On the third day of our trip to Mustang Island, TX Tropical Storm Don was on the march towards our island.
In the morning we headed to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Inside was a small museum with several exhibits. One thing I found particularly cool was the soil samples from around the world mainly beaches. They were of all sorts of colours and consistencies; it was supreme.
Next we walked around an outdoor area with several exhibits then departed to Corpus Christi for lunch at Thai Spice. Thai Spice was a very upscale and interesting restaurant (with enough parking even though it was downtown). The owners (I assume they owned it) were an interesting older man and woman (probably Thai and probably married) who were very unique. The man giggled when I mentioned the coming tropical storm as if it was hilarious to him I would take it seriously. The woman took our orders and was firm but with a seductively soft voice. When I enquired about a hawaiin dish she recoiled in disgust and told me not to get it. I then asked about 'Clay Pot' and she immediatly lit up and promised me I would like it. I did. It was so unique; the rice was crispy on the bottom and the sauce was sweet. The dish was rich not just sweet, with the Thai signature cilantro (which I hoped it would). If you go you must get this dish.
Next we headed back to the condo where we planned to swim in the ocean until Tropical Storm Don forced us off the beach. We had a blast swimming and the sky turned dark. After dinner, I went out to the ocean and felt the 30 MPH winds coming off the ocean. I stayed there for about 20 minutes. The rest of the night the wind was strong outside but there were few other consequences of Don.
The next morning everything was back to normal and we headed back home and our trip was over.
Large sea birds of some kind.
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
Birds
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
Small path at the outdoor portion of the museum.
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas, Texas
July 29, 2011
I saw these faded and miscoloured Sunflowers everywhere near the coast. I assume they are always like this due to the salt water, however, that may not be true.
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
Looking towards the centre
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas, TX
July 28, 2011
Inside the small museum.
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas, Texas
July 29, 2011
'Don Approaches'
Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
'Hurricane Don'
La Mirage Condos Port Aransas, Texas
July 29, 2011
'Tropical Depression Don'
Port Aransas, Texas
July 29, 2011
'Tropical Storm Don'
La Mirage Port Aransas, Texas
July 29, 2011
What was the impact of Tropical Storm Don?
Not very much rain materialized for drought stricken Texas unfortunatly.
La Mirage Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
How bad was Tropical Depression Don?
La Mirage Port Aransas, TX
It looks worse over Port Aransas in this picture than it was. It was a very windy night as the city went to sleep though.
The scrub near the beach was riddled with a myriad of mutli-regional species: Texas Gulf Coastal Plains, South Texas Plains, Great Plains, Southwestern desert and even tropical species mingled in the Corpus Christi and Mustang Island Texas area. Featured in this photo is a type of Opuntia Cactus (Prickly Pear Cactus). A type of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) I do not know the name for was also very common.
La Mirage Hotel Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
Where did Tropical Storm Don hit? Northern Mexico and South Texas, effecting Padre Islands tides and wind speeds. (Picture taken around 8 PM)
La Mirage Condos Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
How bad was Tropical Storm Don? Not too bad, the wind was really nice and cool on the beach though.
Around 8 PM
La Mirage Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
Don
La Mirage Port Aransas, TX
July 29, 2011
