8808: View Perseid Meteor Shower at the George Observatory
If you'll be in the Houston area next week, here's a unique chance to view the annual Perseid meteor shower. The George Observatory, a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science that's located at Brazos Bend State Park, will be hosting an all-night meteor viewing party on its observatory deck. Held from 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 through dawn on Tuesday, Aug 12, the meteors will start to come into view about 10pm on Monday but later in the night, they'll appear more frequently.
Admission: Brazos Bend State Park will allow entrance on the evening of Aug. 11 and the morning of Aug. 12 for the meteor shower. There is a $5 per person charge to enter the park; admission is free for children under the age of 12. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair, mosquito repellant, snacks and a blanket.
Viewing through volunteer telescopes on the observatory’s observation deck is free. You can also purchase a ticket to view the night sky through the 36-inch Gueymard Telescope (photo, left) – one of the largest in the country available for public viewing; tickets will be available from 9 p.m. through midnight for $5 per person.
Location: To reach the park, take U.S. 59 South pas Sugar Land, to the Crabb River Road exit. Turn left and follow the brown signs to the park.
For more information:• call 281-242-3055
• visit the
George Observatory website
Photos courtesy Houston Museum of Natural Science
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 12:03 PM
Emergency Management Team Activated
In advance of Tropical Storm Edouard, we've received word that the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management State Operations Center has activated the Texas Forest Service Lone Star State Incident Management Team (LSSIMT). The team was mobilized Monday to the Texas Forest Service headquarters in College Station; they have the responsibility of support and possible evacuation of the University of Texas Medical Branch on Galveston Island, plus the distribution of basic commodities such as food, water and ice throughout the impacted area. The addition of the LSSIMT brings the total number of state IMT’s to five for Tropical Storm Edouard response. Four TFS-led Regional All-Hazard Incident Management teams have mobilized and will work in a coordinated effort with the LSSIMT.
“The highly trained individuals on these teams are also very dedicated,” said Paul Hannemann, LSSIMT incident commander. “Many team members have just returned from Hurricane Dolly response and others are committed to firefighting teams throughout the state, but their expertise, experience and dedication to serving the citizens of Texas will have them grabbing their gear and showing up here tonight.”
For the latest storm track:
• visit
http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200805.htmlLabels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 8:49 PM
Texas Prepares for Edouard
Tropical Storm Edouard is churning up the Gulf with its sights probably on the upper Texas coast tomorrow. With memories of Hurricane Dolly still fresh in the minds of Texans, we're all hoping that Edouard will bring some rain and cooler temperatures but no damage in its path.
If you're flying through Houston, be sure to check with your airline for an update. Continental Airlines has issued word that passengers ticketed for travel through August 6 to or from certain airports in the region will be allowed a one-time date or time change to their flights without penalty for rescheduled travel originating by August 13.
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 4:48 PM
South Padre Open for Business
The lights are back on across South Padre Island after Hurricane Dolly. Many businesses are open across the island although not all accommodations so be sure to call before heading down to the island. Today's
Austin American-Statesman has an excellent article by Helen Anders about
what's open on South Padre Island. If you've made a visit to the island since Hurricane Dolly or you're a resident, be sure to drop us a line and share your experience about what visitors can expect!
You'll also find more details at:
•
http://www.spiemergency.com/•
http://www.townspi.com/•
http://www.spichamber.com/Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 10:26 AM
South Padre's Ladies Kingfish Tournament to be Held As Planned Aug. 8-10
In spite of damage the island sustained from Hurricane Dolly, the Ladies Kingfish Tournament (LKT) will be held as scheduled Aug. 8-10. Registration and the awards ceremony have been moved to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark but otherwise it's business as usual for the event which will includes bay and offshore categories. For more details on next weekend's tournament, see the
South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce website.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 10:17 AM
Update on South Padre Island
Work is underway getting electrical power back to South Padre Island and accessing the damage. If you have a vacation planned for the coming weeks, check in with your accommodation for an update.
