Free
The Only Island in Texas Where Kids Take Off Their Shoes to Play in the Street, and put them on to Play in the Grass
FREE
The Island Moon
May 29, 2014 Around The Island By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
As we begin to once again try to reason with hurricane season there is some good news on the meteorological front. If the weed watchers at Texas A&M University Galveston got it right the Worst of the Weed may be over.
The voice of The Island since 1996
Schlitterbahn Opening Pushed Back to June 21
Park will be open to visitors during "rolling open" with Grand Opening set for July 12
According to a flyover done by the Galveston researchers last Friday there are still “several” Sargassum mats and slicks offshore but the expected southeasterly wind and the northbound surface currents will take the weed north of the Coastal Bend with Galveston Island taking the biggest hit in the next few weeks. The straight easterly winds, according to the Galveston researchers, which have been pushing the weed on area shores for weeks is shifting or has shifted to the south and our weed invasion should lessen as the increasing northerly current push it up the coast.
Weekly
Inside the Moon...
Finding the Lost Dutchman Mine A5
Farah's Backwater Adventures A7
Here’s hoping they are right.
Homeless count
Skydiving on her 81st Birthday A11
According to figures presented to the Corpus Christi City Council this week there are 912 homeless people in our city; 90 are children, and two of every three are men. Of the CCPD’s total $70 million operating budget $15 million is spent to arrest and process homeless people. We’re not sure if they are considered homeless while they are in jail.
Selena closed
By Dale Rankin; Photos by Miles Merwin The much anticipated opening of the Schlitterbahn waterpark on North Padre Island scheduled for Saturday, May 31, has been pushed back to June 21 by Park Developer Jeff Henry.
Some bad news for Island Selena fans; for the next two weeks the Selena Memorial located on the downtown seawall on North Shoreline at the People’s Street T-Head will be roped off for restoration and minor repairs So if you have visitors coming in who want to have their photo taken with Selena they’ll have to wait or take it from behind the ropes. And so it goes.
Memorial Weekend Speaking of our Facebook page we got more than 30,000 hits on our photograph of the shark caught Memorial Day Weekend at Bob Hall Peir on Sunday. It was over nine feet and drew quite the crowd before its release.
"We have several features of the park, the swim up bar and kiddie pools that could be opened now," Henry said Wednesday, "But getting city permits to bring visitors in through a construction zone is a problem. By June 21 we will have plenty of rides and attractions open so that anyone who comes to the park will go away happy."
Chesney Wins Runoff for Commissioners Seat Island Vote Crucial By Dale Rankin When the attack ads stopped and the dust settled the hottest race in Tuesday’s runoff election was decided by 162 votes out of 3942 votes cast. The Republican race for Nueces County Commissioner Precinct 4, which runs from Port Aransas, through North Padre Island, Flour Bluff and the city’s southside, culminating in the so called Tenderloin section of Corpus Christi on the south end of Ocean Drive, was between incumbent Joe McComb serving his second, and non-consecutive, term in the post, and former Corpus Christi City Councilman and County Court at Law Judge Brent Chesney.
Election continued on A6
A 9 foot tiger shark was caught and released near Bob Hall Pier And speaking of Memorial Weekend the crowds this year were big but not overwhelmingly so. The new road construction at the SPID/ Commodores/ SH 361 intersection proved its worth with only slight stacking on the outbound side early Monday afternoon. One problem area though is the unkempt “natural beach” south of Bob Hall Pier. The deep, soft, sugar sand along that stretch prohibits most beachgoers from driving through to the open Kleberg beaches to the south, the result being more people crowding onto the city and county beaches to the north.
Island Moon ArtWalk We’re asking vendors who want to show their wares at the Island Moon ArtWalk on the seawall on Saturday, 21, to get in contact with us at 949-7700 or editor@ islandmoon.com , or on Facebook at theislandmoonnewspaper so we have an idea of how much area we will need. The event is free to both vendors and the public. We may have some additional announcements about the event in the near future. Stay tuned. In the meantime, say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Seashore's Got Talent A15
Veranda at the main building The June 21 date will mark the first day that the public can enter the park. While announcing the change in the opening day Henry also announced that the name of the entire 500acre develop, of which the 61-acre Schlitterbahn park is a part, will be called Beach Country of Upper Padre Island.The waterpark itself will go under the name Schlitterbahn of Upper Padre.
Schlitterbahn continued on A16
Island United Political Action Committee Annual Meeting All Islanders Welcome – New Members to be Inducted
By Brent Rourk
All islanders are encouraged to attend the IUPAC annual meeting on Wednesday, June 4th at the Holiday Inn on North Padre Island from 6:30-8:00 p.m. where IUPAC will review this past year’s activities and also induct new members to the IUPAC Board. IUPAC is a nonpartisan organization that encourages islanders to vote in city elections.
IUPAC board members welcome candidates
IUPAC knows that a large block of voting islanders can make a difference and can swing elections. IUPAC also sponsors informational evenings where political candidates either debate or present their platforms in either formal or informal settings. The most recent IUPAC sponsored event was a very successful and wellattended candidate Meet and Greet at Mikel Mays Restaurant. During the annual meeting the IUPAC will be inducting new board members and as of this article there are four interested candidates: Karen Wall, David Devlin, Joyce Skowronski, and Mildred Fraley. IUPAC will also accept nominations from the floor during the annual meeting. If you are considering running for a IUPAC Board Member position, then please send a brief bio to Linda Walsh at lawalshva@yahoo. com.
Peak of the Kemp’s Ridley Nesting Season By Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore Donna_Shaver@nps.gov The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nesting season in Texas extends from April through mid-July. Typically, most nests are found during May and June. Through May 26, 44 Kemp’s ridley nests have recorded on the Texas coast this year. With the late and slow start of this year’s nesting season, there is “ground to make up”. The many people working to find and protect these endangered turtles and their eggs in Texas hope that many more nests will be found in the coming weeks. Thirty-five of the 44 nests were found on North Padre Island, including 32 at Padre Island National Seashore. Each year, more Kemp’s ridley nests are found on North Padre than at any other location in the U.S. Eight of the other 44 nests were on South Padre and the only nest
Roller Derby Takes Over A18
Time to Reason with Hurricane Season Light season preducted By Dale Rankin It’s the time of year to see if you find your hurricane shutters stowed away in the garage. The 2014 Hurricane Season officially begins Sunday but there is some good news. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, NOAA, has released its predictions for the 2014 Hurricane Season and predicts near-normal or below-normal 2014 Atlantic hurricane season with El Niño expected to develop and suppress the number and intensity of tropical cyclones The NOAA prediction is for 8-13 named storms, 3-6 hurricane, and 1-2 major hurricanes. Of course there is the reality that a
Hurricanes continued on A13
How Likely is a June Hurricane on The Island? A History of Island Hurricanes for the Month of June By Dale Rankin The 2014 Hurricane Season is now upon us, but what is the likelihood that the Texas Coast, The Coastal Bend, or The Island will see hurricane activity in the month of June?
Gulf storms in June
Kemp’s Ridley hatchling release at PINS found north of North Padre was on Matagorda Island. Turtle patrollers from various organizations are searching Texas Gulf beaches daily to find nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles and their eggs so that we can document and protect them. Beachgoers and other people working on the beach also sometimes find nesting, especially in developed areas of the Texas coast. Please watch for nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles while you are on the beach.
Immediately report nesting turtles to a passing turtle patroller or by calling 361-949-8173, ext. 226 (North Padre Island) or 1-866-TURTLE5 (elsewhere in Texas).
Nesting turtles If you see a nesting turtle, please do not rush up her or you could frighten her and cause her to go back into the water without
Turtles continued on A8
The longest gap between storms on the Texas coast is 15 years from 1886 to 1902, and statistically Texas is not due for another major storm until 2015; after that we are on borrowed time. But what about June storms in the Gulf of Mexico, and particularly along the Texas Coast? Texas’ storms have traditionally hit in the early or late part of the season with the most frequent months on the Texas Coast being August and September. But what about in June? Since 1960, only eight Atlantic basin hurricanes have formed in June or earlier. That’s an average of one every 6.25 years; but Tropical Storms in June are not as rare.
June Storm continued on A3
A2
Island Stylin'
Island Moon
The Travelling Moon Gets Around
May 29, 2014
Traveling MoonIsland Moon at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul - Tim & Pat Oman
Island Moon Trivia Answer of the Week Is the Michael J. Ellis Seawall on Mustang or Padre Island?
