A Feejer Lap Around The Bay

[Dallara]

First off, my apologies to DJ Downunder, because I am kind of ripping off his format here for this post... But it just seems like the best way to do something like this.

Got clear of work early today and was able to bust on home, get ATGATT'ed, and roll the FJR out of the barn for a cruise. Weather here was warm and windy, but still overcast like yesterday. No matter as there was no rain in the forecast so I headed on out in the balmly, 91 degree afternoon for a lap aroudn Corpus Christi Bay.

Ocean Drive is perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of Corpus Christi, as it winds along the bayfront... Most of its charm comes from the city not allowing any commercial development along most of it, so it is mostly large, stately homes and beautiful churches. There are several parks along the way, so I decided to stop at one and see if I could get a pic of the Corpus skyline...

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Then it was onto downtown and then over the Harbor Bridge to a get a bit closer look at the aircraft carrier "Lexington" that was pictured with the "Supertanker" post yesterday...

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Here's the entrance to the "USS Lexington" Museum...

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Here's a little wider shot that shows the size of the carrier better. This was the second "Lexington" that became known as the "Gray Ghost". The aircraft on the pylon is an A-4 "Skyhawk" in Blue Angels colors. The Blue Angels flew A-4's for a short time when they got tired of trying to herd the massive F-4 "Phantom" fighters they had been attempting to do air shows with...

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Then it was on across the causeway to Portland, then Ingleside. I wanted to get some pictures of some of the minesweepers that are over at the second naval base we have in the area, but they wouldn't let me in today (usually it's not a real problem). Oh, well... How about we check on one of the more interesting industries we have in the area - Offshore oil rig maintenance, repair, and construction...

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That's actually one of the smaller rigs. It's being worked on at Gulf Marine Fabricators. They're just one of several rig and platform contructors and repair facilities in the area around the bay. That rig is more than a quarter of a mile away.

On around the bay and through Aransas Pass. Wasn't much to see there today so I headed on over their causeway to catch the ferry at Port Aransas. The ferries are used to cross the ship channel that links Corpus Christi Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico...

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As you can see, they had me jammed pretty tight right in the middle of the ferry. The ferries were really busy today, and the ferries rides are so short that there is really not much time to take pictures.

Here's one of the wheelhouse I snapped just as I got off the bike...

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This next shot is looking off the back of the ferry about half way across the channel. If you look close you can see two more ferries loading up for the trip over...

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Casino gambling is still illegal in Texas, but industrious entrepreneurs can always figure out a way around that sort of thing. The next pic is of one of the gambling cruise ships - the "Texas Treasure" - that work out of Port Aransas. Folks load up, party and eat dinner while the ship cruises out past the 12 mile limit. Once in international waters the casino opens up and folks gamble until midnight or so, then the ship heads back in. They usually depart right at sunset...

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On into Part Aransas - one of my favorite little spots around the bay. It's basically a beach resort town, but also a great jumping off spot for all sorts of fishing, from the deep sea variety to wade fishing and everything in between. This next shot is of an old hotel - The "Tarpon Inn" - which is where Franklin D. Roosevelt used to stay when he was in town. From what they tell me he used to fish the Texas Gulf Coast a lot. Story is that Ernest Hemingway stayed here, too...

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Caught this guy in a parking lot with a nice string of reds...

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Well, wouldn't ya' know it... I just happened to end up next to a favorite watering hole of mine in Port A - "Virginia's"...

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It's a nice place to hang out upstairs and watch some of the boats come in, and one single beer won't hurt me given my plans. Here's what you see when you get inside upstairs...

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They had a nice little duo playing, and lots of folks were singin' and dancin' along. I sipped my beer and walked out to the railing to snap some more pics, like this one here of the gambling cruiser you saw before. Also, take note of the two larger boats in the foreground...

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Those are crew boats around here, and are used to shuttle crews, supplies, and repair parts out to offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Here's a bit better shot of one...

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Lots of nice private fishing boats down below...

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And some other nice restaurants and residences...

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Over across the channel is the St. Joseph's Lighthouse, known around the area as "St. Joes". It's no longer in use as a lighthouse, but still maintained, and is fun to visit. You can only reach it by boat, however. Sorry about the pic, but that's all the lens my little Canon A95 had...

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Look! Hiding down in those trees... It's a Feejer!

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This really was a great place to park...

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And some other bikes were there when I arrived. Don't see too many Buell's down in our area. This guys were all leaving when I was, too. Guys on the two big cruisers had their ladies with 'em... Every one of them dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and athletic shoes. They all looked at me pretty strange, what with me all dressed up in my mesh gear, boots, gloves, and a helmet. One of the girls asked "Aren't you hot?" I just laughed and told her "Only when I stop..."

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Loaded up and cruised down the main drag and decided you guys might enjoy one of Port A's odd attractions...