You'll also find information on the current status of the island on these websites:
The Town of South Padre Island,
http://www.townspi.com/South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau,
http://www.sopadre.comSouth Padre Island Chamber of Commerce,
http://www.spichamber.com/Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 3:45 PM
South Padre Closed to Visitors At This Time
Due to damage from Hurricane Dolly, South Padre Island is presently closed to non-residents and those without a business on the island. The
South Padre Island CVB has posted a note on its website updating the present conditions on the island. As of today (Saturday), the island has no electricity, and there is a curfew in place as well. Cars are stopped at the causeway, and visitors are not being admitted onto the island until the condition improves. Hopefully electricity will be restored later this week, and repairs can move along quickly.
We'll keep you posted as specific reopening dates are announced. We all look forward to South Padre Island returning to the Texas travel scene as a great year-around destination!
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 9:39 PM
Post-Dolly Update on Valley State Parks
We just received a post-Hurricane Dolly update from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about parks in the Rio Grande Valley. The parks are looking good with most storm debris rather than damage. According to TPWD State Parks Division Director Walt Dabney. “Hurricane Rita caused severe damage to some of our upper coast parks in 2005. This week we only have to tidy-up a bit.”
On Friday, three state parks – Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande and Resaca de la Palma State Parks (all part of the World Birding Center) - remain closed. The beach at Mustang Island State Park in Corpus Christi also remains closed today due to high water.
Today game wardens deployed to help during the storm also headed home. Some 72 game wardens and supervisors, along with seven boat mechanics and two communications specialists, were deployed to South Texas in preparation for Hurricane Dolly, bringing with them 70 boats. By Thursday, game wardens in Cameron County had performed four separate high-water rescues and answered several calls to check on the welfare of stranded residents.
As deployed officers return home today, South Texas game wardens will continue to assist local first responders as needed.
This week, unaffected state parks hosted about 30 evacuees at no cost in campsites and screen shelters.
To find out the status of Rio Grande Valley state parks affected by the storm, call 512-389-8900, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Fri. or visit the World Birding Center Web site,
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/ .
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly, South Texas Plains
posted by Paris & John @ 4:55 PM
South Padre Island Receives Hit from Dolly
We've been following the news report covering Hurricane Dolly and the damage it has caused in South Padre Island, Brownsville, and the Rio Grande Valley. We haven't received specific damage reports yet but will pass those along to you in the coming days as we receive news. Presently the hurricane has moved inland and we're feeling the wind gusts and occasional drops of (much needed) rain from its outer bands even up here in Central Texas.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 8:41 PM
Dolly Eyes Brownsville
As Dolly becomes a hurricane and builds strength in the Gulf, residents and visitors of South Padre Island head to the mainland ahead of the approaching storm. Currently the forecast calls for landfall near Brownsville. Here's tonight's NBC broadcast from South Padre Island showing the departure from the island of many visitors. All our best wishes to our neighbors in South Texas as the storm approaches tomorrow morning.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 8:43 PM
Hello Dolly? Texas Prepares for Hurricane
Although right now it looks like landfall might be in northern Mexico, South Texas is preparing for the possibility of Hurricane Dolly later this week.
If your travel plans this week include South Padre Island, Brownsville or the Rio Grande Valley, be sure to stay up with the latest weather in region. If the hurricane hits South Texas, look for rain inland as well.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly
posted by Paris & John @ 10:22 AM
The Woodlands Planning Texas-Sized Fireworks Show, Celebration
Are you making your Fourth of July plans yet? We've just received a detailed schedule for the
11th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza in The Woodlands, home of one of the greatest fireworks displays in the greater Houston area.
Free Concert: The fun starts on Thursday, July with a free “Star-Spangled Salute” concert by the Houston Symphony at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show beginning at 8:00 pm. The pavilion’s gates will open at 6:30 pm.
Parade: On Friday, July 4, the celebration starts at 9 am with the South Montgomery County Fourth of July Parade, featuring marching bands from around the Houston area, classic cars, floats, fire trucks and more. Bring a lawn chair and sit along the route, which begins at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, continues along Grogan’s Mill and culminates at Market Street.
