Nuestro Pod Does the Texas Mini Round Up

Huh, I asked because it looks like wires/rods sticking out of the top.

We did get a few looks.  As for the sculpture; No they are not allowed anything other than sand.  What they do it pretty incredible. 

  Looks like a GREAT time. I worked for a while out of Corpus delivering HEB and really loved the whole area down there. I have been trying to get Mama out to Padre Island to walk the beach for years but something always sends us in a different direction. It is on the to do list.         Goose

Nuestro Pod and the Texas Mini Roundup

Everything was a go for the trip to the Texas Mini Roundup.  The weather looked great, Nuestro Pod had gotten a bath and was loaded and we were ready to go.  We decided to leave early on Fri morning as there was a “cold front” moving in, and we hoped to beat the change in wind direction.  Normally, we have a nice tail wind when we head north.  Anyhow, when we left the wind was almost dead calm, it remained that way until we were almost to our destination.  We even ran through some fog, fortunately it didn’t last long.  We arrived at I.B. Magee Beach Park about 11 am with the sun shining and the wind was blowing pretty hard.  Peggy L with Herb & Boon were already there.  We got all set up but didn’t put up the dome due to the wind.  Thankfully, the wind die down later in the day and we were able to get the dome up. Being that it was so windy and the feel of sand hitting you in the face is not that pleasant, we decided there were a few things we needed form the store.  On our way out was saw the Podderfly arriving. The store we went to was in Aransas Pass, which meant we had to take the 5 min ferry ride across the ship channel to get there.  Since this was the weekend for the Texas Sandfest we knew there the traffic coming from the other direction would be more than normal.  What we didn’t expect was a line of cars, trucks, trailers and other assorted vehicles that would stretch 2-3 miles.  Although we didn’t see him when we went through, one of our fellow Podders, Czardastx had been in the line.  After getting our goods, we decided it would probably be in our better interest if we didn’t go back the same way we came.  Instead we opted for the 40-50 mi trip back through Corpus Christi.  Arriving back at our site Czardastx still had not arrived but had updated Butterfly Lee that he was in the ferry line. Everyone did there own thing for dinner.  We all got together that evening for awhile and enjoyed one another company and conversation.

Saturday, everyone did what they wanted.  Awhile after taking a walk down the beach and jetty (see wildlife friends pictures) we decided to visit the Texas Sandfest.  We took the back streets to where I thought the walk to the event area wouldn’t be too far. (You know what’s coming don’t you, you’ve been there) it was about a 2 ½ mi walk to get to the event area.  Needles to say my other half was none to please.  On the bright side the had a good number of vendor booths which we browsed through and purchased a couple of items.  We then went through the Master competition areas.  They were still working on building the sculptures (See pictures below) so we didn’t see the final results.  Now all we had to do was walk back to the truck ugh.  Peggy & Herb had gone to a local seafood place to get a menu. We and Paul (Czardastx ) had been visiting when Lee asked if we would like to go in on ordering some shrimp, Paul had a very strong urge for wings and we hadn’t eaten lunch until we got back from the Sandfest, so we graciously declined.  From what I heard the shrimp were delicious.

Sunday it was time to leave, check out time was 12 noon.  Peggy, Herb & Boone pulled out first heading to the South Padre National Seashore for an overnight of dry camping.  Paul pulled out next and then Lee.  We had decided prior to coming that we would pay for an extra night but leave late Sunday afternoon.  We were glad we did as we had/have a minor problem with the Pod.  For some reason we were not getting water to the kitchen facet.  I couldn’t find anything wrong.  We were still getting water to the toilet & shower.  Since we weren’t that far from our dealer we stayed overnight and called the service dept on Monday morning.  Unfortunately, they were backed up and couldn’t fit us in.  I spoke with Susan at Forest River and if we can work it our there is a RV place where we live who might be able to check it out.  So we spent the rest of the morning on the beach and visiting the University of Texas Austin Marine Science Institute, which we found very interesting.  

I think all who where at the Mini Round up had a good time.  It’s always nice to meet and get to know fellow Podders.

A quick update on the sway control I install just before the Mini roundup.  Going there, there wasn’t any wind to speak of, coming back however, we ran through quite a bit of wind. Everything from a tail wind to crosswinds to quartering winds.  The sway control really seemed to do its job.  So far I am very pleased.

Location for the Texas Mini Round Up

4 Pods in a row

Attendees from left to right Herb in back Peggy & 4 legged Podder Boon in front

Lee in back Myra in front, Mary & Paul, the other Paul

Sandfest

Partially finished sculpture

A heron which we were able to get within 3-4 ft.

Another wildlife friend who just begged to get his picture taken.

A White Ibis in the boardwalk surrounded pond which is accessed from the park.

Watching the occasional ship arrive & depart is always interesting

Happy Podding