The area outlined in red on the left/lower side of the map is the original boundary line of Padre Island, while the area outline to the right/upper side is the original boundary for Mustang Island. To answer this question you have to look back to the year 1837. Before man began deciding where channels cut through The Island by building jetties Mother Nature had her way and where she placed what is now Packery Channel was a bit further south than the current manmade route. Instead of turning at the point where it now enters Lake Padre the channel ran straight, entering the Gulf of Mexico at a point near what is now the eastern end of Whitecap Boulevard. The area which includes the seawall was part of what was shown on contemporary maps as the Middle Ground; a triangular piece of land bordered by the Gulf on the east, and the channel on the other three sides.
1837 survey In 1837 Texas had just become an independent Republic and a formal survey of her territory was undertaken, which included The Island. Up until that point the Spanish land grants that the Padre Island were settled under stopped at the south side of the channel which marked the line of demarcation between Padre Island on the south and Mustang Island on the north. Since the Middle Ground was on the northern side of the channel it was considered part of Mustang Island and the rules governing land ownership were those of the new Republic of Texas while the land south of the channel was part of the Spanish/Mexico settlements and governed by the rules of the Spanish Land Grants under which it was settled. Over the years, as the channel took on its current path and was literally cemented in place by the jetties the Middle Ground fell south of the borderline and to the naked eye is now part of Padre Island. But back when Texas became a nation and Mustang Island was surveyed it was part of Mustang, not Padre Island. Dale Rankin
Www.padrevet.com
RAY HERRERA DIRECTOR Marketing Operations Public Relations
361-949-8200
CHRISTI KRESSER VETERINARIAN Cats & Dogs
14802 Compass Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78418
VOTED BEST
Veterinarian 2006-2013
Cat -Dog *SAVE up to $75.00 On 1 Year Supply Friendly $50.00 REBATE $25.00 Discount Facility per Dr. Kresser
Well-Behaved Cats, Dogs & Owners Always Welcome Experts Claim Flea, Tick, Mosquito Infestations Will Hit Record Numbers In 2014
Trifexis - Cheristin - NexGard Give Your Pets The Protection They Deserve! Dr. Kresser Recommended Manufacture Guaranteed
Memorial Day fun at the pee basin
May 29, 2014
A3
Island Moon
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Letters to the Editor Riley P. Hello all,
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Chad Peters Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Office Security/Spillage Control
My name is Sly, yes Sly like a fox at least that is what my Mom says Woof,Woof. I am an 11year old labmix and love it here on the Island and I also go see Dr. Christi and glade I do now. I would love to eat hot dogs too if my mom would let me...but they don't by them. I was very sorry to hear about Riley going on to doggy heaven, but will hope he can have all the hot dogs he wants. I lost my best friend in 2010 a yellow lab that I had sense I was 4 weeks old. My mom and I were very sad but now she is in doggy heaven now and not hurting any more. I am getting gray around the mouth now but I still like to play with my toys..I have lots of them!!! I have a nice yard to play in and get to go on walks with my Mom several times a day. My Mom always picks up after me when we walk and in the back yard ( this keeps the bugs away and our Island clean). I hope that everyone cleans up after there pets like my Mom so that we don't get sick from the bugs it brings. I also live on Cuttysark and keep an eye out bad people, I don't bark at boats going by like a lot of other dogs do..whats the point, I do get to go for rides in the boat some times, and don't like it when I get left behind. I hope to beable to stay on the Island for a lot longer, and I think Dr. Christi will help me with that and my Mom. My mom dose have to clean my ears out everyday to keep the moisture away, but that is better then having to wear a con again... stupied con. Any way now I know what Riley means about hitting the spacebar alot, my nose is hurting. Hope to talk again someday, Riley will you tell my yellow lab friend Scooter hello in doggy heaving for me...I miss her but know someday I will get to play with her again. Carrie Crank
Windstorm Rules
Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon
The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700
Last week the Texas Dept of Insurance sent out notice that they were going to adopt Texas Windstorm Insurance Assoc. funding rules. These rules are unfair to our 14 coastal counties. These rules amount to a tax only on coastal residents. It seems that the public comments made at the hearings held in Beaumont and Corpus Christi were ignored. I am disappointed that the Texas Department of Insurance did not allow the legislature to handle this since in my opinion this is a legislative policy matter. I will be coordinating with all coastal legislators to fight these rules. I will also make efforts to organize and unify all of our coastal communities regarding these unfair rules. I will keep everyone posted. Working together we get things done. State Rep Todd Hunter
Send letters to the editor to editor@islandmoon.com
editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Port A Glass Studio The Gaff
Doc’s Restaurant
IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy San Juan’s Taqueria Wash Board Laundry Mat Port A Parks and Rec
As we move into the strategic fundraising phase, we are targeting larger sponsors first while preparing for the level of detail necessary to more forward with ease. To that end, I am officially putting out a “Rally for Riley” call out to anyone who can: 1) make personal introductions to potential sponsors, who we’ll offer a variety of advertising and exposure to… (think hospital, home improvement stores, oil & gas, any other business that want time with us or our visiting friends and family, etc., etc.) 2) dedicate some time to help with various fundraising duties, some on your own and others with the group… (from brainstorming to organizing database of connections & conversations to taking charge of an actual event to painting a thermometer showing our progress to actually pitching to and more!) I’m a big believer that everyone knows someone that can help – sort of like being six degrees away from Kevin Bacon (although a recent social media expert said it’s now down to 4.7). However, they can’t help until they know you have a need and are given an idea of how they may be able to help. Which leads me back to you…we’d love your help in talking it up and asking those in our circle of influence how they could help be part of our solution! Whether you know exactly how to help or just wanna talk through the possibilities, please email me (Sara) at Info@PadreIslandDogPark.com. Thank you, thank you, thank you
North Padre
Felder Gallery
Spanky’sLiquor
If, like me, your heart dropped when you heard of the early departure of Riley P. Dog – then you probably won’t be surprised to hear about the overwhelming response we got on www.PadreIslandDogPark.com requesting the upcoming dog park be named after him. We couldn’t agree more and will be doing just that!
TheIslandMoonNewspaper
Whataburger
Moby Dicks
Rally for Riley!
Tarpon Ice House
Amano
Coffee Waves
Seaside Memorial Services has already joined this year’s event as the kayak raffle sponsor. Kleberg Bank will display the kayak and sell tickets from Memorial Day weekend until Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Additionally, Seaside will bring their award winning cooks to prepare the BBQ for the after party (discussions are underway for yummy fajitas this year). As in the past, there will be live music, awards presentation, and the kayak raffle, as well as other door prizes for ticket holders. Contact 960-9597 for more information and sponsorship or volunteer opportunities.
Read the Moon on Facebook:
All Stripes Stores
Coast Club
This year, Paddle For Parkinson’s is adding a 2.5 mile (two leg) relay so even the novice can get their feet wet (pun intended) in this event. The original five mile (four leg) relay will still be available for those that love a challenge. Both routes can be paddled solo or in teams. HEB has indicated they will have more participants in the relay to compete with those from Scuttlebutts, Port Aransas Marlins, Bustamante Legacy, Sports Fitness Solutions, and others. Consider forming a block of neighbors, friends or coworkers to compete and give them a run for their money. Discounted early registration will begin online Memorial weekend. Be sure to visit www.catchthecure.org and check out the scrolling pictures from previous years.
Wild Horse Saloon
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
Island Woman Boutique
Paddle For Non-Profits? Paddle For Parkinson’s is excited to be amidst planning for the 5th Annual Kayak/Stand Up Paddleboard Relay to be held August 30th at Billish Park! Thanks to the local community, this event has grown to approximately 200 participants. Based on the early interest we have received from sponsors this year, I’m wondering if therein lies an opportunity to benefit multiple non-profs and turn the day into a Paddlefest. Consider a kayak fishing tournament, kayak birding opportunity, water games event, etc to benefit your non-prof. If interested, please contact the number below.
