TRAVEL TALK TEXAS

TRAVEL TALK

With the global shut down of international travel due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and any future overseas holiday off the table for the foreseeable future, I find myself reminiscing about all the wonderful experiences I’ve had overseas. This is a brief account on my most recent family vacation in December 2019. Honestly, when my husband proposed an impulsive trip to Texas late last year, I wasn’t overly enthused. Pre-manufactured images of an abundance of fast food, cowboy boots, rodeos and sweltering heat immediately came to mind. Luckily heading into their winter, we were fortunate to be welcomed with some cooler weather and it really was wonderful being there for the festive season with stunning decoration and light displays all over Dallas and to experience our very first Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Never having been to the United States before I had grown up with the notion that everything is bigger over there and it certainly was from vehicles, highways and superstores to food portion sizes. The preconceived thoughts I had of Texas didn’t disappoint and I enjoyed some of the best BBQ smoked meat, Tex-Mex food and luxuriously smooth queso I have ever tasted. The fact I had gained three kilos in two weeks is testament to that. Wanting to experience all we could in so little time, we ventured out to Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District where the West begins. With the original brick walkways and wooden corrals it truly embodies old Western heritage. Memorable moments were watching a steer drive right at our feet and for my daughter, Chloe, sitting on a Texas Longhorn. Another worthwhile attraction was Billy Bob’s Texas (self-proclaimed) world’s largest honky-tonk! A massive country music honky-tonk with an indoor rodeo arena, dozens of bars and mechanical bulls. Definitely something different. Back to metro Dallas, another impressive place of interest was the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, with a view of the lake and the downtown Dallas skyline. The gardens are simply stunning, a sanctuary to reconnect with the beauty of nature and at this time of year, adorned with elaborate Christmas displays. Chloe had a blast engaging with countless squirrels and other resident critters. Whilst at the gardens overlooking the beautiful White Rock Lake I wondered where all the boats were housed and decided to explore. The following day I searched for nearby boat clubs and while there were many, I was drawn to Pier 121 on Lake Lewisville. It’s been referred to as one of the most popular marinas in Texas and I could see why. The office staff were warm and accommodating and with over 1000 wet berth options and 800 dry storage options, lakeside dining and all the amenities you could need, Pier 121 is a truly unique and premier boating facility.

The wet berths are located in a perfectly protected arm with the majority undercover, sheltered from the severe hail and storms. The marina is a virtual floating community where members can relax with all the comforts of home. Each berth has its own private deck area to fit out as they wish, from lounges, TVs, kitchen area, BBQ, disco balls, you name it, it was there. Each deck with its own character… a real home away from home. Admittedly, while Texas was never on my ‘places to go list’, I was glad I went. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. With much history and many quirky attractions from vast desert bad lands to lush mountains and prairies, Texas has much to see and do. Unfortunately my plans to swim with the Whale Sharks in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico weren’t well thought through with our spur-of-the-moment trip, as the beautiful giants had already migrated some months prior to our arrival… but there’s always next time. To all the folk in uptown Dallas down to the charming country town of Canton, my family and I thank y’all for your hospitality.

Port Vincent

The CYCSA manages Port Vincent Marina on the beautiful Yorke Peninsula just 30 nautical miles across the gulf from North Haven. The 90 berth marina is a convenient cruising destination having all the hallmarks of a family summer holiday playground and the ideal way to optimise boat usage out of Adelaide. A wide range of berth sizes are currently available for lease and purchase through the Club. Port Vincent Marina provides a safe, navigable harbour within easy walking distance to the Port Vincent township. The modern facility includes an amenities building, fully equipped laundry, secure berths, picnic and barbecue facilities and hotel deliveries and pick-up service. Port Vincent is a great location for boating, swimming, snorkelling and both inshore and offshore fishing. Boaties will enjoy some brilliant fishing in some of SA’s most sparkling waters with some excellent squidding close in along the coast immediately south of Port Vincent. Less than 10 kilometres out to sea is Orontes Bank, renowned for snapper and big whiting, though, please note South Australia’s statewide snapper ban which is set to continue until early 2023. If conditions are right, regular catches include Tommies, gar, snook and blue crabs. In addition to great fishing, Port Vincent boasts beautiful white sand beaches for safe family fun. To enquire about securing a berth at Port Vincent contact the Berthing Coordinator, Sarah Belton, at the Cruising Yacht Club of SA by phone on (08) 8248 4222 or email: berthing@cycsa.com.au Visiting yachts are always welcome - simply call the Port Vincent Marina Manager, Rob Marner, on 0414 611 110

