We had hoped that being in southern Texas, and parking close to the Gulf of Mexico would allow us to enjoy some reasonably warm weather this winter. 
From the day we arrived here at Port Aransas (Dec. 15), we’ve been able to count on one hand the number of days that we haven’t had to bundle up in jackets to go outside. And the winds from the north have been relentless! I don’t want to whine because I know other parts of the country have it worse, but we are amazed by how far south the winter chill has pushed this year. Even the priest at the local church was apologetic to us winter Texans about the cold spell that has hovered over the Port Aransas/Corpus Cristi area.
But instead of moping around, we’ve tried to endure and make the best of it by taking in the sights and having a good time with friends new and old.
Our first few days were spent socializing and meeting new folks. Just a day after our arrival the partying began when Dave and Faye of the Wandering Camels invited us over to taste Dave’s smoked pork and chicken. And wow, does this guy know how to smoke some good meat! The gathering ended up being sort of a “blogger’s summit”, as Al and Ingrid of Live Laugh RV also joined in for the feast and laughter.
Our first two weeks (including the holidays) were spent meeting new friends, partying and eating lots of good food. At the RV park’s Christmas get-together (Steve’s review of the park is here), we met Beverly and Dennis from Nebraska, and we learned they are followers of our blog. Now isn’t that something!
On Christmas day, Ingrid showed us how a gourmet meal can be prepared in a very tiny kitchen…
…and for desert she further demonstrated her culinary skills by lighting up her bananas foster – and yes it was very yummy!
It was not just the humans partying and socializing here. A group of birds hung out at the pond in front of our RV, rain or shine, feasting on the little fish in the well-stocked waters. We watched and were entertained as they jockeyed for their favorite fishing spots, and we discovered which were the bullies and which seemed to be insatiable as they hunted and ate for hours. The meeting of the “Birdy Breakfast Club” began at sunrise each day.
All of the attendants are present and accounted for, as they mill around in front of our site…
…then the jostling for good spots begins. The Great Egret shoos the tiny Snowy Egret away…
..and the poor little guy scampers off. Steve thought the sight of an Egret running was hilarious!
But then the big bully arrives…
…and everybody flies away!
Sometimes the “landlubber” birds watched helplessly as the Cormorants showed them how easy it was to dive and catch a fish. The Egrets followed them around the perimeter of the pond, hoping to grab any fish that might escape from the divers.
This gang of birds were patient and tireless, working virtually all day to keep themselves fat and happy.
And once their tummies were full, the Cormorants would stand along the shore to dry their wings in the incessant wind. When the “blow dry” was complete they dove right back in for more. Then the egrets would quickly fly or run to the new fishing spot, and the whole process started again. Fascinating and fun to watch!
And so the party continues…
Lowes Travels 
Great to meet you and Steve, sure wish the temps were a bit warmer. We’re thinking of AZ next winter, it seems to be a bit warmer there. Ingrid does know how to do banana fosters doesn’t she.
I sure wished we had another get together so we can have mor of Dave’s smoked meat. I’ll blame it on the weather and my many trips to CC for medical appointments.
Yeah the weather hasn’t cooperated one bit since the holidays, next time our paths cross we’ll get the smoker going again. Safe travels.
Nice to see everyone filling their tummys!! Here’s hoping the sun breaks the clouds but glad we’re not swinging a shovel!
What fun MonaLisa! As always I love the bird pictures. Great captures of them enjoying dinner…
We had considered that area last year for wintering, but moved on thru as it was way too chilly for us.
You are on one very long party. Glad y’all are making the best out of Mother Natures cruel joke on us. Paul and I think she must be drinking…lol
How wonderful to have a waterfront site and be able to watch the birds antics each day! I am amazed at what large fish some of those birds can manage to swallow whole!
Looks like you are having a great time despite the cold. Now I know that TX is kind of iffy for weather in the winter!
It seems that this is the second winter in a row that TX has iffy weather. Thanks to our breakfast club, they made our stay here bearable and enjoyable.
What magnificent photos…..
Thanks
Which park did you camp at in Port Aransas? We spent 2 months there a couple years ago but a little later in Feb-March. loved it.
We stayed at Gulf Waters RV Resort. I think our attitude would have been better if the sun showed up its face.
Sounds like a fun time, despite the clouds and wind.
Nina
We tried to be optimistic on our dreary days 😦
We’ve had the same problem with the cold here south of Sarasota. Of course it’s not cold, cold but certainly not as warm as in past winters. We’ve had maybe 3 nice beach days in 3 weeks. I just love your breakfast club. Really great pictures of their catch and the Great Blue with his wings spread. Really fine!! So glad to see them. Wish I had that entertainment in my front yard. Your sunrise picture is just wonderful.