CVS
Snoopy’s Pier Island Italian Holiday Inn Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers WB Liquor
Flour Bluff
Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center
Whataburger on Waldron
Shorty’s Place
Ethyl Everly Senior Center
Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House
Turner's Gardenland are a full service retail nursery, landscape design and installation, florist and gift shop source. They have more than 30 years experience in floral design. They are located on SPID between Airline and Nile Road and are open Monday-Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sundays 10 am – 6 pm. Black Marlin Bar & Grill at Palmilla Beach Resort Golf Club in Port A will be starting their summer concert series with Ray Wylie Hubbard on Saturday, June 7 at 9 pm. The following three Saturdays will feature Junior Brown, Hal Ketchum and The Rankin Twins. Tickets are $15 general admission and $20 per person for a reserved table of four.Go to blackmarlinporta.com for tickets and more details. Benefit Estate Sale at 13842 Topsail Street on the Island Saturday, May 31st at 8 am with all proceeds benefiting the Marine Corps League Scholarship Fund. There will be plenty of furniture, dishes, housewares and island decor.
Business Briefs Costa Sur Bar & Grub, the Island Cevicheria with a Peruvian twist is expanding into the former fitness center. It is closed during the renovations and plans are to re-open Wednesday, June 4th. Island Joes Coffee and Gallery Shop is going in between Jesse's/Spanky's Liqour and Island Day Spa. Owner Brian Tumlinson is a commercial photographer and his prints will be for sale here. His son Andrew who did all the remodel will run the shop. They are bringing in an $11,000 espresso machine from Italy and will feature coffees from around the world. There will be a 70" TV screen for movie nights and live music three times/week. "It will be like a bar without alcohol" and they hope to open next week with coffees, smoothies and a few baked goods and add more as they go.
Brian Tumlinson and his son Andrew hope to have Island Joe's Coffee and Gallery Shop up and running next week. They will start with coffees, smoothies and a few baked goods and add more along the way. They brought in an $11,000 expresso machine and will feature coffees from around the world. Photo by Mary Craft.
Port Aransas Art Center has a Youth Art Camp Island Style where a variety of artists will instruct in a defferent medium each day. The camp is for 3rd 5th graders and the child must be at least 9 years old and is 1 – 3 pm. Camp I is Monday – Friday June 16-20 and Camp II is July 14-18 is $25/week. Pre-pay and register to reserve your spot at 749-7334.
Subway
H.E.B.
Stripes @ Cotter & Station
New Advertisers
The Island United Political Action Committee is having its annual meeting Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn. All are welcome to help make a stronger island and give it a greater voice in city decisions.
Ace Hardware
Liquid Town
Giggity’s
mkay512@aol.com
Isle Mail N More
Duckworth Antiques
The Flat’s Lounge
by Mary Craft
Dragonfly Restaurant has a humidor with different cigars including some from the Dominican Republic and Honduras that you can enjoy with a port on the patio. The restaurant also has many infused liqours including watermelon/ mint tequila, berry/grape tequila, peach/ strawberry tequila, pear/cinnamon vodka/ pineapple vodka, strawberry/lemon and strawberry rum.
Public Library Chamber of Commerce
Did Ya Hear?
Real Estate Broker Mary Melick has a canal front townhome near the Packery channel and one block from the beach listed for $313,00. Call Mary at 949-7281 to find out more.
Fire Station Police Station Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Member Padre Island Business Association
Member Padre Island Rotary Club
Boathouse Bar & Grill is having their first anniversary party on Saturday, May 31th starting with the Day Party at 4 pm with a crawfish boil and drink specials all day. The Night Party will have DJ Heavy Hands 9:30 - !:30 am. The new patio bar will be open with full bar and there will be a free champagne toast at midnight.
A4
A Little Island History
The First Survey of the Island by United States Was in 1876
A land of wolves, coyotes, panthers, sand, rattlesnakes, and men who would kill you for your saddle and clothes At the beginning of 1876, R. E. Halter from the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey arrived in Corpus Christi for the purpose of surveying the coast from Brazos Island to Aransas Pass. Between 1876 and 1882 he and a crew of about four to six men spent several months every year moving up and down The Island setting markers and making observations. From his correspondence with Washington, one gains the impression that Padre was all but deserted during these years. In December 1876, in one of his monthly progress reports to Washington written from his camp at the north end of the island, Halter remarked that his nearest neighbors were a family living twenty miles down the island and an old hermit "living in a hovel without even a dog." From a camp sixty miles down the island he commented again on conditions on Padre. He had found it necessary to purchase a rifle for protection against coyotes, wolves, and "panthers," which had "become more plentiful as we go down the island." In April 1878, Halter observed, "This is a very desolate place. There is no one living within forty miles of me that I know of. Even the sea is particularly lonesome . . . We do have plenty of sand, rattlesnakes, and coyotes." In March 1879 he explained why he preferred to locate his camp on Padre, although the island was very lonely. Not only was it easier to survey the Laguna Madre from Padre, but also, and just as important, he wrote, "Camps on the mainland are not considered safe to life or property, the country is frequented by cattle thieves, lawless men, Mexicans and others of whom it is said they will kill a man for his saddle and clothes."
The Island’s topography and hydrology are chronicled In 1879, Halter finished the triangulation of the Laguna Madre and started back up Padre to carry out the topographical and hydrological portions of the survey. Because the survey left the island during the hot and humid months from May to November, leaving the camp equipage and horses at a deserted shack, Halter did not reach Corpus Christi Bay until 1882. Although from 1876 to 1882 Halter spent several months each year on Padre, he unfortunately did not leave a detailed description of the island's flora and fauna. His maps of the topography and hydrology of the island and the Laguna Madre are excellent. Halter's survey is important in the history of Padre Island because it marked the first time that the island's physical characteristics had been studied from the perspective of the practical scientist. Padre had ceased to be wilderness in 1805 when Padre Balli introduced a civilized form of land utilization to the island. However, it was not until about 1880 that Padre ceased to be wilderness in the sense of disciplined, scientific knowledge of aspects of its natural environment. In supplying topographical and hydrological data about Padre, Halter began the study of the island's natural history. This study continues to the present day through the national seashore.
The Island becomes American The years between 1836 and 1879 were for Padre Island, as they were for the rest of the Texas gulf coast, a time of uncertainty, wars, and the wild, wild West. The period saw the island transferred from Mexico to the United States. As political control changed so did actual occupation. Although Mexicans had a legal claim to the island, Padre became in fact Texan. Men like John Singer and Carrey Curry slowly replaced Nicolás Grisante and José María Továr. Cattle ranching continued to be the major form of land utilization. In the 1870s a packery was built on the island to process hides and tallow from the vast Texas herds. When the packery went out of business in 1874, an attempt was made to turn it into a cannery, but this too failed. Many men lived on Padre
May 29, 2014
Island Moon
during these years, but they came and went. The only records of their activities are a brief note in a diary or a line or two in an early newspaper. At this period no Mexican or Texan spoke of Padre as a pleasant place to spend enjoyable and relaxing hours swimming, fishing, or just walking the beach. Parties from Corpus probably sailed out to Padre or forded the Laguna Madre to spend a Sunday on the island, but such visits were infrequent. Padre remained an isolated and desolate sweep of sand and grass. During this period Texans were much too busy establishing viable forms of economic life to devote their attention to such things as outdoor recreation. For them, nature was an immediate reality. Their task, and it was one which consumed all their energies and attention, was to subdue and transform the natural environment in order to exploit nature's resources. It would be at least another half century of technological and economic progress before Texans started to think of Padre Island in terms of scenic, scientific, and recreation values.
An Island to fight over In 1835 every square foot of land between the Rio Grande and the Nueces including Padre Island had been granted in large tracts to Mexicans. Two years before the Civil War all but one of these grants had passed into American hands. The Mexican War was the event which accelerated the transfer of the land from Mexican to American ownership. This change of ownership was not a simple real estate deal. As the historian Paul Taylor points out, "But when the Mexicans first sold to Americans they were under stress to sell. They were not simply holders of property selling at their own free will; they were selling because they were Mexicans who, in a time of chaos, could no longer occupy their land, and who saw the imminent American military and political domination." Taylor quotes one Texas old timer as simply saying, "The Americans took the land from the Mexicans. History will tell; it may be too soon now." The history of land ownership on Padre Island is long and very, very complex. The island has been in and out of the Texas courts almost continuously for about a century. Although always valuable as a cattle ranch, the discovery of minerals in the 1940s immeasurably increased the island's worth. As one can easily imagine, everyone with even the remotest claim to Padre desired to share in the wealth. Countless suits appeared on Texas court dockets and one of them, "State of Texas vs. Balli," a claim by the state of Texas to own all but 11-1/2 leagues of the island, was finally decided against the state by the Texas Supreme Court.