Fireworks & Fun: From 6-10 pm, the 11th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival takes place at Waterway Square, the newest development in The Woodlands, located between Waterway Avenue and Woodloch Forest Drive. The Fountains at Waterway Square contains a water wall spanning 120 feet. As part of the festivities, it will feature choreographed displays of dancing columns of water, cascading waterfalls and “boomer” jets shooting water more than five stories high.
Entertainment will include live music from Texas native Rodney Hayden and the local Lord Stirling's Fifes and Drums. Face painting, caricatures, strolling entertainers, food and beverage concessions and the children’s interactive fountain.
Food Contests: What’s a Fourth of July without a hot dog and watermelon eating contest? H-E-B will host the hot dog and watermelon eating contest at Waterway Square every 15 minutes from 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm. Register in advance for the eating contests at
www.redhotblue.org.
The July 4 Schedule: A festival activity lineup for July 4 is as follows:
6:00 p.m. Presentation of Colors
6:05 p.m. God Bless America
6:10 p.m. Rodney Hayden
6:55 p.m. Opening remarks from local notables
7:05 p.m. Parade Awards
7:20 p.m. Rodney Hayden
8:55 p.m. Retiring of Colors
9:15 p.m. Fireworks Extravaganza
Parking: Parking is available for $5 in the Town Center Parking Garage located on Six Pines Drive. Visitors may park for free at the orange, yellow and green lots along Timberloch Place. Trolleys will operate from 11 am to 8 pm on July 4. For a map, visit
www.redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447.
Road closures for the festival include Timberloch Place between Woodloch Forest Drive and the I-45 South feeder. This area will be shut down and barricaded on July 3 and remains closed until given the all clear by a public safety officer on July 4.
Water Taxis: Water taxis will operate along The Woodlands Waterway on July 3 from 11 am -10 pm and July 4 between 11 am and 11 pm. The water taxis will not operate during the fireworks display on July 4 from 8:45 pm - 10 pm, but will resume operation after the fireworks have completed. Special water taxi pricing for July 4 includes an All-Day Pass for $4 and a Seniors/Youth/Disabled Pass for $2.
Photos courtesy Red, Hot & Blue FestivalLabels: Festivals, Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 11:46 AM
Top Coastal, Hill Country Destinations Named
The
San Antonio Express-News has released the results of their 10th annual Reader's Choice poll conducted to select the best coastal and Hill Country destinations.
And the results?
The best coastal destination (for the past seven years) was once again Corpus Christi. Fredericksburg was named the best Hill Country destination.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Hill Country
posted by Paris & John @ 8:32 PM
POTD: Padre Balli Statue
During this week, known as Texas Week since most Texas public schools and universities are off for Spring Break, attention turns to South Padre Island. This spring break hotspot is named for Padre Jose Nicolas Balli who inherited the island from his parents and established Rancho Santa Cruz here. This statue of Padre Balli can be seen at the eastern foot of the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 1:40 PM
12th Annual Whooping Crane Event Nears
Port Aransas will soon be welcoming the whooping cranes (which this year number 261!) with the 12th Annual
Celebration of Whooping Cranes & Other Birds. If you've never been to the coast to see this magnificent, five-foot-tall birds, it's really an amazing sight and one that birders from around the world come to view.
Dates: This year's event is scheduled for February 22-24, 2008.
Festival Events: This year's festival will include:
• workshops and field trips for birding and photography
• tours of the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK)
• boat trips to see the Whooping Cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
• concessions at the Bird’s Nest Bistro
• a free nature-related trade show at the Civic Center
• the ICF’s International Children’s Art Exhibit on display at the Art Center for the Islands
• the ‘Wetlands on Wheels’ traveling educational bus, which will be parked at the Civic Center all weekend.