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This shark is out in front of a beachwear and souvenir shop, and you can walk right in its mouth and then right out its... Do sharks have an ass?

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Ah, yes... Next on the agenda was why I decided to ride over to Port A in the first place - to eat at one of my favorite restaurants - "Seafood & Spaghetti Works"!

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It's not hard to find... It's right next door to the big pink octopus...

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But enough of this, let's get on inside and EAT!

Here's the "Specials" board, right across from my table upstairs...

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No matter what you order here you get a pass through their soup and salad bar. I went for a small green salad and some wonderful chicken tortilla soup...

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One thing I simply can't resist at the "Works" is their own recipe for Vietnamese Spring Rolls. They are simply fantastic, but a meal in themselves. One of these rode home in an FJR saddlebag... Yummmmm, for breakfast tomorrow!

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The specials looked good, but I just couldn't resist one of my old favorites there. It may not look like much, but underneath all the tomato, avocado, fresh lump crabmeat, and bacon (all in a wonderful lemon-butter sauce) is a big, tender filet of redfish, lightly battered and pan-fried... It is simply impossible to describe how wonderful this tastes.

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I was stuffed, so I skipped dessert. Kind of a shame, because all the "Works" desserts are homemade and spectacular, and some of it is pretty off-beat... Like "White Russian Tiramisu" and "Creamy Peanut Butter Pie". The desserts change day to day, but if they had offered any of their "Fried Peaches with Butter Cream Sauce" I might not have been able to resist...

Well, after a great meal like that it was time to head out and complete my lap of the bay and get on home. You go on down the park road for 18 miles paralleling the beaches of Mustang and Padre Island, only on the backside away from the Gulf of Mexico. I was going to ride down to the beach and shoot some pics but with it as windy as it was I didn't want all that sand and salt spray covering the bike, so I skipped that for another day.

On the way back you do see some pretty strange stuff, though... Like this:

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Again, this is the front of a beachwear and souvenir store. This "sandcastle" was built just a few years ago and is actually pretty creative and intricate. Here's some closer views of the Mermaid in the center...

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Then it was on over another causeway and into town on South Padre Island Drive. Swung by the car store to check for any messages and to see how the day had shaped up, and then headed on home.

Once there I decided to cap such a pleasant day and great meal off properly...

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Just a taste of some Glenrothes Special Reserve single malt scotch and an Oliva "O" Classic Omni... Relaxing out on the driveway with the dog in the fading evening light.

Now I don't have to feel bad when I sit down to watch the MotoGP race tomorrow, thinking I should be ridin'...

Cheers, and I hope you enjoyed the trip!

Allan (Dallara - NACD)

[BobFV1]

Allan -

Glenrothes reserve in the taster's bottle! How rare! I actually have a sealed bottle of this which I picked up at the distillery in Glenrothes-Upon-Spey, Scotland, on a trip there several years ago. Never have cracked the seal - how is it???

By the way - the bike is looking good!

[Deans BMW]

Allan, you are a worthy successor to a DJ travel log.

Great job.

[DJ Down Under]

First off, my apologies to DJ Downunder, because I am kind of ripping off his format here for this post

What-the!...Allan don't be stupid.....if you were trying to copy me you would have parked your bike right in the mouth of that big shark...:045:

Great pictures....the main reason I do mine is to encourage others to do the same...thanks Allan...looking through your pics makes me feel like I'm there.

BTW...Your bike looks great......:023: .....(for a Yamaha)...:037:

DJ

[Promethean]

Allan,
Nice pictures.



First off, my apologies to DJ Downunder, because I am kind of ripping off his format here for this post


Btw, if you were trying to rip off DJ's format....you would have a few pretty girls in the pictures too. :020:

[Dallara]

Travel Log... Hmmmm. I like the sound of that, Dean! :cool:

Thanks, DJ.

I appreciate that coming from you. Your pics always made me feel like I was "there" with you, and they were always ones I wanted to emulate.
Especially like the food ones.... Yummmmmmmmmm! :yahoo:

I thought about parking the "Supertanker" in the shark's mouth, but with my luck I would have dropped it in there and gotten caught...

Bob,

Regarding the Glenrothes... "Got a border ship brings me in a case across the neutral zone..."

Seriously, it is readily available here - right down at my corner liquor store. That is one thing I do have to say in Corpus Christi's favor... I don't know why, but the liquor stores here have some of the finest selections of single malt scotches any place I've found, and much better than even big stores in Houston, Dallas, etc.

Might have something to do with me and my Dad, along with our many single malt fan friends, living here so many years, though, and constantly asking about different single malts! :eusa_shhh:

And I like everything Glenrothes makes. Wonderfully smooth, with a easy finish. Nice color, and just the right amount of woodiness on the palate... And no ABS.

Ya' know, there is just something magical about a grand single malt and wonderful cigar after a great meal and a good ride...

