Surf, Sand, and Sea Air

By Joy Butler

When temperatures soar and the freedom of summer beckons, almost everyone loves to pack a picnic lunch, a bottle of sunscreen, a volleyball, and drive the family to the beach. Basking in the bright, summer rays and breathing deeply of salty sea air is one of the best ways to enjoy a blistering hot day.

Of the dozens of beaches along the Texas coastline, a quiet, relaxed stretch of white sand can be found 10 miles southeast of Port Lavaca off state highway 316. Weekdays are mostly peaceful on Magnolia Beach, however, holidays often draw crowds. It’s a place where kids will find hours of fun building elaborate sandcastles or riding bicycles along the water’s edge. They will love combing the sand for special shells and will be fascinated by the shy little hermit crabs and the “sideways antics” of the pugnacious blue crabs. If they are lucky they may find a lost pincer claw, while splashing in the surf, to add to their collection. Kids may want to kick up sand around a volleyball net, or strong breezes off the water may make kite flying another choice. Pets are also welcome so a game of Frisbee may be all it takes to have the family dog grinning from ear to ear.

It’s also a place where peaceful sea breezes allow one to stretch out on a blanket and allow the sun’s warmth to melt away all of life’s problems. It’s a place where a sea gull’s cry on the wind reminds of life’s simplicity while rippling waves softly slap the shore, eagerly reaching to wash away all tension into the vast glistening waters.

When the sea air whets appetites and it’s time to unpack sandwiches and drinks from the ice chest, covered picnic tables are a welcome refuge from the hot sun. You can expect sea gulls to swoop, hover, and squawk for tidbits, so always pack extra food to toss up to them. They are quite skilled at catching treats in midair and will come in close to show off their unique color pattern.

After lunch, a short drive south along the shoreline will lead to the area where old Indianola sits abandoned. In 1685, the French explorer, LaSalle, landed his ship here, mistakenly believing it to be the mouth of the Mississippi River. First named Indian Point, Indianola became the most significant port in Texas for a time. The Indianola Railroad joined other railways, linking the town to other significant towns. A thriving economy popularized hotels, theatrical productions, concerts, and sailing excursions. However, hurricanes, fires, and yellow fever in the late 19th century killed many residents and drove survivors north, destroying the booming port. Historical markers along the beach road tell the story. Due to shoreline erosion, most of the site now lies underwater. The old Indianola Courthouse ruins presently sit about 300 feet out in the bay, with a pink granite stone marking their location nearby. In 1928 a statue of LaSalle was erected but storms and vandalism have destroyed most of it. Only the French explorer’s boots remain.

However, the lack of historical evidence is made up by the excellent opportunity for bird watching. Several species of whistling ducks, gulls, loons, cranes, pelicans, geese, peregrine falcons, comorants, and hawks inhabit the area. Even the rare whooping cranes can be seen from late fall to early April before they migrate north.

If your appetite outlasts your picnic lunch, you can always stop in at Glenda Postert’s Bluebonnet Hill Café and later you may find a quaint little seashell shop to browse for souvenirs. Many fascinating crafts fill their shelves, and seashell jewelry or knick knacks make nice gifts.

A beautiful, fiery sunset over the water will close the day. The sky will stretch like a huge canvas splashed with brilliant yellows, oranges and coppers creating a natural masterpiece to be savored for a few short moments. And when the sun finally sinks below the horizon, your only regret will be the copious amounts of powdery white sand that will surely have found its way into all your belongings.

Summertime Safety and First Aid

If you plan to spend time outdoors this summer, Kathleen Newton's SuiteU course will provide you with potentially life-saving knowledge.

About the Author:

Joy Butler studied writing through correspondence and online courses and currently writes the Dogs topic after retiring her Extraordinary Animals topic and a brief stint as Suite101's Science & Nature editor. She also authored the Suite courses, Vegetarian Diet, Pet Ownership, and Training Puppies, freelances with The Writers' Bridge, is a medical laboratory technologist, and a pet shelter worker whose inspiration is Isaiah 11:6-9.

As a lifetime animal lover, Joy spent many childhood hours on horseback, exploring nature with her collie. These adventures led her to the rehabilitation of various wildlife creatures. Wild birds still flock to the feeders around her home near the Texas Gulf coast.

Over the years, she has enjoyed training and showing dogs in various capacities, and today, three rescued terriers share her home. The journey to love is sometimes long, but the destination can be an unexpected miracle. Look for her story, I Love You Carly, on Chicken Soup for the Soul dog food bags.

Article courtesy of http://www.suite101.com.