To South Llano River State Park

Aloha Everyone,

It was a wonderful visit in POC.

All of us enjoyed each other’s company. As on our previous visits, Susan prepared sumptuous meals using Elk meat from Jim’s hunt and fish dishes from their catches.

Promising to see each other again, J.J. and I left by 8:30 am, stopping in Victoria to purchase our provisions. One interesting sight was to see trucks transporting huge wind turbine blades.

South Llano River State Park is located in the southwestern edge of the Hill Country. It is one of our favorite Texas state parks. The park is home to one of the largest Rio Grande turkey roosts. During our last visit, we saw numerous wild turkeys running about, but this time we were told that they have moved to another part of the park.

Lots of learning and walking opportunities in the park. I will be joining their birding group tomorrow.

Aloha -- Cathi

Activities with Jim & Susan

Aloha Everyone,

Jim feeds wild birds, deer and whatever else that fly or walks into their property. This morning, I saw about 30 ducks circling in the air before they descended into his yard to feast on corn. Jim spends upward of $1,000 a year on feeds.

Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC). The HTC designation is an official recognition of family and community graveyards. Port O’Connor cemetery was like a visit to a museum. POC cemetery is open and beautifully manicured. It seems very conducive for families to visit long gone ancestors.

While looking for the Chamber of Commerce office, we walked into Salt Blossom, a charming shop and met the owner, Beverly Clifton.

There are 3 churches in Port O’-Connor.

Fisherman’s Chapel

St.Joseph Catholic Church

First Baptist Church

Jim is a sports fisherman and sports hunter with bow and arrows. Both require specialized equipments as well as training and skills. He also showed me some of his diving paraphernalia. I couldn’t even lift his diving vest. I guess in addition to being fit, it helps to be of a certain stature and courage to come face-to-face with Hammerhead Sharks!

Among the more tame activities, I danced Zumba with Jim and Susan and attempted to do Wii Balling.  After my ball kept on rolling along the gutter, Jim resigned as my coach :-/

Aloha -- Cathi

Data on Port O’Connor

Aloha Everyone,

The people J.J. and I meet in Port O’Connor are friendly and laid back. It seems many of them have relocated to this small fishing village on the Gulf of Mexico by choice. Some, like Jim and Susan, have become full-time residents. Others, like Pam and her husband Ron, are “snowbirds” who spend up to 6 months during the winter months.

Based on the 2010 census, Port O’Connor has a population of 1,253.

Since 2000, Port O’Connor has experienced a population growth of 18.74 percent. 

Port O'Connor Elementary School is from Pre-Kindergarten through grade six. From 7th to 12th grade, children are bused to Port Lavaca.

Port O’Connor has 4.7% unemployment.  In comparison, the US average unemployment rate is 5.20%.

Aloha -- Cathi

King Fisher Beach Reclamation

Aloha Everyone,

Jim and Susan took us to King Fisher Beach in Port O’Connor to observe the work in progress on the beach reclamation.

Commissioned by the Army Corps of Engineers, this is a $400,000 federally funded project.

If the weather is cooperative, in 45 days, up to 100,000 cubic yards of sediment will be deposited.  

Hurricane Harvey had eroded the popular King Fisher Beach. Once this latest reclamation project is completed, residents and visitors alike would be able to enjoy a large expansive beach with the new material, just in time for summer.

Aloha -- Cathi

Unexpected Usage for Right Guard Aerosol

Aloha Everyone,

I was still suffering from a few remaining mosquito bites that would not disappear.  Susan suggested for me to try Right Guard Aerosol Deodorant. I was a little dubious since at least a half dozen remedies had not worked.  Not expecting any result I sprayed directly on my skin.

The result is AMAZINGLY effective! On four red spots, just one squirt was sufficient. Two spots on my leg, it took twice — once in the evening and 2nd time after my morning shower. Spray eliminated the itch and red swellings completely!

I am sold. We will purchase a small aerosol Right Guard and pack it along with our essential “survival kit”.

Aloha -- Cathi