The Patrick Dunn Ranch, 1879-1926 During the period from 1855 to the time that Pat Dunn went to Padre in 1879, the same thing happened on the island as on the nearby mainland. By purchase and just plain occupation, Americans took over Padre. The Továr sections on the north went in pieces to such prominent residents of Corpus Christi as John McCampbell and Stanley Welch. At the south end, John Singer had purchased some land, but the majority apparently still legally belonged to Nicolás Grisante. Singer and others simply claimed it by right of possession, a right with which the Texas courts could be expected to sympathize. It would be a mistake to claim American stole Padre from its Mexican owners. By purchase payment of back taxes, and other means the original Balli land grant, which was the legal basis of ownership, legally passed into American hands. Whether the transfer was fair and just is another question. Beginning in 1879 a major beneficiary was a man named Patrick Dunn. Next time: The Island becomes a cattle ranch
Stuff I Heard on the Island by Dale Rankin
We learned this week of a three-week delay in the opening of the Schlitterbahn waterpark. It will provide plenty of fodder for the I-told-youso crowd but in the long run won’t amount to a hill of beans. Three weeks on a project of that size is barely a hiccup.
Watershed event But the park’s weight has already made an impact on The Island even before it opens, in the Island’s real estate industry. I am far from an expert on the subject of Island real estate but in this line of work you talk, and listen, to a lot of people in the industry. And the industry was noticeably shaken up, in a good way, two weeks ago when spokespeople for three of the main engines of change in that industry spoke to the first State of The Island gathering. As we move further away from that gathering, which consisted of planners from the Texas Department of Transportation, Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club (which we will have an in-depth story on in the next issue), and Paul Schexnailder who is in charge of developing over 1500 acres of land on The Island, it is looking more and more like a watershed event. Most of what was said had been said publicly before but to many in the crowd it was news. And even to those of us who had heard it before to hear it all at the same time was a little overwhelming. The scope and scale of what is coming is daunting. I often tell people who drive by the Schlitterbahn site and don’t’ see much progress that you have to go visit the place to understand the scale it is being done on. And that is only about sixty acres out of 500 that is part of the same plan. The story that I wrote about it got more than 3000 hits on our Facebook page in the first few hours it was posted.
Groundshaking groundbreaking The effect on Island real estate was almost immediate after the ground breaking for the waterpark early last year. The Great Condominium Buyup of 2013 was on. Everybody was wanted to buy condos and putting them in the rental pool – and some people will do well. But the fact started to sink in that there are going to be well over 1000 overnight stay accommodations in and around the park and according to the realtors I’ve talked to some of the wind has gone, at least temporarily, out of the condo sails. Having said that, sales are brisk at the new developments on Windward and Leeward so location matters.
Attention to The Island Then the housing market began to show the effect of the attention that the then-proposed park brought to North Padre Island. Historically the name "North Padre Island" has garnered next to no attention from anyone OTB. For whatever reason it just didn't strike a chord with anyone. In Corpus Christi (OTB) were are The Island, in San Antonio and Austin, the two major feeder markets for the area, we are The Coast; and when you pin them down what they really mean by The Coast is Port Aransas. After a few attempts to tell them we live on North Padre Island we finally just say, "you know after you go over that high bridge and turn left to go to Port A, well, that's North Padre Island," and they get it. But they still have no idea there is a canal system here and 9500 residents. But that began to change when Schlitterbahn
made its announcement. In the last few months I've noticed that when I tell people in the Hill Country I live on The Island they ask if it is the place where the park is being built. When a park that is as visible as Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is in our two primary feeder markets announces it is coming here people take notice. That showed up in our housing market quickly and continues to be a driver for the real estate business. The combination of the new wealth of the Eagle Ford Shale play, the four million new residents in the San Antonio/Austin corridor since 2000 the 26-million people who now call Texas home, coupled with the attention brought by the park's arrival made for a perfect storm of upward pressure on prices.
Housing Build Out But vacant dry lots lagged behind. Their prices were low enough that builders bought them cheap and built new houses with as many square feet as the lots would allow and created an economy of scale that combined with the relatively cheap lots put prices for the new homes, by square foot, below those of already existing houses. That has now been arbitraged out of the market but the building boom continues. Real estate professionals now report that long-term renters are becoming harder to find as many renters are waiting for their new homes to be finished and don't want to sign a long-term lease. The military renters, mostly flight school trainees, will sign a long-term lease but only if it includes a "military clause' that allows them to leave early without breaking the lease.
We had word this week of a fingertip home bought for more than $350,000 that is going to be torn down to make room for a new house. $350,000 teardown Waterfront houses and lots are a different animal. We had word this week of a fingertip home bought for more than $350,000 that is going to be torn down to make room for a new house. The price of waterfront lots, and homes, has continued to rise and in some way almost constitutes a market removed from everything else on The Island.I hear there are finally some signs of movement over at Tortuga Dunes, the stalled project on Zahn Road and I also know first hand that options are being explored for the land just south of us on the Kleberg County line. The Island is filling up and land is getting more and more precious by the week. For years we have been hearing that "one of these days" The Island will explode. As the people at the State of the Island meeting learned that day appears to be now. I know that some long time Islanders lament the days when The Island was more a quiet backwater and in some ways I feel the same way. But the only constant is change and you roll with it or it rolls over you.
THEMinor MEDICAL CENTER + Emergency Family Healthcare Minor Surgery Lab X-Ray Occupational
Flu Shots now available! Flu Shot Clinics Given on Friday Afternoons Open 6 Days a Week
No Appointments Necessary Mon-Thurs, Appointments available Fri-Sat Mon. - Sat. 8am - 6pm 14433 SPID “On the Island” Corpus Christi, TX 78418 www.tmcpadre.com
Water Access Laguna Madre
The earliest known image of Corpus Christi is the 1845 "bird's eye view" drawing below, by Capt. Daniel P. Whiting, of Gen. Zachary Taylor's army encampment along North Beach to Artesian Park. The army departed in the Spring of 1846 to begin the War with Mexico. The drawing was not published until 1847
Isle Mail N More All your Packaging needs FedEx, UPS, USPS P.O. Boxes Local Artistry Cards & Gifts (361) 949-9325 14493 S.P.I.D, Ste A Corpus Christi TX 78418
361-949-1900
May 29, 2014
A5
Island Moon
Legend of the Lost Dutchman By Capt. Sail Offcourse The First trip was in a beat up old green Chevy van of Leonard Skinner Junior’s. It was a raggedy thing that he started with a pair of pliers. The ignition switch had broken off and so it did not have a key switch. There was a spare tire strapped to the roof rack and could not open the sliding door as it would fall off the truck. Sometimes it took two people to start it as one would have to lay under the van and beat on the starter, while the other person held pliers on the ignition switch in the start position, while holding the shifter lever up in park. I had to promise Rose Mary (his mom) I would watch out for him on our trip. He used the van to do floors (carpet, tile, vinyl, ect..) to support his drinking habits. He is the son of the late Coach Leonard Skinner whom the Rockn-Roll band Lynyrd Skynyrd had named their band after. Leonard hung out with Gene Odam and traveled around to book signings. Gene was Ronnie Van Zantz’s best friend growing up and was his security for the band. He was on the plane when it went down and lost an eye in the crash. Read his book it will be well worth it, my copy is signed by both of them when they came over to see me. I wanted to be sitting on the rocks of the marker for the Mina Virgon de Guadelupe, a Jesuit lost mine for my birthday. I had spent two years researching the Lost Dutchman Mine and had found out many things of interest about the area. The Peraltas had found in the old mission
East Canyon Wall from Mine
Going to see the Mine that the rock formations were in the shape of Thunderbirds. This made me feel I was getting close Sure enough there beside the trailhead was the stone I was searching for in plain sight. I followed the trail stones down to Tortillia Pass, then noticed it made the same turn towards Angel Basin. I followed the trail to the basin and around through Rogers Canyon to Revis Ranch trail. The Stone map seemed to stop by White Mountian. Geronimo called the battle he fought with Leonard Skinners Mine the Spanish “The Battle of Tumacacori some stones with maps on them of White Hill” in 1858. showing mines. Because the King of Spain had I knew I was on the right track, so I started deeded the area to the Peraltas they created the looking the area over. I found on a hill over company of the Sombrero Mines from these Rogers Canyon a memorial original maps. As it turns out they had a better for a Mine, on the top was understanding of Tectonics as one of the sons a large M and a large V. was a geologist schooled in Spain. With his There to the south was knowledge they found fault lines across Quartz- a quarts face with a eye Diabase. Miners will know that this means chiseled in it. I had no idea heavy mineralization. about the Mina Virgon de I started looking at the stones closer as a Guadelupe at this time geologist and surveyor would and and wasn’t till I got back concluded these were pictures that I received the Sister of the area of interest. I started Molina’s Tumacacori map searching the area with Google that named the mine. There Earth in the area of Weavers beside the Monument was Needle. I noticed the area west chiseled in the stones the of the Needle had been heavily words Mina Virgon around mined. The Spanish under the the stone snakehead. Peraltas had found that between Leonard and I got to layers of Quartz there were veins Phoenix, Arizona and of gold that ran down the backs of stayed at a friend of mine’s the stones shaped like horses kind house for the night before of like tiger stripes. This still did headed of into the hills in not reveal the “Mapa Stone” at the beginning of the trail map. I moved my search farther out from Weavers Needle. When I got to the area of Kane springs I noticed
120 degree heat. My friend was a great host but rather peculiar in his habits. His opinion of our journey into the mountains was that we would die out there. The heat was oppressive and the sweat would dry almost as fast as it left your glands. After a nights rest on his floor we loaded up and took off for the trailhead singing to the tune of Beverly Hillbillies, “Come listen to a story about a man named Sail, a poor buccaneer who barely kept himself fed. Then one day he was searching through the NET, and up from the pages came a bubbling Ooze. Gold that is, Spanish Treasure. So the next thing you know old Sails a millionaire. The kin folks said Sail you ought to move away from here. So he packed up his things and moved to Beverly, Hills that is! Gold Bars and Movie Stars!” This tune was made up by Leonard as he was the manager of “THE STILL” bar formally known as Leonard Skinners on Jacksonville Beach and has a joke for everything.
