not in effect right now but it is a beautiful home and was very modern for it's time.

I planned to stop for some diesel on the way back to Corpus Christi because I saw several places for $3.59 but I pulled in really quick when I saw this service station with diesel for $3.48!  The prices were very clear when I took the shot with my cell phone so I don't know why there are black bars across them.

All the pictures beginning with Goose Island had to be taken with my cell phone because my camera battery died so they aren't quite as good.

I have one more picture to show you.  It's not a great picture but I wanted you to see.  The Traveling Longdogs and I were out for a walk after we got back from our trip today. Across the road from the RV Park, there were two coyotes. I think they came from the wildlife area along the water's edge and then crossed the road into this field.  Needless to say, we made a quick about face and headed back down the inner road we were on. After the dachsies were safely in the RV, I went back with the truck and took this picture. I think the "Scare Light" will be on when we do the final potty run tonight.