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NACD)

edit ps - Abhijeet, I was looking, but there simply weren't that many sheila's out and about yesterday... at least not good looking ones. Skies were dreary looking overcast, though, and that always hurts over in Port A. I'll try to do better next time!

[Capt. Blackadder]

Nice trip Allan, thanks for taking us along. Damn, that bike looks good in blue! :050:

[Bones]

Now that is the kind of thread that is just fun all the way through. Great pics, a great day tour and enjoyable all the way around.

Thanks.

Credit to DJ for format/style. I will read these threads every time. Keep 'em coming.


Jeff

[BobFV1]

I tried a single malt scotch with ABS one time and ended up blowing half of it out my nose...

[Ed K]

Fantastic pics and narration... thanks for taking the time to click and post.

Man, that bike looks good...

[supermotoC]

Excellente! Nice "travelogue", DJ-style, of course.

My only critique - what's with the ice?

Ice is why I quit jogging - it kept popping out of my glass.

Feejer looking good.

[Dallara]

Collyer said:


"My only critique - what's with the ice?

Ice is why I quit jogging - it kept popping out of my glass."


:icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:


Why ice? Mainly 'cuz it's hot an humid down here!

But let me tell ya' a quick and funny story about Scotch and ice.

First time I was in Scotland was back in 1975. I am waiting for some folks in the louge/lobby of a rather swank hotel in Edinburgh. I don't know too much about Scotch back then... About as much as your typical early 20's American drinker. These hotel lounge areas were where you had your cocktails, so while I am sitting there a formally dressed waiter comes over and asks if I would like something. I tell him a scotch and water...

He gives me a rather disapproving look and then asks "Which WHISKY would you prefer, sir?" - with that much emphasis on the word "whisky", I promise you! I don't want to look too dumb so I ask what he has, and he rolls his eyes and begins rattling off a list of single malts that seemed to never end. When he finished I was lost so I simply asked him to bring me what was his favorite or that he recommended highly.

In a minute he comes back out this doorway with a vary small tray that has a glass with some Scotch in it and alongside the cutest, tiniest little carafe' of water you have ever seen... I think "Cool, you mix it yourself!" He sets the whole little tray down and ask if I needed anything else. I look at the tray again, and realize something is missing, so I ask him if I could have some ice...

Well, folks, the look that crossed his face was PRICELESS!

You would have sworn I had just informed him that I had shot his dog. But he recovers quickly, kind of sterns up his face, and says "Certainly, sir!" before striding firmly away. I am left there wondering what, exactly, I have done wrong.

However, before I have too long to think about it here he comes striding back toward me with another tray in his hand. When he gets there he leans over and I see what's on the tray - a tiny little silver bowl, alongside it a tiny little pair of silver tongs... And in the bowl?

ONE small cube of ice! ONE!

He reaches in the little bowl with the little tongs, picks up the tiny cube of ice, and plops it in my glass of Scotch... Then turns, looks at me, and says "I trust there won't be anything else, sir?"

It was at that moment I realized my error, and I damn near burst out laughing, but held my composure long enough to answer him that everything was now fine and let him walk away.

Later in the evening I had a nice chat with the gentleman, and he taught me quite a bit about the intricacies of "THE WHISKY" (they didn't call it "scotch" there, then, to me...) and how they drink it there. No ice, either *neat*, or with just a touch of water to open the *nose*... Preferably the same water the whisky was made with.

Was a lot of fun, and a situation with ice I will never forget...

Thanks for walking up those memories, Collyer!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NACD)



WARNING! Neither the Glenrothes whisky nor the Oliva cigar, much less the clipper, lighter, ashtray, glass, water, or ice were any equipped with ABS, not to mention the salad, soup, spring rolls, fish, ferries, etc. Nothing that I know of, and certainly not the shark, in the pictures had ABS except the Yamaha FJR-1300... And yet, no one was maimed or killed due to the lack of it, though often, after enough of the whisky, I can spill a bit of water on the floor or drop an ice cube. I guess then I need Sperry Topsiders equipped with ABS, but what the hell - I like to live dangerously, and I have done so this far and long without ABS on my shoes or whisky, right?

[socalrob]

Allan,

Great ride report. I agree, there is definately a difference in ice preference between europeans & americans. Ask for ice in england & you get a couple of cubes floating at the top. It always strikes me as funny, like refrigeration is too damn expensive & they got to ration ice, but I think its more of a taste thing & they don't like stuff watered down & so cold you don't taste it.

[Arby]

Allan

Thanks for the cruise (ride) around Courpus Christi Bay. Very good write up. And I like the bike too.

Now that I've made an attempt to take and post pictures on this forum (and botched it), I really appreciate the time and effort of those who are successful at it.

I'll get it figured out eventually, meanwhile, thanks for your write-up and pictures.

RB