Daily Archives: 08/11/2009

(Community Matters) Just needed to get out of town. Not sure what came over me but the travel bug bit hard. No takers to Marfa, and I have to meet Michael Mitchell in Houston on Thursday, so . . . . Port Aransas.

The Tarpon Inn

I’ve driven by the Tarpon for years, always admiring the line of rocking chairs on the downstairs and upstairs porches. Booked myself in for a night. May book myself for another. Who knows, could even be one more.

Built in 1886, the Inn was named for the trophy fish abundant in those times. Port A is the only town on Mustang Island, just north of Padre Island. Thirty five hundred year round residents and an estimated 200,000 unique visitors during the summer. They are having a banner season.

Had a couple of beers at a local dive last night. I enjoyed connecting with Troy & Marcia who moved to the island three years ago after retiring from Ft. Worth. Troy drives a cab here; Marcia works at the hardware store. Ivy’s a terrific bartender – $2.25 bud lights. And, Billy T who’s 72yo. He’s been coming to PA since the 40s. Moved here in the 80s from Brownwood; I learned a lot about high school football.

the women of Bundy’s

Tammy Bundy (second from left) opened Bundy’s coffee shop July 2. Obviously it’s already the locals’ spot, as well as highly visible for tourists. Good coffee, awesome fresh pastries.

no telling what I’ll be bringing back

(Community Matters) Spoke with Harry Davis (circulation manager for AAS) yesterday. He corrected me, it’s been 16 months since a rate increase for subscribers. I explained I would continue to subscribe but don’t feel good about the increase while content has decreased so severely.