Thank you Sherry, the breakfast club made the gloomy days here enjoyable and happy. I don’t think we can have another spot like these in the future.
Hey there, you guys have shown how easy it is to overcome the potential downers. A few great time with friends new and old is always a recipe for fun. I think if the weather continues to bring cold further south each year there may become a market for a ferry to the Bahamas for Snow Birds!!!
Ha ha ha I like the ferry to the Bahamas!
After I wrote that the next day I thought about it and seem to remember something I heard on a trip to Mexico. A Ferry to CANCUN, Looked it up and WOW. There is one now.
http://enjoycozumel.com/blog/tampa-to-cancun-ferry-service-coming-in-2013-1/
We should think about a CARAVAN Cruise trip!!!
You certainly had a great time with your friends, over the festive season. Ingrid’s cooking looks really yummy, even with only a tiny kitchen. Your bird photos are magnificent. I love the ones where they’re displaying their catch. How did you persuade them to pose for you, before eating their prize? 😕 🙂
Before the holidays, we had fun with friends but since the beginning of the year, all of us seemed cooped up. But the gang of birds hanging out right outside our door made up for the lousy days.
You sure managed to capture some great bird shots with their catches. At least you had entertainment out your front window and took full advantage. Too bad the weather wasn’t more agreeable for a few more get togethers. Ah, perhaps in the desert next winter???
Having our own GBH and his gang in our yard, I meant pond made up for these lousy days.
Your bird photography is awesome MonaLiza! Too bad the weather did not cooperate but that did not seem to deter you from having a great time with friends. 🙂
Thanks LuAnn, our site was just perfect spot to watch and capture the birds antics. Even Steve love our site. After the holidays, unfortunately the socializing tapered off with the wet, windy and gloomy weather since the beginning of the year.
Beautiful pictures as always, are you planning to do some Gif’s or Video(s) anytime..
Thanks Mahesh, it was cold and windy outside to take some videos. Hopefully on our next stop weather could be better.
It’s been a cold one here in Arizona too! These last couple years have become an Arctic Flow instead of a vortex… 😉 Fantastic shots of the birds, I’m always amazed at how many wonderful shots you manage get, thanks for sharing!
I think we can handle cold, its the wet cold and wind that makes us whiny 🙂
What great antics the birds having sharing with you! How neat that you have so many larger birds to show off for you. I love that photo of Mr. Big Grey pants scaring the others away. Super shots of the treasures each bird ended up gathering!
I think we may have packed up and moved on with the terrible weather you have been having. But it sounds like you are keeping busy with meeting new people and braving the windy chill to do some activities.
Pam, these birds made up for all the sun less gloomy days we had. Steve actually wanted to go back to Bonita Springs where we were last year 😦
I love your bird club, and all of their antics and posing… especially the cormorants drying their wings together! Your waterfront sites look beautiful in that RV park… nice table set-ups with great view. I am hoping the weather gets warmer soon, but January is very un-predictable in the south. February and warmer times will be here soon. Enjoy the birds and friends while you are waiting!!
We will be moving on in a few days and looking forward to sunny days down south.
That looks like a sweet spot to park for a month — too bad the weather didn’t cooperate. Still, it looks like you guys had a lot of fun with friends, including your feathered friends. 🙂 Your header photo caught my eye — is that a Great blue heron partially white morph? Beautiful shot!
Laurel, the light made it look partially morph. Our sweet spot made up for the many dreary days we had here.
We want to come and see you and Steve and Faye and Dave. If Ingrid and Al are still there, we’d like to see them too. Will all (or any) of you be around January 25-26 or February 8-9? We’re thinking of coming down for an overnighter in a motel and we’d love to go walking and birding.
Hi Sue, we would love to meet you and do some birding that is if the gloomy weather here improves. However we will have move by then on the dates you mentioned 😦
Sorry we’ll miss you in Port Aransas. How long will you be in Riviera? Is that in the Valley? We could possibly visit you if you’re there Jan. 25-26.
Is there a RV-Con? You seem like you just had a mini-RV Con. 🙂 Maybe you should stage an Annual RV’ers Party. 😀
Great Blog! If I had to find any Cons to your adventure is it would be, Your sure making my Wife and Myself JEALOUS.I just finish my MH. Trying to figure out how to build my Blog so we can chart our adventures. Love your adventures and Photos are amazing! If you ever in Hilton Head Island, SC Let us know. We would love to meet you both and Hilton Head has a great Outdoor Resort for RV’s on a great Intercostal harbor. Rob & Karen