You can also buy a chance to win everything from binoculars and tripods to backpacks from sponsors Eagle Optics and Swarovski Optik. Fennessey Ranch has donated a day of birding and copies of 2008’s Wildlife in Focus book that will be raffled off as well. Additional sponsors include H-E-B and the Port of Corpus Christi.
New Events: This year includes new events: workshops by award winning photographer Sean Fitzgerald, insight into butterfly behavior by Texas Parks and Wildlife’s statewide invertebrate Biologist Mike Quinn, and the chance to see the largest migrating flock of whooping cranes ever.
Early Registation: They're expecting some of these events to fill up so early registration is encourage; the deadline for early registration is Friday, February 15, 2008.
For more about the annual event, see the TexasTripper festival listing for
Celebration of Whooping Cranes & Other Birds.Photo courtesy Mike SloatLabels: Festivals, Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 3:37 PM
POTD: Space Center Houston
Learn about the US space program at Space Center Houston, located adjacent to the Johnson Space Center (which is the mission control, training, and research facility for the NASA space program). At this visitors center, you'll learn about space travel in everyday terms. A full-scale mock-up of the space shuttle allows visitors to tour the flight deck while nearby an IMAX theater showcases large format films about space travel. Guided tram tours take visitors for a behind the scenes look at the Johnson Space Center to view Mission Control, the Space Shuttle Training Facility, or an underwater training area.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:26 AM
Titanic Exhibit to Dock at Moody Gardens
On Saturday, January 26,
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will open its doors at Galveston's
Moody Gardens. We had a chance to see the exhibit when it was at Nashville's Opryland hotel several years ago and can say it is a fascinating look at this ship that, nearly a century after the collision with an iceberg on her maiden voyage, continues to fascinate.
The exhibit contains many artifacts from the ship but much of the exhibit focuses on the passengers, 1,500 of whom perished. Over 125 authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations take visitors back to the elegant ship's 1912 voyage; have a look at a chandelier, gentleman’s jacket, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, and perfume vials that still contain perfume, all haunting reminders of the many travelers and crew members who excitedly boarded that April voyage.
The exhibit also traces the history of the ship from its construction all the way through the rescue of the surviving passengers. The exhibit even includes an iceberg visitors can touch and imagine those chilly north Atlantic waters.
Hours:Winter Hours 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday through Friday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturdays
Spring Break and Summer Hours 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Daily
Ticket Prices:Adult (12 - 64): $11.95
Senior (65+): $10.95
Child (5-12): $7.95
School Groups: $5.00
For more information:• visit
www.moodygardens.org• call 1-800-582-4673
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 9:04 AM
POTD: Whaling Wall, South Padre Island
The 53rd in a series of walls painted by environmental artist Wyland, this is the only such wall located in Texas. The wall of orcas (actually three walls) is located on the outside of the South Padre Convention Centre and can be viewed anytime.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:51 PM
POTD: King Ranch
Just a short drive from Corpus Christi is Kingsville, the home of the King Ranch. This truly Texas-sized ranch sprawls across 825,000 acres. Here the Santa Gertrudis and King Ranch Santa Cruz breeds of cattle were developed as well as the first registered American quarter horse. The public can visit the ranch year around; a visitors center offers videos about the ranch history and drives around the ranch include a look at Longhorns, horses, and the many breeds of cattle that made this ranch famous.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 10:19 AM
Reader Question: Winter Visit to South Padre?
Dear TexasTripper.com,
My parents are first-time Winter Texans and this year I will be visiting them in McAllen. I'd like to visit the beach while I'm there but is the winter a good time for the South Texas beaches? Thanks, Melody, St. Paul, MN
Dear Melody,
Thanks for your email! Winter days can be a little cool on South Padre Island (nothing like Minnesota winters, though!); most visitors don't swim but instead enjoy beach activities. Most days are ideal for beach walks, horseback rides and bird watching. South Padre Island is lively this time of year as many winter visitors fill the town. From South Padre it's an easy drive to Brownsville if you'd like to make your visit an international one; in Brownsville you can easily walk across the International Bridge for a few hours of shopping in Matamoros.