The Molina map
Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRES e-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net Corpus Christi Realty Group Considering a move to the Island? Let me help you find your piece of Paradise - waterfront or interior homes, condos, townhouses, lots Considering selling your Island Property? Call me for a free consultation to obtain the current market value along with tips to make your property the one buyers will put on their “must see” list
Island Office (361) 215-8629
T PM L 0 H IF N A N I GING AT 5:3 R TA R T E G Y• S R B U RSDA T
T HIS
The Kino 1685 map
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT JUNE 7 RAY WYLIE HUBBARD JUNE 14 JUNIOR BROWN JUNE 21 HAL KETCHUM JUNE 28 RANKIN TWINS JULY 5 JASON EADY
HU
JULY 12 BRIAN KEANE JULY 19 ROB BAIRD JULY 26 MARK MCKINNEY AUGUST 2 ADAM HOOD AUGUST 9 TEJAS BROTHERS
TICKETS & DETAILS: BlackMarlinPortA.com
L U N C H
•
D I N N E R
•
E L E V A T E D
B A R
W I T H
G U L F
V I E W S
2 5 8 S N A P D R A G O N • P O R T A R A N S A S , T E X A S 7 8 3 7 3 • 3 61 . 7 4 9 . 4 6 5 3
A6
May 29, 2014
Island Moon
Senior Moments
Veterans Affairs Part II:
Don’t Fire Eric Shinseki By Dotson Lewis, dlewis1@stx.rr.com Special to the Island Moon
Police Blotter 14300 block Aloha 11:57 a.m. May 24 Criminal mischief under $50 14300 block SPID 3 p.m. May 26 Assault with injury 14400 block Cabana East 2:31 a.m. May 24 Burglary of motor vehicle 100 block Zahn Road 3 a.m. May 25 Theft $50-$500 SH 361/Zahn Road 4 p.m. May 24 Burglary from motor vehicle 13800 block Doubloon 12:59 a.m. May 27 Assault/choking 15200 block Leeward 2:30 a.m. May 27 Burglary of a habitation 15400 block Seamount 8 a.m. May 21 Criminal mischief
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will allow more veterans to obtain health care at private hospitals and clinics. Shinseki announced the change Saturday, May 24. It will be a mistake to fire Eric Shinseki. Fox News military analyst Ralph Peters defended embattled Veterans Affairs Secretary General Eric Shinseki Wednesday morning, ahead of a White House meeting that may very well bring an end to Shinseki’s tenure. Peters said Shinseki had been a “whipping boy” despite years of progress made on clearing the Veterans Affairs’ backlog.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, referred Sunday to the VA's problems as “outrageous — if the allegations are documented and proven..." adding support for Shinseki that [Shinseki] “has made it very clear that they will be held accountable.” “The Veterans Administration is never, never going to have a better more honorable and dedicated boss that Eric Shinseki,” Peters said. “He is not the problem…General Shinseki couldn’t undo fifty years of neglect and underfunding in five years, but he’s actually made progress.”
simultaneously as Commanding General, United States Army, Europe and Seventh Army; Commanding General, NATO Land Forces, Central Europe, both headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany; and Commander of the NATO-led Stabilization Force, BosniaHerzegovina, headquartered in Sarajevo. Eric Shinseki was born in Lihue, Kauai, in the then Territory of Hawaii, to an American family of Japanese ancestry. His grandparents emigrated from Hiroshima to Hawaii in 1901. He grew up in a sugar plantation community on Kauai and graduated from Kauai High and Intermediate School in 1960. While attending Kauai he was active in the Boy Scouts and served as class president. After high school, he attended the United States Military Academy and graduated in 1965. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of Artillery upon graduation and was attached to Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division as a forward observer from December 1965 to September 1966, when he was wounded in combat in the Republic of Vietnam. He returned to Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii to recuperate and subsequently was assigned as Assistant Secretary, then Secretary to the General Staff, U.S. Army, Hawaii, Schofield Barracks, from 1967-1968. He transferred to Armor Branch and attended the Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before returning to Vietnam a second time in 1969. While serving as Commander, Troop A, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, he was wounded a second time in 1970.
“General Shinseki does have one deficiency when it comes to dealing with the public and media,” Peters said. “He is a very taciturn man. He is reticent. He doesn’t cry in public. Everybody wanted to see him weep in front of a Senate panel. He is a very reserved man. Unfortunately in this media age, where it is all sensation all the time, people don’t understand quiet discipline anymore.”
Retired U.S. Army General Eric K. Shinseki was nominated by President Barack Obama on December 7, 2008 to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 2009, and he was sworn in as the seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs on January 21, 2009. Secretary Shinseki served as Chief of Staff, United States Army, from 1999 to June 11, 2003, and retired from active duty on August 1, 2003. During his tenure, he initiated the Army Transformation Campaign to address both the emerging strategic challenges of the early 21st century and the need for cultural and technological change in the United States Army. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he led the Army during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and integrated the pursuit of the Global War on Terrorism with Army Transformation, successfully enabling the Army to continue to transform while at war. Prior to becoming the Army’s Chief of Staff, Secretary Shinseki served as the Vice Chief of Staff from 1998 to 1999. He previously served
La Posada and Toys for Tots Dates Reminder Toy Collector Boats Needed By Brent Rourk
The prize was one of the five seats on the Commissioners Court and the $121,000 compensation package that goes with it. Since there is no Democrat challenger in the race the Republican primary/runoff was the de facto final tally. McComb remains in office through the end of 2014. Island voters favored Cheney with 471 votes for 58.5%, to McComb’s 332 votes for 41.5% - meaning the 139-vote margin of victor for Chesney on The Island made up all but 23 votes of his total of 162 Precinct-wide win. In Port Aransas McComb beat Chesney by 121 with 176 votes – 59% - to Chesney’s 121 votes -41%. In Flour Bluff the vote was split in Chesney’s favor with 348, to McComb’s 288.
Peril in Port A
Photos by Ronnie Narmour
A car hit a pole in front of the Tarpon Inn on Cotter Street over the weekend. In spite of the looks of things, no one was injured.