BERTHS FOR SALE AT PORT VINCENT

10m twin: A01, A07, A23 - from $12,000 A18 - All offers considered 12m twin: B33, C60 - from $28,000 B34, C61 - All offers considered 12m single: B44, B46 - from $29,000 B45 - Reduced to $19,000 C48, C68 - Reduced to $19,990 B25, C50 - All offers considered 14m single: D70, D78 - from $45,000 D74 - $25,000 D73 - Reduced to $20,000 15m single: D87 - All offers considered D89 - Reduced to $25,000 20mT Head: A12 - $200,000 24m T Head: C58 - $199,000

CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA | NORTH HAVEN

Safe, Convenient & Affordable

Peace of mind at Adelaide’s premier boating club Hardstands from 9m to 12m Marina Berths from 8m to 25m Private launching ramp and slipping facilities First class boating and social facilities Immediate access to Gulf St Vincent

MARINA EAST NORTH HAVEN

CYCSA Marina East has berthing for 240 vessels up to 22 metres and 150 hardstanding berths up to 12 metres. (Note: ‘s’ denotes single berth and ‘tw’ denotes twin berth).

BERTHS FOR SALE - MARINA EAST

8m tw: C07, F01, F02 - from $35,000 C13 - $33,000 10m tw: A09, A10, A14, A22, A34, A40, F04, F15, F28 - from $30,000 F16 - Reduced to $20,000 ono A20, A27, A28, A37, F19 - All offers considered 10m s: A01, A03, A12 - from $50,000 A02 - Reduced to $45,000 A25, F07 - All offers considered 12m tw: D35, D37, D38 - from $29,500 E13, E16 - All offers considered 12m s: D08, D10, D17, D18, D21, D23, E01, E07, E10 - from $60,000 D30, E03, E04, E05, E22, E23 - All offers considered 13m tw: A44, C23 - from $55,000 13m s: C19 - $105,000 14m s: A46, C25, C27, C28, C30 - All offers considered C24 - $120,000 15m s: C37- Reduced to $70,000 - All offers considered A47 - Reduced to $100,000 C34, C35 - from $145,000 B31, B36 - All offers considered 16m s: B15 - All offers considered B16 - $150,000 ono / B17- $160,000 ono, offers considered B20 - $159,000 18m s: B01- Unique opportunity to purchase Marina berth B01 & Hardstand 108 (10m) and storage locker at an all inclusive price of $280,000 20m s: A49 - $150,000 22m s: A50 - contact the CYCSA for detail

HARDSTANDS FOR SALE

9m: 13, 14 - from $2000 31, 39, 45, 68, 69, 70, 90, 101 - from $3,000 10m: 35, 108, 133, 140, 144, 145, 146 - from $3,800 H103 - All offers considered H132 - Reduced to $3,000 12m: 6, 115 - from $5,000

MARINA WEST NORTH HAVEN

It is the larger berths that make Marina West appealing to many potential buyers. Berths range from 11m to 35m, (Note: all berths in Marina West are single berths).

BERTHS FOR SALE - MARINA WEST

11m: M03 - $80,000 - suitable for a catamaran M01 - All offers considered 14m: M07 - All offers considered 15m: N03 - $150,000 | M08 - All offers considered 17m: J19, J20 - from $150,000 J08, J10 - All offers considered / J12 - $70,000 18m: M10 - All offers considered 20m: K04, K06, K07, K08, L02 - from $135,000 K01, K05, K10 - All offers considered 25m: M14 - $290,000 27m: M16 - All offers considered 30m: K16 - $475,000

All berth sales & leasing enquiries to Sarah Belton: Ph: (08) 8248 4222 | berthing@cycsa.com.au | all prices include GST

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