Happy Texas travels! Paris and John
Labels: Gulf Coast, mailbox
posted by Paris & John @ 10:09 AM
Texas Clipper Artificial Reef Sinking Postponed to Nov. 16
AUSTIN, Texas - A ship with three lives - World War II troop transport, New York City luxury liner, and sea cadet training vessel - is now expected to make her final journey Friday. Weather permitting, the Texas Clipper will be sent to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 16 to become an artificial reef.
The sinking is now tentatively scheduled for Friday afternoon, a day later than originally planned, since a cold front arriving Thursday is causing choppy seas.
The 473-foot vessel was launched on Sept.12, 1944 as the USS Queens, a WWII transport and attack ship. She carried troops and wounded from Pacific battlefields and was the first attack transport arriving at Iwo Jima.
After the war until 1958, she was recommissioned as the SS Excambion, one of the post-war Four Aces for American Export Lines. She carried cargo and passengers in grand style between New York City and Mediterranean ports.
From 1965-1994, she sailed as the USTS Texas Clipper, a Texas A&M University - Galveston maritime training vessel. Dozens of former cadets who once sailed on the Clipper plan to be present when she goes out for the last time.
One thing will not go down with the ship: a valuable mural by artist Saul Steinberg, known for his whimsical cartoons in New Yorker magazine. In 1948, Steinberg drew a 22-foot wide cartoon mural for the cocktail bar aboard the Excambion. In the 1970s, the mural was obscured by overzealous interior designers. But in January 2007, as the ship was being prepared for reefing, the "lost" mural was found hiding under layers of wallpaper, paint and bolts. Some of it was peeled back to reveal lively images of passengers, ships, the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The mural is now in storage in Austin, and experts are trying to determine whether it can be restored.
As an artificial reef off South Padre Island, the ship could generate up to $30 million annually in fishing and SCUBA diving tourism for local economies over 50 years. The structure is expected to form the foundation of a vibrant community of corals and fish.
For More Information:Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has set up a Texas Clipper Reefing Hotline to provide updated information on the sinking schedule. Phone (800) 792-1112, enter 9 and then enter 8830# to hear a recorded message with the latest information.
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 1:09 PM
POTD: Port Isabel Lighthouse
The Port Isabel Lighthouse (which is a State Historic Structure but is operated by the City of Port Isabel) was constructed in 1852. It was one of 16 lighthouses originally built on the Texas coast and is the only one that's open to the public.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:48 PM
Texas Clipper to be Sunk as Artificial Reef Nov. 15
Whether you're a diver or a history buff, we think you'll find this news from Texas Parks & Wildlife interesting; they'll be sinking the historic Texas Clipper next week; shortly after, the ship that will become an artificial reef will be available as a dive site.
AUSTIN, Texas — When she is finally sent to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 15, the USTS (United States Training Ship) Texas Clipper will go down in history as the artificial reef that almost wasn’t.
The stakes were high all along: as an artificial reef, the ship is expected to generate as much as $30 million annually for local economies over a lifespan of at least 50 years. The complex, durable structure with its high, vertical profile will form the foundation of a vibrant community of corals and other invertebrates, as well as recreationally important “bottom” fish such as snappers and groupers, and pelagic species like cobia, king mackerel and dorado.
The 473-foot vessel was mothballed twice between periods of active sea service before retiring as the oldest ship in the United States Merchant Marine fleet in 1996. Then, on the cusp of being turned-over to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as that agency’s most ambitious artificial reef project, the ship sank at her berth at the U.S. Maritime Administration facility near Beaumont, Texas. Even as she was raised and patched, last-minute negotiations saved the Texas Clipper from the scrap heap and she was towed to Brownsville, Texas, for environmental remediation and preparation as a reef.
“It would make a good movie, the twists and turns in this story,” said TPWD Artificial Reef Program Coordinator J. Dale Shively. “There were times when we thought for sure the project was dead.”