Port A Pedal Polo
Bright lights, boat parades, and Christmas will be here sooner than we think and once again the Padre Island Yacht Club will sponsor 2 boat parades and the Toys for Tots collection – It is all about the kids! Members of the Padre Island Yacht Club are busy with planning for the La Posada Boat Parade, the Kick-off Party at Scuttlebutt’s, the Christmas Tree Lighting at Port Royal, and the Toys for Tots collections. Additional activities are also being considered. Check out http://www.laposadacc.com/ for updated La Posada information. One of the biggest needs this year will be getting additional collector boats to help pick up toys on Friday or Saturday night or both nights during the boat parades (December 12th and 13th). With the increase in the number of toys the PIYC really needs several more boats to help pick up toys from the docks of the houses along the canals. This is a tremendously important way of helping kids and everybody involved in Toys for Tots.
New Florida Condos Twice As Expensive General Eric K. Shinseki served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army, NATO Forces in Central Europe (LANDCENT) and Commander of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) after having served as the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Headquarters, Department of the Army since August 1996 Other assignments include Commander, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division; Commander, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division; Deputy Chief of Staff, Support for Allied Land Forces Southern Europe; Assistant Division Commander-Maneuver, 3rd Infantry Division; Commander, 1st Cavalry Division, as well as G-3, 3rd Infantry Division, 19841985; G-3, VII US Corps, 1989-1990; and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Headquarters, Department of the Army, 19961997. Shinseki holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Arts degree from Duke University, and is a graduate of the National War College. Secretary Shinseki was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Purple Heart (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Those who know Eric Shinseki chuckled when their laconic friend began his Army retirement speech in 2003 with this: “’My name is Shinseki, and I am a soldier.” It was pure Shinseki, ending his Army career that day as chief of staff, had always been a man of few words.
One More Time Mr. President, leave this soldier alone and let him do his duty as he sees it, and he will complete the assigned task, just as he has done throughout his distinguished career.
General Eric Shinseki, (right) and General Wesley Clark, (left) at Eagle Base, Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina in July 1997. U.S. Army Photo by: SPC CORY MONTGOMERY, 55TH SIGNAL CO.
13800 block Halyard 11 a.m. May 23 Theft of vehicle parts under $50
McComb, a long-time player on the local political scene, drew the endorsement of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, but his votes to raise county taxes in each of his past three years in office, cumulatively by more than 10%, became the focus of Chesney’s campaign and proved to be the key factor in the race, at least for voters on North Padre Island.
Collector boats will only need to attend a couple of meetings where times, routes, and duties will be outlined. Interested boaters should contact Brent Rourk at brentrourk@yahoo.com or 361244-7603. In the meantime, circle the dates on your calendars for the La Posada festivities and remember the toys.
Peters argued that the real culprit was the cumbersome firing practices of the federal government, which made it difficult to remove officials allegedly responsible for the hidden waitlists that spurred the current scandal.
Dotson’s Note: I have talked to many veterans and most of us agree, that Shinseki may well go, but if he goes we will salute that man, because we believe that he has done his best.” The consensus is, that if the President keeps him in office as Veterans Affairs Secretary General, and gets out of his way, he will do the job that needs to be done.
14000 block La Blanquilla Dr. 8:23 p.m. May 25 Breaking and entering/burglary of habitation
Election continued from A1
Dotson’s note: Do you think of Eric Shinseki should be fired? If so, whom would you appoint to replace him? Please share your thoughts with us. Questions and/or comments are welcome. Please snail mail or Email The Island Moon or call Dotson at 361-949-768 or 530-748-8475 or Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com
Most people in the home-buying market would rather buy a brand new, never livedin home. In South Florida, they will pay about twice as much. According to “The Real Deal's” Peter Zalewski , South Florida new condos are priced 102 percent higher than a resale condo. Prices per square foot on new construction average $856 in MiamiDade County, $503 in Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) and $555 in Palm Beach County. Resales come in at $484, $265 and $213 for the three counties.
Last weekend Port Aransas was ground zero in the world of bicycle polo (who knew?!) Players from all over the country gathered for a weekend of play.
A Port A Pooch was spotted where he ought not have been PERMANENT COSMETICS
Speci
Putting for Patrick
al Wax 25.00 &$Eyebrow
B i k i n i Lipliner Eyeliner,
s Pedicure...$20.00 s Manicure...$10.00 s Full Set from...$22.00 - $30.00 s Fill...$15.00 - $20.00 s European Facial...$40.00 In Big Shell Plaza on the Island NEW Around corner fromLOCATION! Subway Sandwich Shop
14457S.S.P.I.D. 14225 P. I. D.,Suite Suite109 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
We wish our friend and fellow Islander Patrick Kelliher a speedy recovery so he can get back to teaching us how to play golf. His friends held a golf tournament/ fund raiser at Padre Isles Country Club.
May 29, 2014
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures
Julia Rocks Majesty Outdoors
By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures
plan. We pulled up to a deep flat in the mouth stay out there all day. As the drift pushed us into This last Saturday I was blessed to introduce of Baffin where there was still a good school the shallows Mr. Ed the producer grabbed a rod a young lady from our local community that of drum working, anchored up and caught two and casted out a few times, I jokingly baited had never been on a boat or even touched a his hook with a tiny shrimp and said that fishing pole. The Blodgett family and the little ones always catch the big trout. their nationally broadcasted television The next moment his rod bent double and show Majesty Outdoors is based right Bill turned on the camera. The second here on North Padre’, their mission is to big trout of the day came to the boat. The introduce young men and women without fat 27inch trout was also released after fulltime fathers to hunting and fishing. a few camera shots. The excitement got The mission provides scholarships and Julia up and casting again and within a works side by side with some other youth few minutes I looked up as I heard her outreach groups as well. We had been say, “I’ve got another fishy!” Her rod was planning the trip for quite a while and I bent double and an explosion of white had my concerns about how I was going water erupted behind the boat. The third to pull it all off. For starters we had to fish big trout of the day was sent from the the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend heavens and to our hands. Julia’s eyes with all the crowds. Second, the fishing met those of the trophy trout. The purple has been tough, seasonal changes have back and glistening sides shown bright had everything about a month and a half in the mid-day sun. We held the fabulous late so the easy late May trout fishing fish up for the cameras and gave thanks with live croaker is not what it should be. for such a wonderful day, God above, The fishing with shrimp can be great but Julia and the Majesty crew with a few of our blessings and new friends. I got to talk to her most the drum have been moving out and the of the day side by side and realized how drifting with popping corks can be a lot the first two casts! The noise from the camera lucky I was to have had the blessings to enjoy of work. To cap that all off we had to have a boat moved the school but we repositioned and the greatness found in our back yard. Julia lives camera boat along side by side. The week before caught another before the lunar bite shut down only a hundred yards from the Laguna yet never I covered every inch of the bay and stayed on on us. I pulled up and gave them a little drift ventured out in the great wilderness. Now her fish each day. When I saw Julia walk up and fishing seminar with the popping corks and heart will burn for the exploration of land and shook her hand the glow of her smile gave me we caught a few small trout along with two or sea farther than that of what she can see from the all the confidence in the world for our weekend. three keepers. As the morning sun rose and the beach or bridge. We stopped along the National We got organized and showed her how to cast minor feeding times got closer winds picked up Seashore and climbed the giant sand dune to there at the marina the evening before, she to a good kick and I suggested we go try for look out over the wonderful Padre’ Island and nailed it from the first try. The next morning a redfish. The first drift we caught two good Laguna Madre’. She ran to the top and down the she was met at the dock by the excitement of reds and the cameras were in perfect position. steepest slope, right behind her were the adults. a busy spring morning on the edge of the best As we neared the shallow rocks at the end of It’s easy to bring out the kid inside us all when fishing destination on the Texas coast. As we our drift Ms. Blodgett hooked a giant trout you are enjoying the most amazing life in the blazed south against a 20mph wind first thing in from the rocks. We brought the fish to hand and great outdoors. Thank you Julia for allowing the morning I figured I would stick to my game released the 28inch trout back to Baffin. Wow I me to be a part of your experience. Look for was feeling pretty lucky, and Julia was all smiles with some keeper drum, trout, and a nice redfish under her belt. As we idled out of the shallows she turned to me and with a glowing smile she said, “I’m going to fish every day for the rest of my life!” That right there made it all worthwhile. We decided to head back to the flat where we started as the mid-morning lunar peak was approaching. Our first drift we had the camera boat side by side as the corks bobbed in the 30mph winds and we danced on the deck of my boat trying to keep from falling off. The fish were defiantly eating and we started bringing in drum and trout every other cast. Julia was wearing out and I caught her Julia thought this sheepshead was the prettiest just day dreaming in the sun, relaxing. She fish of the day mentioned several times that she could just
Majesty Outdoors on your cable or look them up on Facebook.
