The first “post COVID” live ArtWalk in Corpus Christi kicked off with the official lighting of 100 trees on Chaparral Street. Artists congregated on the 400 blocks of Lomax and Peoples Streets which were closed for the evening to accommodate the new ArtWalk concept of Street Parties.
Andrew’s adventure.
As if graduating from high school was not enough for our independent young son he has got himself a job in Colarado through to November. A great adventure for him, a worry for his loving parents. We are still trying to wrap our minds around the idea that he will not be bursting into our presence every day with exited tales of what he has been up to at school, work, or play – usually delivered in an accent or mimicking someone he has met. If Andrew didn’t have other plans I’m pretty sure he would have a career on the stage!
We packed the vehicles and set off from Rockport together. Checking on the Apple Find app told us that Andrew had decided to visit his friends at the Boiling Pot before heading North. Regardless of that decision he still managed to arrive at The Bass Pro shop in San Antonio before his parents! On we drove for about 10 hours (including rest stops) until we reached the half way stage at Lubbock where we quickly checked into our hotel and headed out for a steak dinner. Then it was straight to bed to ensure an early start the next day.
Anxious to be on his way Andrew declined to wait in the ridiculous line to be served breakfast at the hotel (COVID having turned a perfectly efficient self serve breakfast into a painful, six foot from the guest in front of you, wait to be served by one poor overworked soul struggling behind her face mask to make polite conversation at the same time as hustling folks along.)
Whataburger breakfast and a quick stop for fuel was to be the order of the day so we walked him out to his truck and bade farewell to our “little boy”. A few last words of advice from his parents and he jumped in the truck. Just one final request from his father – to keep us updated on his progress throughout the day each time he stopped to rest or refuel.
I didn’t really think he would call until he arrived at his destination but 90 minutes later the phone rang and it was Andrew to let me know that New Mexico has the lowest speed limits he has ever encountered on major roads. He has called several more times to advise us on his progress and at the time of writing this he is within 50 miles of his destination and out of cell phone reception.
Update: The Eagle has Landed as at 7p.m. CST
I was in Corpus Christi Saturday, for work purposes, but thought I would take the bike with me and ride around Downtown again after work.
Social distancing and mask wearing appears to NOT be a thing in town but that wasn’t a problem for me because I didn’t stop near groups of people and what they do is up to them!
Now heading into the week ending September 12th, the scheduled date for Conquer the Coast 2020, had it not been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Dang but I’m not having much luck entering this event!
This is the 4th year I’ve attempted to register for it and I’ve only succeeded in riding it once!
… on the other hand …
Much reduced mileage this week due to weather but at least I clocked a few miles.
Confined to the house for several evenings I took to the Internet and found this photo of 2 old friends. Yes, in my youth, I was a nerdy “bus spotter” and remember this pair well.
Managed a few more miles this week but still falling short of my 50 mile goal. The temperature has been in the 90F range with SSE winds around 10 to 15 mph neither of which promotes enthusiasm for cycling.
Also there was the yard work that had to be done!
On the plus side memorial Park has been opened to the public again and so some mileage can be achieved in the relative shade of the park.
Week 11 of the “Stay at Home – Save Lives” order and the lockdown is easing just in time to allow for the usual influx of tourist folks from the cities to turn our quiet little seaside town into a busy, belligerent, beach destination for the Memorial Day weekend. Huge queues at the grocery store, no room at the gas pumps, traffic backed up from the beach access roads. You could be forgiven for thinking everything is back to normal!
Holiday weekend syndrome is in full swing. On this occasion I suppose we should be grateful and sympathetic to the rowdy hoards who invade our normally quiet, pleasant, and polite space. After all they are bringing welcome and much needed commerce to the businesses of our town and as they have chosen our small section of paradise in which to spend their time and money we should reward them with happy smiles and polite greetings.
Try to remember that most of them don’t appear to understand the concept of social distancing and / or the advisability of adhering to the suggestion that facial masks should be worn in public. Many may also not be fully aware of the meaning of Memorial Day beyond it being a non work day for them. So smile, wave, and move on before anyone sneezes on you.
