Camping at Goose Island State Park
Allie and I were very pleased that 22 of our members (Shelia F, Kim F, Jacque A, Marie W, Tracy P, Donna B, Cindy S, Judy C, Jayne N, Judy S, Nancy L, Lois J, Allison G, Debbie H, Sandy and Don B, Mary V, Lillian Y, Donna A, Stephanie N, Kody F, and Angie B.) made the trip to Goose Island State Park, April 28-May1. Some arrived a few days earlier, so they could enjoy the park and Rockport a little longer. With the help of some of the attendees, below is a brief summary of our outing. I apologize ahead of time if I have missed a name, or two and if activities have not been fully described. There were so many activities going on the entire trip, it was hard to keep up with all of them
Tuesday, April 26 – Tracy P, Judy S, Allie G, Debbie H, and Lois J arrived on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, they went over to Mustang Island and enjoyed the day there. Marie W arrived Wed and had a fish fry with Donna B and her friend, Tom who also arrived on Wednesday.
Thursday, a few more of us arrived. It was very windy, even more windy on the bay side, where several of us were camping. The wooded area was not as windy. Marie, visited the bird blind located in her camping loop; and went to Pier 77 with Donna, Tom and had lunch, shopped some and then drove to the Bay area and hung out at the beach for a bit. Mary V was making her way to Goose Island and had rv issues – see lessons learned below.
On Friday, it was very windy on the bay again. Jacque and Marie went on a park-led birding outing. Donna and her friend, Tom, also joined the tram . Notable sightings were a white pelican in the Bay area and a baby Horned owl in the camping area. Sandy and Don went on a bike ride at the Aransas NWR. Judy Shaw led a tour of Rockport, Jayne N, Judy C, Cindy S, Judy S, Judy’s sister, and Angie B. Judy took us to several nature trails, the town cemetery that had wildflowers blooming everywhere. This group met up with Allie G, Lois J, and Debbie H for lunch at Hu-Dat. Dinner that evening was a fish cookout, everyone who wanted fish, brought their fresh fish and we pan fried it. Lots of yummy side dishes were brought to share, along with desserts.
Saturday Jacque, Donna and Marie went on a walk: Turk’s Cap and Warbler’s Way; very short. The mosquitos were really getting bad so they walked briskly. Relaxed after, had lunch and then Donna, Jacque, Sheila and Marie walked to the Bay to get more beach time. Sandy and Don went birding at the Leona Turnbull Birding Center on Saturday morning. Koby, Stephanie, Nancy, and Kim F who was their fearless leader, kayaked in the bay, then took the ferry across to Port Arkansas beach for lunch at DQ and walked the beach and the jetty, saw some dolphins and big ships. Dinner for Jacque A, Mary V, Angie B, Lois J, Allie G, Tracy P, Debbie H, Jayne N, Judy C, and Cindy S was at Charlotte Plummers. Others opted to stay at camp for dinner.
Sunday, everyone was on their own for the morning and prepared for check out. I have probably missed a few activities; and/or names, but all in all this was a great trip. Marie summed it up really well, “had a very nice time seeing old friends and getting to know others better.”
Learning Experience:
- Mary Van Eck’s trailer brakes locked up on her way to Goose Island. She was able to get the situation under control and have someone tow her trailer and fix the issue. The message we would like to share with everyone is: “Be sure to make sure your breakaway cord is firmly attached while driving. Check the breakaway cable and seven pin every time you stop for gas. Know how to disconnect trailer brakes manually ( each trailer brake is a little different so check your manual). If your brakes/trailer tires lock up, get off the road! They could get very hot and could start a fire. Probably a good idea to have your brakes checked at least once a year and before long trips.
Hope this helps! Oh and be sure to have this happen at a DQ so you can at least get a cone while waiting for the tow truck! Some folks carry a tire thermometer thing and routinely check RV tire temp when traveling. I’m definitely going to get one!”
- Go a little earlier to avoid mosquitos.
- Campers should try to reserve sites in the same camping area so we can all be together.
Ideas for the next Goose Island Outing:
Save the Date: March 23-26, 2023
Activities to include: Day trip to Port A to enjoy the beach/waves and have lunch at a local favorite restaurant; or maybe have a shrimp boil in the park.
Thanks to all who shared their time with us. It was lots of fun and great to see everyone in person. Check out pictures on Meetup and on Facebook.
Until next time…
Angie Burford
Outing Co-Leader