Windy Windy Windy The winds of spring are sticking around and water quality in the Laguna Madre’ has got many anglers stumped. The live bait fishing that usually rules the end of May is not centered on “croakers” at this time. I’ve used them a few times with success but it is definitely not a slam
Korean War veteran Larry Smith and his son Joe with one of there four reds from the Flour Bluff shoreline Monday afternoon
WWII Vet Jack brown with one of his sheepshead from the land cut on live shrimp Memorial Day. dunk. They are small and not loud or wiggly enough. They work great when the winds are light. In the next week or two they will start to reach the size to be effective consistently. The drift fishing in both the Lagoon and Baffin has been just fine. The shoreline along Flour Bluff is still holding some great redfish and drum. The trout are there but feeding at night when winds lay down. The water has been brown and stained from brown tide and wind. The best water has been the shoreline south of Bird Island and the shoreline of Rocky Slough. Lure fishermen should use dark colors and paddle tails in the darker water.
Marker 37 Seminar Expo THIS SATUDAY! I’ve been waiting for this Saturday for a month now, I hope some of you are excited as well. We have the opportunity to have an awesome place to teach you some fishing strategy and lure presentation on the water. The FREE seminars will start Team ETS marker 37 marina with a great first at 5pm at Marker 37 Marina next door to place finish at the Rudy's Redfish Tournament this Snoopy’s. We will have captains talking on summer time” live bait fishing with week. croakers and piggy perch”,” offshore fishing out of Packery Channel”, and “fishing Baffin Bay” and myself, “productive summer lure fishing”. We should have at least three to LUNCH 11-2 MON-THURS four hours of detailed instruction. I will have some DOA LURE sample packs to hand out to everyone during my seminar. We will have our rods rigged and ready for you to check out how we are fishing different techniques. Pick our brains and enjoy a great afternoon on the dock at Marker 37. See you on the dock Sat. 5pm. Keep those lines tight and your hooks sharp!
Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) May 29 - March 5, 2014
C
a
u
s
e
w
a
y
Climate Controlled Storage
Starting at $39.00
Flo ur B luff Dr.
HEB
Flour Bluff
Lag una Sho res
Climate CoNtrol oN site maNaGer opeN 7 Days eleCtroNiC Gate aCCess ViDeo surVeillaNCe HouseHolD & CommerCial moViNG supplies aVailable
Wa ldro nR oad
No loNG lease aGreemeNt!
Storage iS our buSineSS! offiCe Hours:
(361) 937-8673
m-f 8:30-6:00
sat 8:30-5:30
10514 S.P.i.d.
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
Moon Visible
Th
29
High
6:28 AM
1.8
6:34 AM Rise 7:24 AM
29
Low
10:06 PM
-0.3
8:18 PM Set 9:14 PM
F
30
High
7:06 AM
1.8
6:34 AM Rise 8:15 AM
30
Low
10:39 PM
-0.2
8:19 PM Set 10:02 PM
Sa
31
High
7:39 AM
1.7
6:34 AM Rise 9:06 AM
31
Low
11:12 PM
-0.1
8:19 PM Set 10:47 PM
Su
1
High
8:09 AM
1.7
6:34 AM Rise 9:57 AM
1
Low
11:45 PM
0.0
8:20 PM Set 11:28 PM
M
2
High
8:35 AM
1.6
6:33 AM Rise 10:49 AM
15
2
8:20 PM
Tu
3
Low
12:18 AM
0.1
6:33 AM Set 12:06 AM
22
3
High
8:58 AM
1.5
8:21 PM Rise 11:40 AM
W
4
Low
12:53 AM
0.3
6:33 AM Set 12:42 AM
4
High
9:20 AM
1.4
8:21 PM Rise 12:31 PM
Th
5
Low
1:31 AM
0.5
6:33 AM Set 1:17 AM
5
High
9:41 AM
1.
8:22 PM Rise 1:22 PM
5
Low
5:40 PM
0.7
5
High
9:41 PM
0.8
0
1
4
9
31
40
A8
On the Rocks By Jay Gardner The Canadians are coming! The Canadians are coming! While this statement doesn’t typically strike fear into any red-blooded Americans, especially Texans, in this case it should. Ana and Pawel are heading into town as I write this, and I’m sure there will be shenanigans on the Island. Just chalk it up to the Invasion from the North and realize that they’ll only be here for a week and a half. Just kidding folks.
Frigate in flight Life on the sandbar has been fairly atypical lately. With all the construction of new houses and the road construction, the sleepy Island is constantly buzzing nowadays. There’s always traffic clogging up 361 and people bombing all over the place. Be careful out there, expect accidents. Everyone get ready to bomb offshore and get your two red snapper while you can. The Federal season opens up this Sunday and runs for a measly 9 days. Yup, you heard me, 9 days, June 1st to June 9th. And that only includes one Saturday. If the Feds claim that we overfished our quota next year, likely there will be another lawsuit. I’ll file one myself. The most recent lawsuit was filed by a consortium of commercial snapper interests, and forced the Feds to institute a 20% overage buffer into the equation when determining Total Allowable Catch. I was really hoping that NMFS would declare a 0-day Federal season in order to get the attention of
some higher-ups, but they chickened out and magically “found” additional quota. See, after they announced the 14-day season, Louisiana immediately announced they were going non-compliant, and Florida also went noncompliant. This SHOULD HAVE resulted in a less than a 0-day Federal season, the way that quota is figured. But the head of NMFS evidently values his continued employment and “found” a way to keep a season on the table. This reeks of bureaucratic philandering, and the system is not only broken, it’s also being manipulated for a predetermined outcome, which is to keep recreational fishermen off the water. They want us to go buy our snapper (and other fish) from the store, that way it can be caught by people who bought the right to fish, then taxed, re-sold, and taxed again. It’s all about the money. Sorry for the rant folks, it’s just depressing when your seasons get shorter despite there being more fish in the water than there historically has been. Bad ju-ju. Well thankfully there’s plenty of redfish and trout in the local waters, and we don’t have seasons on them. Well, at least we don’t yet. We got out in the backyard last weekend and did some fishing in the chocolate milk. If you haven’t paid attention going OTB or looking out the back door, the brown tide has taken over the Laguna again. Water conditions are just about downright miserable right now. We found a little better water up in Nighthawk, and even managed a few fish. We were completely surprised, however, when a magnificent frigate bird swooped down and tried to take a bite out of Zeps’ lure. Pretty cool encounter, as these predominately pelagic birds are rare in our area here. Did you know they can’t take off from the ground? They spend a majority of time in the air, and when they do land they have to land in something tall so they can take off again. Well folks, summer has officially started, and the kids are getting out of school. The sargassum owns the beach, turtle nesting season is full speed right now, driving on the beach is hazardous and bumpy, and the birds are nesting nicely. Say hello when you see us on the island and out on the rocks.
Kemp’s Ridley Turtle Count So far this year, 46 nests have been confirmed on the Texas coast including (north to south in state):
May 29, 2014
Island Moon
1
Matagorda Island
36
North Padre Island, including 33 at Padre Island National Seashore
9
South Padre Island
Local Fishing Tournament a Refining Experience Had Fun and Left Fish for the Rest of Corpus By Brent Rourk Descending on the island last Saturday, a group of 75 area plant (refinery) workers brought their trusted rods, reels, and fishing skills in the hopes of winning one of the coveted prizes in the Redfish and Trout Divisions. Many of the avid anglers had waited a year for the 2nd Annual Refinery Trash Fishing Tournament and were anxious to demonstrate their heralded fishing talents. The fishing tournament was also a well-attended team building event for all of the different plant workers. Though no 9 foot Tiger Sharks were caught, all of the casters had a great time (according to lore, a fisherman always has a great time because even a bad day fishing is better than any other kind of day). After ridding the local waters of a few fish, the 100 anglers and family members attended the weigh-in party here on the island at the home of Michael Clark. The winners will humbly accept bragging rights for the coming year and the less fortunate will natter about ‘the one that got away’. The winners in each division pocketed $475.00, second place received $275.00, and third place nabbed $175.00. They also received trophies to immortalize their fishing prowess.
