Welcome to the Republic of Texas!
Texans are proud of their state in a way I’ve not seen in any other. The Texas flag flies high and often. Displayed with even more frequency is the Texas star — virtually every item with a little open space is emblazoned with a metal star.
The feel of Texas is hard to describe — at least, it is for this once-Californian. I’ve been to a couple of foreign countries before, and none seem more foreign than Texas. Texas was once its own country, after all. (More than a few would like to return it to that status and secede from the United States.) At times, it seems as though they’re speaking another language. Before I offend any Texans, let me be clear: I love Texas and should’ve come sooner.
Most Texans feel if you weren’t born here, you are not a Texan. You may live in Texas for 40 years and still not be a “Texan.” Not so in California — you can live there for 15 minutes, and if you say you’re a Californian, so be it.
Seeing as how this is a big state, there is a great deal to see, much of which is “Texas-sized.” Among the many things I’ll take you to see in Texas: a snake farm; underground caverns; a giant pecan; a squirrel; spider statues; a two-headed goat; a tiny church; painted pump jacks; perhaps a tour of an oil rig; a day or two in the life of a rancher; and Port Aransas, a lovely island off the coast with great camping.
Let’s start at the coast in beautiful Rockport, population 8,700, midway between Galveston and Corpus Christi. The Texas coast is gorgeous, the water warm and shallow, and the sand clean. Rockport is known for its abundant fishing and bird-watching. The pace is laid-back, as if everyone is on “island time.” It is a popular vacation spot and snowbird, aka “Winter Texan,” destination. There are more RV spots than homes.
The World’s Largest Blue Crab
More importantly, Rockport is once again home to the Giant Blue Crab sculpture, the original having been destroyed in one of the area’s many large storms. Recreated to match the original and measuring 27 by 25 feet, artist David Allgood created this one out of aluminum and fiberglass.
The World’s Largest Blue Crab sits on Seabreeze Drive at the entrance to Rockport Beach Park. While you’re there, check out Rockport Beach, rated one of the cleanest beaches in Texas. In my next article, I’ll show you more of the area.
To see many more photos, follow more of my weird, wacky, and wonderful RV adventures on Flickr.
My next stop: Strange RV Encounters: World’s Longest Fishing Pier and Big Tree in Rockport, TX.
Read how it all began: Strange RV Encounters: An Introduction.