But nearly a decade after the state first applied to MARAD for the transfer of the Texas Clipper as part of the artificial reef program, success is in sight. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified Oct. 1 that the ship is free of hazardous materials. Nov. 14 she will be towed to a site 17 nautical miles from South Padre Island, Texas. The next morning, workers will open valves to flood the ship and allow her to settle 134 feet to the hard sand bottom.
By Nov. 17 — a Saturday — the site will be open to the public for diving and fishing.“This ship has an incredible history,” said Shively. “Of course, after three decades as a Galveston-based training vessel, she has a very strong Texas connection. But we like to say she’s already had three lives, starting in the Pacific theatre during World War II, and her role as a reef will be her fourth life and final journey.”
The Texas Clipper, most recently (1965-1996) a maritime training vessel for Texas A&M University-Galveston, began her life as the USS Queens (APA-103), a WWII transport and attack ship. As the Queens, she participated in the Pacific war and was the first attack troop transport to arrive at Iwo Jima. After the war she was recommissioned as the SS Excambion, one of the post-war "four aces" of the American Export Lines. As the Excambion, she carried cargo and passengers in luxurious style between New York City and Mediterranean ports.
As an artificial reef, the Texas Clipper will be the site of several scientific monitoring programs. The University of Texas-Brownsville will partner with TPWD to monitor biological growth on the hull of the ship from the very beginning, and Texas A&M University and the National Marine Fisheries Service will conduct an ongoing experiment to look at the pace of corrosion in Gulf waters (this will be useful for, among other things, gauging the potential environmental impact of wrecks containing fuel, oil and other ecologically harmful substances).
“The benefits — to the local fishery, to the economy of South Texas, and to ongoing science — are tremendous,” said TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division Director Larry D. McKinney, Ph.D. “The only reason we don’t have more of these complex reef communities in waters off Texas is because we lack the hard substrate that corals and other reef organisms need to get established. We can provide that with artificial reefs — whether former oil production platforms, concrete culverts or something as magnificent as this ship.”
Prepared for reefing by Resolve Marine Services, Inc. (with ESCO Marine, Inc. as subcontractor) in Brownsville, the Texas Clipper will go down as possibly the cleanest ship every deliberately sunk for this purpose. Remediation, just completed in recent months, has included the removal of 1,680 cu. yards of asbestos and more than 76,000 pounds of PCB-containing materials.
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 10:31 AM
Beaumont's John Jay French Museum Plans Candlelight Tour
We've just received word from the Beaumont Heritage Society that candlelight tours of the John Jay French Museum are scheduled for December 2 from 1-4pm.
The museum, located at 3025 French Road in Beaumont, celebrates the season in mid-19th century style with fresh greenery, candles and music evoking the old-fashioned Christmas spirit. Holiday refreshments of wassail and 'Sally French' cookies will be served all afternoon.
Tours of the Museum and entertainment during this event are free and open to the public.
Schedule of events: Museum Tours 1:00pm - 4:00pm
West Brook High School Dickens Singers 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Dulcimer Friends 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Gulf Coast Cajuns' Bubba Brown 2:30pm - 3:00pm
The Sweet Adelines 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Labels: Festivals, Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 2:11 PM
AMA Championship Returns to Texas
The AMA Supermoto Championship returns to the Lone Star State on Nov. 2-4, for the Armadillo Supermoto to be held at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.
This year's event marks the first time the series has visited Texas since 2003.
"We are very excited to bring the AMA Supermoto championship to Southeast Texas", commented John Hessinger, Moody Gardens, Marketing Operations Director. "The weekend is already shaping up to be a huge success as motorcycle enthusiasts are beginning to cruise in for a weekend full of entertainment. Whether you're an avid supermoto fan or a curious first-timer, we have an exciting weekend of activities planned for everyone".
The Armadillo Supermoto track is about 0.8 miles in length, features 16 turns, and an approximate 80/20 pavement to dirt ratio. The unique Parts Unlimited UrbanCross obstacles will be positioned in a high visibility area to ensure high flying action for the crowd. The track is nestled in the corner of the Moody Gardens, where the water park's unique waterfront location will provide the perfect backdrop for racing.
