I was tired of hiding in the motor home because of the oppressive heat, so we decided to go to some local museums and shops to enjoy a respite and see cool things.

First, we visited Port A Pottery, it was not very cool inside but what he had to show us was super cool and interesting! He had everything from rocks to his own kiln, shells, and local art.
i didn’t remember to take pics because he talked and guided us through to the backyard as the place was full of gorgeous pottery, rocks and shells his wife collected and hand painted scenery from around the island. He’s been around for a while here and had just opened when we walked in, hence the warm air flowing through. He had the biggest kiln for firing pottery I’d ever seen and he said that was a miniature compared to one he used to own. He had a part in setting up the huge sculpture you’ll see soon at the Marine Science Museum and Patton Center in a minute.

Next, we visited the Texas Marine Science Museum inside the Patton Center with tons of history featuring flora and fauna, aquariums, info concerning waterways, estuaries, and ocean facts of this coastal community. Port Aransas ship channel is responsible for 90% of the nation’s commerce getting where it needs to go. Preservation of marshes and sand dunes as well as all the waterways is crucial if the fish and crustaceans are to thrive and not become contaminated.

I could have taken more pics, but again was fascinated by all there was to see and tried to keep it moving so I could see it all.

The museum is at the Texas University of Marine Science. Students work and live on campus here. It makes me wish I had chosen a different career sometimes, because I find studies of marine life so interesting. I’m so ignorant of the names of all the fish, grasses, birds, and plants that thrive here! I know some, but not nearly enough.

Soon, it was time for lunch, so we got a bite and a tasty beverage at Grumbles, one of the newest restaurants since Harvey wiped out some on the marina and ship channel. We had mahi-mahi fish tacos, tasty beans and rice, a Paloma for me and a Tito’s and tonic for Dave.

Last stop was the new Shell Shop which was cool inside, but kind of disappointing because the shells are mostly imported from other countries. If I’m to craft with shells, I want locally sourced. My sister-in-law would love these lizards though!

It seems every shop, boutique, and souvenir store has different items so one never gets bored of the same ol’ merchandise.

Tomorrow we plan to go to more local shops and museums, because this weekend is the Deep Sea Roundup Fishing tournament and next weekend is the 4th of July. This place will be a madhouse! Unfortunately, that means we’ll probably hole up inside the motor home. Oh well, more time for streaming series and crafting goodies if I don’t become lazy. I’m also back to writing…working on a fiction piece for an upcoming contest based on a photo of aspens.