Winners: 1st Place: Jay Fitzgerald - 7.76 lbs., 2nd Place: Paul Barrego - 7.23 lbs., 3rd Place: Joe Buttler - 7.09 lbs. Trout Division 1st Place: J.D. Green - 6.72 lbs., 2nd Place: Joel Serrano - 6.26 lbs., 3rd Place: Roy Gonzales - 5.99 lbs.
nesting. To learn more about what to do if you see a nesting turtle and to obtain the latest information on the number of nests found this year, visit the Padre Island National Seashore website at www.nps.gov/pais or our Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery. It only takes about 45 minutes for the nesting turtle to crawl out of the water, dig a hole and lay her eggs, cover the nest, and return into the surf. At about half the nests found each year, the nesting turtle has already returned to the water by the time that turtle patrollers arrive. When the turtle is present, they document her and protect her until she has returned to the Gulf of Mexico.
Eggs are removed from all sea turtle nests found in Texas to protect them from human caused and natural threats on the beach. Relocating the eggs to protected incubation enables us to increase hatching success of the eggs and survival of the hatchlings as they crawl down the beach and enter the surf. Eggs from most nests found at the National Seashore and
By Brent Rourk What color are the running lights on a boat? What side should you pass boats? Do you know how to trailer and launch a boat safely? What is a float plan? What is 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 as it applies to boating? What is planing? What duties do lookouts have and how many should you have on your boat? Texas Parks and Wildlife states that children of what ages MUST have a TPW boating certificate? If you missed any of these questions, then seriously consider taking the upcoming boating safety class (About Boating Safety course) taught by the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-11. The course is designed to help make every boater a more informed and safer boater, reducing accidents and making the boating experience more pleasurable. All children in Texas from age 13 to 17 must have
Local fish allegedly feared these men
Turtles continued from A1
Eggs
ABS Course Great for Beginners and Children 13-17
Local fish allegedly feared these men
Redfish Division:
A few of the nesters found on North Padre each year are outfitted with satellite transmitters to study their movements between nesting events that year, and after they are done nesting and return to the foraging grounds. We have deployed eight transmitters on turtles that nested at the northern end of North Padre Island this year, and plan to deploy two more in the next week or two. You can view the tracks of these turtles on www.seaturtle.org. Once on this page, go to the satellite tracking link and look for the Padre Island National Seashore Kemp’s Ridley Tracking Program 2014.
More Boating Safety Classes Coming This Summer
Anglers began to show up at the weigh-in party
a Texas Park and Wildlife Boating Certificate in order to captain a boat or PWC. The next About Boating Safety course will be held on Saturday, June 21st from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm at the CBRAC on 1201 Laguna Shores Drive in Corpus Christi. The course will cover Introduction to Boating, Boating Safety Equipment, Boating Law, Safe Boating, Navigation, Boating Problems, Trailering Your Boat, and more. Experienced boaters who have not taken a boating would also benefit from taking it. The cost is $45.00 and includes instruction, materials, lunch and the Texas Parks and Wildlife boating certificate for children 1317. Contact Roy Pell to register at salorroy@ sbcglobal.net or at 361-537-1934.
northward on the Texas coast are brought to our incubation facility at the National Seashore for protected care. Eggs are also cared for in protective screen enclosures called corrals located in the southern half of the National Seashore and on South Padre Island.
Hatchling Release Each year, the public is invited to attend about 20-30 releases of hatchlings at Padre Island National Seashore. No fee is charged to watch these releases and thousands of people attend each year. Lots of people have already asked us when our first release of the year will be held. During years when nesting begins in early April we are able to hold releases starting in late-May. However, since the first nests were not found until late-April this year, those first eggs will not start hatching until mid-June. Those first hatchlings will be ready for release sometime between June 13 and 18, and we hope to hold our first public release of the year then. However, only three clutches will hatch then, so timing could be tricky since the turtles must be released when they become active. If the first public release cannot be held for those clutches, then it will be held sometime between June 27 and July 8, when hatchlings from 17 clutches will be ready for release. This timeframe enables the possibility of releases over the July 4 weekend! You can learn about when our hatchling releases will be held by checking our website, Facebook page, and Hatchling Hotline. As eggs are placed into our incubation facility, the projected hatchling release dates for the resulting hatchlings are listed on our website at www.nps.gov/ pais. When the eggs begin to hatch we are able to more closely pinpoint when the release will occur. We then place the latest information about the releases on our recorded Hatchling Hotline (tel. 361949-7163) and our Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery.
The BACK PORCH
oPEN 7 dAYS + nOON-2AM Live Music
90 Proof
Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood for Over 30 Years Open Daily 11:00 - 10:00
May 29
The May 30 The Derailers May 31 BACK PORCH Waterloo Revival June 5 Bar June 6 Davin James Mike Blakely
Tejas Brothers
June 7
The
$2BACK Wacky Wednesdays! PORCH ON THE WATERFRONT
132 W. Cotter St. Bar
PortA
Specializing in South Texas Seafood Since 1980 AlsoNow Accepting Visa Mastercard & Scoopy’s Veranda Discover With Sweet Treats, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
Snoopy’s Scoopy’s
(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810
13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418
May 29, 2014
By Sam Arwood
We Love a Luau
Island Moon
Carolyn (Leilani) Arwood is the owner of Aloha Luaus, a performing Polynesian dance group here in Corpus Christi. A Padre Island resident for several years, she loves all things tropical. Carolyn has spent the majority of her working years as a dancer. She started studying dance at age 4. When her teacher in California retired, Carolyn took over the studio at age 17. She taught ballet, tap and jazz for years while studying and performing Polynesian dance with another group. Over the years she’s performed in musicals and dance events all over the US. She was fortunate enough to study Tap with Gregory Hines, Henry LeTang, the Nicholas Brothers as well as other legendary Hoofers. She also trained and competed in Country, Swing and Ballroom dance styles. Her Ballroom and Swing training began with Buddy Schwimmer (father of Benji and Lacey Schwimmer of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With The Stars” fame) as well as training with many other world champion dancers.
40 performances each year
She worked several years as a dancer for Celebrity Cruise Lines. She has always returned to Hawaiian and Tahitian dance when the opportunity arose. Since moving here, she has been the owner/operator of Rhythm and Moves Dance Academy. Rather than performing once a year at a recital, her students do public performances throughout the community. Her students average nearly 40 performances each year. Some of the performances are ballet, tap and jazz, but most are Polynesian. Aloha Luaus is the Polynesian side of her studio, where she teaches Hula, Maori and Tahitian forms of dance and even Tininkling from the Phillipines. In keeping current on proper technique and style, she studies with Kumu Hula (Hula Master Instructors) here in Texas as well as Hawaii. Last fall she attended a Hula workshop in San Antonio with Kumu Hula Mapuana DeSilva from Kailua, Oahu. Mapuana DeSilva is a renowned and highly respected Kumu Hula who along with her husband (me) has been instrumental in preserving and teaching Hawaiian culture to Native Hawaiians.
A rare invitation Merrie Monarch is a hula competition on the big island that is considered to be the premiere
A9
Memorial Day at the beach by Ronnie Narmour
hula event in the world each year. Mapuana DeSilva’s group has been in the top three for many years and her group Halau Mohala ‘Ilima has the most consecutive appearances at Merrie Monarch. A few months after Carolyn attended the workshop, Mapuana DeSilva contacted her to extend an offer for her participate in her last study program. It is a six year intensive study with one full week each year in Kailua, and multiple assignments throughout the year. The study isn’t limited to dance, but also includes Hawaiian language classes, history and chanting. It was quite an honor to be offered this opportunity, as it isn’t something one can just decide to do. One must be invited and then accepted. Carolyn received the invitation because Mapuana saw in her the true Aloha she has for Hawaiian dance and her desire to honor and perpetuate their culture by performing Hula accurately and respectfully. Carolyn was going to regretfully decline the offer, as finances just wouldn’t allow it. When her students learned that she planned to decline, they rallied and said lets do fundraisers to make it happen. Therefore, on Sunday, June 1st., at the Boathouse, a Luau and buffet will be taking place. There will also be raffle items and silent auction items. Please support this cause and come enjoy dinner and a fantastic Polynesian show.
A10
Island Moon
May 29, 2014