The championship battle in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto premier class is reaching a fever pitch between Graves Yamaha's Mark Burkhart and Troy Lee Designs Honda's Jeff Ward. Both riders are separated by only three points with only three races remaining.
Advance Tickets can be purchased at participating local Houston motorcycle dealerships, where you can save $10 on a weekend pass. Tickets are also available online at
www.armadillosupermoto.com. Tickets are $35 for Adult Weekend Passes (Ages 8+), and $12 for Youth Weekend Passes (Ages 3-7). Children 2 and under are free. All single day tickets are available for $25. Pit Passes are free with weekend pass or advance purchase at a local Houston dealership.
The 6th Annual
Lone Star Rally will be held at the Galveston Convention Center all weekend. The Lone Star Rally will feature a wide variety of motorcycle festivities for all ages.
For more racing information and ticket information please visit the website
www.armadillosupermoto.com.
SCHEDULE: Friday - Pro Promoter Practice 2:00pm
Saturday - Timed Practice, Heats and Last Chance Qualifiers begins at 9:30 am. Opening Ceremonies begin at 4:00 pm with final events beginning at 4:15 pm
Sunday - Amateur Racing
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 11:18 AM
POTD: Gulls on the Texas Coast
Feeding gulls is always a popular activity on the Texas coast.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 1:48 PM
Get Ready for the Whoopers!
It may still feel like summer in much of Texas but winter's definitely coming and, with that, comes the arrival of the whooping cranes. We just received word from Texas Parks and Wildlife that wildlife scientists are predicting that a record-breaking 250 whooping cranes (compared to last year's 236) will reach the Texas coast this winter. They're asking the public to report whooper sightings.
Whooping cranes have been on the endangered species list since 1970, and in the 1930s, the Aransas population was down to just 18 birds. Texas continues to play a key role in the survival and recovery of this endangered species, and today Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is home to the only self-sustaining population in the world.
These cranes winter in Texas cranes from November through March. The blue crab is their primary source of energy, and due to the extensive rains Texas encountered this summer, experts are predicting an abundance of crab.
Whooping cranes are the tallest and one of the rarest birds in North America. They're considered valuable in several ways, including as a source of nature tourism in local communities.
Standing at nearly five feet tall, whooping cranes are white with rust-colored patches on the top and back of their heads. They are easily distinguishable by their long legs and outstretched necks while flying. Their black wing-tips are visible only in flight. The cranes migrate throughout the central portion of the state, from the eastern panhandle to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and south through the Austin area to the central coast during October and November, usually in small groups of two to five birds.
Report Your Sightings: Conservationists are asking the public to report any sightings of whooping cranes to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, ext. 4644 or (512) 847-9480. Sightings may also be reported through e-mail (leeann.linam@twpd.state.tx.us). Some cranes may have a colored band around their leg as a method of identification, and any information regarding these bands would also be useful. Additional identification aids may be found on the
TPWD Web site.
Labels: Gulf Coast, nature
posted by Paris & John @ 2:02 PM
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Named Nation's Top Indoor Water Park
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark's Wasserfest indoor waterpark was recently ranked as the best indoor waterpark in the nation during the 2007 Golden Ticket Award ceremony at Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Nicknamed the "Academy Awards of the Amusement Park Industry," the Golden Ticket Awards are presented annually by Amusement Today, an industry trade magazine based in Arlington, Texas. The winners are determined by the results of an international survey conducted among hundreds of amusement park enthusiasts.
The fun of the summer continues as Galveston slowly moves into the cooler months of the year and the Wasserfest indoor season begins Saturday, Sept. 29.
Inside, visitors find a 70,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that offers more than a dozen heated waterpark attractions including four tube slides, three speed slides, three kids' activity areas containing a variety of children's play elements and pint-sized slides, a secluded beach, a hot tub and the Torrent(R) tidal wave river.
Admission: Wasserfest tickets are available at the discounted rate of $25.99 for adult all-day admission and $21.99 for children, ages 3 - 11, and seniors, 55 years or older. Afternoon (3 p.m.) admission tickets are available for $17.99 for adults and $14.50 for children and seniors. Two-day tickets are $41.49 for adults and $34.74 for children and seniors. Taxes are not included in the ticket price. Hours and prices are subject to change without notice.
Hours: Wasserfest is scheduled to operate 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and select holidays now through January 6, 2008. Wasserfest will also be open the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 23, and the week after Christmas, December 26 though January 6, 2008.
For More Information:• visit
schlitterbahn.com for the complete 2008 operating dates and hours.
Photo courtesy SchlitterbahnLabels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 4:19 PM
Watch for Sea Turtles on the Texas Beaches
If you're headed to the Texas coast this summer, keep an eye out for Kemp's ridley sea turtles. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is asking tourists to report any sea turtle sightings on Texas beaches by phoning toll free (866) TURTLE5.
You can also witness sea turtle hatchling releases at the national seashore on certain dates mid-June through August. The releases usually take place around 6:45 a.m. and are free to attend—see the national seashore sea turtle Web pages for details. General information about ridley turtles is also on the
TPWD Web site.
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 11:45 AM
Celebrate San Jacinto Day at Battlefield
April 21 means San Jacinto Day, marking the 1836 battle which won Texas's independence from Mexico. There's no better place to learn more about the event than at the San Jacinto Battlefield State Historic Site in LaPorte. From 10am-6pm, the park site will celebrate with reenactments and living history encampments. Look for reenactors in period costumes, demonstrations of period weapons, children's activities, food (although picnics are also welcome) and more. For more information, call 281-479-2431.
Labels: Festivals, Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 4:33 PM
St. Patrick's Church Plans St. Patrick's Day Fun
Galveston's St. Patrick's Church is planning a day of fun on March 17 from 11am-6pm. The church, located at 1010 35th Street, will offer a family-friendly event featuring Irish stew and even green beer. Admission is free. For more information, call (409)762-9646.
Labels: Festivals, Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 7:19 PM
Galveston Plans Spring Break Activities
Whether you plan to be part of the spring break fun--or you just want to make sure you plan your Galveston trip at a
different time--Galveston is offering a full menu of spring break activities. One of the biggest will be on East Beach which will celebrate on March 17 with radio station PARTY 104.9 at an event held from 1pm-6pm. The beach holds 7,000 cars, and drinking on the beach is legal.
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 7:10 PM
Plans Set for Yaga's BBQ Cookoff in Galveston
This year will mark the 11th year for the Annual Yaga Wild Game Championship and BBQ Cook-off to be held Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, 2007. The event benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund and will be held at Pier 21 on Galveston Island .
Friday Events: The Sponsor Party includes a ribeye buffet, a silent auction and a chance to preview the chefs at work. Local live bands will be playing and attendees can check out the silent auction items.
Saturday Events: The smoking pits will be busy competing in seven divisions: seafood, chicken, pork ribs, brisket, a ladies-only category, an open category and wild game. A Kids' Area will include moon walks, face painting, pony rides, and more.
For more information:• call (713) 818-5507
• visit
www.yagaschildrensfund.orgLabels: Barbecue, Festivals, Gulf Coast
posted by Paris & John @ 4:48 PM
Fredericksburg
If you'll be in the Houston area next week, here's a unique chance to view the annual Perseid meteor shower. The George Observatory, a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science that's located at Brazos Bend State Park, will be hosting an all-night meteor viewing party on its observatory deck. Held from 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 through dawn on Tuesday, Aug 12, the meteors will start to come into view about 10pm on Monday but later in the night, they'll appear more frequently. 
Viewing through volunteer telescopes on the observatory’s observation deck is free. You can also purchase a ticket to view the night sky through the 36-inch Gueymard Telescope (photo, left) – one of the largest in the country available for public viewing; tickets will be available from 9 p.m. through midnight for $5 per person.
